DISAPPOINTING YEAR

Chronicle (Levin), 7 September 1948, Page 4

DISAPPOINTING YEAR

Polio. Limited Swimming Club's Work Preparations for what it ^nticipates will be a bright and iuccessful season were. made by the Levin Amateur Swimming and Lifesaving Club \ at its annual meeting last night. Considermg the limited activities of the club' last season, followng the • paralysis outbreak, the attendance was good, while piarked enthusiasm was displayed. Annual Report Just prior to presenting his annual report, the retiring president, Mr. D. P. Todd, extended a hearty welcome to three of the club's / staunchest supporters, Messrs.. H. J. Jones (life member) , C. S. Keedwell and G. E. Glover. He also commented on the smaller attendance than last- year, but pointed out that the aehool holidays and the recurrence of the poliomyelitis epi^emic were undoubtedly responsible for it. "The past season was* unique in that practically no organised swimming activities were possible," said Mr. Todd in his report. "Early in the season cojisiderable keenness was displayed by members, and trainng at club jjights was undertaken by a promising number of swimmers. Late in November, however, the poliomyelitis , epidemie caused a heavy falling off in attendance, especially among juniors, and when in Deceihber all public baths were elosed to children the swimming activities of the club came to a standstill. Unfortunately, the epidemie continued throughout the summer months and this club, in common with' most other swimming clubs in the North Island, had to abandon all competitions and other club meetings.

"A small loss nas oeen maae on> the year's accounts, but under the| circumstanbes this is to be expected. The club has lost-a stalwartsupporter in the departure from Levin of Mr. o J. George# Mr. George has been one of the club's staunchest supporters for a number of years and his help, /particularly as a coach and instruetor, will he greatly missed. The club, however, wishes Mr: George every success in his new business venture, at Matamata. "On December 9, 1947, an evening was held in St. Mary's Hall, when a film on the 1946 New Zealand championships was shown, together ■ with other general interest films on swimming. The : screening was made possible by the generosity of the Levin Film Society, to whom special thanks, are due for their efforts in this' respect. Unfortunately, due_ again to the poliomyelitis restrictions, the junior and intermediate members ■ were not able to see the films, and it was hoped that it would be possible to have a rescreening at some date when the restrictions ceased. Finally, I trust that 4 the , club,after its year of -ih'activity,":wiil comrnence' the 1948-49 season with renewed vigour. As Levin has a growing population, the town should produce a strong swimming club and this should be the objective of its members. I aip sure that with the continued support of the senior members, and with training and increased club competitions this objective- can be soon achieved. The balance sheet, presented by the retiring secretary-treasurer, Miss J. M. Clough, showed a credit balance of £44 19s ld, a loss of £3 18s ld on the year's working. This was entirely due to the lack of financial members last year; commented Mr. Todd. He indicated that this. in turn had bqen brought: about: by . the poliomyelitis restrictions.' However, he was sure the club could make . up the deficit quite easily. Officers Elected Officers elected for the ensuing years are as follows: — Patron: Mr. C. S. Keedwell; president, Mr W. G. Phillips; vice-presidents, Mrs. W. G. Phillips, Miss C. Frechtling, Messrs. D. P. Todd, H. B. Burdekin, W. G. Clark, H. A Phillips, H. F. McClune, G. E. Glover, H. J. Jones, H. Denton, H. A. Rohertson and J. Irving, and Dr. E. T. G. Miller; club captain: Mr. A. Fletcher; vice -captain: Miss J. McClune; secretary-treasurer: Miss L. Franklin; handicapper: Mr. R. Denton; committee: Misses P. Wills, A. -Denton and J. M. Clough and Messrs. I. Bond, J. Hayfield and W." and D. Batten; delegates to Manawatu Centre: Messrs. A. Fletcher and W. G.- Phillips; auditor: Mr. W. Bull. . ^ The meeting elected Meskrs. C. S. Keedwell and G. E. Glover as life members' of the club. The president paid tributes to these two members' services over many years. " • . ■ ' Mr. Keedwell said that he deeply appreciated the honour bestowed on him. His remarks were endorsed by Mr. Glover. The club placed on record Its appreciation of I#iss Clough's service as secretary-treasurer. General Matters Subscriptions for the coming season will remain the same as for last year, viz., ladies 5s, men 7s 6d," intermediate 3s 6d and juniors 2s 6d. The matter of a coaeh for the club was raised by Mr. D. -Batten, who pointed out that at present there was very little control over the • members' training. It .was decided to recommend the . committee to approach. Mr. N. D. Tilley and ask him to consider taking this offi.ee. The question of opening dates

and elub nights was left to the committee to qttend to. He had beeh approached by a member of the Waitarere Beach Progressive Association in regard to, the formation of a beach lifesaving club, said Mr. A. Fletcher. There were, he considered, two main difficulties, namely the problem of transport and the time factor. The two clubs would be poles apart, said Mr. phillips. There would be no harm m giving the club's. support to it, he added. It was decided to leave the matter over in the meantime. i . • , ' l .