SWIMMING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 266, 13 November 1935, Page 6

SWIMMING

■ Bi

"Freestyle."

The swimming season in Wanganui can be said to have definitely started with the opening splash at the Wanganui East baths on Saturday afternoon. * * * * Congratulations must be extended to the Wanganui East Club’s Committee on the success which attended Saturday’s arrangements. One of the most satisfactory features of Saturday’s arrangements was the fine weather. Certainly, the Wanganui East Committee must have done well to time the opening of the season so opportunely. A day earlier or a day later—well, only those who experienced the weather here van imagine how flat the opening would then have fallen! Evidence of the enthusiasm with which Wanganui East Club has launched the season was provided in the - large attendance of members and supporters. From the president, Dr. Kenrick Christie, and the secretary, Mr H. Hawke, down to the youngest member of the club there is an evident feeling of optimism for the future of the club that makes the outlook appear bright indeed. A tribute well deserved was paid the executive of the Wanganui East Club by the patron, Mr. A. Btuart, when he remarked at the opening that much of the success of the club’s past season was due to the manner in whic-h the officials had built for the future. Mr. Stuart also showed his interest in lhe club’s welfare by intimating that he would donate a trophy for ladies’ events and another for inter-club competition. The experience of past seasons is that these trophies, when competed for iu the true sporting spirit, tend to maintain interest in swimming. For that reason they are of great value, and there need be no fear that pot-hunting may be suggested Last Saturday’s example will be followed by Wanganui Central and Gonville Clubs next week, for these two clubs announce the commencement of their weekly club nights on Wednesday and Thursday respectively. With the commencement. of these activities the swimming season may be said to be fairly launched, and the early displays may enable club executives to get a “line” on the talent available. At this early stage of the season : t is yet tuo soon to suggest the strength of Wanganui’s representation at the New Zealand senior championships, to be decided at Dunedin in the middie of February. However, it is fairly certain that the centre will be represented at the senior championships, and the junior and intermediate championships at Napier should also find a fairly large team of Wanganui swimmers in action. It is understood that the question of affiliation with the Wanganui Centre, was discussed at a recent meeting oi the Aramoho Swimming Club committee and a decision in favour of the suggestion was made. This should be ail to the good of swimming in Wanganui, and it good deal of assistance for this, the youngest of the clubs here, should be forthcoming. It is likely that the Aramoho Club will be able to support swimming with a membership of close on one hundred, though the majority will be in the junior and intermediate grades. Still, there are the prospects of the suburban elub being developed' into a very healthy body.

Activities at Castlecliff by the Surf section of the Royal Lifesaving Society, are commencing to furnish evidence of the levival of interest in surfing. The life savers are commencing w'ell by placing their “house” in order, and the club-room promises to become a rendezvous of which all members may well be proud. Competitions will be commenced almost immediately, and members are getting into training for the important contests which will be staged at Castie cliff during the summer months. A team will be required for service at the Sandy Hook vegatta on Boxing Day. and another team will be requireu for patrol duty at Castlecliff the, same day, so training and fitness will be essential for the holiday gatherings Service to the public should ensure fci funds. It is understood that a strong junior team will be available as the season progresses. Recently the writer has had occasion to draw attention tu the Wanganui Gentie’s suggested “learn to swim” week. In this connection a note concerning the Dunedin effort, concluded last Saturday, may be of value. Judging by the attendances at tnv Municipal Baths during the past few r days, the centre’s “Learn to Swim” campaign is proving every bit the success that was anticipated, writes “Neptune” in the Otago Daily Times. As usual, Mr. Mathieson’s organisation of the instructional sessions has resulted in tuition being given as efficiently as is possible where facilities are limited, and the instructors are carrying on under conditions that are as satisfactory as could be expected. The enthusiasm c-f Dunedin swimmers and Vheir willingness to assist the sport in every way possible is exemplified by the fact that the call for instructors has brought forward a large band of competent and willing workers, every one of whom is giving of. his or her best. Such demonstrations as have already been given have proved instructive as well as tremendously popular, and there is no doubt that in an effort such as “ Learn to Swim’’ week, displays of this nature <lO much to stimulate a greater interest in swimming and stir learners to attain, as soon as they may find themselves able, a reasonable degree of proficiency. The carnival on Saturday night,‘which will bring the week to a close, has attracted entries that should make it one of the brightest fixtures on the season’s calendar, one race which should be particularly popular being the Novice Handicap, for swimmors under 12 who have never won a race. Several clubs have failed to make a return of membership and other details required for the New Zealand Council’s information. Secretaries should attend to these matters at the beginning of the season as the report is required before the end of November.