SWIMMING MATCHES.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1229, 11 February 1878, Page 3

SWIMMING MATCHES.

The second scries of swimming matches at the Corporation baths this season, arranged by Mr A, Jardine, lessee, took place on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large number of spectators, who seemed to take very great interest in the various events. All the arrangements were perfect and the programme was carried out without a single hitch occurring. The principal item was the 500yds Champion Race for a very handsome belt, presented by Mr Jardine. Five competitors entered, and Mr M. Smith, who had been in strict training for some little time past, proved to be the winner by about 35yds, Mr Smith swam throughout with a strong side stroke. Councillors Bickerton and Ruddenklau acted as judges, and the time was taken by Mr Jardine with a Benson’s chronograph. The following were the various events : 50yds Race, for boys under 14—prize a medal. G. Wright 1 ... T. Childs ... 2 W. Atkinson ... 3 Won by about a foot, 300yds Race, for youths under 20—First * prize, silver medal; second, silver-plated medal. D. Strangman 1 J. Preece ... 2 J. T. Smith ... 3 Won by syds. Timet—Stnin. 40J-secs. 300yds Race for Championship ; open to all amateurs —First prize, Champion Belt (to be won twice); second, silver medal; third, silver-plated medal. M. Smith ... ... ... ... 1 G. Clarkson 2 T. Parsons 3 W. Stanley and P. Rattigan also started. This was the event of the day and created considerable excitement. At the report of the pistol the men took the water simultaneously, and kept pretty even for the first length. In the second length Smith (who was in fine condition, and swimming in splendid style) took the lead, with. Parsons following, Stanley and Clarkson coming third and fourth. Rattigan now gave up. Smith kept the lead for the whole of the eight lengths, the positions of the others altering after the sixth length, the result being as stated above. Time:—XOmin. 7.1 sec. The winner was loudly applauded at the termination of the race.

Messrs Clarkson and Strangman (winner of the 200yds. race) challenged Mr Smith to swim again for the belt, on Saturday, 28th February, and should the latter succeed in winning it a second time it becomes his absolute property. Should he, however, not pull off this event, he will be presented with a silver medal bearing a suitable inscription. This race will be o]>sn to any amateur, and Mr Jardine purposes offering another second and third prize. The proceedings were successfully terminated with a wrestling match on a raft, which caused considerable amusement. About two seconds was the average length of stay of the competitors on the floating platform, and eventually G. Wright, who stood the longest, was declared the winner.