SWIMMING

Evening Star, Issue 19781, 3 February 1928, Page 11

SWIMMING

[By Hooker!]

FIXTURES. February 4.—Swimming at St. Leonards-Burkes Regatta. February (date to be fixed).—St. Clair Club’s Sugar Cup life-saving competition. NATIONAL ■CHAMPIONSHIP COMMENT. FRIDAY NIGHT’S SWIMMING. With comment, on Friday night’s swimming the running review oi the championships cun be concluded. Just as the New Zealand national iwimming championships commenced with a wholesale smashing ot records, so, 100, the final session last Friday night saw more new marks established, and it was pleasing to see that Otago is to be represented on the new list ot records. Tins occurred through the medium ot Miss Kathleen Miller, and, while the Kiwi captain has many fine performances to her credit, her effort in winning the 44Uyds ladies’ national championship in Chain 9 2-ssec must rank as one ot her best swims to date. It smashed the existing fresh water ngures by 32sec, and was but 1 2-ssec outside Miss Gwitha Shand’s salt water record. Miss Miller’s performance gains in merit by reason of the fact (hat she was never extended by the Aucklander, Miss D. Grant, and won by 4Uyds. Miss Miller swum with a very easy smooth arm stroke and six beat throughout. but over the last few lengths she showed a great spurt, lengthening her arm stroke just a little and finishing in great style. She collected two titles and a second place, and throughout the meeting she swam like a champion and displayed lona that makes the writer believe that she will still further improve on her times when she competes in Australia during the present month. It would not bo at all surprising were she also to reverse the lUUyds decision gained by Miss Ena Stock ley when the hitter won the national ladies’ title the first night of the championship meet During the meet D. P. Lindsay shattered existing records over KJOyds, 889yds, one mile, and 440yds, and in taking the 44Uyds men’s national title on Friday night he once again met with no opposition strong enough to extend him, and yet he shattered the existing fresh water record by over lOscc, reducing R. Pelham’s smin 3S 3-ssec to smin 28 l-sscc. Lindsay was swimming as well as ever, and his long, easy stroke did not seem to tire him at all, for lie finished with a, great spurt, it was the finish of a remarkable week’s swimming on the part ol the Canterbury man, and bad there been someone to force him there is no telling what startling times he would have registered.

Excepting Lindsay, there is no doubt that A. T. E. Stokes, the Canterbury second string, is the finest distance swimmer in Now Zealand, and in all he finished second to Lindsay in four national championship events. Stokes has not got the same easy stroke that is possessed by the champion, but, nevertheless, he was quite a good arm action, though his recovery is slower than that of Lindsay. He has a good leg action, and one of his best efforts was probably in the 440yds national men’s championship, in which ho stuck to Lindsay grimly all the way, and at the finish was but 25yds back. The only race in which C. Claridge, the ex-New Zealand junior and intermediate champion, was placed was the 440yds men’s national championship, in which he finished third, 14yds behind Stokes. Of the Wellington man, however, it must bo said that he did not have the best of luck, for, barring accidents, it is quite likely be would bavo been placed in both the 100yds and 220yds championships. In the former event 'Claridge swam a fast 66 2-3yds in his heat, but then got tangled up in the ropes and did not finish. Eor some years past Claridge has been known ns a swimmer inclined to take an erratic course, and, another thing, had be been proficient at the turns he would have had to be reckoned with in the furlong event. He left the 100yds behind in 62 2-ssec, but lost ground at every turn, and the same thing applied in the 440yds, in which the Wollingtonian tired badly towards the finish. Claridge bad a powerful stroke, and there are few, indeed, who have taken part in more championship meetings than he has. Although be is only twenty-one years of age, Claridge has been competing regularly at national championships since 1918. He showed himself to bo one of the best water polo players in action at the recent meet, his throwing being an object lesson to many of the other players. Undoubtedly the intermediate boys’ division has produced few stars of the calibre of W. Cameron, of Wellington, who collected bis third title by swimming to victory in the 100yds intermediate boys’ breast-stroke championship, which he won by 3yds in the good time of Lain 20 l-ssec. Though it ivas outside E. C. Heard’s New Zealand fresh water record of 77 4-ssec, it was 4-ssec better than the time registered by Cameron in winning the event at Auckland last year. Cameron is a good breast-stroke swimmer with a strong arm stroke and wide kick, and, though the young Aucklander, J. Magee, showed out in the early stages of the race, the stronger Wellington swimmer wore him down at the finish.

The 50yds invitation scratch race is always looked upon as one of the star events of the championship meeting, and this year’s race was no exception to the rule, especially as the men’s national 100yds champion, N. Dowsctt, and the intermediate hoys’ 100yds champion, W. Cameron—both recordholders in their respective divisions—were competing. The race proved Dowsett’s superiority over the great Wellington intermediate so far as 50yds was concerned, the Wanganui representative having a slight advantage all the way and winning by half a yard in 25 4-ssec. Though there is no doubt that Cameron has only to maintain his balance to register startlingly good times in the coarse of the next year or two, the writer holds the view that Dowsett would be too good for the intermediate over 100yds at the present juncture. Cameron, however, is probably the next best 100yds swimmer in New Zealand to-day. The 50yds ladies’ invitation scratch race was robbed of a good deal of interest by a number of defections, and when Miss D. Magee got away before the start and was not recalled the result was a foregone conclusion, though had Miss Miller not fouled the ropes with about 12yds to go she would probably have headed Miss N. Stratton, the Wanganui intermediate, for second place. Miss Magee registered a fine swim all the same, and her time of 29 3-osec was so fast as to suggest that had she been in form she might have made the finish of the ladies’ national 100yds championship even more interesting than proved to be the case. Miss Stratton, too, up to 100yds, was one of best ladies in action at the meeting- .

