Facilities Needed For Whangarei Swimming

Northern Advocate, 28 September 1949, Page 8

Facilities Needed For Whangarei Swimming

“ALTHOUGH the club is very grateful to the Whangarei Primary School Committee for the use of its baths, 'it is obvious that the facilities available are hopelessly inadequate for a town of this size. , . “The Whangarei Swimming Club is one of the largest in New Zealand, and has to carry on its many functions in a pool which is suitable only for the purpose for which it was built—a school swimming bath.”. These comments are made in the presidential report to be presented the annual meeting of the Whangarei Swimming Club tonight by Mr G. S. Reid.

“Club instructors have taught many hundreds of children to swim, and a big percentage of these pupils carry on with swimming as a sport,” Mr Reid continues.

Johnson; junior girls, under 12. K. Fraser: boys, W. Jones; girls' under 14. M. Allan; boys, D. Woodman; intermediate. girls, L. Tong; boys, N. Campi; senior ladies, P; Dix; men. J.Macnay;' breaststroke, B. Clements; backstroke' W. Goodhue; grand aggregate, W. Jones.

“Quite a number of club members have shown form .up to .New Zealand standard, but have been unable to reach the top flight because of the lack of training facilities, particularly tepid baths . where training could be carried on throughout the winter.. “It has been fully recognised by the club executive that it was useless pressing for an up-to-date tepid bath' while building materials were In short supply, but it is considered that the time has arrived when the Borough Council should make some definite move towards the acquisition of a suitable site and the preparation of plans.” MEMBERSHIP 365 The club membership. Mr Reid goes on. was 365, which was considerably higher than in the previous season when activities were restricted by the polio epdemic. It was. however, much below the record figure of 455 in 1946-47. The visit of Misses Ngaire Lane. Betty Casey and Hazel Forsyth was the highlight of the season, and was much appreciated by swmmers and supporters.

CHAMPION SWIMMERS ,Tbe club was especially proud, Mr Reid comments, to have as an active member Winifred Griffin, the Auckland and New Zealand intermediate girl, champion and holder of intermediate and senior ladies’ records. A small team sent to the Auckland championships performed with great credit. Betty Clements won the tiny tot girls' freestyle title and the junior girls’ breaststroke championship in her first year of serious competition. Merle Allan also swam very creditably to be runner-up in the freestyle and backstroke championships. The club champions were:— Senior mqn, G. Johnston; ladies, P. Dix. Intermediate boys, B. Flower; girls, L. Tong. Boys under 14: B. Morrison; girls. M. Allan. Boys under 12: T. Courtney, girls. B. Clements. Tiny tots, boys: B. Jordan; girls, Y. Edlington. Senior harbour race; G. Balfour; fastest time, M. Taylor; junior, G. Tupp and fastest time. Gordon Johnston Cup, junior boys 100 yards, R. Whimp. Mr Reid expressed the thanks of the club to the willing band of instructors who attended regularly throughout the season.

The New Zealand Council. Mr Reid contents, is to be congratulated for sponsoring their tour. Its choice of representatives was • indeed a happy one.

Three major carnivals were held during the season and. favoured by fine weather, each drew a capacity “gate.” Competition was keen, although, numerically, the entries were not as good as in previous years. Club nights were held regularly throughout the season and created considerable interest. The thanks of the club were due to those who acted as honorary officials. The work of the starter and judges in particular, was deserving of commendation.

At learners’ classes particularly, the work of the late Mr Frank Collins, Mrs B. Reed and Miss Fay Johnson (Mrs R. H. Green) was worthy of special mention.

The coaching panel, comprised largely of local school teachers, achieved splendid results. LATE FRANK COLLINS “The death of Mr Frank Collins came as a great shock to members and officials.” Mr Reid says, “and his place on the executive will be very difficult to fill. “Mr Collins’ pleasing personality, cheerful enthusiasm' and outstanding organising ability, made him an ideal and popular official. During his many years’ association with the club, his keenness, for the sport and consideration, for . the club’s welfare never flagged." " .... The deepest sympathy of club members and officials is extended to his wife, family and relatives. Mr Reid expresses thanks to all who officiated at club nights and carnivals, to donors of trophies and to those who made cash donations, to the Northern Advocate for full reports of the club’s activities, to the Whangarei Primary School. Committee for the use of the oaths, and to the Whangarei- Boys’ High School for assistance in regularly cleaning tire baths. “The club is in a healthy; financial position” Mr Reid concludes. “.Assets total £293/18/11 and cash in the, bank amounts to £l3O/14/2—approximately the same as the previous year.'. ■ .

Winners of aggregate points trophies were: Tiny tots: girls. J. Campi; boys. R.

“In view Of the fact that the entire net proceeds of the educational tour carnival were sent on to the NZASA, the. club’s position is satisfactory.” •