SWIMMING

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 73, 30 March 1929, Page 18

SWIMMING

«• " HEADER " PROPOSED BATHS

LOAN TURNED DOWN

KEEN- DISAPPOINTMENT

It is somewhat disappointing to learn that the Loans Board has not sanctioned the proposed baths loan of the City Council. The local swimming authorities are perturbed at the refusal, and are anxiously awaiting tho next move of the council. At the time of writing information on tho matter is somewhat vague, and it is difficult to surmise what action will bo taken. On what has already appeared in "The Post," it seems that the Loans Board considers the proposed amount excessive, or rather that tho estimated cost was not made with due regard to economy- It suggested that certain items could bo omitted, naming Turkish baths, which it was contended had to bo closed in other places. One could possibly take comfort by placing an interpretation on the Loans Board letter to the effect that a further loan proposal put forward void of the "certain items" would bo approved. But would this be a correct interpretation? A pronouncement to that effect would bo welcomed, but as it is at present there seems little hope that at tho forthcoming elections tho voters will be called upon to say yea or no. This is regrettable, as the supporters of swimming, after many years of agitation, felt that their efforts had at last been rewarded, and confidently anticipated tho loan would receive tho support of the majority at the poll. Now it seems that another two years must elapse before anything can bo dono towards achieving the long-felt want of tepid saltwater swimming baths.

Are the' Adjuncts Necessary?

.Maybe some swimming enthusiasts incline to the opinion that such adjuncts as Turkich plunge, sitss, douche, and hot and cold water baths aro an extravagance, and not necessary (which seems to be tho attitude of tho Loans Board), contending that tepid swimming pools are all that are required. From a purely swimming point of view this is possibly correct. But it is a soliish view, and not that of those who are prominently connected with the sport, or the large majority of supporters. The latter were impressed with the proposal of the City Council, which, while being a little ambitious, was considered to be up to date in every respect and in keeping with the standard of a capital city. Admittedly the cost was high, but tho completed structure would havo served a generation, not only of swimmers but of the public. Those who havo travelled overseas and havo viewed the splendid appointments of the indoor swimming pools, are convinced that extras mentioned are as essential as the bath itself. The fact that Turkish baths had to be closed elsewhere, presumably because they did not pay, is no argument in favour of their deletion. To some they are as necessary as a tepid swimming pool is to swimming, and every individual is entitled to be considered. This important point the City Council had in view when its baths loan proposal was submitted, but apparently the Loans Board think otherwise.

Distance Swimming,

Long distance swimming seems to be the vogue this season, and several good performances have been recorded. The latest is a'twelve-mile swim at Dargaville by a member of the Whangarei Club, but it is a safe bet that the water was warmer than that Claridge encountered in his recent harbour swim, or Miss Copplestone is likely to strike if she makes her attempt to-morrow. Tho revival of distance swimming has boon very marked during the last few seasons, and possibly in tho next years the Kellerman Cup will provide a big entry. There is still a long way to go to claim a world's record in the number of entries for this type of race. Tho honour surely belongs to the Victorian Amateur Swimming Association, which recently received a mere 595 entries for its annual three-milq handicap race in the Ya'rra River. Of this number 75 were women, eight of whom were married. The race is swum in two sections, one for the ladies and tho other for the men.

Visitors to Wellington.

A recent visitor to Wellington was Mr. P. I>. Edwards, who will be ro_membered as a member of the Maranui Club, and a, prominent local swimmer. Phil represented Wellington at several championship meetings, and, although no big successes came his way, ho performed creditably on all occasions. He was one of tho few swimmers who trained conscientiously always, and was always in good form when occasion demanded. He was also an active worker on the local centre and a strong .supporter of the sport. Of recent years Phil has been gaining knowledge in America and Australia, and, although his duties did not permit of any active participation in the sport, his interest is still keen. The future may see him back in his homo town, in which case his services will no doubt soon bo requisitioned. Another ox-Wellington resident and follower of the sport in Mr. Ealph .Smith «also paid a short visit to the city, finding time to renew acquaintanceship with his many friends. Ho spoke interestingly of swimming in Auckland, where he is now domiciled. He rates Miss P. Bobertson as the coming champion lady swimmer of New Zealand, confirming the opinion already expressed in this column. That Miss Stockley was swimming as well as ever was exemplified by her recent time of 28 3-Bscc for the 50 yards, a particularly fine sprint. Ho looks to Bridson to be the 1 future star in the men's section.

Miss K. Miller received an invitation to swim at the Parriell Club's carnival iv Auckland this week, but was unfortunately unable to make the trip.' The local educational officer (Mr. H. B. Fisher), would be pleased to receive requests from any schoolmaster or teachers for swimming certificates already earned by scholars during the season. Any communication sent to Box 1373 will receive prompt attention.

Answer to Correspondent.

"Diver," Masterton: Miss E. Stockley and Malcolm Champion are i!he two swimmers you refer to. Both have won national championships five years in succession, the former winning the 100 yards ladies' championship in 1925-26----27-28-29, whilo Champion's successes were over one mile, in the years 1910----11-12-13-14. Ho also won tho title in 1901 and 1908. Your inquiries are always welcome. A visit could be uiudu as early .as you suggest.