SWIMMING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16405, 20 April 1921, Page 3

SWIMMING.

LUPY LANCER ARRIVES. Mr Lurjv Ranger, thR world-famous «xx irjimer, who is touring tlio Dominion and giving exhibitions of bis prowess, was tendered a civic reception at the City Council Chambers by the Mayor, Dr Thacker, M.P., yesterday afternoon. There xvas a good attendance of prominent local exvimruers and officials, including Misa (J. Shand and Miaa Iv. Jtristed. Dr Thacker said that tlic guest was born in California, and had impressed Ids sxrimming abilities upon the world. Christchurch had already reeoix r cd Miss Bleibtrcy. and it equally warmly greeted Mr Langer, xvho ' r ai heartily welcome, and all. hoped that his stay in Ncxv Zealand would be enjoyable. Mr H. Benson, on behalf of the local pwimmCrs of the Nexv Zealand Swimming Association. also welcomed the guest, and said that tbe object of (he xdsit was to further the education of Xexv Zealand swimmers. The tour xvas not undertaken for profit, and if there were any it xx - as to be placed to the Education Fund. Miss Bleibtrev’s coaching had helped Miss Shand to xvin tlio Ncxv Zealand championship. Tt was the intention of the council to get a coach from America, with the idea of producing a world’s champion swimmer in New Zealand. Lack of funds "•(!« the chief difficulty Mr AV. Sirnes. president of the Canterbury Swimming C'enire. also welcomed tbe visitorMr Langcr. in reply, thanked the Mayor and those present for tlio warm reception, which he regarded as not only for himself, hut for America. There was great friendliness existing between bis country and theirs, and lie hoped that feeling would continue. Tie had been made to feel at hosn* right away, and that made things very pleasant. It proved that the New Zealanders nnd Australians xrere good sports. At the Olympic Games Alias AValdron gave a good account of herself, and it showed what New Zealand could do xvhen if had a sxvirumer xvho could heat Miss AValdron. Swimming w«s something more than a sport, it was 9 means of life-savinr From what lie had seen of the heads of swimming associations in Nexv Zealand, he wan sure the welfare of the snort xvas in good hands. Miss Bleihfcrey had told him o? 'he oleasant time she was gix'en m Christchurch, and .h e was grateful for his •.n-n kind!-.- reception.