FIRST-CLASS HANDICAPS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 534, 11 December 1928, Page 14

FIRST-CLASS HANDICAPS

SHOULD THEY BE COM PULSORY? A strong plea for the introduction of first-class handicaps in all swimming carnivals was made at the Auckland Swimming Centre meeting last evening by the chairman, Mr. J. Enwright. He knew from experience that compulsory first-class races would raise the standard of the sport. When a motion was put to the meeting stating that no programme -would be approved in future unless it included a first-class handicap, for club or inter-club competition, it was carried by eight votes to seven. Some members dissented on the ground that the best swimmers would be catered for. The motion was dropped, but Mr. Enwright, supported by Mr. L. Brighton, said that he would give notice of motion, to the effect of the original, for review at a special meeting. ‘The Parnell Club intends to fight the move,” Mr. M. Honeytield said. **l don't see that a club should be compelled to put on a race it does not Mr. R. M. Sheffield: The centre cannot interfere with the domestic pohey of a club. Mr. Enwright said he had traced the effect of first-class handicaps in other countries. Improvement had been marked. Visiting swimmers had advised introduction of the handicaps. “Failure to have baths at Dixieland this season has lost expected strength to the centre,” Mr. Enwright said in moving that the centre should support a motion by the Harbour Board, which has gone to the Minister of Marine, that construction of the baths should be hastened. The motion was carried by eight votes to seven, the following delegates having their dissent recorded: Messrs. Prust, Stewart, L. Brighton, W. Batty, H. Moore, R. M. Sheffield, J. Richardson and R. A. Cowley. The dissenters wanted the centre to take no action. Dates were fixed for the holding of the Auckland championships at the Tepid Baths. The events will be on February 22 and 24. Tho only alteration to the ordinary programme was the inclusion of open low board dives, on the Dominion championship lines. The centre decided to provide a ball for water-polo practice. The Pukekohe Club is to be suspended unless the non-payment of affiliation fees is explained, and payment made within seven days. Auckland newspapers are to be approached for contributions toward a trophy for long-distance swimming. The suggested competition is Domin-ion-wide, but would be controlled by the centre.