Pahiatua Swimming Club Meets

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 277, 23 November 1935, Page 16

Pahiatua Swimming Club Meets

RETIRING PRESIDENT HONOURED The Pahiatua Swimming Club’s auuual general meeting, took place last night, when a large and enthusiastic assembly of swimmers of both sexes met under the chairmanship of Air J. A. Walsh, who was .occupying this position for the last time, having announced at a recent committee meeting that he intended relinquishing the position at this meeting, thus severing an unbroken connection of 22 years with the club as president, during which period it is estimated that 1000 children have learned to swim'in tlio Pahiatua baths, a record that must surely stand alone among country clubs, and one which indicates that swimwng has come to be regarded not only as a sport, but as a national necessity, and should therefore bo recognised as such the length and breadth of this country.

The annual import for the 193-1-35 season read as follows:—The 19. J-1-35 season was otic of the best for many years, both from the point of view of tho long summer weather and from the number who took advantage of the baths to enjoy a swim and engage iu sports locally and around tho district, members having competed at carnivals in Feildiug, Danncvirko, Palmerston North and Ekatuhuna. The ctub hus always taken a keen interest iu the children, and can confidently affirm that many hundreds have boon taught to swim in tho Pahiatua baths since they were taken over by- the club. During the past season 120 children’s season tickets were taken out, and o 5 adults (which included men and women) also availed themselves of season ticket privileges. The charges made by the club for season tickets are extremely low and tho club solicits tho help of parents and others interested in swimming. Two carnivals were held during the year—a local one during December, and au open carnival in February. Both these iixturcs were well patronised, tho gate the iirst realising £7 14s 3d, while the second brought in £2O 12s (id. The club wishes to thank Mr YY r . Herbert for his assistance and a donation of £1 10s; also Air Burr, Air Cosford and Airs E. ii. Lett for donating trophies. During the fatter part of the season the club night competitions wero hold, points prizes and miniature cups being given to the successful competitors, who comprised Aliss P. Fox, Alcssrs H. Bodle and R. T. Thompson and Alustor Staples. These trophies were presented at ilio annual ball held in the Forosters’ hail. A special committee was formed during tho year to assist the club in arranging the entertainment ot visiting swimmers at tho carnival's, and the club has received great praise from the iattor for the splendid manner in which they were entertained. Under tho capable guidance of Aliss AI. Smith this committee entertained the visitors and members at a, very small cost, and then handed, over‘to the club the sum of £4 11s 7d. The iiuances of tho club arc better than they have been for many years, as tho statement wib show. The balance in hand at the commencement of the year was £2, and at tho end was £lO ISs 9d; and last year tho club received no subsidy lroin the Borough Council, as had been done in former years, and moreover, the caretaker’s salary and other expenses of tho club had been paid out of members’ fees and tho proceeds of carnivals. The club regrets the removal of Mr H. Bodle from Pahiatua to Alastcrton, and wishes to express thanks to the latter for the help given on the committee and at the-club night iixturcs.

In conclusion the club desires to thank all the official's, executive and social committee for their help during the season. Members ot tho club have always worked well together under the capable guidance of their popular president, Air J. A. YValsli, for the past 22 years, and they wish, to place or. record their appreciation of his valued and untiring service on the club’s behalf during that period when the control of the baths was handed ovor to the club, and at tho same time desire to express much regret that Air YValsli has resigned front the position of picsident.