DUNEDIN SWIMMING CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 11511, 30 March 1901, Page 3

DUNEDIN SWIMMING CLUB

. The annual smoke concert of the Dunedin Amateur Swimming Club was held in the European Hotel last night. A generous supper had been prepared by Host, Power. Dr Robert's (one of the vice-presidents) occupied the chair in the absence of Mr B. Chisholm (the president). The first, toast-, “The King,” was honored enthusiastically, to the accom- ■ paniment, of the Anthem. Thereafter the prizes won at the recent meeting were presented. All the recipients were accorded most hearty applause. ■ The On airman proposed the toast of “ The Dunedin Amateur Swimming Club," coupled with the names of Secretary Sim and Captain Napier Bell. He said that considering the disadvantage Dunedin labored under in respect of the coldness of the water' it was greatly to her credit that a club of their strength' existed. Swimming; was, in his estimation, one of the finest sports they bad. Ho could speak with authority on such matters, for many years ago he had gone in for all sports, but had found in himseH the greatest aptitude for swimming. ;. Consequently he could say with safety that there was no human-sport which was:harder on or punished its votaries more than swimming. All who went in for the sport should do their best to succeed, and they would find it to their good. He was glad to see that the club had cot a good start, and that they had asked him to be one of the patrons, and he hoped that prosperity wonld ever continue to be their lot. Members should, however, not relax their efforts to make their number more numerous, and not; be content with merely entering for the races. Air S. C. Napier Bell replied for the club and his confrere. 'He detailed the circumstances in whioh. about the middle of last season, -several of the more enthusiastic swimmers of the place had formed a small organisation, which they termed the North End Swimming'O'.ah. ‘They could not then form a properly-constituted club, and this was their only alternative; Their drib would affiliate next year, and there wonld be nothing to prevent Dunedin from assuming a foremost place in the national sport. —(Applause.)

Air J. F. AI. Friaser (a vice-president) proposed th© toast of “ Kindred Sports,” coupled with the names of Air Hooper and /Mr Given. lie expressed his gratification v;at beirig present as an official, and oonsid' ered it the. duty oi, the elder men to.mii. with theiT juniors more than they did/ 'He made reference to rowing, golf, cricket, arid ■football, arid glowingly eulogised' ‘ tlie last-named as being above all the national game of the cokmy. He said that he Lad been accused of the offence of having original ideas, and he was going to sin again. He had in mind a proposition in conne.ction with the visit of the Royal’ party Dunedin, which was that an «rch be formed,' and on it arrayed the football -teams oi the City in costume, the winning team of last year forming the central body.—(Applause,) He was sure that footballers would welcome and fall in with the idea, which would symbolise the national sport in a graphic wav. At any raite, it would be as good-as a frozen ;mutton or a butteri arch. ■' .- , • ■ The .toast was drunk .to the accomjxvninient of the usual musical honors?' after which Alr-W. L. Hooper 'returned/thanks' on the behalf of the rowing interest, and Mr F. Given replied for football. Mr Hooper at the same time announced his intention of presenting a silver chaUenge cup for annual competition in the , ‘: club, /the races being ovct 100yds-and 150 yds courses respectively. Mr Butler proposed the toast of “The Patrons.” Dr Roberts, Air Fraser, arid Mr Hooper responded. Air Napier Bell proposed the health of their absent president. Mir E. Chisholm. Alayor of Dunedin. They owed a.good.deal to the kindness of Mr dushohn.-r—The toast .was. duly honored.. .... A /•-.-Mr Fraser replied on behalf of the mayor,* and proposed * The Alen and Women op Service in South Africa.” , (Applause.).. The toast was honored uproaripurily to the tune •of ‘The soldiers of the Queen'.’ Air Given proposed the toast of “ The Press, and Mr Napier. Bell moved a vote of thanks to the chair. • The singing of ‘Auld lang syne' terminated the function. The proceedings were diversified bv the efforts of Messrs Ross, Hooper, and'Macarthur, wljoy^tribtfi^jsqnqjs, B utle r, D atTk,'. and ..Carter,•' Who .< gate" jndita?'; tions. Air Ernest Hall presided at the piano, playing a solo as well.