QUESTION OF TOURS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 90, 13 October 1934, Page 22

QUESTION OF TOURS

At the moment, it is not known ac to whether there will' be any tours from overseas swimmers of note other than that which is being arranged by the Otago Centre, who propose bringing ov,er a swimmer and diver from New South Wales. Arrangements were being entered into by the Australian Union for a visit from Japanese swimmers and in all probability the invitation will be accepted, although there were difficulties in the way. The New Zealand Council will be alive to the opportunity of also securing a visit should the tour eventuate, but experience has proved that such visits following on- Australian tours have not always been the success they deserved. This is mainly due to the fact that the dates of appearances available' are either too early or too late in the season to suit most centres, and despite the calibre of the swimmers,- a loss has usually occurred. However, should a team of Japanese swimmers be available at a reasonable period, there does not appear to be any doubt that such a visit would be immensely popular and profitable. The exceptionally high standard that the Nipponese have attained in recent years, and the phenomenal success achieved at the Olympic Games at Los Angeles are known the world over, and the people of this country would undoubtedly welcome the opportunity of seeing such stars in action. Information relative to the possibilities of a visit will be eagerly awaited. In connection with the tour which the Otago Centre 16 arranging, the non-accept-ance by the local centre of an appearance is due to the unsuitability of the dates available, November being too early, and the end of December too close to the New Year holidays. The latter date may have suited but for the fact that the majority of possible competitors will be absent from Wellington on holidays. One of • the country clubs may feel disposed to accept the December appearance.