FAST TIMES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 February 1939, Page 2

FAST TIMES

AND THRILLING FINISHES. N.Z. SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, February 16. Fast times and thrilling finishes marked the second series of races in the New Zealand swimming championships in the Invercargill baths this evening. In at least three events the winners went close to lowering New Zealand records, and it was only because of the slowness of the water that new records were not made. The standard of performances in all events was high, appreciably higher than that of the first night. Miss Joyce Macdonald added another win to her long list of successes and gave Southland its first title of the series by winning easily the 100 yards women’s backstroke. She gave a magnificent performance. Two other outstanding performances were given by P. Mathieson (Auckland) and P. Hanan (Auckland). In winning the 100 yards men’s backstroke title, Mathieson returned 66 4-5, only 3- outside his own New Zealand record, and Hanan won the men’s 220 yards freestyle championship in 2.24 4- only 4sec outside his New Zealand record. Both Mathieson and Hanan established their records in fast water in Auckland. The only champion to lose a title in competition this evening was L. Newell (Canterbury), who was beaten by his team-mate A. T. F. Stokes, in the 880yds breaststroke. Newell is obviously still feeling the effects of a recent operation, but this does not detract from the performance of Stokes. The new distance champion has been, in championship class for 10 years, and this year he is swimming far better than ever before. Points so far for the Yaldhurst Shield, which is held by Auckland, are: Auckland 24, Canterbury 24, Southland 20, Otago 17, Wellington 8, Taranaki 5, Wanganui 1. *