SWIMMING

Evening Star, Issue 19805, 2 March 1928, Page 12

SWIMMING

NOTES AND NEWS. —Fixtures.— March 3. at Kavonsbourno regatta. March 31.—Otago Centro’s Olympic appeal carnival. NEW ZEALAND GIRLS IN MELBOURNE. Following their success in Sydney and in their initial appearance at the Australian championships, when Miss Ena Stockloy won the 100yds title event, and Miss K. Miller filled the position of runner-up, the New Zealand girls have achieved further success in Melbourne, and without a doubt have materially strengthened their already powerful claims for inclusion in the New Zealand Olympic team. Miss Miller put up another good performance in winning the 440yds championship of Australia by a touch from Miss Edna Davey, of New South Wales, who has been chosen in the Australian Olympic team, in Grain 13 3-ssec. Miss Miller’s time was fair, but was nearly lOsec slower than she registered in winning at Sydney, and 4sec slower than her recent New Zealand championship time. Still, she wen, and repeated her triumph in the Australian 220yds championship, in which Miss Edna Davey was second 4yds back. Miss Miller’s time was 2min 52 3-ssec, which she has bettered only once—during the recent New Zealand championships. Miss Miller in this race led from the start, and with 40yds to go had the race in hand. Apart from Miss Miller’s wonderful finishing burst, which she appears to have developed further during the present tour, her swimming generally seems to have made a groat impression upon the Australian critics, and it will indeed be difficult to pass her over for the New Zealand Olympic team. In addition to the 4(J<> metros,■ Miss Miller has been nominated for the 100 metres, and while Miss Stockley is her superior over 100yds, it has to be remembered that Miss Miller is always finishing on at the end ot the hundred, and would extend Miss Stockley to the utmost over the extra 9yds or so.

At the same meeting as Miss Miller won the Australian 440, Miss Stockley won the 100yds invitation handicap in Imin 7 4-osec, Miss Miller being second. On her third appearance in Melbourne Miss Stockley put up a splendid performance in the 100yds back-stroke championship of Australia, which the New Zealand girl won from Miss Ettie Robertson very easily in the good time of Imin 22sec, though had she been extended there is no doubt that Miss Stockley would have registered even better time. Miss Bonnie Mealing, the youthful recordbreaker, was expected to fight for honors all the way with Miss Stockley, but after leading at the start she veered across the course and over the barrier. Miss Stockley’s chief objective at the Olympic Games will probably be the 100 metres back-stroke, and on the way that she is swimming she is going to be very hard to beat should she be sent. Last Saturday, at Melbourne, the Australasian ladies’ championships commenced, and the occasion was marked by the New Zealand girls proving their superiority over the best in Australia (says the ‘ New Zealand Sportsman’). Miss Violet Armstrong, of New South Wales, whom the Australian critics hailed as an Olympic possibility, had her colors lowered not only by Miss Stockley, but also by Miss Miller. Miss Stockley repeated _ her New Zealand defeat of Miss Miller, but was evidently hard pressed. She showed undoubted superiority over Miss Armstrong. The time was probably Imin 6 4-ssec, but this is not confirmed as the cables bad the time as Imin 0 4-ssec, which would be a new world’s record. Tlfe time was not quite a.s good as that recorded by Miss Storkley in Sydney a week before, but the difference would probably bo duo to different conditions and slower water. The defeat of Miss Armstrong by Miss Miller would be a great shock to the New South Wales supporters and Australians generally, for none of them knew that Miss Miller was very little inferior to Miss Stockley over 100yds. OLYMPIC CLAIMS. It is rather a pity that the Auckland Centre should endeavor to push Miss Ena Stockloy’s claims for inclusion in the New Zealand Olympic team to tho detriment of those of Miss Kathleen Miller, of Otago, for on the way that both of them have been swimming in Australia it is very difficult to individualise between the pair of them. Granted that Miss Ena Stockley has great chances of success in the 10U metres back-stroke event, but then so too has Miss Miller in the 400 metres, for her 6min 3 9-10 sec for 440yds in a 110 yd length bath is reckoned by most Australian writers as being very nearly equal to a world’s record. Miss Stockley is superior to Miss Miller over 100yds, but it is somewhat doubtful whether she would bo placed in an Olympic final over 100 metres, and over this distance Miss Miller would probably fully extend the Auckland girl. The writer is not endeavoring to separate tho two girls, for it is his candid opinion that both should be sent, and if all the centres put their shoulders to the wheel, without a doubt both girls will be. Both have stronger claims for inclusion than D. P. Lindsay on times, but it must be remembered that the great Canterbury man has not really been extended during the past couple of years. If possible, it is to be hoped all three will be sent, and nothing is surer than that they will acquit themselves well. Swimming followers and others are

