N.Z. AMATEUR SWIMMING ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13812, 28 January 1907, Page 7

N.Z. AMATEUR SWIMMING ASSOCIATION.

TIIR AUSTRALASIAN , CIIAJI-MOXSHIPS.

A mMiu< of the Jsew Zealand Amateur Swimming Association (Otago Centre) was held in MesJNs Pniin and Mlteliell's oflico.on Saturday evening. Tlime wero. present: ifr Praiu (chairmali), Messrs Cniinon, Smart Buttetllcld, Gnllaghcr, Sibbald, Jl'llillau, and Jamos., ■'

rI'BI.TC StVIMMIMO BATHS. 'i'lin Cliairmin'd report ol' Uip uieelitig of tlie Public Bath Cilimiis' Committee, lipid on the tHril lilt., was received, also apologies from Jit Million, Mr 11. I). Bedford. Mr James All™, and Jlr J. Louden, who stated that l>ereolially ho should be delighted to seo up-■to-duto sttiimning baths, so that every child (both boys and girls) niiglrt have the opportunity ol sati'ly learning Ihe art of swimming, mid he would privately help any filch project to tlm hest of his ability. In any case ho thought that what was required was to show tlm City Council clearly that, the cost and upkeep of the bulbs would not result in' an incubus oir the ratepayers.—lt was decided to civil a meeting of tlm Public Baths Coimnilteo for the 4lh February at 8 p.m. for (ho purpose of fixing on a date for a- mass meeting, to bo ]ic!d shortly.

M!STRAUAM SWIMMERS' VISIT. Mi- Smart's report of tlio snu-committfe's tmaiigement re tho procuring of Morgan's baths fur tlio visit of the above swimmer* mas rend, and a- special meeting was arranged lor February ■!, ponding a conversation with the Australians.

AUSTRALASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS. A. long letter from Mr Bassett, of Christ•|iurcii, ro the selection ©(.representatives for the Australasian championships mg road, explaining tho position as fully as possible. Ilia Chairman mentioned that (here seemed to bo some laxity on the part oi tlio Now Zealand Association in not advising the centre io hold trials for (he purpose of choosiii" its representatives and getting tho latest times for the distances. Local Swimmers had been under tho impression that any swimmer could outer for tho Australasian Championships provided thai he belonged to a club affilialed with the New Zealand Association and paid his own expenses, but it was pointed oiil that at » oouference held in Brisbane two years ngo it was decided that not more than three swimmers from any colony or country could compete in any one flisl«nco at the Australasian championships. Tho local association only received (his inlormation at tho last minute by telegram, and io it necessitated a great; deal of wiring baokwirils and forwards to Christchurch. The result of tin's was , that the Ne» Z&ilslnd Council did not got Dnwsoh's latest timo for the distance.", and three swimmers named Freyliers, M'Csithy, arid Tyler, who caii all break Msec, were chosen to reprSseiit Kew Zeiland in the loth-da.—lii reforfiice to the above it was moved by Mr Sibbald, and carried: "That ih(v attention oi Iho association he drawn to the fact {hat th« Australasian championship agreement has not been submitted to this centre, and that selection without trials is reprehensible, and th»t this matter be opened up with a view to more satisfactory conditions beiug arranged." PRKSENTATION. During the evening an opportunity was taken nl making Mr J. T. Prain, who is leaving for Invercargill. a present of a, handsome silver-Mounted walking-stick as a small token of Mi inestimable Bervioes (luring his period of nfiico an chairman of the Swimming Association, Uliigo. Centre. Mr Bulterfield made the nresentatioa on behalf of tht lisociation, aud,

in s. It* remarks, spoke of tie gicat help Mr Prain had been to this particular branch of spoit williin tile past year or two, especially as regards the public bath agitation. Mr Prain responded in a short but felicitous Bpcccli. Messrs Sibbald, Cannoi'i, and Smart also inado a few kindly remarks respecting Jfr Prain.

On tho motion of tho president, Mr J. A, Park was selected as chairman for lie rtsb of the period.