SWIMMING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3619, 29 March 1927, Page 2

SWIMMING.

MANAMATU PRIMARY SCHOOLS' CHAMPIONSHIPS. GERALD HIRINI OUTCLASSES ALL COMPETITORS. Some excellent times were registered at the Manawatu primary schools’ annual championships, which were held at the municipal baths at Palmerston North on Saturday afternoon. Gerald Hirini (Foxton), swam in and won all four of the boys’ races, and thus his school won the boys’ championship by getting the maximum of 20 points. Central (Palmerston North) came serond with.l2 points, and Manchester Street (Feilding) third with 3 points. In the girls' section, Betty Harford, of "Manchester Street, Feilding, won three of the four races, annexed the championship, Terrace End (Palmerston North) being second with 8 points and Central (Palmerston North) third with 6 points. The winners of the events in which standard time was broken get certificates from the New Zealand Swimming Association. Following are the results with the standard time in parentheses: — Boys’ events. —50yds . championship: Gerald Hirini (Foxton), 1; J. Richards (Central Palmerston North), 2; M. Bade (Manchester Street, Feilding), 3. Time 35 1-5 sec. (37sec). 75yds championship Gerald Hirini (Foxton), 1; J. Richards (Central Palmerston North), 2; M. Bade (Manchester Street, Feilding), 3. Time 00 2-ssee. (61 see). 100yds championship: Gerald Hirini (Foxton), 1; L Richards (Central Palmerston North), 2; M. Bade (Manchester Street, Feilding), 3. Time lmin. 27 3-ssec. (85see). 150yds championship: Gerald Hirini (Foxton). 1: J. Richards (Central Palmerston North), 2. Time 3min. 51 l-ssee. (2min. 15see).

SCHOOL HONOURS FOR HIRINI. Gerald Hirini, or “Jerry" as he is more familiarly known to his schoolmates, is 13 years of age and is a bright little chap. He was born alongside the Manawatu river and does not remember when he first learnt the natatorial art. The turbulent waters and treacherous currents of the river hold no fears for Jerry, as he • has swum it under all conditions. Unlike his competitors, Jerry has had no one to coach him in the art, His entry in the school swimming championships was off his own hat —save that the schoolmaster certified to his age. He had no supporters to cheer him to victory, but travelled alone. His fine performances, however, and cheerful disposition soon made him a favourite with all. At the school yesterday morning, the headmaster, Mr. F. Mason, sought out young Hirini and assembled the classes to convey to him tlie school's congratulations. The headmaster in addressing the children, pointed out the desirability of learning to swim, and extolled (lie prowess of young Hirini, who had not only put up a wonderful performance but had won honour and distinction for the school by winning four championships against the pick of the Manawatu. He said Gerald Hirini was an unusually modest lad, and although doubtless very proud of his performance was not suffering from “swelled head” as a result of his victory. Cheers were lustily given by the school for “Jerry-”