SWIMMING.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1978, 7 February 1914, Page 12

SWIMMING.

TB* "Srt,isn."l COMPETITORS FOR BJ.ENHEIM. T(is Conoetitratfon. By nej;t Saturday exiling the swirnrains fraternity in Wellington will bo all excitement for swimming cbam< ptons, and aspiring champions, representing the various centres throughout, the Dominion will be gathered in this city, preparatory to departure for Blenheim; where the New Zealand championship meeting is to be held. All the centres have selected their teams, and on their face value there will be some good talent at the meeting. Auckland to bo Represented. It is pleasing to record that, although a few days ago appearances stig« g-ftsted'that Auckland would not be re--presented at- the New Zealand championships, it is now certain, that such an unfortunate position will be avoided. The northern centre will dispatch ML E.. Champion, while a private movement amongst the officers' of the AVaitomats Grub'will secure the'presence of that promising swimmer G. Sintpn. Two other members of the AVaitensata Club, in L. E. Kerr Taylor and AV, M. Rees will also undertako the trip. The four swimmers named will form the Waitemata flying squadron, which, will represent the Northern City in the 400 yds, relay championship. Champion will defend all his. titles, from lOOyds, to one mite, and Sinton is nom* mated in all these events also. He is', however, practically untried hi distances orei*. 440 yds., and may not sontest the 880 yds. and one mile. It Js understood thai Champion is in particularly good .form, whilst Sinton is considered capable of , accomplishing what Welson, achieved iii the last three years. The Auckland team will leave for Blenheim to-morroW, and will appear- at several other carnivals, including tho Wellington Centre's function, which takes place on Saturday. Th 3 Cftrfstclmrch M'eft. . Ditrin-g the past fortnight matters affecting Cntifccrbtvry representatives have been crowding on one another,' and trials and challenges have been thick. C. Atkinson (Bast Christchurch Club) will represent Canterbury in. all -.cKstftneea .from lOOyds, to cite ijiijo. L, Hill, of thp same dub, will'bo the fepre-sonta-tiro in the SBo.vcls. and the mile, Mid AV. Cooktidhj ; ' : ''alsd : :ef East Christchurch Club, will (with' Atkinson) com-1 pete iii tho lQO.rd.s. event, Atkinson, tho present.world's..record.vhoidor,'aftd holder of breast stroke ■cirani'pioii.ship 220yd's., frill have- the ■support of L. Poison in this- event, Tho veteran, C. H. Rich, who was selected for the. SBoyds, and mile events, did-hot contest the challenges, and hoi has consequently lost his plaee in tho. team. . Miss-Elsie ESde'ha? been selected to represent Canterbury ill the 100 yds, ladies' championship. The team to compete in the Wigram Life-saving Shield is as follows:—F, Collins (East Chvistchurch), L. Coulter (East Christchureli).. AV. .Soars (Richmond), and J. Matthews (Sydenhanv). The combination which will represent the Southern Centre in tho water polo championship comprises;— L. Pel-Son (Sydenham), C. H. H. Rich H, V. Jerred. (Opawa), AV. E. Cobkson (East Christcivureh), D. Hales (Addihgtofc), 0. Davidson (East Christehurch), C. Atkinson (East Chfiste'hurch) ; e.mer-* gencies: L. Ann and (Opawa) and J. fetirh'tip; (East Christchurch), J.k- E, E'idritlge .has been appointed manager of tho Canterbury team. Local Bblrigs. •The-polo, team has- been getting a good deal of practice, but is ncvertheles-s not' shaping very well, especially, the forward lino. This, of course, is in tho practice work merely, hut the team's prospects of doing -good at the championship meeting are still bright. The team which is to compete- in the races is still ■in prftctieo, and R. Newman, who has the 22Qyde„ 440 yds,, 880 yds., and mile cypnts to look after, is in .good tern. His has a big undertaking before him,, but, with luck; he ought to be able to' keep tho Idea] centre's heod above wafer. C. V. Fordhani has A. M'Carlio to support hirn in the 100 yards event. D. Murrell and J. Garnett are.to represent AVcffington in the school championship. The former Is a particularly' good swinimer, but, being usid to a 50yds. distance, ho inay ijcrc ho successful over 75yds. However, ho has the Support of Garnett, another smart boy, and between the two of them they should put uj> a good race, Oar AVigram Shield team has been doing considerable . practice, and their chances, at -the Meeting are co'lisMerea very bright. Wobdeoslc, -Neil, Arthur, a-hd Av-e-fy 1 are all smart at (exhibition life-saving work, and many feel ■ confident of their succesi.. Tho centre's Garnlvali Tho Welliiigton Swimming Centre's earrtival, which takes place at the To Aro Baths on Saturday, promises success fi-otfi a competitive point of. view. Those interested iii swiiJwni'ng will be assured of a good afternoon's entortauimqntj for tho competitors will comprise swimmers from all parts of New Zealand. Prom Auckland there will be Malcolm Cbtfmpion, C. Sinton,. L. C» Kerr, Taylor, and At. IICeS, and in. view of tho coining championships the eshib.itio.ns of the Visitors will, be most interest* iiig, For the mile event. Champion, will be a competitor, as well as such local swimmers as Newman, Murrell, and Crowthc*. The loc.il entrants are out after "standards," so t-lii? race will not lack excitement. The Canterbury representatives will also be in evidence, so Wo will have the opportunity, so seldom: obtained, of' seeing New" Zealand's best swifomers. 0. V. Ford-ham and A. M'Carlie will also attempt "standards" in the 60 yards and 100 yards'events. Preparation's for /the earnivai are. well in hand, Messrs...G. P. Hanna, J. Gosling, J. M'lieau, J. Stratford, and E. Coira have charge of the comic items. A Pew Splashes. Miss Annie O'Leary, the present 100' yards lady champion, and New Zealand record-hold**., covered 200 yards a-in Mnsterkffl 'recently in Sosec, This indicates that she is likely to win. the '. ladies' prnaiiershi'p for the third time.' I , According fo account, however, a Hiiwbo's Bay lady—Miss K.lthlcen j M'Kenzfe-"will give Jllss O'LeaTy a 1 bettef race thnn either Miss Mo'ckny or Misj f ttV'HUbur, of Ailcklnud did, In tu-t. it is oven aufigettcd that thera'

is a very fair chance ii{ the Napier ludy being named as the next chainpion. It is reported that the Auckland i Centro is quite satisfied to- remain under aegis of tho New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association. It has decided not to be represented at- tlie proposed conference of centre delegates, which is to bo held in AVefiington on February 14, to discuss the advisability of forming a North Island Swimming Association. There appears at present very little chance of the now body being formed. It is- understood that there is likely to bo a chanfjo in the chairmanship of the local centre in the.course of a few weeks. There is a possibility that Mr, G. S. Hill will be asked to accept the position,