CORRESPONDENCE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 12000, 18 October 1906, Page 6

CORRESPONDENCE.

Ladies' Swimming: Club.

TO THE EDITOB.

Sir,— On Thursday, October 4th, the Borough Baths, re-opened lor the 1906-7 season, and no doubt it will be as veil patronised as it has been in the pant. Swimming is such a healthy, enjoyable exercise that in spite of the iact that a considerable number indulge in it, the wonder is a still larger proportion of I lie community do not regularly attend the Baths. As regards swimming itself, it has always held a high place in the affections of the youth of Great and Greater Britain as a bodily exercise. Right back to the time of the Elizabethan era. writers encouragingly refer to it. Sir Edward Digby, whose work on swimming, published in 1587, is one of the earliest treatises written on the subject by an Englishman, quotes many examples of gallant deeds, in order, as he &<iyb, to excite his fellowcountryment to learn "this noble and selfsaving exercise." As time went on, enlightened men began to realise the need ot swimming baths, and in 1828 the' Corporation of Liverpool opened a salt-water swimming bath at St. George's Head Pier. However it was not until 1844 that real active steps were taken to thoroughly promote swimming as a national sport, and health giver. In that year a committee met in the Mansion House, and through its activity a Bill was brought in and passed through Parliament and received the Royal assent, the object of which was the encouragement of swimming by meant, of baths, etc. From the parsing of this Bill in 184G dates the commencement of the present swimming epoch. In 1891 the British Life Saving Society was formed, and through its woik, many persons, who would not have otherwise encouraged swimming, did so, and are now doing their utmost to increase public interest in this heathful. exercising sport . Since the great battleship '"Victoria " was accidently ram.rr.ed and sunk, the British naval authorities have become alive to tlie fact that it is neeosary to instruct every sailor afloat in the art of swimming, and energetic steps are being taken to give adequate teaching to the Royal Marines, as ■well as to sailors, who arc taught when on training ships. In the Army official steps have been taken to bring about a genera 1 system of instruction along the lines of the system the German authorities have adopted, while many of th© Volunteer Regiments have their own swimming clubs. The Education Department of Great Britain has consented to its adoption as a form of physical exercise, and it will not be long before ample opportunity will be afforded throughout the nation, to every boy and girl to learn the art ot swimming. In New Zealand in general and Wanganui in particular, swimming has "caught on," and there are numerous swimming tlnbs throughout the land. But one thing is to be regretted, and that is that the ladies do not seem to value it as they should. There should be ladies' swimming clubs everywhere, and an effort should be made to form one in Wanganui at once. Ladies are taught to swim much more easily than men can be, and as it improves their health, increases their strength, and perfects their figure, it is to be hoped they will indulge in it to a greater extent than they have. The local bath will compare favourably with the best baths in New Zealand The water is changed every day and so well appointed and kept that no excuse on that score can be given for non-attendance. Swimming is taught free by the custodian (Mr H. Olds) who has proved himself a thoroughly competent teacher of swimming in all its branches. Some little while back the Wanganui Education Board appointed him instructor to the Girls' College, which proves his capability. He is able to teach ladies swimming in six lessons, so surely no lady can have any excuse, in Wanganui, lor not being able to swim. Then the price of a season ticket for a lady is very low, ss, which is within everybody's easy reach. Of course, every boy and girl and man and woman, should be able to swim in these days, but ladies have, up to date, been so backward that it is time they took increased interest in it. In my opinion a meeting should be called early, and the ladies should form a club, and then with a will set about arranging contests, having their own sports meetings, etc. No doubt some ladies may find that business and other obstacles may prevent their being able to find opportunity to attend at the prescribed times, but if they form a club they could appi'oach the Council, which would, no doubt, do its best to grant them favourable timep, terms, etc. At the- present season has just commenced, now is the time to move, and it is to be hoped that very shoitly we shall hear that a ladies' swimming club lias been formed locally. — I am, etc., NATAIOPt.

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