In the Water

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 83, 4 October 1924, Page 19

In the Water

NOTABLE VISITORS

OLYMPIC COMPETITORS AT THE TEPIDS

CHARLTON'S STYLE ADMIRED,

Bi " Header."

"Boy" Charlton, just two words, but what do they mean to every mortal this side of the Line, as to many thousands on the other ? From time to time, some name rises up and commands.the world's attention, and be he statesman, scientist, soldier, or sailor, his fame is such that he is honoured in every land, and so it is in the realm of sport, with the exception perhaps that 'the athlete receives a greater: recognition, by virtue of the fact that all nations are sport loving, or tending that way, and honour a champion irrespective of what particular branch of athletics he may specialise in. But when that champion is a "Boy," not only in sobriquet but in reality, how much greater must liis honour become. To accomplish what Andrew Charlton has done, at his age, is an achievement that may well rank him as the wonder phenomenon of sport. > Although one does not pass over lightly the marvellous Nurmi, it would seem that the "Boy's" greatness becomes more so.by reason of his youth. To be a world's champion while still seventeen years of age makes it appear that we aro not past the age of miracles, and even now it can be said that he has not yet reached the top bf his fame! Small wonder, then, that the Tepid Baths were packed to their utmost last Monday evening, when the master swimmer made his appearance at the carnival arranged in his and his fellowrepresentatives' honour. The writer canhot recall any occasion in this country in which any Olympic champion fresh 'from his honours has made his appearance right at the commencement of the season, and the local centre may be considered extremely fortunate in starting off in such a happy and auspicious manner. If one-half the enthusiasm shown on Monday can be maintained during the coming season the prospects are ex° tremely bright, for it was an' enthusiasm as overwhelming as it was spontaneous, and one that gladdened the hearts of many of the enthusiasts present. - Not that it is expected that the coming season will be other than a live one, as indications point to it so being, but Monday night's proceedings should be a stimulus to all officials and clubs, and spur them on' to bigger efforts. The lean years experienced in swimming, in common with other sports, have.almost diminished, 'and although facilities are far from what they might be,'- there is no reason why the success of the 1924-25 season should not be confidently looked forward to. Given reasonable weather the sport should progress in no uncertain manner, and should that progress be maintained, those concerned will havo no oause to regret their efforts, and may it be so. v ENTHUSIASTICALLY RECEIVED.

Naturally the star event of the carnival was the appearance of. Charlton, but the honours can be said lo have equally applied to Dick Eve, whose exhibition of plain and fancy diving was enthusiastically received. Acting on medical advice, Charlton did not compete in races, and although the large audience present would have liked to have seen him in "top" action, it is obvious that the policy being adopted is a wise one. Swimmers of the calibre of Charlton are too rare and valuable to run any risks with, and many a promising career has been spoilt through young athletes boing too severely raced while in their early teens. However, the exhibition swim of four laps given by tho "Boy" was sufficent to demonstrate tho immense power that lays behind his broad shoulders, and his phenomenal speed would seem to come from the arms, which exercise a powerful pull immediately on entering the water. . There aro many prettier styles than Charlton's, but prettiness counts for little unless the power is there. This was also demonstrated in the case of W. Harris, of Honolulu, when ho toured New Zealand. To the enthusiast, however, Charlton's stroke was particularly interesting, and was closely followed, the absence of any fancy movement, either with arms or legs, being noticeable. The finishing point of the arm stroke was noted by many of the onlookers, and no doubt the budding Charltons of this city will develop tlio same characteristic as it did many years ago, when Malcolm Champion introduced tho "ship" ! But we have seen Andrew Charlton, and the impression loft iB that of wanting' to see more, and should he at some future date make a competitive tour through this country, his welconlo Would be no less cordial than it was ou Monday night, and this, of course, would also apply to his fellow-companions. The diving of Dick Eve was delightful to watch, and his was the most popular event of the evening. He gave generously of his services, and despite the handicap of the low board his exhibition was undoubtedly that of a master. His perfect body control, with each ohange of position clearly defined, coupled with his grace and dexterity, leave no doubt in the mind as to his ability, so that winning of Olympio honours can be readily imagined.. Given, suitable boards his display would have been well in keeping with his top form, and the few stunts he performed at the Te Aro Baths on the Monday morning would have brought the house down had the same facilities for their execution been available at the Tepid Baths. But as it was the audience were genuinely satisfied with his display and evidenced their .appreciation of his efforts in a vory warm manner.

Henry and Christie, sprinter and middle distance swimmers respectively, considerably added to the evening's programme. The former showed fine speed in the concluding lap of the 100 yards invitation race and also in the relay race, and it was apparent that he is decidedly a sprinter of class. He had no difficulty in winning the first-named event, and displayed a very smooth aotion when moving at his_ fastest. Moss Christie gave fine exhibitions during the evening, appearing in every event open to him, and he seemed to revel in it. He had not the pace of Henry over the short distance, but his showing in the 440 yards invitation gave a glimpse of his form, and he had no difficulty in winning. His stroke is an easy one, yet powerful. He swam for his side twice in the relay race and then looked as if he could have done another quarter-mile without any effort. His performances well deserved the applause that greeted them.

