SWIMMING.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18073, 11 January 1921, Page 6

SWIMMING.

MISS BLEIBTBEY. TBS WOBLD'S CHAMPION IADT SWIMMER. CIVIC RECEPTION AT WANGANUI. That Wanganui folk fully appreciate good clean sport was fully demonstrated yesterday afternoon, when the Boreugn Council Chambers was filled with local residents anxious to meet Miss Bleibtrey, the world's champion lady swimmer, and participate in a town welcome to this distinguished young woman fresh from the olympiad with a handful of the world’s coveted honours. Miss Bleibtrey was accompanied by her mother, and Mrs Batchelor, manageress of the Dominion tour, and representative of the Council of the New Zealand Swimming Association. All forms of sport were represented at the gathering. The Mayor, Mr T. B. Williams, extended to Miss Bleibtrey and those associated with her a very cordial welcome to the town of Wanganui. fie referred to the very great achievements Miss Bleibtrey had made at Olympic, and he felt quite satisfied that her demonstration of swimming at XX anganijj would stimulate the art of swimming and. life-saving here, and that New Zealand generally would greatly benefit as a result of the visit of this gifted young American. „ , Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P.. spoke of the wonderful development of sporL- and the beneficial results it was having on the world generally. He welcomed Miss Bleibtrey as an American, and he felt confident that these visits of prominent citizens of the United States would have the effect of bringing the two countries closer together.' Mr X eitch referred to the splendid sport of swimming and the great need there was in this town to give it every encouragement. , Cr. J. Aitken also spoke, after which Miss Bleibtrey in a fine speech gave an appreciative acknowledgement of the kindness which had been bestowed upon her and her mother. She was charmed with XVanganui in particular, and the people of New Zealand generally she had so far met. Auckland had been wonderfully kind to her. Mrs Batchelor, on behalf of the Council of the N.Z.A.S.A.. thanked the citizens of XVanganui for the very cordial welcome extended to Miss Bleibtrey by the Mayor. She said Miss Bleibtrey came with great honours, and she advised the young people of XVanganui to be sure and attend the Olympic Gala arranged by the Wanganui Centre. The Town Clerk, Mr Murch, presented each of the visitors with a copy ol XVanganui illustrated.

IN THE BATHS. Miss Bleibtrey had a swim in both the Avenue and Corporation Baths yesterday, and enjoyed the dip immensely. She is in fine form and the crowd who attend to-night’s carnival will be astounded at the speed she can attain in the water. , The secretary, Mr Alf. Muller, and the officials of the Centre have everything well in hand for to-night’s carnival, which commences at 7.30 o’clock, and judging by the inquiries for tickets, the Avenue Baths will be jammed and patrons mav be requested to '‘squeeze a little closer together than usual, so that, nobody might be debarred from seeing this world’s greatest lady natorial artist.