SWIMMING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19445, 3 November 1925, Page 4

SWIMMING

LOCAL CONTROL ANNUAL MEETING OF WANGANUI CENTRE. The annual general meeting of the Wanganui Centre of the N.Z.A.S.A. was held last evening, the president, Mr F. K. Turnbull, being in the chair. The balance-sheet presented showed a balance at the bank of £9 Ils lOd. Receipts for the year amounted to £7n 16s 4d (including a credit of £27 6a lOd from the preceeding year) and expenditure £67 4s 6d. The principal items of expenditure were expenses of representatives to New Zealand championships £l5 12s 9d, trophies £8 5s 6d, affiliation and members’ fees to N.Z.A.S.A. £l7 17s, handbooks £5. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, Mr Turnbull referred to the fact that the epidemic had practically killed competitive swimming last season. Children were prohibited from attending the baths ami this made it impossible to hold competitions, but he hoped they would meet with better fortune this year. The Centre was represented at the Dominion championships, and the local swimmers had put up a very creditable performance.«► It was unfortunate that the District Championships could not be held. Referring to finance, the president pointed out that the largest, item of expenditure was in connection with sending two men swimmers and delegates (in conjunction with the Royal Life Saving Society) to the New Zealand championships. Gonville Club had borne the expenses of- their lady representative to the championships, for which the Centre was grateful. The report (published below) and balance-sheet were adopted after little discussion. Waverley Club applied for affiliation, which was granted. Mr Turnbull expressed his pleasure at the advent of the new club, and .hoped the Wanganui I clubs would respond liberally on the oc- | casion of the opening of the new club at the end of the present month. The election of officers resulted as follows: —President, Mr W. H. Thompson; vice-president, Mr C. S. Swan; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr Alf. Muller; executive: Mesdamcs Pearce, , Broadhead, Messrs H. R. Jones, 11. W. i Cooper, Bailey, Laws, C. IL Warden I and J. Boyd. Educational officer, Mr R. Blennerhassett; local officer, Nir D. i J. Reardon; auditor, Mr Hague Smith. A proposal that the local • control 1 should be left in the hands of club ' delegates and not to an executive was discussed at some length, and finally a motion to set up a sub-committee to go into the rules and report to a meeting of delegates was defeated on the chairman’s casting vote.

The Annual Report. In presenting the annual report and balance sheet for the year 1924-25, mention of course must be made at once of the infantile paralysis epidemic, which practically spoilt competitive swimming during the season. There is every reason to believe, however, that the incoming season will be a successful one. The membership of the Association stands at eight clubs, a decreaso of six on the previous year, but this is accounted for by the formation of the Taranaki Centre, whose district wat previously part of ours. We wish the Taranaki Centre every success, and are sure that the good feelings which now exist between the two centres will always continue. The New Zealand Championships were held in Christchurch, and we were represented by N. Dowsett, F. E. Boulton, and Miss P. Svenson. Although a small team, it fully maintained their own and tho Centre’s reputation. N Dowsett won the 100 yards Inter Club Handicap, was second in the 66 2/3 Invitation Scratch Race, and third in the 100 yards championship. F. E. Boulton swam second in the 220 yards Breastroke Championship. Miss P. Svenson was second in the 220 yards Ladies Breaststroke Championship. We congratulate these swimmers for their very creditable performances. On account of the epidemic the district championships were not held. It was regretted ttuat the past year was practically a “close season” for primary school swimming, owing to the epidemic. Our educational officer, Mr R. Blennerhassett, is proving a zealous and painstaking officer, and under the trying circumstances did remarkably well by procuring 109 certificates. The details are: Taihape, 10 merit, 15 proficiency, 14 learners, total 39. Aramoho, 16 merit, 6 proficiency, 7 learners, total 29. Clifton House, .13 merit, 8 proficiencieney, 1 learner, total 22. Castlccliff, 4 merit, 6 proficiency, 3 learners, total 13. Durie Bill, 1 merit, 0 proficiency, 5 learners, total 6. Total 109.

Tho military sports were again held and the attendance was large. Captain Wales, who was in charge, gave invaluable assistance, which resulted in a fine programme being got through without a hitch. It was with deep regret the Centre learned that Captain Wales had been transferred to India, as he will be greatly missed at this annual fixture. The Centre places on record its appreciation of his services to swimming in the district. The balance sheet shows a credit balance of £9 Ils lOd. During the winter a dance was held to assist tho funds, which resulted in a profit of £l2 5s o®, besides being a success socially. The thanks of the Centre are again due to the Centre’s executive and the various secretaries and officials of the affiliated clubs. To Mr G. Scoble, and Miss A. Reid, and . committee which conducted the dance: To Mr C. Bryant, our delegate on the council, for his great work on the Centre’s behalf: to Mr Baxter O’Neill, the council’s secretary for his never-failing courtesy and interest in the Centre’s well being; to the Press for its publicity given at all times; and to the baths custodians for their great assistance in the cause of swimming.

The season has every appearance of being a busy one as there is much leeway to be made up owing to the epidemic, and it is sincerely hoped that swimmers will give the game that impetus which will be badly needed through the set back it received.