TO ENCOURAGE SWIMMING.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 609, 18 February 1921, Page 5

TO ENCOURAGE SWIMMING.

(To the Editor). Sir, —As the time is now near at hand when the residents and ratepayers of Pukekohe will be asked to appoint their Mayor and Councillors for the coming civic year, I would like to bring forward a suggestion that will, I feel certain, meet with the approval of a large portion of members. I allude to the necessity for some provision being made for swimming. I understand that that locality known as “Hickey’s Dam” has been acquired by the Council, and is now the property of the residents of the district. If this is so, would it not be possible for the dam to be used as a swimming bath. The expenditure of a few pounds, the majority of which would be easily obtained by voluntary subscription, would make this locality,/ which is now nothing but a weed bed, into one of the most popular resorts of the district. It is almost unbelievable that a town like Pukekohe, so far from any deep water, should have existed so long without any adequate swimming accommodation. The cleaning of the dam and the provision of swimming accommodation w r ould at once provide a reason for the formation of swimming clubs, the organisation of aquatic sports meetings and the formation of model yacht clubs, all providing healthy recreation for both men and women. Hoping that someone more capable will take the matter up and that immediate steps will be taken in the direction indicated.—I am, etc.,. E.W.W.