SWIMMING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3141, 19 March 1909, Page 5

SWIMMING.

MASIERTON SCHOOL SPORTS. AN EXCELLENT DISPLAY. KEEN COMPETITION. "A splendid display, and a most successful function," was the comment of the enthusiasts and parents who witnessed the boys' competitions at the Borough Baths yesterday afternoon. The very lengthy programme was got through in a manner which reflected great credit on the management of the function. From 2 o'clock till 4.45 one event followed another with cloek-work regularly. Very fine performances were witnessed in many of the events, and parents were pleasingly surprised on seeing what their boys could do in the water. A noticeable feature was the impartiality of the hundreds of boy "judges," their applause being meted out with equal zest to a winner, whether he were Chinese, Maori, or white boy. Every event was well contested, while some of ( the competitions roused the spectators f"o a high pitch of enthusiasm. The life saving event was well worth seeing. Each competitor had to dive from the daep end of the bath and swim to a live "dummy" who was floating on his back in the centre of the bath, and bring him to the starting place, and points were awarded for speed and style. The two boys who won first and second places in the competition—Eric Wickens and Cyril Sykes —gave a very clever display, their times being 18sec, and 18 2-ssec, respectively. This event, for vs hich there were 22 entries, was well contested, as was also the 25yds race for boys fully dressed, with 15 entries.

It is evident that the swimming tuition is intelligently directed, and that the pleasure and exercise connected with the sport are not the only ends aimed at by the Headmaster and his able assistant?. Judging by the skill shown by the boys yesterday, the erection of theßorough Baths was merited, if only to teach the children how to swim. The whole function was most creditably carried out under the supervision of the Headmaster, Mr W. H. Jackson. The onerous duty of starter for all the events was carried out by Mr C. N. Haslam. The boys were got off the mark in a skilful manner, and there were no ; "waits." The judging for the points events was performed by Mr J. Pryor in a highly satisfactory manner, as also was the judging in the races by Mr R. V. Hosking, Dr H. H. Cork, and the Rev. J. N. Buttle. Mr E. R. B. Daniell was timekeeper for all the events. The afternoon tea arrangements were supervised by Mrs W. H. Jackson, who was assisted by Mesdames R. Brown, Eton, Cork, Couk, Cameron, Haslam and Perry. The following is the list of winners of events: — 25 Yards Handicap, 14 years and over. 23 entries. —Eric Wickens, scr, 1; Wm. Pendray, 2sec, 2. Time, 18 4-ssec. 25 Yards Handicap, under 14 vears, 23 entries. — Claude Jarrett, 4sec, 1; Stanley Porter, scr, 2. Time, 22 2-ssec 25 Yards, this year's swimmers, 12 entries. —Harry Bannister, 1; George'Ah Lop, 2. Time, 24 l-ssec. 75 Yards Handicap, 11 entries. — Geo. Format), 4sec, 1; Erie Wickens, scr, 2. Time, 75 2-saec. 25 Yard 3, this year's swimmers, 15 entries. —Claude Jarrett, 1; Frank Sewell, 2. School Championship, 50 yards.— Eric Wickens (scold medal), 1; Hugh Fraser, 2. Time, 41 2-ssec. 15 Yards, this year's swimmers, under 12 years, 12 entries.—Harold Devonport, 1; Herbert Jarrett, 2. Time.ll 2-ssec. Junior Championship, 25 yards, under 13 years, 21 entries. —Claude Jarrett, 1; Richard Te Tau, 2. Time, 22sec. Diving, senior boys.—• Reginald Yarr, 1; Percy Fraser. 2. Diving, junior boys.—Harold Devonport, 1; Herbert Jarrett, 2. 25 Yards, fully dressed.—Ormond Hooper, lsec, 1; Reginald Yarr, scr, 2. Time, 26sec. Rescue Event. —Eric Wickens 1, Cyril Sykes, 2. Time, 18sec. 15 Yards, this year's swimmers, v over 12 years, 23 entries.—George Ah Lop, 1; Henry Montgomery, 2. lime, 10 3-ssec. 15 Yards Handicap, under 10 years.—Jack Eton (6 years) 1; Herbert Caselberg, 2. Time, lflsec,. Obstacle Race, 50 yards, 51 entries. —Eric Wickens, 1; Hugh Fraser, 2. Time, 47 4-ssec. Egg and Spoon Race, 25 yards. Joseph Darvill, 1; Eric Wickens, 2. Time, 22 4-ssec. GIKLS' COMPETITIONS. The girls' competitions will take place this afternoon in the Borough Baths, at 2 p.m. It is expected that a large gathering of parents and friends will assemble for these contests;, to witness which only ladies will be admitted. The judging will be performed by Mrs Blackman and Mrs A. Caselberg, assisted by Mrs D. M. Graham and Mrs J. Caselberg.