It was a great pity Unit Miss V. Scotten, the ex-intermediate "iris’ breast-stroke record-holder, was unable to come From Invercargill to represent Otago in the 220ydt ladies' national breast-stroke championship. For. 'though the writer does cob believe Miss Scotten is now capable of defeating Miss G. Pidgeon over the distance, at least she would have collected second points for Otago. When Miss Pidgeon first won the title at Christchurch in 1925 hi Siuin Icic.c, her greatest rival was Miss Scotten, wiu) was second in a 'great finwhich -wehi to ;the Anckl ■inh'r by a touch. On this,occasion Miss T m was loft without opposition in ne..

fourth essay at the title she had already won three times, and, while she merely had to swim over, she was paced by the national men’s champion, N. K. By low, to such good effect that she smashed Miss D. Breward’s fresh-water figures of 3min 40 l-ssec by covering the distance in 3min 35 2-osec. This time is l-ssec better than her own saltwater record, and the writer is firmly convinced that were Miss Pidgeou aiforded an opportunity of proving her worth in outside would demonstrate that -he, too, is fitted to be nominated as a fitting representative for selection in the New Zealand Olyrapic team. She has a- quicker, but shorter, arm-stroke than many breaststroke cracks, but her kick is an exceptionally wide one and very well timed. Undoubtedly she is the best breast-stroke lady swimmer New Zealand has yet produced. Rarely docs a race produce the excitement that the Flying (squadron 500yds championship does, and, though Wellington’s quintette secured a 3yds victory in smin 10 2-ssec, there was a splendid finish for second place between Canterbury and Auckland, D. P. Lindgiving Canterbury the points by touching just ahead of L. Fairgray. Wellington had a strong team in tins event, including such well-known performers as W. Cameron (who put tic issue beyond,doubt), C. CJlandge, R. Pelham, J. Leask, and J. C. Blakeley. Otago registered a splendid performance in the men’s national diving championship, first and second places coming to the home province. R. G. Calder won the title for the third time, the Dunedin Club’s crack giving one of the best displays of his career. I his can bo readily understood when is pointed out that, by reason of his losing his balance just as he was about to do a back somersault the first night, he did not execute the somersault, merely doing a back dive. If he scored any points at all for the dive they would be reduced to a minimum, and this gave the holder of the title an uphill tight to retain his honors. Ho showed more finish throughout than any ot the other competitors. His flight left little to be desired, and generally his entry was good, toes being well pointed; though in the double back somersault, after*executing a good double somersault, he did not make a very polished entry. His running pike off the 10ft board was a splendid effort, as was also his onc-scrow backward. Calder is a worthy champion, who ranks among tho best vet produced in the dominion. While not up to Calder’s general allron ud standard, H. K. Walker was the essence of consistency, and fully deserved to be runner-up in the men’s diving championship. He is at a‘disadvantage when it comes to pointing his toes, but his_ flight was good and his entiv lair. His sonicisault off the 10ft board was a good dive, well executed; and, taken all round, the ox-champion, who twice held the title, gave one of his best displays to date. W. Hicks was the best of the northern divers, but the Wellingtonian is somewhat inconsistent, and, while executing one or two almost brilliantly, others he did in a rather unfinished fashion. His entry was good, though once or twice ho failed to keep Ills legs together. Ho has not got Calder’s flight, but altogether there is little beweoTi Hicks and Walker, excepting the latter’s consistency.

Tho Canterbury diving representatives were not up tb championship standard, and in the majority of cases they entered the water with their knees bent. The three placed men, in tho writer’s opinion, were in a class above the others.

General expectations were realised when Miss L. Hood, of Hawke’s Hay, won tho ladies’ national diving title for the third time, and, though her voluntaries were not outstanding from the point of view of difficulty, the little Hawke’s Bay lady was consistently good throughout. She gets up fairly well, and has a good flight and neat entry, toes being well pointed, and in both compulsory and post dives she scored well. Sho won clearly bv reason of her finish and greater experience; but the runner-up, Miss D. Foote (Otago), gave one of her best exhibitions to date, and, considering that it was her first appearance at the Now Zealand championships, she performed remarkably well. Her flight was fair and entry good, and, though sho is just tho leastbit inclined to pike, she is a diver who can be expected to show marked improvement in the future. Miss L. Copplestone (Canterbury) did not reproduce her best form, and was lacking in confidence. She was lucky to secure third place before Mrs M. E. Thomson (Canterbury), who has previously held the title. Mrs Thomson is an elder sister of Miss D. Foote, and,-while she dived fairly well, her diving was not nearly up to the standard she attained in winning the title in 1926 at Napier. Miss D. Eggers was a long way below the others, and on the form she showed hardly justified her being nominated by the Otago Centre as one of its selected representatives. Many of the compulsory dives she could not execute even in the rough. Miss Ena Stockley again demonstrated her remarkable prowess on the back-stroke by covering 100 metres in Imin 26 2-ssec, which -was better by 1 2-ssec than the record sho established two nights previously. Miss Stockley showed up better at tho turns than was. the case on Wednesday night, and though she was tiring somewhat towards the finish she registered a great performance. Her time was only 4sec outside that established by the late Miss Sybil Bauer in 1924. Since Miss Bauer’s death the time has not been approached, and there seems every justification for the claim that Miss Stockley is in the very forefront of the ■world's back-stroke swimmers.

