LEARN TO SWIM WEEK

Hawera Star, Volume L, 21 February 1931, Page 7

LEARN TO SWIM WEEK

— t TARANAKI CAMPAIGN INSTRUCTION OF SCHOOL PUPILS Highly successful results attended the “learn to swim week/’, which concluded iu Taranaki yesterday, under the auspices of the Taranaki Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, ischool children iu all part a -of the province being given instruction by officials of respective ■clubs with the co-operation of school teaching staffs. At the Hawera Baths some 350 boys and girls were given instruction, and in all cases were initiated into the elementary stages of swimming and made -progress in the attainment- of the necessary sense of confidence' in the water. Pupils attended from the Hawera- Main, the Tawhiti, the Turuturu, the Hawera Convent, the Norliianby, and the Whureroa Schools, and the Hawera High School, the parties being confined to’ those who were previously unable to swim. In most cases it was possible to arrange for at least two periods of instruction for an hour. As a result many were, advanced to the stage of being able to swam unaided for a few strokes, while some of the learners were able .to cross the baths. In practically all -cases the primary object of the* campaign, that of stimulating interest iu swimming, was achieved and requests from the children for continuation of the instruction were freely made. In addition to the school children a number of adults received instruction at other -periods. This also being continued.

The belt device erected last month to the design of the Hawera baths custodian (Mr J. Dawdle) proved a valuable auxiliary, all pupils -being introduced to the swimming strokes through that medium. In conversation with a “Hawera Star” reporter to-day Mr A. W. Lawn, president of the Hawera Amateur Swimming Olub, which controlled the l-ocal arrangements, expressed great satisfaction concerning the results of the brief campaign. Sir Lawn paid tribute to the service given in the work of instruction by the several members of the club- and to the baths’ custodian, who was one of the most enthusiastic workers. Air Lawn also* expressed appreciation of the co-operation given by employers of tlie town in allowing employees the necessary leave of absence to attend the baths as instructors.

Those combining in the instruction work under the auspices of the Hawera Club were Mesd'ames E. Higgs, T. Aloss, R. L. Ferguson, the Alisses N. Duckworth, B. Powdrell, B. Ryan, Z. Spragg, M. Jackson and F. Alurray and Alessrs A. W. Lawn (president), Af. R.. Nelson (secretary). S. Anderson, B. Bassett, A. Ryan, A. Spragg, V. Spragg, G. AleGlashan, I. Jobson and A. Spratt of the club, together with members of the staffs of the various schools.