SWIMMER ATTAINS JUBILEE IN SPORT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 43, 20 February 1931, Page 11

SWIMMER ATTAINS JUBILEE IN SPORT.

It does not often fall to the lot of an individual to attain, a jubilee in sport, but Mr Walter' Johnson, of Rangiora, is one who lias been actively associated in swimming and life-saving through that period, he being one of the foundation members of the Christchurch Amateur Swimming Club formed in September, 1880. During these fifty years Mr Johnson has filled every office in the sport with credit and honour. No doubt his outstanding achievement was in being inter-club handicapper to the Canterbury Centre for over twelve years during the period that swimming in Canterbury was at its highest peak, when it is estimated that Mr Johnson adjusted over 20,000 handicaps. The blubs in those days numbered twentyone, and the entries frequently numbered upwards of 400 at successive carnivals. ' In his official capacity the position is unique, he having been secretary to the Canterbury Swimming Centre, New Zealand Council and the Royal Life Saving Society on its formation by the late William Henry, founder of the Royal Life Saving Society (England). Mr Henry toured the Dominion in 1910, and formed in each centre a branch of the Royal Life Saving Society. Mr Johnsop, at that time being secretary of the Canterbury Centre, was of great assistance t,o Mr Henry, as he formed classes and held a number of competitions and made awards in all bi-anches of the society work, in which a great number of Canterbury swimmers gained certificates, awards of merit, bronze medallions and diplomas. In 1895 at Napier Mr Johnson was awarded the Royal Humane Society’s medal and certificate for saving life. In 1911, following on Mr Henry’s visit, Mr Johnson was the accredited representative of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association at the Festival of Empire Sports held in England, and while there was the guest of the Royal Life Saving Society and was elected a member of the executive and pi’esented with the society’s badge by Lord Desborougli in the presence of one hundred and forty delegates from all parts of England. Malcolm, champion of Auckland, was the swimming representative and the late Ronald Opie the athletes’. The Empire Cup was won by Canada. Of recent years Mr Johnson has re[HHSesSIHIIieSSHSiSHSEIffIIISi

sided at Rangiora, where he has entered into the sport of swimming and given it a great, impetus, as is proved by the number of school children that patronise the baths daily. The resuscitation of the Rangiora Swimming Club, too, is another of his successful efforts and is a splendid result of his fifty years of association with swimming, as he is just as keen as ever in encouraging the youngsters to learn as well as the adults. Daily Mr Johnson is to be seen in attendance at the baths. E®® ® S 3 @® ® ® ©H® ® ®Hi® ® ® ®IS 0