SWIMMING SEASON

Chronicle (Levin), 11 October 1946, Page 4

SWIMMING SEASON

Levin Club Prepares "Although the membership . this season was not as large as it has been in former years, this was in no way reflected in the club's activities." These w6re the open'ing comments made by the actingpresident, Mr. D. P. Todd, in his report to the annual meeting of the Levin Amateur Swimming Club last evening. There was a good attendance of members and it was particularly pleasing to see a better number of senior men swlmmers present. "The first fine club night was January 29, and it was well attended. Except for a spell of bad weather towards the middle of the season, club nights were well patronised," continued Mr. Todd. "One of the most pleasing aspects of this season's activities was the return of a number of our senior male members from service overseas; conversely one of the most displeasing aspects was the aimost total absence of lady swimmers. "During the season the club received two trophies, one from Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Glover, the other from Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Keedwell, which were donated in memory of their sons, the late Alan GloVei* and "Pete" Keedwell, former club members, who had lost their lives while on service with the R.N.Z.A.F. and R.A.F. respectively, These trophies were awarded to the intermediate boys' and girls' championships respectively. "The death of one of our vicepresidents, Mr. P. W. Goldsmith, is a loss which will be felt not only in the swimming club but also in many other organisations in Levin. "This season our members were fortunate in being able to travel to carnivals outside Levin. Carnivals in which teams represented Levin were Feilding twice, Terrace End, Dannevirke and Municipal, Palmerston North. One carnival was neld in Levin on March 7, and was an outstanding success. Clubs represented were Feilding, Terrace End, West End, Red Cross and Municipal, Palmerston North. An indrcacion of the popularity of . these functions can be gained by the fact that all "available seating and standing space was used. "This year the club championships were in three classes — junior, intermediate and senior. The various races were also altered so that a points system was introduced for each class. The results of the various classes were: Junior boys, R. Spooner; junior girls, J. McClune; intermediate boy, P. Stannard; intermediate girl, J. Phillips; senior men, H. R. Vallance; ladies, Miss G. France. The trophy for the most improved swimmer was awarded to Elaine Ward. This year, in spite of ample petrol supplies, the centre championships were very poor, a great number of races having only one entry. Levin members competed, but managed only to fill minor places and no titles came to the club. "The learners' class on Wednesday evenings was conducted this year by Messrs. H. R. Vallance and J. H. George, with a total number of 32, and of these 88 per cent. could swim a length at the end of the season. More assistance from senior club members will have to be forthcoming if this class is going to continue. On behalf of the club, Mr. J. H. George conducted an instructional class for Convent School pupils every Wednesday morning during the season, and this was appreciated by both the pupils and club. "It would be improper to close the report without thanking the Levin Borough Council for the use of the baths and assistance, and the b'aths custodian, Mr. Taylor, who throughout the season has maintained the baths in first class con.fiition and* has been. most co-opera--tive'with. all club members. . To^tlie ladies and gentlemen who officiated* "at the carnival our deep appreciation is expressed, and to the Press for their assistance." At the conclusion of the report, Mr. Todd referred to the departure for Australia of the club's popular secretary, Mr. H. R. Vallance. Mr. Todd said that Mr. Vallance had been a member of the club since his early childhood, and at the time of his departure was pne of the outstanding swimmers in the Manawatu, having a style other club members could well hope to copy. He was an excellent cluo member and his place would be difficult to fill. Prior to his departure overseas, notice of which was very short, the comrnittee met at the residenee of Mrs. F. Fletcher to say farewell, and on behalf of club members Mr. Todd paid tribute to Barry's work •and presented him with a travelling 'case. Good wishes were expressed for his future success. The election of officers tiien followed and the following were appointed for the ensuihg year: — Patron: Mr. C. S. Keedwell; president: Mr. N. D.„ Tilley ; vice-presi-dents: Messrs.. -H. A. Phillips, W. G. Clark, H. B. Burdekin, H. F. McClune, E. T. Miller, Glover, D. P. Todd, H. J. Jones, H. Denton, H. A. Robertson, J. Irving and Mrs. W. G. Phillips and Miss C. Fretchling; club captain-: Mr. A. Fletcher; vicecaptain: Miss N. Fletcher; secre-tary-treasurer: Miss J. Clough; handicapper: Mr. J. George,; comrnittee: Messrs. J. A. Zuppicich, R. Denton, P. Bond, J. Hayfield and Miss G. France; auditor: Mr. W. Bull-; delegates. to Manawatu Centre: Miss J. Clough and Mr. J. A. Zuppicich. Discussion -took place on the forthcoming Council of Sport meeting to be held in Levin on Tuesday, October*15, and Messrs. A. Fletcher and P. Bond were appointed the club's delegates. It was decided that the subscrlptions remain the same as last year,

men 5s 6d, ladies 4s 6d, intermediates 3s 6d and juniors 2s 6d. These are all reducible by is lf paid by January 31, 1947. On the suggestion of Mr. J. George it was decided to endeavoUrto arrange for ordinary club n-ights to be held on Tuesday and Wednes"day evenings, and that Saturday mornings be set aside for learners and juniors. Mr. George also brought before the meeting the matter of nonswimming adults. He said that quite a number of adults would like to learn but that they felt a little reserved about the matter of learning when their age was creeping on. The meeting decided that something definitely would have to be dorie and further arrangements are to be made. It was also decided to arrange for trips to the Weraroa Farm where the club could put on some races and exhibition swimming.