LONG-DISTANCE SWIMMER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9608, 14 March 1917, Page 11

LONG-DISTANCE SWIMMER

During Mr W. Lewis’s visit to Australia recently he came in contact with many prominent swimmers. Whilst in Sydney ho met Mr Joseph D. Foster, a well-known long-distance amateur swimming champion. Mr Foster, who hails from Oldham. Lancashire. England, has accomplished some remarkable performances in long distance swimming. In 1911 he was in training to swim tire English Channel, but was forestalled by the English champion, Burgess, who accomplished it on the day Mr Foster was successful in swimming Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, 13i miles long. Mr Foster was the, first and only man to swim this large lake. This was on September 2nd. 1911. In June, 1911, he was also successful in swimming from the Preston Docks, in Lancashire, to Victoria Pier, a distance of -'H miles, in 84 hours. Ho has been connected with the Oldham Seal Swimming Club for over twenty-five years. Mr Foster arrived in Sydney in 1914, just prior to tho outbreak of war. At the commencement of hostilities he immediately enlisted in the Engineer Corps and was sent to tho Dardanelles. Here he was wounded and sent back to Egypt, afterwards coming back to Australia. lie was for twelve months in the Eandwick Military Hospital, and has now resumed his trade again as a bricklayer. Since his advent to Australia he had joined tho Sydney Swimming Club. His son in England, now 16 years of age, had up to two years ago won over 33 prices and several junior championships. Mr Lewis, having secured good position for Mr Foster at his trade here, has received n letter from him intinvtit-ing that he will arrive here on the 19th inst. In his letter Mr Foster is inquiring of Mr Lowis as to what prospects there are as regards long distance swimming hero. Mr Lewis vivos the assurance that Mr Foster will undoubtedly take on a cross harbour swim at the earliest opportunity. There is no doubt Mr tester will settle here, and his wife and family will join, him later on. It might also i>o mentioned that Mr Lowis is in possession of a portrait showing Mr. Foster surrounded bv a large _ number ot valuable trophies, won bv him in England. .