Some Pre-View

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 228, 28 September 1935, Page 12

Some Pre-View

Many and varied are the impression one gets at a beach, especially so i that beavh happens to be of the kin patronised by the general public, an

a good sprinkling of holiday-makers; and fully as varied, more so perhaps, are the sights one sees. In the summertime these places blossom forth in a kaleidoscopic, human medley, that for colourful “gloriosity ’ ’ would outrainbow the rainbowist bow tha ever spanned the arching heavens with vision entrancing. Reds vie with Iceland P°PPy similes; symphonies of bine, purple, and gree run their gamut tind min-

plo, and green run their gamut and min golds, bronzes, jades, and flames, while here and there may be observed a few of the more sober tints, such as black, brown and grey, seeming after-thoughts by way of contrast. And almost, if not quite out rivaling the galaxy of colours, aro tho fashions and the forms they adorn. Many figures clad in immaculate cream, in a mixture of ’cream and white, in various tones of grey and brown, and odd in navy, supplemented in some cases with vividly-stripped blazers, lend themselves to the harmony of the scene. Bathing dresses, or in

modern parlance—“swimming togs” easily have the majority, and constitute every conceivable make- But colours and fashions, intriguing as they may be are not the only observable attractions. Far from it! Numerous little episodes, quite unrehearsed, lend variety and prove diverting to the onlooker. Rotund mamas roll on the sand ever and anon lighty washed by rippling foamdipped waves, or find themsellves without apology converted into impromptu “steeds” by enterprising offspring who evidently enjoy their ride. Here and there may bo seen stalwart daddies initating young hopefuls in tho art of swimming, not easy, either; such as when an active imp, caught unawares finds himself in spite of struggles, out of his depth and his “help, dad!” unheeded, but dad is game and young hopeful is propelled through the water to safety and dad ends the first lesson, probably to their mutual relief. Then there are exhibitions of diving, not altogether as it should be done, in fact, in most cases decidedly how it should not be done, but that is a mere trifle. The main thing is to go out of sight in the water, and if arms flail out wide, bodies crumyle all shapes, and logs drift apart, what odds? The water dosen’t mind and the divers are quite pleased. Swimming performances are rife, and style are —well—just styles for the most part. Hero and there one catches a glimpse of what swimming is reall meant to be, or what it can be, and what does it matter? Everyone has has a good time and all appear to be happy. There arc still other things to be observed at beaches. Anglers plying their trade give lessons in patience that would be well worth-while if taken into everyday affairs. Boats, with and without flags, of divers shape dot the watery expanse, and everyone is fancyfree when at the seaside so why wory if at any time one does look or feel like a fish out of water?