SWIMMING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 December 1938, Page 2

SWIMMING

MASTERTON CLUB NOTES

(By “Freestyle.”) Noticeable improvement is now being shown by divers and swimmers and some competitors who have caught the eye in this regard are: B. Mayhew, D. Stewart, F. Sexton, G. Whyborn, D. Cairns, L. Maguire and N. Stains. The junior boys’ breaststroke race on Wednesday was a popular innovation and this resulted in a very meritorious win for G. Whyborn who showed distinct promise at this neglected side of the sport. This is a pretty stroke when well performed and is always popular with the public. Young swimmers who use this stroke can learn a lot from Finlay Milne, who has made a study of it and is a good stylist. Note particularly how he gets the utmost from his leg-drive while his arms are outstretched and before lie makes the catch for the arm pull. The arm movements should not be unduly hurried until the stroke is correctly performed. L. Maguire showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the sprints and his dual with Trevor Major in the 25 yards dash on Wednesday caused keen enthusiasm amongst the spectators. D. Stewart showed marked improvement in the boys’ 25 yards handicap and swam well to finish equal with F. Sexton.

D. Cairns is rapidly earning a reduction in his handicap. He has been placed in every start so far this season. Good work.

Harold Dixon made a belated reappearance in the open dive and showed that he has lost none of his ability to “flight” himself. One rarely sees such an effortless flight as Harold’s, and it is a pity he does not make the most of it by carrying his arms in what is known as the “swallow” position —the correct one in modern springboard diving.

Miss N. Spiers gave a very neat performance and deserved her placing of second equal with Lloyd Maguire. V. McKeague will have to do more practice if he is to stave off challenges from these improving divers in the future.

A popular item of diving competitions in the past has been the compulsory fancy dive and one is sorry to see that this has been neglected of late. What about-'it, Programme Committee?

In connection with the Club . Life Saving classes these are now in action, and Miss N. Spiers and Mr L. Maguire are in charge of them. The land drill classes will be held in the Kia Ora Hockey Club room in Church Street as follows:—Ladies: Thursday evenings at 7 o’clock; men, Monday evenings at, 7.30 o’clock. All interested are invited to get in touch with either of the instructors or Mr R. Barnes.