P.N. SWIMMING CLUB.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10111, 19 October 1917, Page 3

P.N. SWIMMING CLUB.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Palmerston North Swimming Club was hold in the Opera House supper room last evening. The president (Mr H. L. Young) presided, and there was u fair attendance of members. Apologies were received from Messrs hairbrothor, WatJackson, West, de Glow?, Aitehisou, Hodgson and W. I). Low. ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report stated that the club was reformed by enthusiasts, who gathered together to attempt uto'move the Council-in the matter pf building a public bath. in this ■ ell'oi t they havo been successful,, and Palmer.ston North has at last ti swimming bath, in which splendid work can bei accomplished. To-day Palrnorston North stands very low down the list as far as swimmers are concerned* and the public schools can onlv claim a small percentage of swimmers. In this young country there are at the present time five young lives lost every week by drowning, which means 2600 every ton. years, and it is only bv hard work and assistance to the non-swimmer that these figures can be reduced to a minimum. During the past season the club members taught over ji hundred adults and children in the High School baths. The thanks of the club are due to the High School Hoard of Governors, who so kindly placed the baths at the disposaj of the club, and it must be with a feeling oi pleasure that they hear ol the splendid work done through their kindly assistance. The High. School pupils are making rapid progress m the water, and the bovs' carnival last year was ol a high order, ami of great credit to the school. The local boys can rest assured that all the coaching and training the clr.b can supply is at then- disposal, as it lias been found a pleasure to assist them. The girls are also making

good- progress, five of thorn having earned the mile certificates last fear, it is to bo hoped that the different local primary schools will take a great interest in the jewellers' relay team shield and medals, and'llms show their appreciation of the valuable gift', The matter of school boy and girl championships for tho Manawdtu district is one that will have tho club's attention at an early date, and suitable medals will bo provided. The club's carnival, hold at the end of last season was a hugo success. '■The club's championship was a hard-fought struggle, the victor being Mr Truseott. Assistance was given in the art of swimming to tho pupils of tho High School and Campbell street and Oarncot schools and good progress was made, great credit, being due to Mr' Hector Swallow, the club captain, for Iris untiring energy in coaching these children. Thanks are clue to Mr Spencer, lion-, auditor. The balanco-shoct shows a credit of £6 5s after allowing ,t'f> towards a shower bath at the High School and £5 to Paddy's Market Fund. Mr Swallow suggested that a land cradle might bo erected at the end of the school baths, with the object of encouraging swimming. He contended that the hour .system should be abolished, as it had not proved a success where it had been tried. Mr Crabb said the Council would welcome any suggestions from tho club. He was in favour of a double, tank, provided ladies wero given the .same considerations as men. Mr Young, after reforming to the good work of Mr H. K. Swallow, made an appeal to members to push the interests of the club to the utmost, and to see that the baths wero well patronised and made a success. He also favoured granting the same privileges to ladies as to men. He thanked the Press for tho great assistance given during the past year. Mr Spear offered to provide a cradle for College street school. Mr Buehler also stated that he had been successful in obtaining one for West End school. A vote of thanks was passed to the Jewellers' Association lor its donation of the shield. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Mr H. L. Young was re-elected president and the following vice-presidents were re-elected: —Messrs Blackniore, E. H. Crabb, Hernial!, •.). Devino and H. Haycock; Mr H. K. Swallow was reelected captain and Mr McPher.son was elected deputy captain. Committee: Messrs Spear, .). Devino, Jones, A. (). Bitchier and Bowen; auditor, Mr It. H. Spencer; secretary and treasurer, Mr fl. K. Swallow (re-elected). Mr Bendall moved a vote of thanks to the chairman, after which the mooting went into committee. It was decided to take advantage of the,. High School Board of Governors' offer, and use their bath until Hie municipal;-baths-are. ready. Tin; club fee will remain the same as last year, seniors 'is 6d, juniors Is.