SWIMMING

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 138, 7 December 1929, Page 24

SWIMMING

*V "HcAPKIf COMING CARNIVALS

LOWER HUTT FIXTURE

VISIT -OF AUSTRALIANS

FIXTURES.

12th December—Lower Hutt Carnival, KiddttDrd ■ Baths, Lower Hutt, 8 p.m. ■ 21st December.—Wellington Centre, Kyan and Griffiths Carnival, Te Aro Baths, 2.30 p.m. ; 9th January.—Wellington Centre, Ryan and Griffiths, Carnival, Riddlford Baths, Lower Hutt, 8 p.m. ' , -. 11th January.—Wellington Centre Championships, To Aro Baths, 2.30 p.m. 23rd to 29th January.—National ChampiohsMps, Greymouth.- --■ Bth March.—Primary Schools Annual Carnival le Aro Baths, 2.15 p.m. From the above list it will be seen that carnival programmes are already under way, with two events figuring at Tc Aro Baths this afternoon. Swimmers will have a preliminary flutter prior to settling down to serious racing. With commendable spirit the Hutt Olub is early on tho job with its firs* caroival, which is to take place on Thursday evening next. For this fixture a good programme of events has been drawn up, including events for all classes of competitions. One of the star items will be a 50 yards scratch, invitation race, in which it is anticipated all the crack sprinters will be engaged, including W. Cameron and Norman Dowsett—the two. fastest short distance swimmers in the Dominion. Miss K. Miller, the lady champion, will also be a competitor at the meeting. Interest Quickened. Interest in the; centre carnival on the 21st December 13 quickened by the arrival in New Zealand of the two champion Australian swimmers, Noel Ryan and Owen Griffiths, both of wbtom will be competing. The visitors will have commenced their tour in Auckland. Owing to the late arrival of the boat after a rough pasasge across, adid because they were called upon to swim on the night of their arrival, both Ryan and Griffiths were not seen at thieir best. They were up against a tough proposition in Gordon Bridson, who recently swam a brilliant quarter-mil^ in record time, but after settling down, the 'Australians can be looked to (for some great swimming. For their ifiist a^pearanee in Wellington it is anticipated they, will be taking part in Special invitation races of 100, 220, and. 440 yards, in which they will be opposed-by the best of the local cracks. Needless to say the meeting of Billy Cameoron and Griffiths in the 100 yards is aronsing some enthusiasm, and it should be a race worth witnessing. Griffiths is a young swimmer just about reaching his prime, and he has only to imprOfve a little on his best time to make Cameron move exceptionally fast to "beat him. Although specialising over distances, Eyan is no mean sprinter. He has regularly broken the minute for the 100 yards, so that he will by iio means be out of his class in opposing our local champions. Griffiths will shine at his pet distance of 220 yarils, while Eyan can be expected to show his work in the quarter-mile. liis performances have already been coimmented on in "The Post," and do not need repetition. It is sufficient ,to say that he is a brilliant swimmer. The Programme. ; The full programme of events for the carnival is as follows:—100 yards invitation, 220' yards invitation, 440. yards invitation, 50 yards inter-club, 100 yards breaststroke inter-club, 50 yards ladies' inter-club, 50 yards boys, under 17, 5Q yards girls, under 17, diving competition, dual relay race, novelty event, and a water polo match. Entries will close on Monday week. Mt. C. Bryant, of Christchureh, who is managing the Australian swimnaers during their tour, is a well-known figure in swimming circles. For many years he has officiated as starter at the national championships, and his ability in this direction is familiar to all. The confidence he inspires in all competitors who come under his control, together with his quiet, yet effective, manner, has gained him much distinction in the position which he so popularly JSHs. Popular Appointment. The reappointment of Mr. J. Calnan rs handicapper to the local centre is being heartily approved. His capabilities are so well known as to need little comment, except to state that his work has always been of a high standard find productive of first-class results. Mr. W. Geerie, who relinquished the oifiee in favour of Mr. Calnan, also enjoyed the confidence of competitors when acting as handicapper, and has the satisfaction of knowing that his efforts were not only appreciated, but responsible for exciting finishes also. Ladies' Club. The .annual meeting of the Ladiies' Clnb will be- held on Tuesday evening next, at the Y.M.OA. Members .and intending members are invited to attend in big numbers. Bridson's Tine Effort. G. Bridson's recent attempt to loiver the 440 yards New Zealand record was a 15101113211 success. The time returned, omin 16 3-ssec, was a sterling effort for so early in the season and indicates Khat the ex-Wellington youth is in gteat fettle. A steady course of training during the winter months has brought this early result, which is likely to be improved npon before long. His exceptional physique (he is twice as big as Byan) necessitates a more rigonous preparation than that Teqnired for most swimmers, andf Bridson has not been slow to recognise the fact. It is -not many years ago that the time established was a world's record. This indicates the improvement that is being made in distance. swimming in JNew Zealand. : ■ ": Opening Days. Both the Maranui and Evans Bay Clubs experienced fine weather for their openings, but a high wind interfered a little with the pleasure of the oexe monies. However, this did not defter members and friends from rolling up in good numbers. ( The former cJub staged a competition for life-saving, while tho latter held some racing events. In each case these were productive of contests which engaged the interest of onlookers. Both clnbs anticipate good seasons. Centre Championships. The centre championships will be held on the 11th January. Shotrtly after this date swimmers will be tfrekking to Greymonth for the national championships. M'Gavin, who played in Wellington last season, scored 138 for Otago University in a recent cricket match, at Dunedin. Cleverley, formerly of Institute, is showing good form with, the bait in Auckland senior B grade cricket.