SWIMMING PLANS

Hokitika Guardian, 20 December 1930, Page 8

SWIMMING PLANS

MISS MERCEDES GLEITZE. WELLINGTON, December 18. , Unless bad weather interferes with her attempt Miss Meroede s Gleitze, the famous long-distance swimmer, will set out on her Cook Strait swim on February 9. , If the weather is bad’ the swim will be postponed until February 2q. The swimmer is waiting until the sea is at its warmest.

In making these dates known to-day Miss Gleitze said they were not absolutely final, but she .had made full, inquiriies and it was unlikely that afy. thing would upset them. During the two days which have elapsed since her arrivel she has been interviewing those who have the best knowledge of the conditions in Cook Strait. She has spoken to Captain O’Neill, Mr J. T'ait, fishermen, harbour board employees and others. February 9 is the date of the first neap tide in the month, Miss Gleitze explained, and February 25 that of the second. Neap tides were best for such swims; because during spring tides the weather and surface of the sea were liable to change easily. Currents were strongest at spring tides and if there was any wind the sea easily became choppy.

Miss Gleitze’s boatman will lie Mr J. Tait, ; who has had considerable experience of Cook Strait. There will be a crew of five, in addition to those whom Miss Gleitze invites as witnesses. Including, friends and members of the Press she will probably have eighteen witnesses altogether. The swim is to begin from the North Island.