SWIMMING IN SCHOOLS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5507, 29 November 1929, Page 4

SWIMMING IN SCHOOLS.

DOMINION RESULTS. KARANGAHAKE DOES WELL. The report of the N.Z. Amateur Swimming Association on educational work in schools for the 1928-29 season states :— "The certificates issued last year totalled 15,836, an advance of 2878 on the total for the previous year —itself a record at that date. This total comprises 3437 certificates of merit (3069 last season), 4854 proficiency certificates ,3752 last season), and 7545 learners’ certificates (6137 last season), distributed among 490 schools (373 schools last season). The number of schools represented is an easy record. This year’s total brings the number of certificates issued since the inauguration of the scheme to 90,459.” South Auckland Centre ig credited with 1724 certificates, the third highest on the list. The previous record for this centre was 587. Also 72 schools were represented, a figure that passed any other centre record save that of Auckland. The Davies Shield was won by Te Werenga School (Auckland) with the remarkable percentage of 125. The number of certificates gained was more than the attendance of standard pupils at the school. Twenty-two schools qualified for the Special Certificate, the number of certificates gained having been more than 50 per cent, of the average attendance. In this list Karangahake came fifth in the Dominion, with six certificates, representing 84.8 per cent. Taking into consideration the lack of real facilities at that township for bathing, this must be taken as a most outstanding and creditable performance, one of which any school could be justly proud. Paeroa School, too, has a record to be proud of, as the 1928-29 season was the first time it could enter for the certificates, previously there being no baths or place where instruction could be given to the children. Now that Paeroa possesses such a splendid swimming bath, and such an enthusiastic and strong amateur swimming club, there is no reason why the local school, now that it has a fair chance, should not break records during the next year. At least this would seem probable, judging from the success gained in its initial attempt. Local Results. Results of local interest were : — School Merit Prof. Learners

Davies Shield. The conditions relating to the competition for this shield have been altered, and now read as follows :— “The shield shall be awarded on the largest number of learners’ certificates earned in proportion to the average school attendance of Standards 4,5, and 6, excluding proficiency and merit certificate holders and those who for special dr medical reasons are debarred from swimming. And children of lower standards qualifying for learners’ certificates are to be included without any reference to the average attendance of the lower standards.” Teachers should note that learners’ certificates alone count in the competition for the shield. These certificates count, irrespective of whether they are gained in the lowest primer or highest standard. The standard of calculation is the proportion of learners’ certificates to the average attendance of Standards 4,5, and 6 (after deducting from such average those who hold proficiency and merit certificates and those who, for medical or other reasons, are debarred from swimming).

Paeroa D.H.S. 11 34 52 Tauranga 33 49 74 Waihi D.H. 1 22 50 Waihi South — — 23 Puriri 11 10 14 Taneatua 3 8 14 Katikati Central 4 10 8 Katikati No. 1 — ' — 5 Hikutaia — 8 10 Karangahake — — 6