Retiring Swimming President Honoured

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 278, 25 November 1935, Page 11

Retiring Swimming President Honoured

PRESENTATION TO MR J. A. WALSH. Sinco the .Pahiatua Borough Council handed over the local swimming baths to the Pahiatua Swimming Club some 22 years ago, Mr J. A. Walsh has been the administrative head of tho latter body, and, during his regime as president, swimming progressed beyond ail expectations. And so, when Mr Walsh decided to relinquish his position it was small wonder that members should desire to make him a presentation to mark their appreciation of his -wonderful record of service.

' At the club’s annual meeting on Friday night, Dr. Dawson was -called upon to make tho presentation, and referred to Mr Walsh as being a great booster for the swimming club, which owed its success in no small manner to his capabilities in this direction, point-

ing out that many other outside societies had called on Mr Walsh to give them similar aid, which indicated that his particular genius for this was well known. Not only did Mr Walsh’ boost the club up, but his heart was in everything that was done in or for the cluh. continued the doctor, who said swimming had threo distinct advantages. Firstly, it was better than either cricket or football as it brought its devotees -within tho scope of lifesaving—they thus vrould save their owu lives and the lives of others. The second advantage was one of hcaltn, sinco it expanded the lungs and filled out chests. * The third and greatest advantage lay in tho pleasure it guve to swimmers throughout their future life. Tho club had a lot to bo grateful to Mr Walsh, added the doctor, and Mrs Walsh had also done her share. She had proved a very unostcutatious lady, an active worker at all times and a very kind friend to anyone who was sick. “We doctors arc in a position to know this,’’ he said, ‘‘ and on behalf of the club, I havo much pleasure in presenting her with a ladies’ sitting room chair, and Mr Walsh with a gentleman’s personal table.’’ (Applause). Dr. Paterson paid further tributo to Mr Walsh, saying that ho spoke on behalf of four children who bad learned to swim in the Pahiatua baths, and also on behalf of the many hundreds of others. Tho speaker considered tho swimming club would havo boon extinguished long ago if Mr Wash had not got tho citizens going and thus obtained for the club tno control of tho baths. “I want to say this,’’ said the doctor with a smile, “though ho is always urging others to take up swimming, ho has nevor been in them yet.” (Laughter). Reference was also mado by the doctor of tlio part played by Mrs Walsh in fostering the welfare of the town. “She is the kindest lady in the district; she' bas been known to slip out tho back door of a sick person’s house when the doctor came in the front gate lest the lattdr should know she had been in with a bowl of soup.” (Laughter). .The speaker paid .tribute to Mr Walsh’s tactful handling of meetings, which liad prevented a break in tho harmonious proceedings during his 22-year term of office. Several speakers made other eulogistic references to Mr Walsh, and then tho latter returned thanks on behalf of himself and his wife (who was unable to bo present), saying that ho felt greatly embarrassed at receiving the presentation, and spoko of his work for the club as being a labour of love. Mr Walsh concluded by stating ho deoply appreciated the thuughtfulness which prompted the members to make the presentation.