SWIMMING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 5, 5 December 1931, Page 3

SWIMMING

(By “Natatus.”)

With the early advent of summer conditions, swimming became almost popular in mid-October of this year in striking contrast to the miserable conditions which prevailed not only during the early months, but over almost tho whole of the summer months of last year. But after nearly four weeks of unbroken warm conditions, the latter November days brought rain and wind and a general return to colder temperatures which caused many a costume to be regretfully hung ’up again. Still, that short period was enough to tako tho bite out of the water and to start swimming fairly on its way. Enquiries at the various baths in the city show that swimmers, especially the younger ones, took full advantage of the improvement. The Terrace End Club was early in the field, and immediately after their annual meeting (well attended and enthusiastic, by the way) got going with their “club” nights. They are to be commended and other clubs might well emulate the good example. Palmerston and Apollo clubs have both got past their annual general meetings and their reports show a sound financial position in each one. Feilding also, a sturdy organisation promises to prominently uphold tneir tradition for progress at any price,- and the centre can look forward to and prepare for a much more active season this year. Y.M.C.A. Club from all accounts will come forth as a strong side. Last year’s miserable weather • conditions will soon be forgotten in the 'warmth and pleasure the present season promises.

But all tho clubs except Terrace End are missing great opportunities in not catering more for the junior swimmer... This is certainly a time when the older heads should get together to keep the clubs prosperous and give them the backbone necessary for solid organisation, but they must have steadily before them the prospect of their own retirement and the constant need for new blood. The schools, primary and secondary, are well equipped now with swimming pools of their own, and with ample opportunity the boys and girls are going to be good swimmers, provided—and here’s the point —those opportunities are infused with a meed of interest from the older swimmers and some encouragement to swim correctly and well. It is certain that the school officials would bo grateful for the interest of the clubs, and the suggestion is offered that tho clubs get into touch with them to do something worth while. This would be infinitely better than all the “Learn to Swim” weeks ever staged, pleasanter for the clubs and of greater benefit by far to the youngsters and the coimmunity generally. Let a club adopt a bath and stick, and the material for future club members will surely be forthcoming, and excellent material, too.

While on the subject, it seems a pity that there is not a movement put in hand for the formation of a Ladies’ Club. There is plenty of material that only needs getting together and organising. What about the Royal Life Saving Society organising a ladies’ branch P

The centre annual meeting managed to retain the interest of Mr Angus Campbell even though it had to retire him to the position of president, an honour which he has richly deserved and which office, it is hoped, he will actively fill for many years to come. Mr W. Schwarz, Iris successor as chairman of the centre, needs no introduction to Manawatu swimmers, and under his guidance and the help of Mr Campbell the centro should come into a prosperity new to its history. And rest assured that Mr W. Eyre as secretary will leave no stone unturned, or, should I say, lap unfinished, to see to the accomplishment of that prosperity. Mr R. Haddon, on account of his studies, had to relinquish the secretary’s position, but lie left the centre with such a reputation for thoroughness and a stickler for obedience to standing rules that his successor will have a hefty row to hoe. It therefore only remains for the clubs to give unswerving lovalty, to recognise the authority and rulings of the centre, and make the work of control a pleasure to those who have the duties as their responsibility, so that the result will he of greatest use to the clubs themselves and to the community generally. Our old friend Mr Parsonage at Feilding insists that be has three champions training steadily—he keeps it all very secret, but we would be surprised if two of them are not Pat Sporle and Len Smith, the latter lately a loss to Wanganui as a breaststroke champion. The other one —well, that’s Feilding’s business just now, but they may all be seen soon in action at Terrace End, so rumour hath it. We are not hearing nearly enough from Pahiatua, Dannevirke, Kimbolton, Woodville, Levin and Foxton, andthey must be warned against sleeping too far into the warm weather. Levin lost solid members when the Hobsons moved to Waipawa, but there are others coming forward to keep the cliib ,in front of the starter. Pahiatua and Dannevirke. can be relied on to come through with a prosperous season, hut Woodville seems to have gone altogether off the map which is . all the more surprising especially as the town is equipped with excellent baths. And Foxton! ltumour says the club has gone defunct, which is quite a wrong proceeding and Natatus refuses to believe.it. But if it is so, why does not the cliib ama'gamate with the Surf and Life Saving Club, which is proving truly a live body of boys, and lose no time in affiliating with the competitive centre. It is a pity for their present delegate to go without a seat on the jcentre, and the Foxton surf boys have some very able talent among them, excellent sportsmen'withal, who if they kept out would be a' distinct loss to competitive swimming. Just a word ! What liecame of the proposal to form a new,club this year with headquarters at the much . improved Central baths

“Natatus” would'be glad for country clubs, in fact all blubs, tri: send along items of interest at any time so that this column, generously* provided by the “Evening Standard, might perform its proper function in the encouragement of and tire arts of natation generally ip the territory. . -.j-'-.jX -V.-- - To -all c'ubs and 'sw.imijierg greetings and best wishes for the“seasou..