SWIMMERS FOR OLYMPIA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 287, 24 February 1928, Page 11

SWIMMERS FOR OLYMPIA

MISS STOCKLEY SHOULD HAVE PREFERENCE Having nominated three of the Dominion’s fastest swimmers for inclusion in the Dominion Olympic team, the selectors, Messrs. J. Enwright and C. A. Edenborough, came in for some criticism at the meeting of the Auckland Swimming Centre last evening, exception being taken to their action. At a meeting of the delegates of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association held in Dunedin during the national championships, D. P. Lindsay (Canterbury), Miss Ena Stockley (Auckland), and Miss K. Miller (Otago), were nominated by the delegates. Explaining the reason for this action, the chairman, Mr. J. Enwright, pointed out that Lindsay in his opinion was first on the list for selection, \vith Miss Stockley second, tie stated that the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association had already made an offer to the Olympic Council of £IOO toward the expenses of each swimmer sent to the games. One of the motions moved was that Miss Stockley should be the first swimmer nominated, but he had moved that Lindsay should have preference. This motion was carried. In the opinion of Mr. W. Batty (Grammar), Miss Stockley should have preference, as she was right up to Olympic standard, whereas Lindsay was not up to world standard. “It is a waste of money to send Lindsay,” said Mr. R. M. Sheffield (Mount Eden), “His times are minutes outside those of the world's best swimmers, while in Miss Stockley’s case she is a few seconds within standard.” He moved that the Auckland Centre should forward a letter to the New Zealand Council pointing out that Miss Stockley had priority in times for first nominee as New Zealand’s representative at the Olympic Games. The motion was seconded by Mr. M. Withers (Parnell). Mr. Enwright still considered that Lindsay should be the first swimmer on the list. He was the best male swimmer New Zealand had ever seen and was entitled to represent the Dominion whether he won a world’s championship or not. Mr. Sheffield pointed out that Miss Stockley’s time was within a few seconds of the world’s records, and where she would have a chance of winning. Lindsay would have no chance. It was explained by Mr. Edenborough that since the championships Miss Stockley had improved her times, and had done better in Australia than he thought she would. An amendment was moved by Mr. Enwright: “That the centre take no action and that the nominations as submitted to the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, should be allowed to stand in the order they were at present. ’ Mr. E. V. Cunnold seconded the amendment, which was lost, and the motion was carried.