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Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1929, Page 4

! iik “learn .to swim” movement is being taken up with a good deal of spirit in various parts of New Zealand. Several North Island towns have made ij M-isl arrangements this season to fo-ter the love and desire for swimming. Locally there is the function set down for this evening when a carnival will lie held at the municipal Imths, whereat three lady champions will appear to display their prowess. During the day instruction is proposed to tlie school children, and circumstances perm Iting. there will be further instruction to-morrow. This effort is most commendable and the local enthusiasts ar-’ to he commended upon their enterprise in securing the appearance of the champions here. Probably the public do not realise at the full what is Icing (lone by a few disinterested persons here to keep the swimming organisati u in full operation. The local committee in their self-imposed task have shouldered certain liabilities in the desire* to see the baths properly maintained for their useful purpose. and the results must he very gratifying. A largo number of learners have been brought out and arc now well equipped. It will bo recalled that last season, which was so favourable for swimming, saw the school children doing excellent work. Eoth the boy and girl championships were appropriated by Hokitika. Good work has been done on the foundation which has been laid, and tin* credit for the results is due in the main to the band of enthusiasts who nave taken up the task with so much Most. Coming hack to the gathering set down for to-day. it is an honor to the town to have three lady champions with us. Here again the members of the local club deserve thanks for without thoil - organisation, the visit would not have been possible. The visiting young ladies have earned high distinction in the swimming world, and their merits were so outstanding that they have, the distinguished honor of representing the Dominion at the Olympic sports in Europe. The public to-night will therefore see some outstanding eiiampions in action at the swimming Laths, and an overflowing attendance should result. The value of a knowledge of swimming need not he stressed. It is obvious. Tt has been the

..esire of the promoters here, since the baths were first established, to see the youth take up swimming eon amove. Although great strides have been made, there is still a proportion all too large who have not acquired the art. The townspeople are fortunate in having

tlit* swimming pool so handy. The country folk arc not so well placed, but all wlio can, should lie encouraged to utilise natural or artificial facilities for the teaching of the young to swim. Tlie present visit and to-day’s event, we hone, will stimulate local interest and enthusiasm, and a new born zeal should be created in the desire to learn to swim among the rising generation.