TEACHING SWIMMING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2431, 20 February 1909, Page 3

TEACHING SWIMMING.

MINISTER OF EDUCATION’S OPINION. [Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Fob. 19. The Penguin disaster suggested to an Auckland - School Committee that 'Swimming ought to be made a compulsory subject m all public schools, but a statement, by the Hon. G. ■Fowl-Is, Minister of Education, shows ■that there are insuperable difficulties •in the way, though the Government docs a "ood deal already to ciicoui age the art. ‘lt is impossible to make ■swimming a compulsory subject said

•Mr.- Foiwlds, “unless you liavo : places ■for children to swim in. Undoubtedly .-it is an important matter, and ■I think everyone ought to learn to swam in places Avhere there are suitable opportunities. I think care is already taken to train the children, but to make this compulsory would carry with it an obligation to provide swimming baths, which is, of course, a matter for the local authorities.”

It was suggested by the Minister that a good deal of misapprehension existed as to the value of .swimming in. such a ease as the Penguin disaster,, when there was a rough sea, making it beyond the power of anyone to save himself by SAvimming .alone, though it avrs, of course, of great y-al-ue in enabling the unfortunate people to reach tho rafts and boats and to get ashore Avhen they had drifted close to tho beach.

“We give encouragement to swimming by a capitation grant,” continued the Minister. “Swimming and lifesaving classes may be formed of children in Standard 4 of the primary schools and those in secondary schools, arid if tivcuty half-hour lessons are given in the season a payment is made if 2s 6d per pupil. Tlie local authorities also assist materially, by allowing scholars to use the baths free of cost. At least I do not know an exception to this rule.” In 1907 comparatively Icav districts had taken advantage of the Government’s offer of capitation, only 81 classes avci*o recognised by the Minister. Most interest appeared to be taken in tlie matter in North Canterbury, .where there Avere 35 classes, while in Nelson, a comparatively small education district, fifteen classes Avcro in operation. Wanganui had six classes earning tho grant, but in no other district were there more than two classes, Auckland, tlie largest educational district in New Zealand, having only one. Noiv, hoivever, the demand for Government assistance is rapidly increasing, for there are 140 classes, the Auckland district having set a good example by adding 10 to its p’oneor classes, while Otago’s two had increased, to 25.