SWIMMING

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 3 December 1927, Page 8

SWIMMING

(By

“Diver”)

AT THE HASTINGS BATHS.

NIGHT CARNIVALS COMMENCED.

Clubs had hopes of getting properly into swing last week, but tho usual club nights since last week-end have had to be postponed owing to the rain.

Both the Mahora and Heretaunga clubs have had two carnivals this season and on every occasion success rewarded the efforts of the officials.

Club carnivals will be held this week—weather permitting of course—on the following evenings : Wednesday (Havelock). Thursday (Mahora club at the Mahora School baths). Friday (Heretaunga at the Maddison baths)

The additional improvements have made a vast difference in the appearance of the Mahora baths. Those responsible are to be congratulates on the excellent seating accommodate i now provided. The club is a very young one. but it is increasing its standard and making good pro gress.

Three fine intermediates belonging to the club are Plummer Ho'rne and O’Neil. It looks as though they are going to have another battle this year for the coveted cup in this grade. All three are showing improvement.

Rose has not appeared in the handicap races vet. However, be swam in the teams' races and shows that he is not far from last season < form.

Chilton is a very determined swimmer over the short distances He strives hard and his grit manages tn get him into the nieces at the finish

Pillow-fighting is one of CraikeS joys. He just loves it.- As yet I haven’t seen him come a cropper. Perhaps he practices at home.

Another game swimmer is Freds berg. He enters for .everything. 1 admire the wav he tries all the events even though he has not a chance of winning. His best, performance is diving, and with steady practice nt a few of the harder or more fancy dives some of the “stars” will have their work cut nut to heat him.

Miss Stevens is a young swimmer who has a good turn of speed—earticnlarly for the longer distances., "o’ which her style is admirably suited. She takes her sport seriously, as should be, and though she was disqualified the first night at Heretaunga. she could have won comfortably by the extra second. She made up for this later in tile week nr having a goo,-] win in 17scc.s without being pushed.

Heretaunga managed to squeeze in the postponed opening on Tuesday of last week, and there was a good rally .it both spectators and competitors present. On the following Friday th* regular club night was staged. Undoubtedly the outstanding feature at both functions was the diving This writer has seen many club carnivals throughout different parts of the Dominion, but never before has he witnessed such a magnificent display. There was plenty of variety and the leaps were beautifully executed.

The encouragement of diving is always desirable and a club with euoh talent is to be envied. After’ such a grand display it was with regret that the writer witnessed the “novelty’’ stunt diving. 11 rather spoiled the real thing, » * *

Miss Al. Simmonds is almost up to last year's form. She looks as though she will have to get into serious training though, if she wants to tetain the 100 and 200 yards championships. The short sprint 25 yards won’t help her verv much for the latter event. • • »

Carlyle swam well m the fift yarder. He certainly had a good handicap, but his performance was quite tair.

Chilton was dealt with a little severely by the handicappers. His showing was the best of the evening.

Both the chpmpion divers, Geddis and Aliss Jone's, were in great form on the opening the verdict going to Geddis who improved m the intervening three days to win easily on Friday night. • » •

Heretaunga officials are to be con gratulated on their decision to have water-polo matches on the club evenings. 'ihis sport can be made one of the features of any carnival, and properly arranged, should be a sue cess. The game requires a vast amount of skill, and should appeal very much to football-swimmers.