BATHING COSTUMES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19668, 9 December 1933, Page 16

BATHING COSTUMES

BACKLESS BANNED The honorary secretary to the New South Wales Ladies’ Amateur Swimming Association, Mrs. M. Chambers, of Sydney, who is visiting the Dominion as chaperon to the Australian Olympic swimmers, Misses Claire Dennis and Frances Bult. is indifferent toward backless bathing suits so long as girls do not attempt to wear them in swimming competitions. “Girls taking part in races,” said Mrs. Chambers, “must adhere to the international laws regarding correct attire. The rule is that only dark costumes shall be worn, and these shall not be cut lower than 6in. from the nape of the «neck.” “In Sydney,” continued Mrs. Chambers, “we keep a watchful eye on members of ladies’ swimming clubs, but no girl has ever offended with unseemly conduct or dressing. “Members of swimming clubs learn that a costume is part and parcel of their sport. Unless it helps it is not acceptable. Consequently, the number of extremely backless costumes worn is small. The shoulder-straps of these costumes slip easily, and by doing so, can in the surf spoil a shoot or in a race a speedy sprint down the baths. As in New Zealand, we insist upon girls wearing a cloak to the starting board and resuming it as soon as they leave the water. Cloak I stewards see that the rule is strictly

obeyed. Moreover, competitors clad only in their costumes may not mingle with spectators at a carnival." Mrs. Chambers is well known in Sydney for her active interest in girls’ sport, and for her qualification as a chaperon. She has had charge of numerous girls’ teams representing New South Wales at swimming, and last year was the chaperon of the Australian team that travelled to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.