CANTERBURY’S WELL-DESERVED SUCCESS. Auckland being represented by a weaker team than for some years past, from the outset it was practically recognised that the Yaldluirst Shield would revert to Canterbury, and so it proved, chiefly through the agency of several outstanding performers. What a great point-getter D. P. Lindsay proved himself to be. Ho collected "24 points of Canterbury’s halfcentury total, and in doing so collected Four titles, runner-up in one championship event, and third in another championship event. Swimming second to Lindsay in every event from 220yds to one mile. A. T. I 1 ’. Stokes collected another 12 points For his province, L. J. Mom-house added another 5 points by his back-stroke victory, and Miss L. I bpnlestonc annexed a, point by securing third place in the ladies’ diving championship. Eire points came from the water polo championship, and another three from the Hying squadron race. success was well deserved, for wVI; 1 il is true that Liminay ami v,ere the particularly tirigbt slurs 'in i. ee-s y'u national championships,' the noi-lhern province was well represented in other branches of

the championships, and Canterbury’s all-round superiority cannot bo denied. The province can consider itself most Fortunate in having so fine a second string as Stokes For tho distance events, for outside of these two performers the best all-rounder of the dsitance men was probably C. J. M'Lcan, of Otago. NEW TITLE HOLDERS. The new title holders are given below with the times registered, last year’s winners and times given in parentheses. It should be noted, however, that last year’s championships at Auckland wore swum in spit water. —Men’s National Championships.— 100 Yards.—N. Dowsett (Wanganui), 59 3-sscc (A, D. Adamson, Auckland, 59 l-oscc).

220 Yards.—D. P. Lindsay (Canterbury), 2min 37 l-ssec (D. P.. Lindsay, Canterbury, 2min 31 J-sscc). 440 Yards.—D. P. Lindsay (Canterbury), smin 28 l-ssec (D. 'P. Lindsay, Canterbury, smin 24 2-ssec). 880 Yards.—D. P. Lindsay (Canterbury), llmin 45 4-sscc (D. P. Lindsay, Canterbury, llmin 25 3-ssec). One Mile.—D. P. Lindsay (Canterbury), 24min 14 4-sscc (D. P, Lindsay, Canterbury, 23min 3(5 4-ssce). 220 Yards Breast-stroke.—N. K. Sylow (Auckland), Dm in 6sec (E. C. Heard, Canterbury, 3min 7 3-ssec). 150 Yards Back-stroke.—L. J. Moorhouse (Canterbury), Imin 56scc (L. Fairgray, Auckland, Imin 57 2-ssec). Diving.—R. C. Calder (Otago) x-e----tained. his title.

Relay Championship. Wellington, smln .16 2-ssee (Auckland, smm 17 4-sscc). Water Polo.—Canterbury (Canterbury). , , —Ladies’ National Championships.— 100 Yards.—Miss Ena Stockley (Auckland), 68 3-sscc (Miss Ena Stockley, Auckland, 67 3-sscc). 220 Yards.—-Miss K. Miller (Otago), 2min Slsec (Miss K. Miller, Otago, 2min 52 3-ssec). 440 Yards.—Miss K. Miller (Otago), 6min 9 2-ssoc (Miss K. Miller, Otago, 6inin 11 2-‘sscc).

220 Yards Breast-stroke. —Miss G. Pidgeou (Auckland), 3min 35 2-ssec (Miss G. Pidgeou, Auckland, 3min 39 3-sscc). Diving.—Miss L. Hood (Hawke’s Bay) retained her title.

—lntermediate Boys’ Championship.— 100 Yards.—W. Cameron (Wellington), 60 3-ssec (W. Cameron, Wellington, 61sec). 220, Yards.—lV. Cameron (Wellington), 2 min 45 l-ssec (G. Bridson, Auckland, 2min 35sec). 440 Yards, —H. Gowan (Wanganui), 6miii 1 l-sscc (G. Bridson, Auckland, smiii 33 4-ssec). 100 Yards Breast Stroke. —W. Cameron (Wellington), Imin 20 T-sseo(\V. Cameron, Wellington, 1 min 21sec). Diving.—A. M. Rix, Otago (D. Mulvihill, Auckland). —lntermediate Girls’ Championships.—

100 Yards.—Miss N. Stratton (Wanganui). 72-scc (Miss D. Magee, Auckland. 69 l-ssoc).

220 Yards.—Miss Edna Champion (Auckland), 2min 59 5-ssco (Miss M. Simmonds, Hawke’s Buy, Smin 6 l-Sseci. 75 Yards Breast Stroke. —Miss J. Thomson (Auckland), 68scc (Miss M. By don, Auckland, 65 2-ssoc). —Junior Boys’ Championships.—

