VERSATILE CHAMPION

Evening Star, Issue 22465, 9 October 1936, Page 14

VERSATILE CHAMPION

UNIQUE RECORD OF D. K. SYMES One of New Zealand's most versatile swimmers is Derek Symes, who has the unusual distinction of playing a prominent part in three clubs in the one season. He is a medical student at Otago University, and has played a big part in reviving interest in swimming at the Varsity, which he has represented, at the New Zealand University tournament most successfully on several occasions, carrying off free style titles over every distance. Then, during the long vocation, he swims for the Elmwood Club in Christchurch, and represents Canterbury at the national championships, while he is also one of the best surf beltmen in New Zealand, being a member of the Taylor’s Mistake Club. In 1935, at Auckland, ho was third in the na-' tional 100yds men’s free stylo championship, second in the 220yds, and winner of the 440yds title. Last year, at Dunedin, he won the 220yds national championship. Until Walter Jarvis got busy and reduced the 50yds Now Zealand free style record to 23 l-ssec, Symes also held the Dominion record over this distance.

Symes is a fine water polo player, and has represented Canterbury for several years. He has been handicapped in his training by his studies before Christinas, but struck form very quickly once he settled to work. He has made an earlier start with his preparations for the coming season than usual, and can be depended on to give a good account of himself at New Plymouth in February. By a coincidence, Symes was elected captain of the Elmwood Club in Christchurch and the University Club in Dunedin on the same night.

Although it was not classed as a championship race, and did not count for the Yaldhurst Shield, the interprovincial scratch relay of 133 l-3.vds proved one of the most interesting events at the New Zealand championships last season. It was introduced as a result of the Otago Centre’s action in presenting a handsome challenge cup lor this race, Auckland scoring a fine win. The- cup is to he competed for wherever the championships arc held each year and the next race will lake place at Mew Plymouth.

One of the great disappointments of the New Zealand championships at Dunedin last February was the showing made by Dick Watkins, the Hawke’s Bay representative. Watkins won the national mile at Auckland in 1935, bill last season he appeared short of training and did not reproduce anything like his best form. The Hawke’s Bay boy is a good swimmer, and, if he elects to undergo intensive training, has it in him to bo well to the fore in the distance races at New Plymouth in February.

Completing its seventh year of control, the Auckland Water Polo Control Board has every reason to be pleased with its results, as the season just closed proved to be one of great interest to. the general public, which was ever ready to show' its appreciation of keenly-contested games (states the annual report of the Auckland Swimming Centre). Results of the competition wore:—A grade, North Shore; B grade, Ponsonby; C grade, Ponsonby; junior grade, North Shore.

The Otago Centre is making an effort to arrange a carnival during the visit of H.M.S. Achilles to Dunedin for the first time. If the sailors consent to appear, the centre intends staging the carnival in conjunction with its “Learn to Swim Week,” which will.then begin on November 21 and conclude on November 26.

The annual meeting of the Otago Centre is to be held on Monday night, a conference of the country clubs taking place in the afternoon. The re-election of Mr J. L. M'lndop as president of the Otago Surf Lifo Saving Association was a well-deserved honour. Mr MTndoe did very good work in connection with the national surf championships, which were held here last season, and his long experience in swimming administration proved invaluable. Mr M'lndoe has been through swimming and surf work in all its phases, and is the right man for the position. He is also patron of the Otago Swimming Centre and a former president. Mr J. M. Rodgerson is again secretary of the Surf Association, a logical choice, and many tributes to his efficiency and organising ability were paid at the annual meeting on Monday night.