SWIMMING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 39, 10 February 1912, Page 5

SWIMMING.

A meeting of the Committee of the F.ltham Swimming Club was held last night. Some ordinary business was transacted and it was decided to hold a gaslight carnival in the baths on_the night of Tuesday, February 27. a Committee consisting of Messrs Barnard, Stunners, Fife and Roxburgh being appointed to draw up a programme and report to a meeting to be held next Tuesday night. Championships for boys and girls attending public schools will lie decided in Wanganui on February 24th. Entries close on February 21st. The Centre has notified the headmasters of the schools of the district that lists of children for whom certificates are required should be received by the Centre before March 31st. A carnival under the auspices of the Hawera Ladies’ Club will be held on February loth.

A meeting of the committee of the Stratford Club was held last evening. The chief business was to arrange for a big open carnival, but the chief matter, fixing a date, had to be left over. At present appearances point to March 6tli being the date to be chosen, and in view of this it is proposed to have a local afternoon carnival at an early date, so that swimmers will not come to think that they have been altogether forgotten. Several additions wore made to the programme as compared with last year.

A dive for boys was included, as also was a 50yds maiden race. This latter, a handicap race for those who have never previously won a race, should be popular among those who have grown out of boys’ races and are sJmcwhat diffident about engaging in local or open men’s races.

Another iioav feature Avas the distribution of the prizes in ' each race, which matter Avas thoroughly discussed. As far as avus possible Avith tho funds available the number of prizes in each race was increased, though in some cases tho total prize money Avas not increased. ■'

It is particularly to lie noted that there are three prizes in the two boys’ races and in the maiden, and two prizes in the boys’ dive.

While acting thus generously by the younger members the club had to consider its OAvn financial interests, and inserted a proviso covering the races with three prizes that certain numbers must face the starter or no second or third prizes Avill be awarded. The committee also considered the matter of the Handicap Cup, which was advanced a stage, and Avill be further considered at a meeting to bo held on Tuesday next.

At that meeting the question of encouraging lady swimmers will also be discussed.

A feAv enthusiasts (both ladies and gentlemen) patronised the baths during yesterday afternoon’s rain,' and wore rewarded Avith a highly pleasant SAvim.

The mile championship of the New. Plymouth Swimming Club will beheld at the baths about the 2nd March. Mr. E, Pfankuch, who has won the event twice in succession, is coming to New Plymouth to endeavour to win it outright by annexing iI, for the third time. Since he left this town Mr; Pfankuch has been instrumental in forming a swimming club af- Blenheim with ii membership of over 200. • ' 1 , . The women of Wanganui are'agitating for the construction of a swimming hath for women only. A petition has been presented to the Borough Council with the object in view.