100 Yards.—B. Gallatc (Wellington), 69 l-ssec (L Olds, Otago, 66 3-ssec). 220 Yards.— B. Gallate (Wellington),

3miu 4 l-ssec (L. Olds, Otago, 2min 43 l-ssec). 75 Yards Breast Stroke.—-R. Goddes (Otago), 69 2-ssec (L. Olds. Otago, 62 3-ssec). —Junior Girls’ Championships.— 50 Yards.—Miss Z. Howarth (Wanganui), 34 l-ssec in final and 33 4-ssec in iieat (Miss S. Brown, Auckland. 33scc). 100 Yards.—Miss M. Smith (Auckland), 78 2-ssec (Miss L. Howard Wanganui, 66 3-osec). 50 Yards Breast Stroke.—Miss Z. Fryer (Hawke’s Bay), 45sce (Miss D. Moye, Wanganui, 45 3-ssee). OLYMPIC NOMINEES. Canterbury has produced some great stars at the New Zealand national swimming championships in past years —men of the calibre of Carl Atkinson, L. Hill, and Norman Batchelor—but to tho northern province 'belongs the distinction of giving to New Zealand swimming the outstanding figure in tho history of the natatorial sport in the dominion in the person of i). P. Lindsay. The latter’s nomination for selection as a member of the New Zealand Olympic team was practically taken for granted, but by his performances at the recent national championships in a fresh water pool he has further strengthened strong claims for ins being sent to Amsterdam.

With records that were established some years ago on the lists it was not surprising that he should shatter most of the existing fresh water records, and Lindsay is now in the position that ho holds every fresh water record from 220yds to one mile, and every salt water record from 440yds to one mile. At the recent championships he lowered every fresh water mark except the 220yds, which lie himself biought down to 2min 29,sec just prior to the championships. Lindsay’s record times for fresh water arc as follow:—22oyds,' 2min 29sec; 440yds, smin 28 : l-ssec; 880yds, llmin 45 4-ssec ; : one mile, 24min 14 4-ssec.

His salt water records stand as follow:—44oyds, smin 24 2-ssec; 880yds, llmin 25 3-ssec; and one mile, 23min 36 4-ssec. While these times are some distance below the world’s record marks it must bo remembered ! that during the past two years which has marked Lindsay’s rapid rise 1 he has not been really extended over his crack distances, and in every race he has had to force the pace all the way, winning by wide margins. Again, at the Olympic Games he would bo swimming under the most favorable conditions possible, and it is reasonable to suppose that the New Zealand champion would keep the opposition busy over some of tho distances at least.

Lindsay, as has been pointed out previously, has a wonderfully powerful and smooth stroke, and while his leg action is as rhythmical as it is possible for it to be Lindsay places more value on his arm stroke in comparison than do most swimmers. He is further down in the water than ho used to be, 'hut gets a great thrust with both shoulders. Lindsay has the natural ability, but it has boon considerably developed by the skilled coaching of Carl Atkinson, himself a champion of champions. Lindsay is very steady at the start, but has a splendid starting dive, and has commenced'in earnest by the time he reaches the water. In outside competition he will probably register times that will surpass his previous host, the writer for one being of tho opinion that the best lias yet to be seen of the unassuming Canterbury giant. Miss Kathleen Miller’s nomination for selection in the New Zealand Olympic team will give great satisfaction to Otago swimming followers and the general public at large, and it is fairly safe to assert that she is tho greatest all-round lady swimmer New Zealand has yet produced, and, as such, she is well entitled lo the opportunity that will be afforded her should she be fortunate enough to represent her country at the Olympic Games. Miss Miller is capable of good times over every distance from 100yds to 880yds, though, of course, she is more renowned for her prowess in the distance events. Though she was four seconds outside Miss Gwitha Shand’s New Zealand ladies’ salt-water record for 220yds when she won the ladies’ title event over that distance at the recent meeting, Miss Miller, in covering the iurlong in 2miu olsec, recorded the fastest time ever put up in fresh water in New Zealand, and, what is more, her time was the fastest that has ever won a New Zealand ladies’ title, either in fresh or salt water. And then Miss Miller won by as wide a- margin as 15yds. The 440yds, which she won in 6miu 9 2-sscc, bettered bliss Gwitha Shand’s fresh-water record ol _32sec, and had she been pushed there is not the least doubt in the writer’s mind that Miss Shand’s salt-water tunc of Gmin Bsce would have been eclipsed. As things turn out Miss Miller’s time >ii the fastest recorded in a 440yds ladies’ title event, and only once has she bettered it when she did Gmin 9 l-ssec at Napier last year, this in salt water.

Miss Miller’s doings will be watched with great interest while she is in. Australia, and if she maintains her present form she should register something startling in the way of times over all distances from ‘22oyds to 880yds. There is not the least doubt but that the Otago mermaid is improving all the time, for her times daring the recent meeting were better than those she returned in salt water at Auckland last year. So far as 400 metres is concerned, it seems certain that Miss Miller will make a great showing against the world’s best, for one of the greatest features of her swimming is her grim and dogged lighting spirit. She uses an almost perfect six-beat crawl, and even if she has been forcing a race throughout she always seems able to unloose a dashing spurt in the closing stages of a race. Throughout the whole of her career Miss Miller has been associated with the Kiwi Club, of which she is present ladies’ club captain. Her swimming talent was unearthed by E. 11. Olds, now couching a big club in California. To his untiring efforts much of her success must be claimed. Her first notable victory was achieved at Napier in 1926 when she won the 220yds intermediate girls’ championship in 2min 57 2-ssec. Since then she has not looked hack, and the way she lias come on during the latter half of the present season is really remarkable, in view of the fact that for some time she was showing little of her best form. Her training this year has been in the hands of N. H. Bailey, the crack sprinter of her club. On performances none of the swimming nominees for selection in the New Zealand Olympic team would appear to have better chances of success tlian Miss Ena Stockley, the great Auckland back-stroke exponent. At free-style swimming it was only this year that Mi ss Stockley’s supremacy over 100yds was seriously challenged, and even then she managed to win the title for the fourth successive time in 63 4-ssec, which constituted a New Zealand freshwater record. Her salt-water record is 65 3-ssec, the world’s record, being

