CAMBRIDGE DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL AQUATIC SPORTS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2283, 26 February 1887, Page 2

CAMBRIDGE DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL AQUATIC SPORTS.

A 7,ahge concourse of people met in the Cambridge Domain yesterday afternoon to witness the swimming matches, &c., that had been arranged by Mr Stewart, headmaster, and a committee of old boys. The prizes were given by the townspeople, and were of various descriptions. The proceedings commenced at 2 p.m., by a procession of 20 persons, who swam round a portion of the Lake, after which the regular programme was commenced Boys' under 12, 150 yds. Richardson 1 C. Soutter 2 Long T>ive (open.) H. Evans, 54ft. -1 in 1 A. Williams, 4!) ft. !)in 2 LONti 1)IVK, BOVS' UNDKIt 12. Fred Cowper 1 Frank Covvaner 2 50yds. (open.) Leonard Bull ... 1 F. Sargent 2 Quautkk of a Mile. Leonard Bull | F. Sargent -j 75YDS., undeu 12. I'. Richardson 1 Frank Cowper 2 Swimming in Clothes, 50yds. F. Sargent 1 Fred ( Jillett 2 Undressing in the Wateu. F. Sargent 1 F. Rishworth 2 In the Duck Hunt, 1\ Richardson caught the duck (A. Soutter), while Paltridge gained the prize for walking the greasy boom. A Maori boy named Tumetau was allowed to compete in two races, and came in first, but not being a school boy he was presented with money of the value of the prizes, so that it did not interfere with the arrangements so far as the scholars were concerned, the prizes being allocated as i£ he had not been in the races.

During an interval in the programme Professor l'anuell gave an exhibition of fancy swimming, etc. He took his position on the spring board commencing his exhibition with a neat dive. He kept the astonished spectators spelbouud for I."> minutes by the rapidity of his evolutions. Swimming backwards, sculling; on the buck, feet first, and floating on the back in a variety of beautiful postures were amongst the feats perfound. The professor also exhibited his power and skill in rapid swimming, using a stroke invented by himself which he calls the "purpoise " stroke. Such a performance as that of the talented professor cannot well be described. It requires to be seeu to h3 fully appreciated. Qrea't

laughter was caused by a plank giving way, and letting some of tho spectators into the water, which was fortunately shallow. It is estimated that fully 500 people witnessed the sports.