WILL CHARLTON TOUR?

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 534, 11 December 1928, Page 15

WILL CHARLTON TOUR?

SWIMMING CENTRE ASKS FOR VISIT PERSISTENT AUCKLANDERS The Auckland Swimming Centre is still seeking for a visit from an overseas swimmer this season, in spite of the Weismuller disappointment. The centre is going: to ask its Australian representative, Mr. J. Boatwright. of Manly, to inquire from Andrew Charlton. the Australian champion, if he would consider a short tour of Xew Zealand or a visit to Auckland. The definite announcements that Charlton had retired have not been lost sight of, but the centre holds the view that Charlton would not object to lacing the comparatively easy competition in Xew Zealand. If Charlton cannot see his way to come, he will be asked to suggest some likely Australian swimmer for a Xew Zealand trip. The centre thinks it probable that Charlton will accept its offer. If negotiations by the control for a ; visit by an outside swimmer fall I through, the Waitemata Club is considering making an offer by itself. It has been given permission by the centre to begin negotiations a month from Friday if the centre offer is not accepted. The view is still held in Xew Zealand, particularly in Auckland, that a visit from an outside swimmer this season is necessary to give swimming an impetus. The Auckland Centre led in the Weismuller arrangements and its action in seeking a visit from Charlton is commendably ambitious. The present move was started by the centre chairman, Mr. J. Bnwright. Charlton has been emphatic that he will not compete again and declined firmly to race against his old rival, Arne Borg, of Sweden, who is going to Australia this season. Considering that Xew Zealand competition would not be too strenuous, there is some chance of Charlton's acceptance of the Auckland suggestion.