SERVICE TO SWIMMING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 177, 29 July 1932, Page 8

SERVICE TO SWIMMING

PERIOD OP THIRTY YEARS MR. H. W. COOPER ENTERTAINED Members of the Wanganui Swimming Centro foregathered at the residence of the president, Mr. C. R. F. Tilley, Gonville, last night for the purpose of bidding farewell to Mr. H. W. Cooper on the eve of his departure from Wanganui to take up farming. Apologies were received from several who were unable to attend, and there were a number of messages conveying appreciation of the value to swimming of Mr. Cooper’s services. During the evening Mr. Tilley asked Mr. Cooper to accept, as a small token of esteem from the swimming community, a handsome antelope-leather tobacco pouch, which, he assured the recipient, would enable Mr. Cooper to enjoy many a happy smoke and many a happy memory of Wanganui friends. Speaking from a lengthy experience of swimming affairs in Wanganui, Mr. Tilley said that he could safely assert there was no figure better known in swimming circles than that of Mr. Cooper. As president, vice-president and committeeman on the Wanganui Centre, their guest had rendered yeoman service, and it was principally due to his efforts that Wanganui swimming activities were maintained during the war period, when the junior championships were held by the Wanganui Centre. Mr. Cooper’s services were always freely given when a starter was required for a swimming carnival; his valued counsel was ever available at meetings of the executive council or when a difference arose over the interpretation of the rules of the national body; his advice was always of value to the learner or to the swimmer in training for one of the important events. Tn Mr. Cooper, concluded Mr. Tilley, Wanganui had been fortunate in .having a man whose enthusiasm and energy had done so much toward building up a strong swimming complex in a community noted throughout the Dominion for the support afforded the natatorial art. Other speakers added their tribute to that of the president, after which Mr. Cooper feelingly returned thanks. Ho had always been pleased to be able to do his share toward the advancement of swimming affairs, he said, and during the thirty years of his association with the swimming centres of Wellington and Wanganui he had, he hoped, been able to do his share. But it was not to win any material reward or to gain the applause of the crowd that he had worked. His aim had ever been to do something that would benefit swimming in Wanganui and also, if possible, throughout the Dominion. If his happy association with swimming affairs in Wan ganui had enabled him to benefit even a few of the many actively interested in swimming, then the pleasure he felt was ample reward. He had, he said, received such valuable assistance from those with whom he had been associated that his task had always been lightened. He concluded by thanking members for their gift and assuring them that his services would always bo available in swimming activities if he should be called upon. A dainty supper was provided by Airs. Tilley, and the gathering dispersed after according Mr. Cooper musical honours and singing “Auld Laug Syn*.’* COMPLIMENTARY DINNER SPORTS BODIES’ FAREWELL A well-attended meeting of representatives of sports bodies was held at Cr. C. 8. Swan’s office last evening to consider entertaining Air. H. W. Cooper prior to his departure from Wanganui. The conveners were Messrs. W. 8. Corby and Swan. Air. Louis Cohen was in the chair. After discussion of suggestions and the assurance of support from several sports bodies whoso representatives were unable to attend, it was decided that a complimentary farewell dinner be tendered Air. Cooper at the Imperial Hotel to-morrow night, when tang ible recognition would bo made of his services to the sports bodies of Wan ganui. Representatives of all sports bodies are invited and friends of Air. Cooper will also be welcomed.