THE SWIMMING CLUBS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 249, 21 October 1936, Page 4

THE SWIMMING CLUBS

ACTIVITIES AT BATHS 'J lie opening of the swimming season, so far as Wanganui is concerned, seldom brings with it much in the way ol activities at the baths owing to the weather, but from now on swimmers will be getting in plenty of training.

Surprise that Sydney swimming I pools make no provision for nude I natifing was expressed by the man- 1 ager (Mr. A. G. Foote), when North* Sydney Olympic Pool was opened for the season on October 2. •’The only way in which a person can thoroughly enjoy and benefit by a swim is without being hampered and annoyed by a costume,” he said. “Most pools in America, and many on thq Continent Set apart at least one night a week Ifor each sex when people may swim Without costumes.” Were it possible, Mr. Foote said, he would make ar- " rangements at the pool lor those who [ desired nude bathing. Unfortunately hs situation, overlooked by the westera sidewalk of the Harbour Bridge, j tnadc this impossible. Formerly a lieutenant-commander in the Royal Navy. Mr. Foots was invalided out in 1922. and arrived in Australia in 1924. Edinburgh has now the most up-to- ' date open-air swimming pool in the • world. Built at Portobello at a cost I of over £BO,OOO, the pool is of a unique i design, and its accommodation for ! Spectators and bathers, its elaborate . equipment, and its huge size make it outstanding. It was erected by the Edinburgh Town Council and was officially opened on May 30 of this jear. With the thought in mind that the pool was suitable for the aquatic events of the Olympic Games if necesBary at any lime the promoters have made accommodation for 10,000 spectators in a covered and an open stand t>n either side. The bathing pool itself ► ” : ~i- ii\ 150 ft. wide conlainfhg 1,500,000 gallons of water, with an ordinary depth of 6ft. 6in. This can be Increased by a foot or two if required •t any time. By its arrangement, however, the bath makes provision (or all who like the water, and at bnc end there is an artificial beach from which the floor of the bath slopes av. ay gently. One of the most ' Unique features, however, is the pro-

vision for artificial waves. These are • created by the use of a machine, conI sisting of two heavy metal wedges, actuated by long steel arms driven by a 140 h.p. motor. The apparatus can be controlled so as to provide anything from a wavelet to a sft. breaker. Ingenuity has been used in the provision of facilities for night bathing and other attractions. The water will be kept at a warm temperature, and at night it will be flood-lit by a system set behind armoured plate-glass j windows in the walls of the bath. A : radio and public address system has i been installed so that programmes of I music can be provided and micro- • phones in handy position will assist in the running of galas and carnivals. Changing accommodation can cope with 1284 bathers at the same time in bright and airy dressing rooms, and there are even hair-drying machines «for the women, and penny-in-the-slot ' hair cream machines for the men! Rej freshment stalls and large dining i rooms overlooking the pool are other | provisions for comfort, and the size : of the latter will enable it to be used I for large dances if required. * * ¥ • It will come as good news to New Zealand enthusiasts, and especially those in Otago, that the proposed visit of the Australians, Fleming and O’Connor, with Mr. Dudley Hellmrich. the noted coach and swimming authority, is now an accomplished fact, and that arrangements have been completed for the visitors to leave Sydney on November 14, That centres and clubs throughout the South Island have realised the immense benefit of such a tour is indicated by the fact that appearances are to be taken by Nelson, Westland, Canterbury, Temuka, Oamaru, Balclutha, Invercargill. Alexandra, Ashburton, and probably Milton. Wellington has also agreed to take an appearance. The team will make two appearances At carnivals in Dunedin,

but perhaps the most valuable aspect of the visit will be the opportunity coaches and advanced swimmers will have of meeting Mr. Hellmrich and benefiting from his advice. SIMPLE DEVICE REAPS FORTUNE But it wasn’t the inventor who lined his pockets. Run no risks with your idea. Patent it first and protect yourself. Consult us now—fully and confidentially. Henry Hughes, Ltd. (Directors: W. E. Hughes and J. T. Hunter. Registered Patent Attorneys), 214-217 D.I.C. Building, Wellington.—Advt.