Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSEDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1901. THE SWIMMING CLUB.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 14 February 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSEDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1901. THE SWIMMING CLUB.

The swimming matches which took place yesterday were very successful, and should not be allowed ta pass without a few words in support of their continuation. For many years past efforts have been made to estabv lish swimming classes in this district, and once or twice these efforts jjgre crowned with temporary succosJlßm no previous occasion, howeveWFas a start so favorably or so generally 1 supported by capable enthusiasts in the cause as at present. It is sincerely to be hoped that the fate that overtook previous efforts will not follow, that the officers will not tire of doing well, but will continue their educational efforts—for such they certainly are—in teaching the rising generation to become expert swimmers. In a colony like New Zealand, where there is so much travelling about, necessitating the crossing and recrossing of unbridged river, it is essential that every youth should be enabled to make his way in the water as well as on the dry land. There is one reason why we think the present Swimming Club will be a lasting one, and that is that while controlled by capable and sensible gentlemen, it has enlisted the sympathy of the rising generation without which it was bound like its predecessors to ultimately succumb for want of support and lack of interest. The Club having practically thrown open its doors to youths, has thereby ensured a constant enfusion of young and enthusiastic members. Doubtless many of the lads will after a season or two Bnd when they are thoroughly master of the art, drop out, but their places will year by year bo filled by young aspirants anxious to learn swimming. Of course the difficulty to be apprehended is from the older and controlling members, who may in time tire of their self imposed task, but so long as we have such an enthusiast as Mr. Hamilton and such a staunch and persistent supporter of athletic exercise and healthy bodily development as Mr. Broad, wo need have little fear on this score. Wo trust that they and the Club will meet with all the encouragement which such an institution deserves, and that the local bodies and public of Greymouth generally will show their appreciation of the good work being done, by according them the most liberal and hearty support.