LEARN TO SWIM

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1931, Page 5

LEARN TO SWIM

CHILDREN TO BE TAUGHT. CONCERTED EFFORT IN HOKITIKA. With the object of reaching some definite arrangement whereby the school children of Hokitika might be- ■ come proficient in the art of swimming, a conference was held last evening between officials of the Swimming Uiub and representatives of the Schools. There were present:—Messrs M. Houston (Chairman), A. H. Lawn, V. ’ Bergamini, A. Collett, G. Tomlinson, A. Parkliill, AY. Andrewes, R. Lynn, E. W. Heenan, and M. Houston junr. (Swimming Club), J. L. Menzies and A. Armstrong (representing the State School), and M. McGavin and \V. Stop forth (representing the Convent School). The Chairman extended a welcome to the schools’ representatives. Mr Armstrong outlined the views of the State School Committee, and said that this meeting should now go ahead and finalise the matter. Each class might be taken separately and the lessons, continued until a satisfactory proficiency was attained. He also suggested that one hour daily, say from 3.30 o’clock to 4.30 o’clock be set aside for this purpose. Mr Lawn reported that a number of the old girls of the State School had expressed their willingness to devote an hour each, day in assisting the work. He thought it advisable to arrange hours that would be suitable both to the ,schools and the Club. Mr Menzies said that the best hour for the children at his school would be from 3.45 o’clock to. 4.30 o’clock, as this would not interfere with the ■school lessons. “I am not a great exponent of the art, much to my sorrow,” lie said, “but I will give every assistance and see, that the children have every opportunity.” Mr Stopforth, thanked the Club for • its invitation, and stated that the Convent School would fall in with any scheme that was inaugurated. The proposal needed careful organisation. He thought a good scheme would be to take one class daily, and have certain members of the Club to take the children in hand and give the necessary instruction.

The Chairman supported this idea as it would enable all the classes to receive tuition.

Mr Lynn suggested that the Committee should receive the names of all those who would be willing to offer their services, and arrange a programme accordingly. Mr Andrewes mentioned that one girl bad learned to swim in three days, while others were making good progress. * Mr Menzies suggested that the children be taken, from Standard 111 and upward. The caretaker wa» of the. opmurn that from 4 o’clock to 5 o’clock would bo the most suitable, the baths to be open to adults from 2 o’clock until 4 o’clock, and again from 5 o’clock to 7 o’clock. \ The subject was considered at great Jenpjth, lit being suftested thsjte certain days be allotted to the respective schools, but there was opposition to this idea. It was ultimately decided that the hour between 3.45 and 4.45 o’clock be set aside for the children exclusively, under the supervision of the teachers, free of charge. Mr Lawn moved that juvenile ticket holders be allowed in the baths from 4.45 p.m. till 5.30 p.m. The motion was carried. Mr Lawn was appointed to make arrangements for instructors for the children. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Stop for tli for his offer of a cup for competition among the children.