Sporting notions of present days and past

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IN FRESH WATER 171
terms. It is not as though the youngsters were
unwilling to learn, for we all know that their
instincts and inclination go right the other way
about. Look at the poor little kiddies doing
the best they can for themselves in dirty
Thames at Bankside ! The trouble is to keep
urchins out of the water, a task which authorities
are frequently only too delighted to undertake.
Thank goodness we are at last growing out
of the old-fashioned method, and do not always
interfere as we used; but in many districts what
is permitted in the way of bathing is allowed
very grudgingly, as witness the Thames. I
grant that some bathing in frequented rivers
is a nuisance, and I regret to say that some
bathers are intentionally objectionable. (This
would be -a lovely world if there were no wrong
'uns !) The best is the easiest way to deal with
such trouble and troublers on the Thames, and
that is to establish bathing depots at sufficiently
frequent intervals and require all to keep to these.
After such reserves were installed, there would
be no excuse for the transgressors who bring
discredit on reputable swimmers and discomfort
to others who seek their share of enjoyment from
use of the water.
I move and protest that no one who cannot
swim ought to be suffered to take out a skiff or
any small craft. What is the State doing to
permit any person not qualified to get
out of
the
water under ordinary conditions without assist-
ance to go
on
the water, and chance falling or
otherwise coming into it? And what business
has the inexperienced, or, maybe, altogether
ignorant, goer down to the sea or river in little
ships to be able to hire such ships or boats and
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