reminded that a subscription list for the Olympic fund has been opened by the editor of the ‘ Evening Star, through whom contributions will bo acknowledged. SOUTHLAND WRITER’S REPLY. Appended is the reply of “ Trudgeon,” of the ‘ Southland 'times,’ to the remarks made by “ TlooKer ” auonfc the “pirating” of paragraphs from this column without cine acknowledgment: was drawn during the week to a paragraph in a Dunedin newspaper which was apparently intended as a severe rebuke to him for stealing ij,s copyright swimming notes, ft was fortunate that the paragraph was shown him, as otherwise the rebuke might have missed the mark. The only reason why such voluminous notes were borrowed from Dunedin was that the New Zealand championships had just previously been held there, and consequently Dunedinites had a better chance of commenting on New Zealand swimmers. We, however, wish to borrow with thanks and acknowledgements, an interesting news item from the same mighty pen concerning a star who has apparently been hiding her light under the bushel of an assumed name. We refer to this sentence in a paragraph derogatory to Southland swimming;— 1 Southland’s greatest star is a Dunedin product, Miss V. Scatter, who represented Otago when she won the intermediate girls’ breast stroke championship of New Zealand.’ Whether this will be blamed on the printer or not remains to ho seen. In any case, we should like to know the percentage of ‘ borrowed ’ work even in the Dunedinite's column in a profession depending so much on ‘give and take.’”

The Southland writer states that tho only reason why the “voluminous notes” were borrowed was that- the New Zealand championships bad just previously been held here. Now, tho writer does not object to the “ borrowing ” of paragraphs, providing they arc acknowledged, but the Invercargill scribe’s explanations do not carry much weight when it is stated that tho following week, culled from the ‘Star’ and appearing in the ‘Southland Times ’ the following Saturday to that on which the championship matter appeared was “ Hooker’s ’ comment upon the Cook Strait swim, when R. J. _ Webster attempted to cross. Why did not this talented Southland writer air his knowledge by showing readers bis ability and making some comments of bis own about the attempt ? So far as the percentage of “ borrowed ” work in “Hooker’s” column is concerned, he thinks that readers will agree that it is a very sjnall one indeed, and such material is acknowledged suitably. In any case, the writer challenges “Trudgeon” to produce an instance whore “ Hooker ” has used a paragraph from tho ‘ Southland Tunes ’ without acknowledging its source. It is the writer’s aim to deal first with local swimming activities and then with matters affecting New Zealand swimmers, following lastly by overseas news, which, thanks to his correspondents in Australia and America, it is possible to cover fairly fully. Admittedly the profession depends on “ give and take,” but “Hooker’s” idea of journalistic etiquette, especially so far as sporting scribes arc concerned, is that wherever possible original matter is suitably acknowledged. And in the past writer's in the ‘ Southland Times 1 have been among those pointing out tho error of their ways to erring writers in other parts. So far as the paragraph in which Miss V. Section was referred to as “Miss V. Scatter” is concerned, the mistake is so obvious to swimming followers that much comment on the matter is superfluous, ft must indeed he fortunate for Southland writers that their printers are infallible in the setting up of copy. The writer IS most williug to give credit whore credit is duo, and without a doubt Southland swimming has progressed in leaps and bounds since the erection of tho municipal baths in Invercargill; but champions cannot bo made in a day, and it is ridiculous for newspaper writers to go vaunting the claims of their swim mem in comparison with those of a centre which has years of championship swimming behind it. Southland’s turn -will come, but constructive criticism is necessary in the attainment of this object. DUNEDIN DASHES. A large number of swimmers attended the Dunedin Club’s hour on Friday last.- Although the club has a large junior membership, seniors and intermediates were in the majority.

