LADIES' SWIMMING SPORTS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9041, 6 March 1908, Page 5

LADIES' SWIMMING SPORTS.

I A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING - .. The Baths were crowded with spectators yesterday, when the first ladies' swimming sports had a successful issue, in the face of somewhat depressing weather conditions. The sports passed off without a hitch. The exclusion of the"mere man" seemed in no wise to detract from the interest of the racing, and the various events were enthusiastically competed for. The results, supplied to us by a lady member, are as follows: —

No. 1.—15 Yards "This Year's Swimmers" (medal presented by Mrs A. R. Bunny).—There were six competitors in this event, which, after a good race, was won by Miss M. Reardon in 17secs.

No. 2.-25 Yards School Championship (medal presented by Mr F. Dupre).—Won by Annie O'Leary in 40secs after a bad start. This was a very popular win, the winner being, heartily cheered. No. 3.—25 Yards Championship(gold medal presented by the President, Mrs Blackmail). —This was tne big event of the day, and proved most, exciting, being swum in two heats,, the first and second winners in each heat competing in the final. In the first heat Miss Cunningham was first and Mrs Wheeley second. Second heat, Mrs N. James first and Miss Curtis second. Final, won by Miss Cunningham in 21sccs. No 4. —Plate Diving (trophy presented by Mr H. T. Wood).—This event proved very exciting and resulted in a tie between Miss M. Reardon and Mrs Wheeley. One of the Vice-Presidents, Mrs Hives, kindly donated another trophyNo. 5.-25 Yards School Handicap (medal presented by Mr J. Scott). — This was considered one of the best events of the day, and was won in splendid style by Miss Marie Brosnahan, whose graceful swimming was greatly admired. Won easily in 30sec.

No. 6.—Fancy Swimming (trophy presented by C. Smith, Ltd.) —This event was won easily by Miss Cunningham, who proved herself a thorough master of the art, and greatly delighted both the judges and spectators by her splendid exhibition of swimming. Miss Whitcombe proved herself an excellent second, being only two points behind the winner. No. 7. —Neatest Header (trophy presented by Mrs Noble-Campbell). — This event was won easily by Miss Cunningham, who obtained full points, Miss Harris and Miss Annie O'Leary tieing for second place. No. 8. —This Year's Swimmers, School (medal presented by Mr J.Scott). —This event was run in two heats, the number of little dots competing creating great amusement.and excitement amongst the spectators. In the first heat Olive Andrew won in 16sec. Second heat, Esmee Waddington won in Msec. In the final Esmee Waddington just won in 17£ sec. The judges awarded a special trophy presented by Mrs Kyle and Mrs Moore to ulive Andrew for her plucky effort. No. 9.—Long Dive (trophy presented by W.F.C.A., Ltd.)— This event was won easily by Mrs Dwyer, whose magnificent exhibition was greatly admired, and who received a great ovation Miss Lily Keynolds came in second with a very creditable performance. This young lady is one of "this year's swimmers." No. 10. —25 Yards Handicap (gold medal presented by Mr J. Cresswell).—This event caused great excitement, and was won by Mrs N. James in 27sec, closely followed by Miss E. Cunningham. No. 11.—Consolation Race (trophy, silver-mounted manicure set in case, presented by Miss Cunningham).— Won easily by Miss G Burnett. No. 12.—Obstacle Race (trophy presented by Mr A. Henderson);— This was a most, amusing event, the spectators screaming with laughter the whole time. Miss Cunningham and Mrs James tied. Mrs A. Caselberg, vice-president, donated another trophy.

No. 13. Costume Race (gold medal nresented by Mrs D. M. Graham).— This proved a very comic event, and was ultimately won by Miss Whitcombe, who secured most points as a "Swagger," all the competitors having taken considerable pains. Miss Cunningham as "Topsy" was a good second. Altogether the competitors caused great amusement. Miss Harris obtained full points in swimming, but as her costume was not so heavy or cumbersome as the other two competitors lost points under that heading. Miss Gillespie carried out her duties as secretary in a praiseworthy manner, and she was ably assisted by an energetic committee.

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. The presentation of prizes was performed by the President, Mrs J. N. Blackman, who made the following remarks:—-"This is the finale of our programme, and I must thank you very much for the very hearty support you have given us in this our first effort on behalf of the Ladies' Club. I have also to thank the ladies that have so capably helped with the afternoon tea, also Mrs Caselberg and Mrs Hives for their untiring efforts as judges of the competitions, the result of which you will agree with me is very equitable. The Borough Council we are all also greatly indebted to for the sole use of the baths and their action is very much appreciated by us. Last but not least a hearty vote of thanks is due to our Acting-Secretary, Miss Gillespie, who having taken up the duties at a moment's notice has been of most valuable assistance to the Club. Now comes the most pleasing function of all—the distributing cf the prizes to the competitors."