SWIMMING

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 18, 18 July 1924, Page 5

SWIMMING

THE TARANAKI CENTRE. • *-• Vm = ; • ' J PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES. i I Tho pupils of the Primary .School were mustered in force in the School Hall this morning when Messrs W. H. Moyes (President) and Mr F. J. Shearer (Secretary of tho Taranaki Swimming Centre) visited the school. for the purpose of presenting the cer-" tificates of the Association to seventyfive of the pupils. Mr L. J. Fu.rrie, Headmaster, in extending a welcome to the visitors, remarked that it was only recently Taranaki had been a separate centre in this regard, the district having been previously under Wanganui Centre. He referred to the enthnsiasism displayed by Mr Moves who had made a special trip from New Ply- r mouth for the purpose of presenting'* tho certificates. Mr Fiirrie 'further stated that a number of tho pupils who wor© not receiving the New Zealand Swimming Association’s certificates had been awarded school certificates. Mr Moyes expressed pleasure at visiting the school, and as President of the Centre tenedered his congratulations to those who had gained certificates. There were, he said, several who did not compete and he would like to address a few words to those. He was aware that a number of tho children bad work to do, but he was sure their parents would allow them leisure to enter into that class of sport and endeavour to win certificates. Their School was a school which had fine traditions and one which was known throughout Now Zealand on account of the proficiency of many of its ex-pupils in learning and in sport. Several ex-pupils were holding high positions not only ux the Dominion Lint also in other parts of the world. The School was* the first in New Zealand to teach Agricultural subjects, and be remembered many coming from even so far away as tho South Island for instruction. The traditions' of the School should be upheld by them in every way. Another reason why they should g;o in ‘for swimming was from a point of view of good citizenship, because when they loft school they would have to take their part in the life of the communh ty, and in order that they could do so

properly, they must he physically lit, and swimming was the best method of attuning physical fitness. On behalf oT the executive Mr Moyes stated that next year every endeavour would be made to supply instructors. The various certificates were thof}. presented to the winners, the assembled children applauding their successful comrades. , After the ceremony the Chairman of the School Committee, Mr W. Pinhey, addressed those present, and said that they would be glad of the assistance of Mr Moyes. Mr Pinhey drew the attention of the boys present j to the fact that the only representative the Dominion had in swimming at the Olympic Carnes was a lady. He suggested that certificates should not only I>e awarded for distance but also for speed, which lie thought was somewhat going back iu New Zealand*