SWIMMING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 290, 11 December 1935, Page 4

SWIMMING

By

"Freestyle."

The meeting tu be held next Monday night to discuss the promotion of a ‘ < Learn-to-Bwim ,, Week in Wanganui may yet prove one of the most important in the history of swimming here. In the past, Wanganui has been looked on as one of the strongest centres in New Zealand’s swimming world, am! it can well be asserted that much has been done here to promote swimming. With Norman Dowsett to represent the Wanganui Swimming Centre at the national championships, one at least of the national titles was certain to come this way. However. Wanganui was one of the first ’centres in the Dominion to feel the effects of the depression a decade ago. and for some time those guiding swimming through the difficult times have found their task no sinecure. Now that brighter days are in sight it is well that the centre has arranged that a firm foundation be used for the structure to be erected. Wanganui is well situated to become the leading city in New Zealand so far as swimming is concerned. That citizens here are keen on swimming they have shown in the past in no uncertain manner. At practically every .-»-hool in the metropolitan area a bath is available for the teaching of swimming. In addition, the municipal baths at St. George’s Gate and Gonville are w*dl patronised, and the Wanganui River and the surf at Castlecliff and other beaches have their quota of patron With so much provision for the teaching of swimming and ample opportunitv provided for the instruction of the young while attending school, it must come as a surprise to some that the necessity exists for such activity as a 4< Lear n-to-Swim n Week. Tot it has been demonstrated —sometimes, unfortunately, with fatal consequences—that there are many adults, and not a few children, who are unable to swim. Even those who can only swim a few strokes may be able to save themselves from the danger of drowning should they be thrown into the water by the capsize of a boat or other accident. These may be urged to extend their knowledge and obtain greater proficiency, while those -jvho through varied and perhaps unfortunate circumstances have been unable to obtain a knowledge of this healthful and valuable art may be taught. It will be the privilege of those assisting in next -Monday night’s meeting to arrange for a suitable period during which attention may be concentrated on the teaching of swimming. It is understood that a week toward the latter end of January is favoured by the promoters, and perhaps this may suit the majority. Still, it comes at a time when many people are absent, enjoving their midsummer vacation. The majority of the members of the teaching profession would tips not be available. A week early in February might thus be more suitable, but this is a question which may well be thrashed out at the forthcoming meeting. Whatever is decided on, it may be”taken for granted that the task will be undertaken with enthusiasm, and provided preparations are made on a carefully-thought-out plan, success should be achieved. The Wanganui East Club should have a miniature gala to-morrow night when swimmers from the Central Club will p?v a visit. Some interesting events should *be provided. This evening a team from the Wanganui East Club will be at the Central Club's evening activities, the reciprocity that exists between these two clubs being all for the good of the sport. A decided acquisition to the Wanganui East Club is the joining up of Cyril and Charles Marshall. These two brothers wiM strengthen the Wanganui East polo team, and the suburban club’s polo team should play no small part in the championships this season. Thev have already done solid training. Among the many new members who will be swimming for the Wanganui East Club this season is a promising Christchurch girl in Miss Irene Cordingly. She should reach championship class in the junior grade if she maintains her best form. An application was received at last weed’s meeting of the Wanganui Centre Executive Committee from the Aramoho Swirnminj Club, who were , desirous of affiliating with the centre. This decision will be welcomed by swimmers in the district, for it will strengthen the ranks of competitive swimmers. The Aramoho committee consists of a number of enthusiasts who have built up the club from a verv small start, and the success which has been their portion so far should be a happy augury for the future. The centre could well consider extending even' encouragement to the newcomer as well as to some of the older clubs. If is tn be hoped that, when the centre committee meets again -the

next meeting is set down for Thursday of next week—they will be able to announce the dates of the district championships. This will be of much value to those aspirants for championship honours who are going in for conscientious training now that the weather has been found more in keeping with the season. Judging by the display given by the Surf Section at Castlecliff last, weekend and the large number of members who attended practices during the week, the life-saving teams are going to play no small part in putting Wanganui on the map. The first ru/i-out was held in the presence of a good crowd of interested spectators. Members perhaps indulge in too much arguing as to what positions they shall take up. Surely this is something for the captain to decide, and if there is any grumbling to be done it should be reserved for the club-house. Now that the weather has taken a turn for the best training should go ahead, with the captain chasing the members along and the members attending practice conscientiously. It has been decided that those who do not attend practice shall be asked to resign as the instructors cannot be expected to waste time on those too dilatory to take an active interest in the Surf Section affairs. Training will be carried on at the beach every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30 p.m., and also on Saturdays and Sundays. Although the run-out last week-end was only a trial it. showed that Naylor has not lost much of his sting as a swimmer. Currie turned out to be quite a good linesman with Craig. With a little more practice Congreve will make a first-class reelman. Though young. Gibb promises to he one of the best watermen if he sticks to practice. There should be no lack of beltmen this season for Lowe (a good, strong swimmer), Papps, Currie, Naylor, Craig and Gibb are available. As for landsmen, there are Congreve (reel or line), Buy, Robinson, Brewer and Goffe. If Newman shows up at practice he will make a first-class captain for the juniors. Captains should set the other members an example in turning up to practice. Judging by the attendances registered at the Gonville Club nights, keen interest is being taken in the activities of the suburban club. Among visitors last week were Mr. and Mrs. G. Watts, of the citv baths, and C. Thrush, a Central Club stalwart. Among those showing good form at Gonville as a result of daily training are Mary Gardner, Margaret, Merewether, Frank Donaldson, Eric Mansen and lan Forrester.