SPORT OF SWIMMING

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1926, Page 4

SPORT OF SWIMMING

NEW PLYMOUTH CLUB MEETS. PAST YEAR'S OPERATIONS. The annual meeting of the New Plymouth Amateur ’ Swimming Club was held last night, Mr. T. 8. Brown, in the absence of the president, presiding over a fair attendance. The annual report stated that during the past season three carnivals only were arranged by the club, but unfortunately only one of these functions proved a financial success. At both other carnivals they were extremely fortunate in having among the competitors several of New Zealand’s leading performers in xuiss Wyman and Messrs Enwright and Dowsett, but the public attendance was detrimentally affected by the most inclement weather experienced on both occasions. Th© club, probably by virtue of its central position and lengthy establishment, had, during, past years, borne the brunt of arranging carnivals in New Plymouth to provide competition amongst local swimmers, but during the coming season it would be the aim of the executive to practically concentrate on fostering the advancement of swimming by instruction and the introduction of water polo, etc., and allow the younger clubs of the town to provide the competitive programmes. - In connection With the Flannagan Cup the committee wished to report that the conditions of the -race were this year altered to allow the event to be swum over a triangular course in the shelter of the breakwater. The change proved a great success and the element of danger prior thereto existing was to. a large extent eliminated. One factor alone tended to mar the success of the race, and that absence of buoys of sufficient prominence to be clearly and easily seen by competitors whilst in the water. Large, buoys bearing conspicuous flags would in future need to be substituted for the inconspicuous buoys used on the last occasion. The exectiye wished to extend to the various clubs which competed for the Grey Challenge Cup its sincere regret that longer notice of the club’s intention to hold the race was not given. The baianee-sheet showed an excess of assets of £8 Is 9d over .liabilities, a considerable loss on last year’s management. This was due chiefly to the loss experienced on two of the carnivals held, r-c executive, for the coming season was recommended to make every endeavour to augment the members’ list, for thus only could the club's activities prosper. Four members of the club were included in the Taranaki representative team which, travelled to the New Zealanu national swimming championships, namely Messrs B. Rawson, F. Newell, H. S. Weston and R. G. Howell. The thanks of the club are due to the ladies and gentlemen who had ’so ably assisted the club both actively and financially, to those who have donated trophies for, competition, to those who acted as cariiiVal officials throughout the season, and to the Press. The statement of -receipts and expenOi.ure showed receipts amounting to £63 19s and expenditure amounting to £64. Is. A balance was shown of £4 4s 3d. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the chairman said the club had done remarkably well during tne past season. Despite the bad weather the carnivals had been quite successful and admirably managed. A great deal of credit for their success was due, to Mr. R. G. Howell. 'Messrs W, Penman, S. Green and E. McGinty were elected new members. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: —Patron, Dr. E. A. Walker; president, Mr. C." Brown; vicepresidents, Misses Dowling and Allan, Messrs C. E. Bellringer, M.P., A. R. Standish. F. J. Eggleton, W. C. Weston, F. E. Wilson, S. G. Sykes, O. Johnston, D. Evans, W. H. Moyes, R. Day, P. J. Flannagan, A. McHardy: A. E. Sykes, \\. N. Stephenson, G. Grey, ..C. H. Weston, C. Denny-Brown, Thomas, G. E. Jago, Drs. Leatham, Fookes, Brewster, Wade, Thomson and Brown; club captain, Mr. T. S. Brown; deputy-club captain, Mr. K. Taylor; joint honorary secretaries and treasurers, Messrs B. Rawson and K. Taylor; committee, Messrs P. Pope, I. Watkins, S. Green, W. Penman, G. Gayton, F. Newell and T. 8. Brown; delegate to the Royal Life-Sav-ing Society, Mr. B. Rawson; honorary, auditor, Mr. N. B. Howell; delegates to the Taranaki Centre, Messrs K. Taylor and R. G. Howell; starters, Messrs W. H. Moyes, F. J. Eggleton and G. Bertrand; club coach, Mr. T. S. Brown; timekeepers, Messrs J. Bennett, Dalgleish, M. May, J. Bennett jun., and Ferry; official recorders, Messrs F. Corkill and W. L. Brown; official handicap-pers,-Messrs K. Taylor and W. Penman.

It was decided to send a letter to the Opunake Club explaining the position with regard to the Grey Cup contest, and also that it be a recommendation to the incoming committee to send a strong team to any forthcoming carnival at Opunake. A vote of thanks was passed to the secretary, Mr. B. Rawson, for his work.