SPORTS AT THE TEPID BATHS.
—4 — "SOLDIERS'NIGHT" " _
The filial night of the carnival in connection with tho opening of the tepid- baths in the Boys' Institute took tlie form of a "soldiers' night," the occasion being marked by the presence of a very fine team of swimmers from tho camp at Trentham. The gathering .was presided over by BrigadierGeneral A. \Y. Robin, who said that he felt honoured to preside on .such an oc-> casion, as the batns were going to prove a splendid thing for the children and a booii to the soldiers, who ho " hoped would make full use of them. He was not going to talk patriotism. (Laughs ter). In a. recent "Punch" there was a picture of a company of recruits, witli the usual fiery drill sergeant putting them through their paces. Whilst domg so a small boy waving a flag enters, and being • caught by the sergeant's eye is asked what ho has got there. ''That's ray patriotic flag," answers the boy. "Well, take it out; "we've no time for that sort of thing here!" (Laughter.) "I don't want to talkpatriotism to soldiers—they're it," said General Robin, which sentiment was received with applause. ■ "He urged that the men .in khaki who were in training,•• and Territorials also should make the fullest use of the baths that opportunity offered, for in the future they mi"ht in the course of their duties, have to 1 cross rivers, and being able to swim might mean the saving of their own Jite, that or a comrade, or the reei* ment■ s 'life. (Hear, hear.) The baths would be an aid to thoso soldiers who ■ were recovering and tho sooner they were fit and well again the better; and also to those who would not bo able to otter their services again to their country in a military capacity. They should hum- up and get well, in order to get back to the plough and business, eo as to keep up the output of produce in this country, which was so valuable a factor m this war of attrition. He had much pleasure in declaring "the soldiers' night open. (Applause.) Results of 'tho Sports. ~ The following are tho results of last evening's events:— Soldiers' Handicap (66yd5.).-M'Lean 1; Atkinson, 2; Linden, 3. Winner's time, 49sec. . Atkinson's . (N.Z. champion) time, 39 2-osec. A splendid race. .Won by a touch. Roman Candle Race (66 vards). Each competitor to carry a lighted candle the whole distance.—Won by Thornhiil, who held the candle in his teeth and swam on his back. Musical Life-buoys, for ladies (a variation of musical chairs). —Miss Nolan, 1. Natatorial Diving.—J. Thomas, 1." Teams' Race (66 yards).—Wellington team (0. V. Fordham, F. Roberts, A. M'Carlie, and H. Jenkthson), 1. Time, 2min. 53sec. (Atkinson's time, 4050 c.) Lifebuoy Diving—W. Thornhiil, 1. 160 Yards Handicap (open).—Result of final—G. Dent-, 1; A.. 31. Farnell, 2. Diving Comnctition.—.J. Thomas, 1 E. Bailey and H. R, Hall, 2. Soldiers' Teams' Race (each man tc swim 66 2-3 yards).—loth Engineers, 1 llfh Artillery, 2. During the evening Mr. George Parker, of '.he Hutt Social Club, gave a gymnastic display over the water, whicl K r ® a % appreciated, and served tc show the excellent uso that can he made of the plant installosl in the new baths Mr. Shields also gave a capital display, of trick swimming. His sun-ftowci twist is a very pretty figure, and his porpoise steeplechase as comical as il was clever. Mr. Charley Lansdowne the olown, also went through souk amusing evolutions, and acted tho fislimaftl in the comic interlude whore a fishing party of two meet- with trouble through the voracious assaults of ar ugly denizen of the deep, impersonated by the unflagging Mr.'Shields. Finally tho public wore allowed ten- iniinites ; sport in the water, every minute ol which was enjoyed to the-full. -
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Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2693, 12 February 1916, Page 7
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640SPORTS AT THE TEPID BATHS. Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2693, 12 February 1916, Page 7
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