C++ :: Return Different Variables Based On Parameter Value?

Say I have a GetSomething(char type) function which returns two different variables based on what you pass it, like so:

float Flashlight::GetSomething(char type){
if(type == 'x'){
return velocityX;
} else if(type == 'y'){
return velocityY;
} else {
std::cout << "Debug: Programming error getting flashlight velocity
"; } }

On a scale of null pointers to (insert something notably good), how good or bad is this practice? Just asking out of pure curiosity.