SWIMMING NOTES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 73, 22 March 1912, Page 5

SWIMMING NOTES.

- (By Amphi Bios.)

The 75yds distance of the Champion Cup came off yesterday afternoon. . . r „ , Some authorities say it was pulled off Others are equally positive that it waii| pushed off. . .. -iaere are even those, chiefly those who were not present, who allege with heat that the poor race could not help itself, and fell off. While some people, chiefly of the kind who -sit on the bank and tell one after the race how one could have won the race easily, who argue that the race was “off” all the time before swimming, during swimming and after swimming. As a matter of amphibibulous, positive, proveable, irreducible, and ineductable verity the race went off. It went off pop! . It went off of and by itself. And with a good snap to it. The public, present in fair number, said: “Let her do a bit of a gowent.” , . . J She did so without being instructed or ordered. .Whittington was the only one who failed to unrug. . He was away playing cricket. At the word “go” Jebb (21scc) opened the ball with a bang. Seven seconds later Bennett (14sec)' took the water like a duck. Probably more like a duck than a duck is. . Next to leave was the points leader, who fancied himselfwith llsec.^ These three ran along in very much the positions their handicaps gave them for the first length, towards the end of which Kivell (3sec) and Masters gave official notice “taking the water,” as the saying is>) that they intended, at the very least, to take part in the race. Everybody had difficulty in turning, owing to the ends of the bath having got slippery through , want of use.

But the back markers came along well, and ,soon after the 50yds turn the race settled down into a hot and heavy, quick and sudden discussion between Jebb, who had kept a good lead from Bennett, and Kivell and Masters. Ultimately Kivell got the best of the argument by a bare yard. Masters being a similar distance behind Jebb. Bennett and Kelly voluntarily placed themselves on the Dead, Sick, Wounded and Missing List about five yards from home. A bad move. Some cynical folk will say they ran dead. Some that they took sick in the vicinity of the pericardium. •And some tHat they were wounded in the wind. Yerily, they ivere missing when the numbers were hoisted. Virtue is its own reward. , The wages of sin often appear to be paid in advance. People who commit the .sin of not finishing will get their wages in the next/race. Apropos of nothing-—quite by the way—-tbe race took 72sec from point to point. The-points for the Cup now stand : Kelly ... -A. » f‘ ■ Masters 7 Kivell ... "S' Bennett .... ... 3 Jebb r .This, as has, perhaps, been previously remarked, leaves the competition in an interesting conditipn. Jebb swam a good race, demonstrating that his experience in Cup races has given him judgment. With his two points he looks a good “pick” for second place’ when everything is over and done. First place is not outside possibility. If he gets it he will deserve it. It is a poor rule 'which will. 'nbt work both forwards and)backwards. Therefore, if he deserves -it lie will get it. Wherefore, the Cup is his. ’ ; ' Quod, as the saying is, seeiris sufficiently demonstranditmed. The public also unanimously found Bennett guilty of deserving tvell 0 f the country. He swam well. Kivell also swam well, and the distance suited him. Masters and Kelly performed much as usual. Masters promised to have a snooze on the voyage, but went dog on the field, and swam hard. Kelly did not promise to do any- • thing, and did not do anything. inconsistent running, anyA small section of the more or loss unfair sex pleaded to be allowed to see yesterday’s/race. But one body and another developed a sick headache through thinking too much about swimming in a costume, and the/ appeal was dismissed with costs as per scale, and disbursements, eacn side to make its own peace with its lawyer. However, the committee will probably see its way to issue an invitation to ladies to witness the next race.

. ladies were to take n running jump at the committee with a proposal to preside over afternoon tea they would most likely be asked to be present.