SWIMMING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 173, 31 October 1910, Page 7

SWIMMING.

NOTES BY '• SPLODGE." For the last month and more the baths anil beach have been patronised by a few early enthusiastic swimmers, but as yet, on account oi the changeable weather, the great number of regular swimmers —who are yearly increasing—have not begun their daily dip in earnest regularity. From present indications, however, it looks as if the number of beach campers is to be larger than evei this year. The local swimming club was rather late in holding its annual general meeting of members, but the same remark applies to all the swimming clubs in Taranaki at least. The local club has a change in its captain and its secretary this year, and the officers retiring from these positions will both be greatly missed. Mr. H. Stockcr, who has held the position of captain for several years past, has done a great deal for the club and the sport generally, and his retire- ] ment was accepted with general regret. I was very pleased to see the club show , its appreciation of his services by elect- j ing him a life member, an honor not often conferred by the club, but one which in this instance was entirely deserved. The retiring secretary, Mr. Dixon, also held office, though not continuously, for several seasons, and I am glad to sec the club still retain his services as a" member of the committee. A new club has been created in Taranaki, at Eltham, where baths have been completed. It intends to open the season with a sports meeting early in November, and it is to be hoped that a good number of the swimmers and members of neighbouring clubs will endeavor to be present to welcome the new club into the fraternity. What promises to be the most important event for New Zealand swimmers for the year is the expected visit of a erew from the Manly Surf Club, Sydney. It is anticipated that the champion crew of New South Wales, led by Cecil Healy, captain of the club, and sprint champion of Australasia, will make the trip. A guarantee of £2OO is required from New Zealand to ensure the trip, and this should be easily forthcoming. Given only fine weather, there should be no financial risk attached to the venture.

Another visit of interest is that of Mr. Henry, from England. His trip to Australasia is on behalf of the Life Saving Association, and no better man could be found to make the tour. We hope to be able to welcome him to New Plymouth before the vear is out.

The visit to Great Britain and Europe of F. E. Beaurepaire, the Australasian distance champion, has been and is as successful as could be wished. He has almost easily defeated T. S. Battersby, the English champion, and has even beaten the greatest sprint champions at Home. A swimmer like Beaurepaire, who has put up such performances in distance events, from 220 yards to a mile, as well as broken (10 sec. for 100 yards, is nothing less than a marvel and entitled to rank among the world's best of any period. Judging from the performances of the New Plymouth West End School children "f last year, we have plenty of budding champions among us. Congratulations to them all, anyhow. The West End girls, too, are coming to the fore in polo as well, and have formed a club. Long, life and success to them!