WATER TOO COLD.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 342, 25 January 1937, Page 4

WATER TOO COLD.

SWIMMING AT DAM. Programme Of Club Events Abandoned. “You’ll do penance for that,” exclaimed >a girl spectator at Nelson’s dam on Saturday afternoon when a competitor In a race arranged by the Stratford Swimming blub made a forcible remark on the coldness of the water. However, there was some reason for complaint. A keen vzind was blowing, and this, combined with the low temperature of the water, was responsible for the sma’l number ot competitors and the consequent abandonment of the afternoon's programme. Another factor that was responsible for the lack of patronage was the counter-attira<3tions of tennis and cricket, but there is*no doubt that under more pleasant conditions this effort of the club to continue activities while the school swimming baths are under repair, would have been highly successful. Tlie only event held was a 50 yards race for men. and there were three starters. A junior who was offered a good start declined to make theß plunge despite the eucouragemept otl lady onlookers. Conditions for the race were almost akin to a harbourswim, the wind whipping the waters of the dam. Taking off from the concrete wall at the eastern end, the swimmers headed into the flow of choppy waters. F. Wickham was the winner and the second and third places were Ailed l>y Taylor and A. Robson. Mr A. G. Petria was handicapper, starter and judge. On two previous Saturdays, the club had arranged for events to be held at the dam, liut on. both occasions rain necessitated postponement.