SWIMMING

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3308, 31 March 1926, Page 9

SWIMMING

MANAWATD CENTRE. A meeting of the Manawatu Swimming Centro was hold lasjfc evening, Mr. D. Harris presiding. Others present were; Messrs. E. Persson (secretary), J. Devine (Palmerston North), G. Ashbridge, G. Oxley, a. Walsh and A. K. Cliffe (Pahiatuaj. J. Partridge and R. Moffatt (Terrace End). The meeting had been called to deal with a letter received from the Pahiatua Club, asking that the committee might take some definite steps towards securing the whole-hearted support of the Government in regard to subsidies for and instruction in swimming and life-saving In schools. In discussing the letter, Mr. Cliffe said 'that there was not enough being done for swimming and life-saving in schools.

Mi-. Walsh said that drowning was known as th e “New Zealand death” and the Government did not realise the deplorable state of things, a subsidy for small clubs was badly needed; the larger clubs were reaping the benefit at present. Some concrete proposal, with which to approach tne Government was necessary. New Zealand held a world’s record ror drowning fatalities ’in proportion to population. The chairman agreed with all that had been said and suggested trial statistics, showing the position, »e submitted to th e Government. Mr. Cliffe moved that th e attention of the Government be drawn to tne position and that it b c urged to assist clubs by means of increased subsidies, to bo distributed by the governing swimming bodies, towards the cost of the teaching of swimming in schools and that swimming become a compulsory subject. This motion was seconded by J. Devine and carried unanimously. It was decided to elect a sub-com-mittee to go into the question thoroughly.