SWIMMING

Evening Star, Issue 23684, 18 September 1940, Page 4

SWIMMING

VENUE OF CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING NOTES AND COMMENTS [By Hooker.] Swimming Instruction for Soldiers. On many occasions during the present war the value of even an elementary knowledge of swimming has been invaluable to our airmen, sailors, and soldiers, and for that reason a remit which has been forwarded by the Otago Centre to the annual conference of centres to be held next month should find considerable support. The effect of the remit is for the New Zealand Council to offer to place at the disposal of the Government facilities for the organisation of its clubs and instructors throughout the Dominion on an honorary basis, so that between the time men are called up for military service by ballot and when they enter camp efforts should be made tor the_ systematic instruction of all non-swimmers among them. The proposal should commend itself to the military authorities, for while the men are receiving instruction in swimming they are also being afforded the opportunity of keeping reasonably fit. The success that has attended national “ learn to swim ” campaigns conducted by the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association is sufficient indication of what may be accomplished bv systematically organised group instruction. Without a doubt the men themselves would welcome such opportunity, the experienced members of swimming clubs throughout the country would be glad to offer their services in a voluntary capacity to such a worthwhile effort, and it should be a matter of little difficulty for the military authorities to ascertain the non-swim-mers among those passed as fit for service.

Watermanship Tests. An innovation which_ proved most successful among its junior members is mentioned in the annual report of the Kiwi Club, and it is one which seems designed to increase the interest of the younger members in life-saving activity. This was the holding of watermanship tests for junior members, the comprehensive series of tests arranged by Mr H. R. do Crewe being responsible for

the younger members familiar with all branches of swimming activity, and ie displays given by many of the jui ra when they were examined for the w; rmanship certificates suggests that the move has more than justified its adoption.

University Club Officials. Two former Hawke’s Bay representatives occupy the key positions in tha University Club this season. Secretary is G. L. Gleoson, who as an intermediate represented Hawke’s Bay at tha New Zealand championships some eight or nine years ago and went close to. winning a title. Last season Gleeson wal selected to represent Otago Varsity in the free style events at the Easter tournament Club captain is Pat Fox, front-rank forward in the Varsity A Rugby fifteen. Fox represented Hawke’s Bay at water polo at the national championships, and is a useful all-round performer. Assets to Sports.

Among new members of the Kiwi Club this season are Bob Harvey and Jack Sharpley, both well known in sporting circles. The former played for the Training College in Auckland senior Rugby last year and for Union hera this winter. As a physical training expert he has had wide experience of group instruction, and should be a decided asset to Otago swimming. SharpIcy is a speedy swimmer, and took part in competition in Hawke’s Bay. A brother is Frank Sharpley, the Empira Games representative and New Zealand champion athlete, who is now, with, the military forces.

Venue of Championships. The New Zealand Council has decided that the women’s national championships should be held in conjunction with the New Zealand .intermediate and junior championships, but it seems a pity that it did not also decide on tha location of the meeting instead of referring it to the conference of centres which will not be held until the end of next month, thus giving the centre which is allotted control only limited time to complete its organisation. Tha national men’s and women’s championships were previously allotted to tha Auckland Centre, and the intermediate and junior championships to Taranaki, but the men’s championships have now been abandoned for the duration of the war. Since the intermediate and junior meet is held in January, it may be seen that the centre which is eventually decided upon as the venua for the meeting will be faced with limited time to make arrangements for a meeting which calls for a good deal of effort, sinca the obtaining of billets for visiting swimmers is in itself a task of no mean order, and the Christmas holidays intervene. Another matter which has been shelved is the fixing of tha compulsory dives for the national meeting. Centres were asked for their opinion on this subject, and since those interested no doubt advised the council accordingly it seems a pity that finality could not have been reached in this matter also. The Otago Centre has decided to support Taranaki as the venue for the women’s, intermediate, and junior championships.