SWIMMING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 177, 5 November 1910, Page 7

SWIMMING.

(By "Splodge").

On Thursday afternoon the new Eltliam Swimming Baths were opened in the presence of a large attendance of spectators. Seven girls and Mrs. Morris, from New Plymouth, went down to swim, but no girls' races were held. Mr. A. €. Maxwell was the only member of the X.P.A.S.C. present, a?id he gained a first and a second prize for divii!^.''The spring board was unfortunately broken during the day, and thus prevented the girls' diving competition taking place. The diver wlio.se too solid flesh was responsible for the break narrowly escaped seriously injury, and, in fact, had 'his leg cut. rather painfully. By a press telegram we see that "the first long distance race held by the Christchurch Ladies' Swimming and Life-saving Club was swum on Thursday in the municipal baths. There were six competitors, five of whom swam over one mile. They were one hour and a quarter in the water, and the majority could have done another hour's swim. The race was won by Mrs. V. Buchanan, with a mile. 1173 yards (gold medal)', the second being Miss Poulter, 1 mile 1107 yards (trophy)." We will have to see to it that the news is flashed around next time the West End schoolgirls do their three miles "without turning a hair."

With the advent of warmer weather the attendance of swimmers at the baths is increasing, and those who indulge only in surf-bathing are also flocking to their favorite strip of beacli in larger numbers. At this time of the year the daily dip ought to be the usual thing, but the whims of the weather-god have to be considered this year. In swimming circles just at present the great event is the coming visit of Mr. Win. Henry, founder and present hon. secretary of the Royal Life-saving Society of England. Mr. Henry in 1880, 1881 and 1882 won the quarter-mile championship of England and in the latter year also the long distance (5Vs miles) championship. Since then he has won over 600 prizes on the Continent. Not a bad record, surely, and one that shows that our visitor i$ a man fully competent to talk on swimming generaly. To "Natator's" notes in the Sydney Referee I am indebted for the following paragraphs: — Chatting about Beaurepaire's visit to England, Mr. Henry said that in the way of actual wins the young Victorian had surpassed anything previously" accomplished by an Australian swimmer; but the late Barney Kieran's name was still in front with records. He thought Battersby was the present native English comer. Taylor had gone off. Hungary's amateur champion, .Las Torres, gave Beaurepaire a greater go than did anyone else. In a high - tension 400 metres race Beaurepaire won by two yards only. Mr. Henry also states that he considers Beaurepaire a better all-round man than Kieran was, and that he is possessed of more stamina.

Here is something that will surely surprise the oldest swimming inhabitant in Australasia. Mr. Henry is reported as having said: "In the early days you had to tell people quietly that you were a swimmer. The swimmers then were a rough lot. When I competed in open handicaps I had to leave what jewellery I had at home. My socks I used to give to my friends to look after. (Laughter, and a voice, ''Shame!"). No, I don't think it was a shame, but it was because the swimmers had not then been lifted up to the level the sport occupies in the world to-day. (Applause). To me it seems well to refer to these things, because it shows the progress that has been made. Why, here to-night we all fell that we are supporting a sport second to none as an exercise which helps us to become better and stronger men, and thus prevents the need for hospitals, which are a tax on the community." (Applause). "Natator" wishes to deny that the early Australian swimmer was ever of such a class. He pleads to as many years as Mr. Henry —some fifty odd—and says that from his pinafore days one of his chief delights was a swim or a splash in the briny, and on behalf of the Austra lian swimmers of the early days he would take up the cudgels in their defence if anyone were inclined to think they should be tarred with the sanle brush as their English swimming cousins. It almost inclines me to be reminiscent with regard to my early swimming days, but I shall spare you this time, dear reader—presuming there is some dear Teader.

The sub-committee appointed by the N.P.AJS.C. to obtain a guarantee to ensure the visit to New Plymouth of the Manly Surf Club team report that in a very short time the required amount was obtained. Which is as it ought to be; and in any case, the guarantors are probably running little risk —though the club for that reason considers itself no less indebted to those gentlemen who have so willingly consented to put thennames to the guarantee list. If anyone has not been called on who would be willing to add his name to the list the club would be very gateful. The subcommittee of the club consists of Messrs F. Turnbull, A. Dixon and C. Fairbrother. Although more than the £3O required has already been guaranteed, anything over is welcomed, as it lightens the risk of the others. I understand that the club makes all arrangements in connection with the visit and takes any profit.