Correspondence to the Editor..

Franklin Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 126, 30 October 1936, Page 4

Correspondence to the Editor..

THE ART OF SWIMMING.

INDIFFERENCE OF THE PUBLIC. EFFORT TO FOSTER THE SPORT. Sir, —The recent tragedy at Waerenga in which New Zealand’s “national death” claimed another victim ought to bestir public indifference to the practice of swimming. As one who has endeavoured to stimulate interest in swimming activities I must confess that the lack of support from parents and the public generally has a most disheartening influence on those willing and anxious to foster the valuable acquisition of the art of swimming. I am told on good authority that there is a large percentage of children attending the district schools wdio cannot swim.' In view' of the fact that an excellent public bath is available, that the swimming club committee is ready to serve in every w'ay possible to foster the sport, I sincerely hope that there will be a definite public interest taken in this matter, and that parents in particular will co-operate in any efforts that are

taken to ensure that their children not only learn to swim for their own advantage, but that they may be fitted to play some part in checking a loss of life w'hich is a reproach to our sport-loving Dominion. —I am, etc., HOWARD H. JEFFREYS, Methodist Minister, Pukekohe.