When competitors were called lor the last race of the J. J. Clark Cup competition, only one faced the starter. He was R. Calder, who was already leading by so many points that the result of tho race could make no till-, feronce to his position. This may explain the lack of enthusiasm over the last race. The event has been post poued, and Roy Calder is announced as the winner of the J. J. Clark Cup.

The junior boys’ race was swum, Arthur Williams (4sec) being the winner, with A. Alexander (2sec) second. Roy Calder is diving in his usual brilliant fashion, while Miss Eggers is diving well. She is now turning a very good forward somersault. The club is fortunate in possessing another promising diver in the person of A. Haines. His flight is good, nut he is apt to let his legs spoil the effect of an otherwise good dive. However, his pikes and half-borers are good, and with proper attention to his legs his other dives will bo considerably improved. Miss Molly Ross is a promising swimmer and diver. Her stroke seems well adapted for distance swimming, and with coaching she should do well. Several members, including G. Standring, A. Rix, and J. Fleming were putting in some practice with the polo ball. With practice A. Rix and B. Kerr promise to develop into good players, and they will considerably strengthen their club’s team. Members of the polo team are keen and eager to learn, and they hope to give a good account of themselves in the forthcoming banner matches.* ST. CLAIR MURMURS. The ladies’ life saving team gave another display of water work last Saturday afternoon. With practice they will develop into a good combination, but serious attention. to training is necessary before such » result is achieved. The club hour at the Municipal Baths was patronised well by the club members. The 150yds backstroke championship of the club resulted;—J. B. Simpson 1, C. B. Lewis 2, J. Swan 3. Time, 2min 22sec. Simpson won easily, and,his time indicates that, with practice, he will develop into quite a good backstroke swimmer. Polo practice was carried out by the A and B teams, and good combination and good goal throwing being evident. Several juniors, under the coaching of H. V. Jerred, are showing decided improvement in the game,