60 4-ssec, but this was established in a 25yds bath. Miss Stockley may not be quite as good over 100yds as she was a year or two ago, but at backstroke she can be classed as a champion of champions, and her I .'inn b 6 2-ssec,for 150yds back-stoke is such as to justify the belief that she will extend to the utmost the world’s best in this style of .swimming. Her performances against the great Australian back-stroke exponent, Miss Bonnie Mealing, during the next few weeks will reveal just how good the New Zealander is in outside competition, for Australian critics are already bailing Miss Mealing as one of the world s greatest back-stroke swimmers.

While the world’s record for men’s 150yds backstroke is Imin 44 4-ssec, this mark, established in a 25yds pool, has stood since 1923, and L. J. Moorhouse’s Imin 56sec in winning the New Zealand men’s title over this distance at the recent championships was evidently deemed such as to justify his nomination for selection. Moorhouse should improve further yet, but unless he reduces his best time by several seconds he can hardly be looked upon as a potential winner over 100 metres backstroke. WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIP. One of the most interesting branches of the New Zealand national swimming championships was the water polo competition, but, while several highly exciting games were witnessed, others were spoilt by fooling on the part of the players, and undue laxity on the part of the referees. II the game is to retain the popularity it deserves the authorities will have to sec to it that .firmer control is exercised over the players. and that sound men arc appointed to referee the games. More frequent opportunities for players to take "part in this enjoyable game might be given, and while on this subject the writer would again suggest to The Otago Centro that it institute an intcrclub water polo competition, and that a trophy lor such games might be secured. Undoubtedly tho Otago team made a good showing by drawing against Wellington and Canterbury B in view of the fact that up till seven or eight weeks sonic of the focal men had never handled a polo ball. The coaching of Air 11. V. Jerrcd has been most fruitful, and is such as should lay the foundation for a good Otago team in future years. Had H. Chapman (who did not take the water at all) and C. B. Lewis been available throughout the competition, the homo side would have done much better, and there would not have been an 8-0 frouncing at the hands ol Auckland. Lewis in those games in which he played was the outstanding Otago player, and his throwing was a long way ahead of that of his confreres. It was in this direction that Otago was somewhat lacking, but, though Boyd’s throwing left something to be desired, he infused plenty of dash into his play. A. Harrod played consistently well throughout, hut, taken generally, the forwards received insufficient scoring chances. On defence the backs were fairly sound, though inclined to leave their men unmarked. Swan played one or two brilliant games in goal, but towards the close of the competition he went off and let a few easy goals be scored. Still, on the form shown during the meet ho is a much better goalie than Devlin.

Canterbury retained the water polo championship, and was extended only in the game with Wellington, which ended in a draw, each side scoring five goals. Canterbury was the onlv team that possessed both good combination and accurate throwers, and in such men as C. Atkinson, R. Wheelcy, and A. T. F. Stokes they bad players of experience who at times gave a good display of the game. Though they scored some good goals at long range, the Canterbury -men generally worked into good position before essaying shots at goal. Auckland and Wellington were run-ners-up, but the latter was an inconsistent team, and did not take the game seriously enough. In C. Claridge and D. Murrell the northerners possessed two-of the speediest and best players in the competition, but some of the others did too much talking and “played the man,” so to speak. KELLERMAN CUP RACE. Of the various events that were staged during the progress of the New Zealand championships, there, were few that created more interest than the three-mile harbor race for the Annette Kellerman Cup, and while the water was a little choppy the conditions generally were good In some measure the race exemplified the progress of long distance swimming during the past decade nr so, for with one or two exceptions the competitors favored the crawl or trndgeon crawl strokes. While the sole lady competitor, Miss L. Copplestonc, of Canterbury, received the somewhat liberal handicap .of 29|min, she fully deserved her win, for she swam well throughout, and won comfortably by GOOyds. Miss Copplestone finished comparatively, undi.stre&sed, and favored the crawl stroke ■all-the'way. While she is not a particularly stylish swimmer, Miss Coppie-

stone has quite a lair stroke for distance swimming, and, to say the the least, her victory was one of the most popular of the championship meeting. For the second time m succession R. J. Webster, of Auckland, secured the fastest time of Ih 22min 15sec, but he beat his fellow-Aucklander, J. Euwright, by only 13sec, this pair being the outstanding distance performers in the race. Enwright has competed m every cup race to date, and besides winning it once has several times registered fastest time. C. J. M'Lean was the first Otago man to finish, being sixth from a in mark. He registered filth fastest time, and swam quite a good race.

WELLINGTON’S VICTORY.

