AMATEUR SWIMMING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23687, 20 December 1938, Page 9

AMATEUR SWIMMING

MEETING OF OTAGO CENTRE A meeting of the Otago Swimming Centre was held last night, the president (Mr W. A. Jenkins) occupying the chair. There were also present Messrs J. Robert, W. Warren, R. Baker, D. C. Bannatyne, D. Pickard, G. Bode, W. H. Matthews, J. Hogg, B. Kerr, J. McTaggart, J. Hill. G. Peat, E. Sonntag, F. Marrett, C. J. Leeden, D. Watson, D. Thomson and the secretary (Mr E. C. Isaacs). Representative Team The following team was selected to represent Otago at the National intermediate and junior championships to be held at Rotorua in January:— Miss C. Garvin, 100 yards and 220 yards intermediate girls' freestyle; Miss M. Stewart, 75 yards intermediate girls' breaststroke; C. Sell, 100 yards and 220 yards junior boys freestyle and 75 yards backstroke; J. Purdie, junior boys' dive and junior boys' 75 yards breaststroke, Miss M., Strang, junior girls' dive; Miss R. Smith, intermediate girls dive. Miss N. Peat was selected for the 50 yards junior girls' breaststroke, subject to a time trial of 41 SBC Mrs M. McTaggart was appointed chaperone of the team. Local Officer's Report The local officer (Mr D. Watson) submitted his report on the Otago championehips carnival, and congratulated the centre on the success of the meeting. He especially emphasised the fact that several officials had failed to be present, and asked that in future officials who could not attend such carnivals should notify the organiser.—Mr Watson was thanked for his report. Country Championships The secretary of the Alexandra Club wrote inquiring whether town swimmers who would be in Alexandra during the holidays would be eligible to compete in the Country Clubs' Championships. Another point raised by the writer was whether school children whc were actually residen in Alexandra, but who were being educated in Dunedin, would be entitled to compete. —lt was decided to rule against the first suggestion, but in regard the second, to advise that each case would be considered on its merits " Learn To Swim " Campaig The president reported on the conference held between representatives of the centre and Mr P. Coira, who recently visited Dunedin on behalf of the National Committee ol Swimming and Life-Saving Mr Jenkins explained that the first move towards the National Learn-to-Swim " campaign which is to be held during the last week in February, would be the formation of a central district administration committee which would arrange for instructors to visit the country districts, where subsidiary committees would be set up. All expenses ol voluntary coachea would be defrayed by the Government, which would also write to their employers asking for them to be released from their duties and guaranteeing their wages during the period A scheme of coaching had been evohed and would be followed throughout New Zealand, and to this end arrangements would be made for the centralisation of instruction for coaches who would be instructed by teachers touring the various districts under the auspices of the National Committee.—The report was received General It was decided to write to Mr H. Devlin, of the St. Clair Club, conveying the centre's appreciation of the service he gave as instructor during the "Learn to Swim week at Balclutha and congratulating him on his action in rescuing two bathers from the surf at Kaka Point The Balclutha Club wrote intimating that it had abandoned the idea of holding a carnival on Feb-

ruary 20 and instead was applying for a visit from the touring educational team on February 6, 7 and 9. By arrangement, the Owaka Club wished to have the team on February B.—lt was decided to forward the application to the New Zealand Council. . ' „, A letter was received from Mr, I. Mulhern, of Oamaru. requesting the centre to make arrangements for him to swim from Dunedin to Port Chalmers on the day of the Batt Cup race, January 15.—1 t was decided to grant the necessarlv oermission; . . Mr W. Warren, who will leave in January for the Old Country, tendered his resignation from membership of the centre.—The resignation was received, the president expressing regret that the centre was losing Mr Warren's services, and wishing him bon voyage on behalf of the members. A letter was received from the secretary of the Middlemarch Club asking for particulars and specifications for a diving-tower for the newly-constructed baths. —me secretary was instructed to forward the necessary information. Recognition of Services It was decided to recommend to the New Zealand Council that Mr A.Greig be granted a New Zealand honorary blazer.