STRATFORD SWIMMING SPORTS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 329, 22 January 1909, Page 3

STRATFORD SWIMMING SPORTS

She Stratford Swimming Club held a sports gathering at the Stratford baths yesterday afternoon. There was ideal weather, which brought a fair attendance of the public. Xew Plymouth swimmers were well represented, and were successful in several of the events. The meeting was excellently managed. The programme was interspersed with humorous events, which also proved beneficial by enabling- the swimmers to have a rest between the races. In one of the novelty items the entrants were each given) a number. On the side of the bath opposite the starting-point were placed •parcels, each containing a fancy costume. The competitors were required to swim across the bath, secure the parcels bearing their respective numbers, don the costume, come down the waterchute, and swim n length. The item caused much merriment, and Was eventually won by C. E. Seabright, of Xew Plymouth. In another event the swimmers had to enter the water fully dressed (even to having boots laced), swim half a length, divest themselves «f their clothing with the exception of their bathing costumes, and finish. Kivell and Fearon, of Stratford, were the only entrants, and probably tlie humor appealed less to them than to the spectators. Owing to an unforeseen circumstance No. 3 item on the programme could not be brought off, but J. Snanson (New Plymouth) consented to fill the gap with an exhibition of swimming, sculling, and floating, for which he was heartily applauded hv the audrense. One of the surprises of the day was the diving of C. Brown (N.P.), and those who witnessed his performance anticipate seeing his name figure oftener on the prize-list in this department of the sport in future. Following are the results, the swimmers belonging to Stratford club where not otherwise stated:— 25 yards schoolboys' handicap.— Masters 1, Kivell 2, Morrison 3. 100 yards handicap.—First heat: Pearson 1, Dixon (N.P.) 2. Second heat: Brown (N.P.) I. Third heat: Curtis 1, Morrison 2. Final: Brown (NjP.) 1, Curtis 2.' Diving.—Brown (N.P.) I, Hawkhu • '(y.P.) 2. 50 yards handicap.—There were five heats. Final: Masters I, Dixon 2. Costume scramble.—C. Seabright (N. P.) I, Masters 2. Undressing Competition.—Fearon 1, Kirell 2. • Relay Race.—New Plymouth (Brown, Hawkins, Bristol, Seabright) 1, Stratford (H. Masters, Kivell, A. Masters, H. Masters) 2.