SWIMMING TUITION DEVICE

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1933, Page 9

SWIMMING TUITION DEVICE

SUCCESS AT HAWEIRA BATHS MR. D. W. COLEMAN’S INTEREST. NEARLY 300 CHILDREN TAUGHT. INSTALLATION AT STATE SCHOOLS. Mr, P- W- Coleman, M.P., Gisborne, took the opportunity while passing through Hawera yesterday to visit the baths and inspect the teaching device for children. This invention of Mr. J. Dowdle, caretaker of the baths, has proved eminently successful; during the past nine months 284 children have been taught to swim, The device consists of a rail suspended across the shallow end of the bath about a yard from the side and six feet above the water. The pupil is strapped in a narrow belt depending from the rail and moving. along on a pulley. Mr. Coleman, who is Mayor of Gisborne, expressed appreciation of the fine work done by Mr. Dowdle. Gisborne was proud of a fine new bathing structure costing about £3OOO. The Hawera invention is installed at Gisborne and good results are expected. Its introduction there is being sponsored by Mr. Anderson, of the Y.M.C.A. The Hon, R. Masters, Minister of Education, is considering introducing the system in all Government schools which have swimming facilities. Mr. Dowdle has not patented his device and few difficulties, beyond the initial cost, appear in the way of general installation. The Hawera figures establish its merit.

The innovation of the patent teacher has had a big influence on the average attendance at the Hawera baths; approximately 300 season tickets are in use.