Nothing more graceful than Steadman's breaststroko swimming has been seen in these parts, and his perfect action was speedily noticed and commented upon. Ho docs not bury the head as do most local swimmers of this style, but ciil'i-ics it high ami Ihe movement of the shoulders and head is practically nil —the perfect stroke. Ilia legs work below lho surface of the water anore thuli Herd's or Atkinson's, but lie is very solidly built, and has fine driving power tv uUftUi ljls bpted. lie. hud up tfifncuity Lv -wlauwg tL_ 820 yards breaststrpto

event, and his exhibition was a delight and an education. A race between Steadman and Herd, both in form, should make a thrilling struggle, as they both appear to be about equal iv speed. LOCAL PERFORMERS. The local swimmers who appeared in the invitation races, M'Hardie, C. Claridge, and Evatt, all performed creditably considering it was practically their first swim of the season. Of the trio Evatt appeared to do best, swim-v mmg with more ease than usual, and his stroke also seemed to have improved. His condition was good, due no doubt to his boxing training during the winter. MHardie will do a great deal better time than his race was won in (68sec), and the slowness will show how condition affected him. He will be round about the minute mark when properly tuned up. Claridge swam a better race than was expected and for a distance swim it was a creditable disply on his part. To cover a distance well on in the season is hard enough, and to do so at one's first attempt makes it doubly so, especially when the opponent is of the class of Christie. The three local boys are to be commended in taking part in these invitation races, especially remembering that they had no chance of winning. The inter-club events (two) for men swimmers was productive of some good racing, and the number of the entrants . was very encouraging. Both races, the l w■£ a aiid 66 23 yards»were won yy ". Cameron, who showed good form, -there were six heats, and a final for the first-named event and the finishes were all close, proving that Handicapper Calnan had accurately gauged the performers' ability. In t-hfe final Ralph Wheeley put up a good effort from the lsec mark, and got home with a little to' spare from W. Cameron, who was a touch in front of Darling, and the others, with the exception of Patterson, inches behind. Owing to steering an erratic course Wheeley was disqualified. With six starters, the Scratch man, Patterson, had practically no chance of getting through, especially as he was next to Wheeley, otherwise he would have just.about won. Wheeley, though, is exceptionally smart over a short course. There were only three heats in the 65 2-3 yards race, but the winners made a good contest of the final, and the last fifteen yards was a ding-dong set-to between the Cameron brothers, W. and J., and Jones. The younger Cameron prevailed over his elder brother by a foot, staying a little the better of the two over the last few yards, while Jones was a further foot away third. The ladies' race drew five entrants, and here again it was a close contest, Miss L. ! Copplestone winner by a narrow marr gin from Miss A. Imandt who was a touch in front of Hiss Hunt. The winner is a Christchurch lady and has re- [ presented her province at the national j championships, and on her showing last r Monday should again be found included ■in the select of Canterbury when the big fixtures come around.

Patterson had no difficulty in annexing the divingv competition, tlie opposition not being very strong, but it- was gratitymg to see swimmers coming forward to make a competition. Ted Pocock displayed hitherto unknown diving qualities to gain second place, while Griffin,. who was third, was off colour. One of the best single dives performed was Miss Xopplestone's running dive, but she could not reproduce the effort in either of the standing ones. Future contest should,see the competitors performing better after watching Eve's display. Miss G-witha Shand did noncompete in the ladies' race, but gave an exhibition swim over a hundred yards. She has gained weight during her trip away, but should be able to reproduce her best form later on in the season. Hor arm action appeared faulty at times, but if she resumes coaching under Enwright's services it will again disappear. W. Cameron, the dual winner of the inter-club events, and his brother Jack are both decided acquisitions to the ranks of this city's swimmers. The former lad is the present junior national champion for.the 100 yards, and he is regarded as likely to be one of the best swimmers yet produced in the Dominion He is building up into a sturdy lad, and his good form so early displayed shows that he is going on the right way to fulfil the promise expected of him. The eldor Cameron has 'also held championship titles, and he will keep all the back markers moving when the season Ts well on tho way. Both are sons of Mr. J Cameron, late of Christchurch, but now stationed in Wellington, who is a wellknown figure at championship meetings, both as a diving judge and standard timekeeper. He has rendered good services to swimming generally, and has sorved-with distinction on the New Zealand Council of the N;Z.A.S.A.. for some years. His services should be of great assistance to the game locally. Norman Batcholor, of Canterbury, who has competed successfully at national championships for some seasons past, was in Wellington during the weekend and was desirous of taking part in the invitation races oil Monday evening but he had to return to Christchurch that night. Both Atkinson and EnWright Were also unable to compete owing to their business arrangements not permitting them to make the trip to Wellington and were keenly disappointed St not being able to accept the local centre's invitation, of which they acknowledged their appreciation. It has been stated that the opening of the New Thordon Baths is to take place next Saturday afternoon, when the newly revived V.M.C.A. Club will stage a carnival. At the time of writing nothing definite is known, but should the propos al eventuate there should .be a good muster of the publio and swimmers for the occasion.

Header desires to agafti invite club secretaries to forward items of interest for publication in this column. Such. matter should reach the offico of the Evening Post" by Monday of each