The beach was black with people, and all sorts of optical aids were called in for use, both from the beach itself and from the heights above. As caretaker of the bathing boxes, Professor Olds was known to most of the onlookers.
Preparations had been made for the swim, and the necessary precautions had been taken. The pleasure boat Tui, from the Otago rowing shed, had been taken out, with a crew consisting of Mr J. M`Grath (the well-known ex-New Zealand champion sculler) and Mr Fred Foster.
A youthful reporter from our evening contemporary was aboard the boat. No difficulty was experienced in launching the boat through the surf, though she naturally shipped a good deal of water, which had to be baled. Professor Olds swam out from the first groin, and started on his long trip to the island.
He made good progress at the outset, and it was then noticed that a strong southerly current was setting towards the south, and that after swimming about a mile he was well off the second beach. Viewing him through a telescope, he was noticed to be keeping on the lee side of the boat. Although the conditions from the shore appeared to be favourable the swell was hiding the swimmer continuously, breaking over his head, rendering his task a difficult one.
After about an hour both swimmer and boat appeared to be three-quarters of a mile to the south of the island, and the question in the minds of the spectators was whether he could make his destination. He was still swimming strongly, however, and though the buffeting of the waves was a constant enemy to his attempt, he stuck to his task bravely, and eventually succeeded in getting abreast of the island.
He did not make an attempt to land, as to do so would have been impossible owing to the shelving rocks. Evidently considering that to make the attempt to swim back would be highly dangerous, Professor Olds was lifted into the boat, which immediately put back for the shore. Half an hour's pulling brought the party to the surf. And there Mr M'Grath's experience showed itself, as the boat was beached without difficulty.
On stepping ashore Professor Olds appeared to be none the worse for his long swim. Speaking to a Daily Times reporter, he said that although he had swum greater distances, this was one of the most difficult in his experience. He had found the set of the current had taken him a good deal out of his course, but the real hardship was the buffeting of the swell completely blinding him, and the striking of the changing temperatures of the currents, with often excessive cold.
At one stage he took a slight cramp, but it passed gradually. For the most part he used the breast stroke, as being the most suitable for distance work - though others were used by way of change and rest. He confessed to have known little of what happened just prior to his being lifted into the boat, and equally little of the trip to the shore. After a rub down and a sun bath, Professor Olds appeared to be none the worse for his experience. - ODT, 19.1.1914.
- Copies of picture available from ODT front office, Lower Stuart St, or www.otagoimages.co.nz
