SWIMMING.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20107, 10 December 1930, Page 15

SWIMMING.

CANTERBURY CENTRE. CHAMPIONSHIPS AT WANGANUI. A meeting of tho Canterbury Contre. of Hid iovi Zealand Amateur Swimming Association was held last evening, Mr S. Hollander presiding over a largo attendanco of delegates. Mr Hollander nuid thai eight Canterbury chanipKHiHhip cvonta remained to bo allocated. The 2- l >}ds ladies' event had been given to tho Liimvood Club, but there was no great hurry about the others, a-s Bomo of tho clubs which had not already dono bo might yet decido to hold carnivals. Mr li. O'Neill, secretary of the New Zealand Association, wrote advising that the matter of what was the regulation costumo wan one largety lor interpretation by tho costume stewards. All sorts of costumes used nowadays did not appear to be in iicci;idan«> with tho definition laid down in tho Association's handbook. Costume stewards and referees, however, e.vid-ntly took u different view, as these costumes were never c;ue.=tioncd. He thought the same would apply to tho costume to which the Canterbury Ccntro had referred. In these circumstances it did not reem necessary to bother with Iho amendments to rules. Mr G Rich ashed what would happen if the Centre passed the costumo worn by a representative and when he went to the New Zealand championships (ho officials condemned it. Mr Hollander said there was no rule about it. Nock-to-kiißD costumes were supposed to bo worn, but everybody knew how absurd such a rule. as that was. Carnivals Arranged. A lettor was received from the To*n Clerk (Mr J S. Neville) advising that ho had been directed by tho City Council Baths Committee to inform tho Centre that the request for tho use of tho Municipal Baths on tho evening 3 of December 10th and 17th, 1930, and January 28th, 1031, for tho purpose of holding swimming carnivals, had been granted. The charge for tho use of the baths for carnivals had been reduced to £3 3s for the ensuing season. It was decided to lhanft tho City Council for reducing tho charge. A letter received from tho New Zealand Association stated that the addition of an intermediate boys' back-stroke race in the championship programme would be submitted to tho next meeting of tlio Council. Naw Zealand Championships. Tlio Wanganui Centre forwarded a copy of the proposed programme of events for the

ne-Xt chamjjionahip meeting at Wanganui. The programme was being submitted to the Zealand Council for its approval, the letter stated, but the executive desired to know whethei the Centre had any comments to make on the proposed arrangement of the various events. As Friday was the »ate night in Wanganui, it was not a suitable time to hold a sporta meeting. With regard to tho Annette Kellcrman Cup, the arranging of boats for all competitors made it imperative that tho race be field on the Saturday afternoon The enclosed programme covered three days—March 4th, sth, and 7th. On tho first day the events were: XOOyds men'©, 1760 yds men's, and 150 yds aien's back-stroko championships, IGOyds women's rational championship, men's and women's diving, and water polo. Second day: 220 yds and 880 yds and 220 yds men'a breast-stroke championships, 220 yds women's breast-stroke, lOOyda women's back-stroks, and 410 yds women's national championships, diving for men and women, and water polo. Third day . 410 yds men's championship, 220 yds women'* championship, and 220j'ds women's breast-stroke championship, 50yds invitation scratch race, 500 yds tiying squadron, diving for men and women, water polo, and the Annette Kellerman Cup. After discussion it was agreed to write t-» the Wanganui Centre suggesting that it might be policy to hold the 440 yds men's championship on March Gth, and that it would be advisable to hold a four days' instead of a three days' programme. Linwood Club's Programme. The Linwood Club submitted the programme for its inter-club carnival on February 7th. It also forwarded p list of officials appointed. The Centre approved the programme, but made several alterations to the list of officials. Mr R. Hollander was substituted for Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., as referee, members expressing doubt as to whether the latter would he willing to act. A new set of judges, Messrs L. Annand. C. Bryint, and O. W. Smith, were appointed, and Mr D. Coulter was chosen as starter. Particulars of the compulsory dives for the national championships were received from tho secretary of the New Zealand Association. "Learn to Swim" Week. A letter was received from the Town Clerk acknowledging receipt of the Centre's letter applying for the free use of the Municipal Baths for an hour each evening from December 15th. to 20th inclusive, in connexion with "I.earn to Swim'* Week, and suggesting that to ensure that only learners take advantage of the free hour, officers of the Centre be given authority to eject from the baths all other persons. He had to inform the Centre that the Baths Committee regretted being unable to accede to the request. While realising the worth to the community of the project, the general falling off of the revenue at the baths caused the committee some concern, and therefore it was reluctant to take any steps which would preclude tho general public from using the baths. The secretary (Mr V. G. Spiller) said the Council was prepared to let the Council have control of the baths, Mr Hollander said a special committee was dealing with the matter, and later in the week they would know where they stood. Tho "Learn to Swim" week would eventuate. Last year the baths had been given free. A member: Wo want too much for nothing! Mr Rich said that efficient swimmers with no interest in tho campaign had obtained free us* of the baths through it last vear. Mr Hollander said the letter indicated a misunderstanding. The Centre was getting what it wanted, hut it must have control of tho swimmers. If they were allowed to swim up and down it would he of no use. The chairman reported that a number of smaller clubs were likely to affiliate, with benefit to themselves and. the Centre. Revival of Water Polo. A report on the possibility of resuscitating water polo favoured asking the City Council for the use of the baths every even* ing from 8.30 to 8.45 for tiie coaching of players, and recommended that the senior and junior competitions be merged 'nto one. Mr Rich opposed both proposals. He said Canterbury had learned its water polo in cold water baths. He moved that the Water Polo Committee be asked to arrange for weekly matches for the rest of the season. This was carried. It was agreed to invite entries for a competition with all teams eligible. # Mr Hollander said the executive would investigate the possibility o? giving a trophy. A motion was carried that no entry fee be charged. Four teams were immediate!}' nominated. The secretary was Instructed to write to secretaries of clubs advising them that the coaching of players would be arranged. Christchurch Club's Jubilee. Mr A. S. Paterson, secretary of the Christchurch Club, wrote as follows;—"As you know, our club celebrates its jubilee this season. It was the first swimming club formed in Ivew Zealand, and as The Press rightly put it, is 'the father of swimming in New Zealand.' \Ve reel that this unique occasion should not be allowed to pass without some fitting celebration, but as the club is not in a position to make the arrangements, we are reluctantly compelled to seek assistance. As this is of direct interest to the Centre and like bodies, we feci euro that you will be able to assist us.'' Mr Hollander said it would be <i great pity if the occasion was allowed to pass by. lie remembered when the Christehurch Club was much stronger than it was to-day, and the jubilee might assist to strengthen it. Mr T. H. Harker said the t New Zealand Swimming Council should assist. It was really a matter of national importance that the occasion should be fittingly celebrated. Fast Christchurch won the polo championship year after year. Perhaps a big earnival could be held in the club's baths which had been its headquarters since ISBO. Data vas being collected for a history, and any assistance received would be greatly appreciated. Tho club had very few senior swimmers now, but its committee was strong. It was agreed to support the club in celebrating its jubilee, and Messrs Hollander, Soiller, and S. C. Anderson were appointed to meet its committee, with.a view to discussing the arrangements.