KLWI JOTTINGS, Tiie second round of races for the club championships was decided, the results being as lollows: — HALL I DAY CUP. 100yds. N. H. Bailey 1 W, Boyd 2 W. Hamilton 3 Bailey won easily. He established a lead in the first'lap, and increased it slightly in the last lap to win by syds. Time, (17 l-ssec. LADIES’ CHALLENGE CUP. 75yds. *Miss Morgan 1 Miss P. Lang 2 Miss Morrison 3 Won by liyds. Time, 60scc. FOGG CUP. 75yds. 11. Gcddes was the only competitor. Ho was paced by U. Brown. Time, 59scc. IRWIN CUP. 50yds. Miss C. Lalng 1 Miss P. Taylor 2 Miss J. Munro 3 Time, 33 2-sscc. Polo practice was carried out by the team, which should provide good opposition. in the polo competition. The final stage of tho club championship races will be held next week, alter which the diving championships will be decided. WATER POLO COMPETITION. The water polo competition for the Donald Stuart Banner should provide some good matches. Tho St. Clair Club, having a much larger membership than tho other two clubs, has entered two teams. Tho A team is as follows: C. B. Lewis, J. B. Simpson, J. L. MTndoe, A. Harrod, A. Knights, J. Faulk, and H. Dovlin. The following is_ tho draw for the water polo competition:—St. Cl air v. St. Clair B. Monday, March 5; Kiwi v. St. Clair B. 'Wednesday, March 7; Dunedin v. St. Clair A, Friday, March 9; Dunedin v. St. Clair B, Monday, March 12; Kiwi v. St. Clair A. Saturday, March 31. The first match of the polo competition was played on 'Wednesday night, when Kiwi-defeated Dunedin by 3 goals to 2. Both teams played a fair game, but the Kiwi men showed a better understanding than did their opponents. 'Walker arid Colder played well for Dunedin, Boyd and Affleck being Kiwi’s best men. Both teams showed that they require a lot of practice in throwing and in getting rid of the ball quickly. Mr H. V. Jerred ably controlled the game. SPLASHES. Gustav Froelich’s 100yds in 67 2-6 sec in Melbourne, when ho defeated Tom Boast (68 2-ssec), has been claimed as a world’s record for a 25vds pool. But Weismuller has done 62 2-osec, George Kojac 63 2-osec. Howard Ploesscl 65 l-ssec, Joseph Wchl 67 l-ssec—all in 27vds pools—the two last named being present and cast American High School r 'ords. Walter Lanfer swam 100 metres (not yards) over a 100-metrc course in Germany, when he established his present world’s record of 71 l-ssec, and E. Kueppers, champion of Germany, has swum 100 metres straight away in 73seo (says the ‘ Sydney Referee’). No world’s record for 100yds back-stroke is listed by tho Federation do Natation Amateur. James House, of America, is claiming a record of 70 4-ssec, put up in a 75yds bath. After a really clever exhibition, exState champion Ella Smith (Mrs Heath), now the mother of two lino babies, carried off the N.S.W. diving championship from the all-round High School star, Clarice Kennedy- alter the pair had tied and had “dived off.” Ettio Robertson, the previous holder, was third (says the Sydney 4 Referee ’). The outstanding performance of the Pnnsnnby Club’s carnival at ShellyBeach baths on Saturday afternoon was that of Miss D. Grant, who won the 100yds ladies’ handicap in the fast time of 68 4-sscc. This season Miss Grant has shown more improvement than any other lady swimmer in tho dominion over all distances, and judging by her present form, she should be an aspirant for the lOOyos title next year (says the New Zealand ‘Herald’). The Now Zealand 220yds breast-stroke champion, N. K. Sylow, who won the 150yds breast-stroke handicap easily from scratch in the good time of 2rain 4 3-ssec, was also responsible for a. good performance. Tho veteran, A. Clarke, 17sec, was second, and Miss J. Thomson, on the same mark, third. Miss Thomson, the dominion intermediate girl champion, swam a fine race, hut found her handicap too difficult. During the week B. Gcllate, junior champion of New Zealand, endeavored to lower Leslie Olds’s salt-water record over 100yds, bub was unsuccessful (says the ‘Evening Post’). Conditions were not of the best, and the time returned (67scc) was in the region of that expected, especially when Gellate was noticed to be swimming a crooked course. Olds’s time is 65 2-ssec, and the local boy will no doubt make a further attempt on these figures before the season closes. They are not beyond him.

An attractive programme of swimming events is being staged at the llavonsbourne Regatta to-morrow, and Dunedin swimmers will do well to support the fixture. Competitors will be well catered for, and good dressing accommodation will be provided. Reg. Grier, of Queensland, is the most outstanding swimmer in Australia to-day, bar Charlton. Up to 220yds he is supreme, and last week furnished further proof of his ability by winning the 100yds back stroke in 68 3-ssec—-a new record (says the 1 New Zealand Sportsman’). His opponent was Froelich, the German star, who is the speediest back-stroker ever to have visited “Aussie.” Grier recently won the 100yds Australian free style championship in 50 4-ssec, and will be remembered as defeating Dowsett (New Zealand champion) by a touch two years ago at, Auckland. Dowsett, on that occasion, recorded 57 2-ssec, the existing New Zealand record, and is little inferior to the best in Australia on this reckoning.