Swimming

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 126, 23 November 1935, Page 28

Swimming

Ry "Header."

FICKLE WEATHER

TRAINING HINDERED

OLD CLUB REVIVED

A fine feature of the work of last season was the performance of the Educational Officer, Mr. F. M. Pinfold, whose activity and enthusiasm resulted in the fine total of 1375 certi T flcates being issued. These figures speak for themselves, and, considering the restricted facilities under which the town schools labour, must be considered as outstanding. Admittedly the fine summer experienced had a bearing on results, but at the same time it is evident that the important phase of the association's acivities has been excellently maintained. Given suitable bath accommodation it is no exaggeration to say that the figures would be doubled, especially when it is remembered the distance that most school children are required to travel at present to reach a bath. It is interesting to note that one young swim-, mer of 4 years of age qualified for a learner's certificate, whilst a young boy, who had lost his leg in. an accident, had gained his 220 yards certifiate. The keenness displayed by the children in the gaining of their various certificates is commented upon by the Educational Officer, as is the support given by parents generally. This is particularly noticeable in the country schools, where, in some instances, a special parents' day is celebrated on the occasion of the presentation of the certificates, and at which considerable enthusiasm is shown in the performances of the children, all of whom seem proud of the distinction they have earned. Mr. Pinfold expresses the hope that during the coming aeason greater results will be achieved, but irrespective of whether that object is achieved, he is to be greatly complimented on his very fine efforts in the past and intended efforts of the future. LATE START. The commencement of last weekend gladdened the hearts of swimmers, but their enjoyment was short-lived. The Saturday was ideal and there were hundreds of bathers who thought it time to start off the season in such excellent conditions with .the result that the various bays and beaches were well patronised. The next day told a different story and the deserted appearance of the resorts proved that the previous day's resolutions were not firm ones, neither could the bathers be blamed. It is many years since such cool atmospheres have prevailed as is the case this year and, in consequence, general activities are considerably handicapped.; There is practically no training to speak of, although a few keen ones have been patronising the Thorndon Baths despite the cold water. Several of the surf club members have also made a start, but there has been nothing in the shape of real training. The late commencement seriously affects those whose ambitions lie in the direction of championships, especially the younger swimmers who hope to be in line for selection as junior and intermediate reprfr sentatives. The latter championships are set down for decision at Hamilton in January next and even this early there are prospects that the class represented there will be high. Other centres are well under way with carnivals and the form shown indicates that most of the competitors have been \n training for some time and well on the way towards reaching top form. Contrasted with local conditions, our swimmers are at a big disadvantage . and little hope of success can be expected until such time as Wellington is in line with progressive towns -which provide facilities for all-the-year swimming. The wonder is that previous representation from the capital city has performed so well. The talent is available but with restricted opportunity, as at present exists, there can be little hope that the high standard of other centres can be achieved until such time as our swimmers are placed on an equal footing with their opponents. FINE PERFORMERS. Both the Maranui and Hutt Valley Clubs were well favoured by the weather for their opening days, and there were large attendances at each gathering. In the case of the former, .the usual life-saving displays were held, and there are evidences that the club will be well to the fore in the,decision of the many events in which members will participate. Particularly does this apply to the younger members, among whom there are some very fine performers, and with the expected improvement consistent with experience, a successful season can be anticipated. • The Hutt Club ran off a short programme of events, a pleasing feature of which was the support given members. The racing was quite interesting and although the distances were short sprints this did not detract from the keenness and closeness of the finishes. With their fine pool and accommodation, the Valley club are fortunately placed in regard to the welfare of the membership and the progress of former years looks certain to be well maintained. PLENTY OF SUPPORT. The enthusiasm which attended the efforts to revive the Evans Bay Club augurs well for its successful reestablishment. The meetings convened have been exceptionally well attended and the strong committee now' formed, comprising as it does several of the former stalwarts, can be assured of plenty of support. In previous years, Evans Bay proved a popular club, providing many happy carnivals which were always enjoyed by a large attendance of the public, and the increased patronage by bathers during last season promises well as a ground for new members. Lack of suitable accommodation has U^en p distinct handicap in the past, and although the club is in the position to provide an up-to-date clubroom, little co-operation has been shown them by the authorities. This was one of the main reasons that the club went out of existence, but now that interest has been revived, every effort will be made to secure premises in keeping with requirements. The finances are in the position to provide for this, and there should really be no bar to the granting of the necessary permission to build. It is certain that the building erected would be far in advance of the many shad | that have been thrown u;> round the vicinity.

While s iveral New Zcalanders have represented countries other than their own in in'ernational Rugby, only once has there been the spectacle of two opposing sach olher in similar positions in sides representative of lands other than that of their birth. But such was the case in 1904 when Dr. A, O'Brien, of Christcliurch. who wns player-manager of Bedell-Sivright's British team, played full-back opposite V. C. Redwood in the match agninst Australia. Curiously enough, too. both were old boys of St. Patrick's College. Wellington, while also in the British touring side was another exstudent of the school, the late Dr. MeEvedy. Both Drs. O'Brien and McEyedy played for Guy's Hospital .and Kent. Eedwood was a Queensland as well as an Australian representative.