Wellington’s success in winning the War Memorial Shield (for the highest aggregate in intermediate and junior championships) was due solely to the efforts of W. Cameron and 15. Gailate, who were the stars of the intermediate and junior boys’ divisions respectively. Cameron’s best effort ivas in the 100yds intermediate boys’ championship, which he won in the splendid time of 60 ,‘!-ssec, smashing the existing fresh water record, with the result that he now holds both salt and fresh ivater records. The 220yds won by the same swimmer also saw a new iresh water mark set,, the time being 2min 45 l-ssec The 100yds breast-stroke he won in Imin 20 l-ssec. Cameron is undoubtedly a great swimmer, with a splendid long stroke and powerful leg action, and there is no doubt that when he enters senior ranks some record-breaking performances may be looked for over 100yds. The junior boys’ class usua.ly brings fo light an outstanding youngster, and this year B. Gailate, of Wellington, proved himself to be a class above the others in free style swimming. His 69 l-ssec for 100yds was a fresh water junior record, while the same applied to his 3niin 4 l-ssec for 220yds. Though not the phenomenal swimmer that Leslie Olds was, Gailate is a powerful youngster, who needs only careful coaching to develop into a real champion.

AUSTRALIAN GIRL’S RISE

No girl swimmer in Australia has shown such marked improvement this summer as cightoen-year-old Violet Armstrong, of Sydney Telephones Ladies’ Club (says ‘Smith’s Weekly’). Miss Armstrong has this season covered 50yds in 29 l-ssec, 100yds m 60 4-ssec, * 110yds in 87 l-osec, and 150yds in Imm 55 3-ssec. Up to 110yds her times are the speediest recorded by an Australian girl this season, and her prospects of inclusion in the Australian Olympic team are second to none. Last week she defeated Australian 100yds champion Ettie Robertson in the City Girls’ 50yds championship in 29 l-ssec, the best time of the season.

She says expert coaching has done wonders for her, and tolls now a fault in her action, when eliminated, made it possible For her to record her best swimming feats. “ Until I became a member of the Telephone Club 1 never realised the importance of muscle relaxation in recovering movements —loosening of the muscles as the arms move through the air for the next stroke after their under-water drive ; that it is absolutely necessary to breathe at every stroke; that the arm pull must bo in straight line and fast; that the shoulders must not follow tho arms (thus throwing the body out of line); that the head plays a most important part in making or

marring a swimmer’s style; that seconds are lost by a bad turn, and many a race is lost through slow starting and a dozen other things. One of my worst faults was that 1 extended my arms too deeply under the water during the arm pull. By bending the elbow and shortening the arm reach i. gained more power and speed.. Another fault of mine was that J. turned my head to breathe before the upper arm had commenced its pull. This threw my body off its balance, and caused me to place my elbow in the water before [my hand made contact. Then i made the mistake of allowing my head to fall forward as 1 readied out for the catch, thereby throwing my shoulders into the water and destroying my planing position. After this the position of my head had to be corrected, for after breathing I failed to turn it sufficiently, and instead of it being at right angles with my shoulders it inclined towards my right arm, the consequence being that my arm drive was affected.” OTAGO’S BRIGHT SHOWING. To say that Otago more than fulfilled the expectations of her most optimistic supporters at the New Zealand championships is (jutting it mildly, for in tilling the position of runner-up for the Yaldliurst Shield the home province did remarkably well, though the issue for second (dace between Auckland and Otago was in doubt right up to the finish. Undoubtedly Miss K. Miller was the star Otago performer in the ladies’ national championships, and collected 13 (joints for her province. Then Miss M. Jepson,'though failing to reproduce her best form, added a couple of points for third places; and C. J. M'Lean, one of the pluckiest of the distance swimmers, finished third in the men’s national 880yds and one-mile championships, heating the standard in the latter event. M'Lean deserved his successes, for he swam beyond expectations, and if he maintains his present rate of improvement, he should be capable of even better performances in the future. He lias quite a good stroke and has

stamina, but is somewhat deficient in dash.

