SWIMMING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19764, 15 April 1926, Page 4

SWIMMING.

Dy Neptune.

The recent pronouncement of the Minister of Education when replying to a deputation of the swimming and life-saving bodies in Christchurch, that, while not objecting, he could not agree that swimming in schools should be made compulsory, is one that will not find favour with those who have the sport at heart (states the Christchurch Star). The local centre has forwarded remits to the conference on this subject for some time now, and beyond the fact of much correspondence on the matter, the New Zealand Council cannot report any progress, neither does the result of the interview mentioned lead any nearer to the desired object. Although supporting a proposal that teachers should have a knowledge of both swimming and life-saving before leaving Training College, the Minister stated that to make each of these assets compulsory in schools is not feasible. He does not say in what way, and bearing in mind that the swimming authorities ask for this proposal to be adopted only where facilities exist, it would be interesting to know just where the unfeasibility comes in. There is not one person in this Dominion who does not deplore the numerous terrible tragedies that occur every summer whereby valuable lives are lost through drowning, and if compulsory swimming is one of the means (and the most important) of safeguarding against such loss of life, it is the duty of the State to adopt it. Parents and children alike would certainly not object to it, and it is certain that these two factors are more essential to the younger generation than either footbail or cricket, which, though not compulsory, hold a big place in schooling. Times out of number those who can swim have been able to effect rescues, but what of the poor unfortunates who have not had such assistance? The pity of it is that in nine cases out of 10 tragedy could have been averted if compulsory swimming had been in vogue. This may seem a sweeping statement to make, but it is borne out by facts which are known only too well by those in control. The New Zealand Council, through its various centres, has always placed first the encouragement of swimming amongst school children, and up to the end of 1924 had issued 44,355 certificates. Of this number 6077 have been granted during the past three years, which testifies to soundness of the council’s policy in appointing educational officers, the selection of which is made by the various centres. All this work is performed voluntarily, and probably there is no other organisation in the country that has done so much for the welfare of the children. “Kudos” is not sought for the carrying out of this great work, m.r is there any intention to evade the work, but when the number of certificates issued for a year totals 12,539, it is obvious that assistance must be given by the Government. The annual grant is all right :’n its way, but at the most it just about covers the cost of printing these certificates, so that any further educational work has to be met from general funds. The centres do not mind doing this, but it is now the considered opinion of all those in control that compulsory swimming in schools must be adopted where facilities exist. Coming from men who have a full knowledge of swimming, their decision should be accepted by the Minister of Education as being necessary, and in the interests of the future welfare of the child. Discussing the statement in which Mr D. Young said that Miss Ena Stockley, the New Zealand swimming champiorv, during her Australian tour, had altered her stroke. Mr D. B. Anderson, who has been Miss Stockley’s coach since 1922, said he flatly contradicted the views expressed by Mr Young. He stated that Miss Stockley, In conversation with him. had stated that she had been requested to alter her stroke, but ,that she had refused until she had consulted with him. Under his guidance she had won the 100 yards New Zealand championship, and is the Australasian record holder, having covered the distance in 65 3-5. She i lao won the 100 yards Australian championship against all representatives of . all States in Australia during her recent tour. Miss Stockley also broke the Australian back-stroke record by 8 2-ssec. This great record was made possible by the results of Mr Anderson’s tuition, and it was not necessary or expedient to alter her stroke, as has been stated by Mr Young, especially during the tour. One of the most interesting personalities in the swimming world to-day appears to be Walter Laufer, an 18-year-old champion of Cincinnati. At a recent carnival in Chicago he achieved two sensational feats. First Tie so forced the pace in the 100yds free style match with the Olympic champion and record holder, John Weissmuller, that the latter was obliged to cover the distance in the amazing time of 51 l;ssec to beat him by four-fifths of a second. Next he swam 100 yards on his back in the astonishing time of Imin 4 l-Ssec, improving' on Weissmuller's record of Imin 5 3-ssec. _(iii February 26 Laufer lowered two of Weissmuller’s world's records in Cleveland, Ohio. In winning the 150 yards backstroke event in Imin 41 2-ssec, he clipped 3-ssec off Weissmuller’s best time, and by traversing the same distance free-style in Imin 25 l-ssec, he swam 1 2-Ssec faster than the Chicago swimmer’s best effort. No youth of Laufer’s age has ever approached such startling speed in either style of swimming. Not even at 19 did the wonderful Weissmuller succeed in equalling the times already to the credit of his young rival, and it is confidently anticipated that Laufer will develop into the greatest all-round swimmer the world has known. In connection with swimming in South Africa, the Auckland Herald states that great promise is being shown by a young Transvaal swimmer, Miss Rhoda Rennie. In January Miss Rennie won the 50 yards State title in 31 2-ssec, and also accomplished a 100 yards swim in a teams’ race in the record time of 63 3-ssec. In annexing the 200 yards championship title Miss Rennie put up one of the most remarkable _ performances ever accomplished by a swimmer of either sex in South Africa. Starting off at a groat pace she led at every turn and won fairly easily, her time being 2min 37sec. Miss Barber was second in 2min 41sec, and Miss Drew third in 2min 49sec. The record stood at 2min 55sec, so that Miss Rennie lowered it by 17scc, and in doing so got within measurable reach of the world's time for the distance. One of Natal’s girl swimmers. Miss K. Russell, is also displacing marked ability. She won the 220 yards championship in 2min 56 3-ssec. after previously gaining the 50 yards, 100 wards, and SCO yards titles. The men’s 220 yards Transvaal championship was won by R R. Dvason in 2mm 384 sec, as compared with A. V. Nunn s record of 2min 34=ce. Dvason can swim 100 yards in 58sec. The South African Police 100 vards championship was won bv F. Horn in 60 1-Sscc. In (he 100 rards junior championship of the Western Province R. Dunbar covered the dl-(nnce in the record time of 60 3-ssec. Tin’s is a splendid performance for a boy under 16 vears of age.