SWIMMING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20892, 5 December 1929, Page 15

SWIMMING.

MEETING OF OTAGO CENTRE. A meeting of the Otago Centre, New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, was held last evening in the Y.M.C.A. buildings. Mr E. H. James presided. The final arrangements in connection with the Otago championship carnival were made. It was decided to notify the timekeepers that it would be necessary for all watches to he tested, as attempts would be made to break several New Zealand records. A list of the compulsory dives to be decided at the New Zealand championships was forwarded by the secretary of the New Zealand Council.—Mr James said the list was late in coming forward this year. A very high standard had not been set in regard to the dives listed, hut the centre would have to adhere to them.—lt was decided to advise that the attention of the council be called to the late issue of the list, and point out that its late arrival did not give the competitors much time for training. It was decided that the harbour race for the Batt Cup start from the jetty at the Cove, subject to the approval of the owner.

It was decided that Mr P. J. Priest arrange for the use of two launches to carry the officials who will control the Batt Cup race. The secretary of the Otago Harbour Board advised that the centre had been granted the use of the board’s punt in connection with the Batt Cup race to be held on January 11.—The chairman said, the board had shown a fine sporting spirit, and the centre appreciated the offer.

On the motion of the secretary, it was decided to write to the New Zealand Council stating that the centre was prepared to accept a visit from the Australian swimmers, Misses Jean Cocks and Edna Davey,. subject to the dates being suitable, and also suggested that Miss K. be included in the visitors’ team making the tour of New Zealand. The chairman said that the Dunedin Club had written to the City Council drawing attention to the had lighting of the public baths and the discoloured nature of the water. Between the two there was an element of danger, as the lights were too high, and, if any person was in danger, he or she could not be seen owing to the poor light .and the discoloured water. The centre had also drawn the council’s attention to these matters, and it was hoped that it would be successful in inducing the council to make some improvement.—The secretary said he was a frequent visitor to the baths, and heartily endorsed the remarks passed by the chairman.—Mr H. H. Henderson said a chemical should be placed in the water to kill the vegetable growth.—The chairman later said that the town clerk had replied to the centre’s letter, to the effect that the matter was receiving attention, but no improvement had yet been made. About 100 families were represented in the Dunedin Club, and ns the members of these families patronised the baths it was a serious mutter.—lt was decided to again write to the City Council pointing out that the lighting was not sufficient, and asking that the lighting and water receive attention before the Otago championships were decided on December 14. Mr James said it was time the centre approached the New Zealand Council with a view to sending R. Calder, champion diver of New Zealand, on a tour of Australia. The Otago man had reached his limit in New Zealand, and, if a visit to Australia could be arranged, it would place him in a "higher standard. Failing such a tour it c6uld be suggested to the council that an Australian diver might _be induced to come to the Dominion to compete against the champion. Diving* events always proved a big drawing card, pnd the centre had found that the attendances had been large wherever Calder competed.—lt was decided to write to the council and urge the governing body to make arrangements for Calder to visit Australia this season to compete against the Australian champion divers. It was decided that Mr J. L. Macindoe make arrangements for the seating accommodation for the Otago championship carnival. 1 Mr A, Harrod was appointed a judge for the Otago swimming championship, in place of Mr P. Rundle. A letter was received from the secretary of the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Club regarding the provision of launches for the Batt 'Cup harbour race. He stated that! the club had decided that it could not help the centre owing to the treatment launch owners had received from the competitors, officials, and spectators when the race was held last year. There was nothing, however, to prevent the centre from approaching individual members of the club who were owners of launches.—lt was pointed out that, as the swimmers would be conveyed to the starting point by motor buses, only a limited number of launches would he required for the officials, and it was not anticipated that much difficulty would be experienced in securing at least two launches when the owners were approached by the centre’s officers. itie secretary’s action in orderin'*, 36 copies of the Official Handbook was'approved. 1 . J 1 ! 8 Y n . der ; £e , cretflr y for Internal Affairs advised that the centre had been granted permission to conduct an art union in aid of the funds of the centre.