H. M. Clark collected a third point in the 220yds men’s national breaststroke; but it was in diving that Otago showed most marked superiority. Not only did R. C. Calder and H. E. Walker collect 8 points by their efforts in the men’s diving championship, but Miss D. Foote added another three in the ladies’ diving championship. In the lower divisions A. M. Rix gave his best display to date in winning the intermediate diving title, while the 11-year-old 11. Gcckles proved his mettle by carrying off the 75yds junior boys’ breast-stroke championship. The latter has still three years left in junior ranks, and it is fairly safe to assert that the popular little Kiwi representative will bring further titles to Otago before he finishes. In other events, such as handicaps, the province was well to the fore, while in the junior girls’ 50yds breaststroke championship Miss M. Mathieson showed a good deal of promise and filled third place. KIWI CLUB ACTIVITIES. The Kiwi Club is making a start with its championships at the club hour on Tuesday, February 21, after which the events will bo decided weekly. The competition for the Senior Men’s Cup comprises 50yds, 100yds, and 220yds free style events and for the Junior Boys’ Cup 60yds,_ 75yds, and 100yds. The Senior Ladies’ Cup has been won on five successive occasions by the present New Zealand ladies’ champion, Mies K. Miller, but very sportingly Miss Miller, who was to leave for Australia along with Miss Ena Stockley to-day, has decided to withdraw this season to give some of the other ladies a chance. The club, however, intends awarding Miss Miller a miniature cup to mark her great feat, and this will be presented to her at a social function and dance to bo held by the club c ■ her return. The ladies’ events will be 50yds. 75yds, and 100yds. The Junior Girls’ Cap will be decided over 25yds, 50yds, and 75yds. In addition to_ the free style swimming championships three diving championships are being held. The open diving championship will comprise two plain dives off each board, and a voluntary dive off each board. At the present time it looks as if this event will bo between Miss M. Morrison, the cxNew Zealand champion, who has recommenced training, and W. P. Boyd, and if the former strikes form some good displays should be witnessed, for she is perhaps a more finished diver than Boyd, who, however, is improving all tho time. The junior boys’ dive comprises plain dives and one voluntary, and it looks a good thing for R. Geddes. The junior girls’ dive consists of two plain dives off the low board. The diving championships arc unlikely to be staged before the end of March, during which month it is honed to hold a club picnic. AUSTRALIAN GIRLS’ OLYMPIC PROSPECTS. Australia’s girl swimmers, on present form, possess bright prospects of filling places in every Olympic event on the programme. This .claim was abundantly justified at tho National Games at Manly, when Bonnie Mealing (15) bettered the American long-courso 110yds backstroke record, and Edna Davey won the 110yds Olympic test in 77 1- from V. Armstrong (78), Thora Dennis (78 0-5), ami Ettie PoLcrlson (79) in a heavy sea, resembling surf. At Coogee Aquarium Edna Davey won the 150yds State championship in linin 50 3-ssec, paring 3-ssec off Fanny Durack’s Australian record of 1918. This feat and the swimming of the placed girls settled all arguments in their favor (says the Sydney ‘Referee’). Edna went on to win by 4yds from Betty Taw (aged fourteen), Ettie Robertson, Jean Cocks (aged twelve), and Violet Armstrong, the respective finishing times being;-—B. Taw. 1.53 1-5; E. Robertson, 1.55 2-5; J. Cocks, 1.56 1-5; V. Armstrong. 1.56 2- Edna Davey’s time is only 5 3-sscc oft tile world’s record of Gertrude Edcrle, registered in a fast 25yds pool at Bermuda in 1922. On that occasion Miss Edorle was advantaged by five turns as against Miss Davey’s two, which meant a gain of 3sec "to the American girl, ami Congee bath admittedly is the slowest in Sydney, j Like Edna Davey, Bonnie Mealing is I showing improvement with every swim. In a club handicap, over 150yds, last week this fifteen-year-old wonder swam in a loose, heavy, woollen costume, which repeatedly hampered her action by slipping off her shoulders. Her time was 2min TOscc. Considering that it was tho child’s first swim over the distance, and the disadvantages winch .'lnhad to surmount, her performance as astonishing. The incomparable Syb 1 Bauer’s world record for the distance, put up in a 25yds bath in a silk costume. gave her four turns more chan Bonnie, whose time under those conditions must be rated at 2min 2scc, or 3 4-ssec outside the Olympic champion's record. No girl in the world lias got so close to that time.

ENTHUSIASM IN INVERCARGILL

Remarkable enthusiasm for swimming is being shown in .Invercargill since the opening of the tepid baths, and already steps are in train to form a Southland centre, five clubs having been formed in the south. 'Die Otago Centre is supporting Southland in its efforts to obtain recognition as a separate centre, but it is rather a pity the southern clubs did not first have a year affiliated to the Otago Centre so that they would obtain a good idea of the control necessary. At present there are but few ,in Invercargill with a practical idea of how swimming is managed by the various centres throughout New Zealand. However, keenness should compensate for many other deficiencies, and it should ho but a matter of a few years before Southland is taking her rightful place in New Zealand competitive swimming. The first carnival to be staged since the baths were opened took place last Saturday night, a number of Wellington swimmers from the Lyall Bay Surf and Life Saving Club being the principal attraction. W. Cameron, New Zealand intermediate crack, billed by one enthusiastic Invercargill scribe as the “Australasian intermediate champion,” carved through 100yds in 59 4-ssec, which was 4-ssec better than the time lie registered in shattering the existing intermediate fresh-water record at the recent championships. A 220yds handicap was won by the Wellingtonian, R. Pelham, from scratch, in 2mm 46sec. SPLASHES. A suggestion that well merits consideration was made to the writer by a prominent official at the recent championship meeting to the effect that at some time in the future, say during next season, the Otago Centre might consider the advisability of staging a carnival at the steamer basin off the Dunedin wharves. At that carnival a

harbor race could be promoted and th* swimmer securing fastest time might be nominated as Otago’s official representative in the next Annette Kellerraan Cup race. The suggestion is one that should be considered by the centre at an early date. The New Zealand championships passed off without hitch, and their success in a large measure must he attributed to the untiring efforts of the championship secretary (Mr E. Q. Janies) and tho president (Mr J. L. MBndoe), both of whom came in for very favorable mention by the _ president of the New Zealand Council (Mr W. E. D. Bishop) at the presentation of prizes. At the time of writing the financial results of the meeting have not been announced, but the writer understands that tho Otago Centre will show a handsome profit over the fixture.

