CHRISTCHURCH AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 7528, 18 April 1885, Page 6

CHRISTCHURCH AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB.

The annual dinner of the Christchurch Amateur Swimming Club took place last night at the Commercial Hotel, where about thirty sat down to excellent repast. The chair was taken by Ms Worship the Mayor, of Christchurch, President of the Club, supported by Mr A. Francis, Captain, and Dr W. E. Racon, one of the vice-Presidents of the Club. Ihe vicechair was occupied by Dr E. B. Eobinson, the other vice-President. After the toasts of the Queen, the Prince of Wales and Eoyal Family, and His Excellency the Governor had been proposed from the chair and duly honoured, the Secretary read several apologies from members unable to attend, and the following toasts were drunk : The Chairman proposed, “ Success to the Club,” an institution which brought a number of young men together to practise a healthy exercise. He could only say that he wished the Club every success, and would do all he could to promote its welfare. (Applause.) The Captain responded. For the Club generally, and for himself personally, he could express great satisfaction at seeing the President and vice-Presidents present. The Club had now been in existence five years, during which time it had grown in numbers and increased in efficiency. The Club numbers some 70 or 80 paid-up members. This year, through the foresight and moral courage of Mr Booth, the Club had been thrown open to ladies, some 20 of whom had availed themselves of the opportunity to acquire some knowledge of the art of swimming. (Applause.) The Club appreciated all the more the honour done them by his Worship’s accepting the post of President, inasmuch as they knew the many calls there were on his time and purse. He concluded by expressing the hope that the Club would never give reason to the President or vice-Presidents to be ashamed of being connected with it. Mr Chilton proposed the health of the President and vice-Presidents.

His Worship, the Chairman, Dr Hacon, and the vicc-Chairman responded, in the course of their remarks speaking in warm terms of the benefits to be derived from the opportunities afforded by the Club. Mr Booth proposed "The Captain,” a man who combined a formidable list of qualities. He was a good swimmer, and had a considerable amount of tact, clear insight, affability, courtesy, and firmness. His handicapping had always given great satisfaction, and always would give it; indeed, his successor would be hard to find. He (the speaker) had now to ask Mr Francis to accept a small token of the Club’s esteem. (Applause.) Not one active member of the Club had failed to subscribe to the present, as well as some past members, who bore in remembrance the services rendered them by Mr Francis. (Applause.) The present was a very handsome marble clock, bearing a gold plate suitably inscribed.

Captain Francis, who was received with enthusiastic cheering, said he felt overwhelmed with the kindness shown him by the Club. He must thank them for the very handsome present, which he would value highly to the latest day of his life. Much as he valued it, however, he valued still more the kind expressions that had accompanied it. He was proud to think that he had won their esteem and regard. There were in the Club many valued and esteemed friends of his, and as far as lay in his power, he would endeavour to maintain the good feeling already existing. With heartfelt thanks to all he would resume his seat. (Applause.) Mr Evans proposed "The Officers and Committee,” who deserved the highest praise for the manner in which they had performed their duties. (Applause.) Mr E. A. England (Hon Secretary) responded very briefly. Mr G. E. Allen called upon Mr Booth to present to the hon Secretary a token of the goodwill of the Club in the shape of a very nice writing case. Mr England was completely taken by surprise, and totally unable to express his thanks for the unlooked for present. (Applause.) At this stage the prizes won at the annual swimming contest were distributed by the President: —Tub Eace—W. S. Lamb (silver medal), 1. 100yds Handicap—A. Louisson (gold medal), 1; A. Gay (silver Maltese cross), 2. 50yds—E. E. M. Evans (silver medal), 1; W. S. Lamb (silver cross), 2. Learners’ Race—E. Evans (silver medal), I.' 100yds Steeplechase—L. W. Burke (gold medal), 1; E. J. Wilson (silver cross), 2. 50yds Steeplechase—E. E. M. Evans (silver medal), 1; A. E. Johnston (silver cross), 2. Long Dive—W. S. Lamb (silver medal), 1. Slow' Eace—Halliday (silver medal), 1. Consolation Eace—A. Dallas (silver cross), 1. Greatest number of points—W. S. Lamb (silver cup). Dr Hacon proposed " The Prize Winners.”

Messrs Lamb and Evans responded. Mr Lamb proposed “The Army and Navy, and Volunteers.” Mr Gardiner responded. The vice-Chairman proposed “ The Unsuccessful Competitors.”

Messrs Gardiner and G. E. Allen responded. Dr Hacon spoke in affectionate remembrance of the late Mr Leonard.

Mr Fuller proposed “ The Ladies.” Mr England responded, at the close of his speech handing to the captain, who has taught the lady members to swim, a set of silver napkin rings, presented by the ladies. The Captain acknowledged the gift in suitable terms.

Mr Alexander proposed “ The Press,” which was duly acknowledged. The Captain proposed " Our Host.”

Mr Warner responded. During the evening some capital songs, and recitations were given by Messrs England, Withers, Booth, Allen, Fuller, A. E. Bird, and Dr Hacon.