SWIMMING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20896, 27 November 1937, Page 16

SWIMMING

“ LEARN TO SWIM WEEK ” Round the Clubs (By “Free Style") The "Learn to Swim week,” which is to be held early next month is such a worthy object that it should receive every support from all clubs in the district. There is no doubt that a large number of non swimmers will gladly avail themselves of the opportunity to become proficient in this healthy recreation, and at the same time greatly minimise the risk of drowning throughout the bathing season. As no definite proposals have been made known, I would make the following suggestions: 1. The week to commence on Monday December 6. 2. Children to be in charge of school teachers for one hour each afternoon. 3. Adult pupils to attend between 6.30 p.m. and 7. p.m. at the bath most convenient for them. 4. Each club to appoint a supervisor who will allot two pupils to each coach for the week. There is no reason why each club should not provide 10 instructors which would mean 20 swimmers at each of the three baths in Timaru and should the 60 pupils qualify during the week the result would fully justify the effort. Now that the centre has made a move, it is to be hoped that an enthusiastic committee will be formed immediately to map out a programme to carry out the scheme as it is essential that pupils must learn to swim at the beginning of the season. South End Opening Day The weather was ideal for the official opening of the South End club which was held in the Century baths last Saturday before a large attendance. Mr F. Chittock (patron of the club) welcomed those present who included the mayor and mayoress, South Canterbury Swimming Centre officials and numerous swimmers and officials from visiting clubs. A varied programme of events was carried out in which a large number of visiting swimmers took part. R. Findlay (South End) won the boys’ 25 yards and is a very promising junior. He also showed his versatility by winning the junior dive. Miss Nola Woodward (North End) who did very little competitive swimming last season accounted for the ladies' 33 1-3 yards handicap and this success should encourage her to make further efforts during the year. The Griffiths brothers (South End) were first and second in the men’s 50

yards handicap. Gordan although he just failed to concede his brother Colin four seconds accounted far the other scratch men and will be hard to dispose of in the championship events this season. Colin is steadily improv--lig but is still Inclined to roll too much. Miss M. Shanahan added another breast-stroke event to her list but was fully extended by Miss.N, Manning. The latter has represented South Canterbury on two occasions In this branch of the sport, and with a little more training should produce her best form. The standard of diving during the afternoon was very poor but this may be partly accounted for by the fact that the visitors were not accustomed to the boards. Novel Idea To create competition among members of the club West End have introduced a novel idea in the form of a challenge ladder. Juniors compete over 33 1-3 yards and seniors 50 yards. The names were drawn and each ■Wimmer has the right to challenge. Other clubs should introduce this form of competition. Dan Shanahan had no difficulty in ■tailing off a challenge from D. Parsons whom he beat comfortably. Ron King showed' that he has struck form early by the way he won the 66 2-3 yards handicap at West End on Tuesday. In receipt of one second from the scratch man D. Shanahan the latter could make no impression and Ron won comfortably at the finish. This young swimmer is inclined to mix his swimming too much and although his keenness is admired, it is taxing his strength too much to compete in most events on a programme. North End Club North End’s club night on Tuesday again attracted a large crowd. Numerous races for school children were held under the supervision of Mr 8. Sullivan and were most popular and many of the youngsters showed promise. Marked enthusiasm was shown in the girls learners race which was won by the diminutive swimmer Rae Condon. Her class mates rolled up in full force to cheer her on as the win w.s anticipated. In the men’s 33 1-3 yards handicap. A. Waters (scratch) parrowly defeated Charlie Little (1 second) although not in the first flight these two swimmers are steadily improting. Miss Jean Masters accounted for the ladies handicap from Miss Mary Chapman and judging by the keenness shown by the latter a win is not far off.