The monthly water carnival for junior members of tho New York W.S.A. took place recently, and was featured by the swimming of tiny Constance Hanf, the ten-year-old midget, who did 100yds in 1.31 at the October meet. Constance amazed by bettering her time to 1.25 1-s—-a performance representing about 1.28 in a 75ft pool (says L. Do B. Hanley’s latest bulletin). At a meeting of the New Brighton Borough Council (Christchurch) held recently the mayor (Mr A. W. Owles)| moved that the necessary steps be taken, to obtain the sanction of the Local Government Loans Board for raising a loan of £6,000 for the purpose of establishing salt-water swimming baths at New Brighton. The impending departure of Mr P. N. Rundlc, chairman of the local centre, for Dunedin will leave a gap in swimming circles extremely hard to fill. During the six and a-half years that ho has been resident in Wellington hia very wide and experienced knowledge has always been at the call of anyone interested in swimming matters, and there is not tho slightest doubt that his lifelong interest in the sport has been of wonderful benefit to the local controlling officials (states the Wellington ‘Post’). There arc practically no branches of the game that Mr Rundle has not participated in, and his career is one that any swimmer might ba proud of. Certainly no championship honors have ever come his way, but there is no person connected with the sport who can boast of such a splendid record. In his long association with swimming he has been a successful competitor in racing, diving, and water polo; has found time to carry out official duties at hundreds of carnivals; has been a member of different centres, fulfilling the offices of secretary and chairman, filled the secretarial chair of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, and also has been president of the Otago Centre. There are other positions he has filled with distinction, notably North Island representative of the council, and his ambassadorship has been full of merit. As chairman of the council of the New Zealand Olympic Association he has performed valuable work, and it is regrettable that his services will be lost to that body just at the time when it was being placed on a solid foundation. However, it is pleasing to know that Air Bundle's absence is not likely to be permanent, although perhaps of a few years’ duration, but his departure is regretted.

Each week further evidence is being provided that Sydney has lady swimmers worthy of representing Australia at Amsterdam, and the often-repeated tip that some of Fanny Durack’s records would go was proved correct on Saturday evening, wlicn Edna Davey won the 15Uyds ladies’ championship of New South Wales in Imin 50 3-ssec, or 3sec lower than Miss Durack’s record (says the 1 Sporting Globe’). It was a thrilling battle, with Ettie Robertson, Violet Armstrong, Betty Taw, Edna Davey, and Jean Cocks taking part. There was little to choose till the end of the first 50yds, when Edna, Davey took the load. Betty Taw was just m front of the remainder, who were hunched. The Spit girl won by about 3yds, with Ettie Robertson just behind Betty Taw. The time is duly 5 3-ssec outside the world’s record of Gertrude Ederlc, which was accomplished in a 25vds tank.

Bonnie Healing's bank-stroke swim of 89 l-ssec was tlio most brilliant performance oi recent Australian tests, according to an exchange. Swimming on her back, she was hampered more by the huge waves that rolled across her course than the tree-style swimmers, yet in tlio KJO-metrcs back-stroke Olympic Lost (which was really IlUyds, or about 22in in excess of the IUU metres), she had the extraordinary time of 89 l-ssec. The time surpassed by 2-ssec the American long course record by Elaine Dela nev at Magncr’s baths, Rye, on August 20. With the exception of the late Svbil Bauer (1924 Olympic champion, and holder of every world’s back-stroke record) and Wilhemina den Turk, of Holland (who recently won the championship of Europe at Bologna, Italy, in 84 8-sscc) no other girl in the world has done such speedy time as Bonnie Mealing. Alter covering the first 55yds in 40sec she was so far ahead that she practically covered the rest of the distance without pace. [As has been reI marked elsewhere, there should bo a wonderful clash when Miss Stockleyand Miss Mealing meet, for at Dunedin Miss Stocklcy registered 8(3 2-sscc for 100 metres, which is even better than Miss Healing’s timc.J .... A loss to Dunedin swimming is the departure of J. Gascoigne for Sydney. “Gassie” was popular m local swimming circles, and had ho taken the sport seriously would have been one of the best of the local speedsters. He was twice junior champion of the Boys’High School and three times senior champion, and as a prominent official in the Old Otago Club he rendered yeoman ser-, vice to the sport. His departure will ’ be regretted, but swimmers will join in wishing him good luck in his new, sphere. . , Apart from’ the swimming of the girls, was the astonishingly fine performance of Noel (“Tiger”) llyan,Manly’s sixteen-ycar-old champion, who swam second to E. W. (“Brusher ), Jones, the Australian distance champion, in the 400 metres (440yds test), and convincingly defeated Moss Christie in the 1,500 metres Olympic test m ( 22min 30soc at the recent Australian Olympic tests (says the ‘Referee’)* In the former event Ryan was beaten by Jones by 2 2-sscc, the lad leaving his sprint too late. In the I,soometres (I,osoyds) Ryan caught ' Christie at. 770yds, and simply wallowed mj the'big sea, pausing to exchange a jest at each lap. Ryan’s 1,500 metres was 1 considerably better than Frank Beanrapaire’s best by an Australian of 22mm '25 3-ssec, put up in the Domain Baths' in 1922 under ideal water conditions.: Ryan’s time also compares very favor-' 1 a lily with Beaurcpaire’s best of 21mm | 41 3-ssee, in winning the semi-final of i the Olympic 1,500 metres at Paris.- ; Ryan had the rough water to battle with, and swam about Gyds further than 1 Beaurepaire. ! The institution of an interclub water polo competition, which was decided upon at Wednesday’s meeting of the Otago Centre, is a step in tlie_ right direction and one which should give an increasingly popular game a further good fillip. Some of the clubs may even find it possible to enter two teams. . . , The Otago Centre acted quite rightly in protesting over the assistant starter at the national championship (Mr W. Jenkins) being passed over after Mr C. Bryant was called away. Mr D. Coulter was called upon to act, but his starting left much to be desired. The local centre protested at the time, and Mr Jenkins then came into his own, though on the last night he shared the duties with Mr Coulter. Mr Jenkins’s capabilities are such that he should not have been passed over, especially for a starter- who apparently lacked Mi Jenkins’s experience and who caused a good deal of dissatisfaction among ths swimmer* 1