CHAMPIONS RETURN

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 302, 13 March 1928, Page 13

CHAMPIONS RETURN

MISSES STOCKLEY AND MILLER VICTORIES IN AUSTRALIA Fresh from their victorious tour of Australia, and looking the picture of Health, Misses E. Stockley (Auckland) i and K. Miller (Otago), swimming champions, accompanied by Mrs. A. Miller, chaperone, returned to Auckland by the Maunganui this morning. They were met on the boat py Mr. A. Moore, secretary of the Auckland Swimming Centre. For about a month they have been visiting all parts of Australia, swimming their way to victory against the best of the Commonwealth, and incidentally, adding fresh laurels to their remarkable careers as swimmers'. Both are delighted with the hospitality of the Australian swimmers, who they say treated them royally throughout. Miss Stockley won the 100yds championship of New South Wales in 66 1-5 secs, the Australian fresh water championship in 67 3-ssec, and the 100yds backstroke championship in S2sec, the latter being swum in an old quarry, bath. Miss Miller annexed the 440yds championship of New South Wales in Umin 3 9-10 sec, the 220yds Australian championship in the quarry baths in 2niin 52 3-ssee, the 440yds championship of Australia in 6min 13 3-ssec, and was second to Miss Stockley in the 100yds championship of Australia. A large number of trophies and gifts have been brought back by the swimmers, who state that the reception accorded them was most gratifying. A large number of New Zealanders were present at each carnival, and the familiar Maori calls of greeting and welcome were heard above the ap; plause of the crowds. Both ladies were delighted at their inclusion in the Olympic Games team, and said that Aucklanders could be assured that they would do their very best to prove themselves worthy of the high honour. They were much impressed with the junior girls in Australia, stating that they were a vast improvement on some of the senior girls. The general standard of swimming, especially among the women and girls, was of a high order.

The two champions will be seen in action for the first time since their return at a special carnival to be held in the Tepid Baths on Thursday evening under the auspices of the Auckland Centre. They will give an exhibition swim,- and Miss Stockley will make an attempt to lower the present 100 metres record of 74 2-ssec. Miss Stockley made the attempt three years ago and failed by one-fifth of a second,, At this carnival, too, Miss Miller will attempt to lower the 440yds i*ecord, so that patrons of the sport will have an excellent opportunity of seeing these champions in action. The carnival is being held to assist in raising funds to send the swimmers to Amsterdam.