Attraction Of Swimming Year May Be The Appearance Of Olympian Ngaire Lane

Chronicle (Levin), 2 December 1948, Page 7

Attraction Of Swimming Year May Be The Appearance Of Olympian Ngaire Lane

Most summer sports bodies can make a start even if th'e weather is not all it should be, but the Levin Amateur Swimming and Lifesaving Club is not so fprtunate. It- is a hardy person indeed that can venture forth in weather such as Levin has experienced during the past few weeks, with the result that two postponements of the opening ceremony for the 1948-49 season were necessary before last Wednesdayi If the opening night can be taken as any indication, the prospects are very bright. Highlight of the season might be a visit from the Olympic backstroke swimmer, Miss Ngaire Lane, for the club hopes to be included in the itinerary arranged by the N.Z. association. If Levin is included among the fortunate, she would spend three days here, one day f'or exhibitional pur-" poses and the others for training. Accompanying her would be Mhs Hazel Forsyth, champion breaststroke swimmer and possibly a diver. . Nothing definite is yet known, however, but the club remains hopeful.

On the administration side, the club is ot overstrong numerically, but the youngsters and veterans are keen and have hopes of making up the financial loss created last year by the unfortunate restrictions brought about by the polio epidemic. The Levin club has a long history and some notable personalities have been members and held executive positions. ' It is honoured to have its presi'dent, Mr. W. G. Phillips, elected as president of the Manawatu Centre this season. This is the secon'd occasion that this honour has fallen to the club in recent years and indicates its high status with other tfubs. During the season club nights will be each Wednesday and later on in the season, training will be carried cut on Saturday mornings. Learners also will be taken in hand on Saturday mornings. Water polo is also going to be taken up seriously this summer and should, under expert tuition, develop into a popular sport. Many

club members are keen and others interested should obtaih further information on club nights. The trainer is anxious to start practices as soon as the arrangements are finalised. The club is fortunate at carnival times when there is no lack of willing citizens ready to lend a hand with the extra work naturally involved. The club relies on this work to a great extent but it requires aliso the support of ihe Levin Borough Council. In the past it'has always been helpful, every request being given consideration. The council staff is also most helpful, particu1ariy Mr. P. Taylor, the custodian. The water .in the baths is kept in excellent condition and has consequently been most favourably commented upon by visitors. It is certahdy not the fault of the club or the Levin Borough Council that the proposed extensions have not been carried out. It should be one of the first jcbs started when the cement and sreel restrictionis are lifted.