SWIMMING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 77, 13 January 1936, Page 3

SWIMMING.

MATH I ESON’S FAST TIME. AN UNOFFICIAL RECORD. SYDNEY, January 11. In a magnificent struggle in the Domain baths, in the 100 yards championship of New South Wales, W. Kendall retained, the title and lowered his own State record, which was also the best by an Australian swimmer, by two-fifths of a second. Kendall’s performance was all the more meritorious because he was rather slow in entering the water. W. J. Jarvis was unable to maintain the pace set by the leaders. On an international rule technicality P. E. Mathieson (New Zealand) was deprived of the Australian record in the 220 yards invitation backstroke handicap, although lie improved tlie previous figures by three seconds. Mathieson, on his handicap, was sent away at the call of 17. To have qualified for the record lie should have been given the call of “go.” His time was 2.38 1-5, and the Australian record is 2.41 1-5, held by Kiyakawa, of Japan. Results

110 Yards State Handicap—Kendall 1, R. Wiltshire 2, iP. Hooper 3. Jarvis and Clark dead-heated for fourth place. Won by four feet; a touch between second and third. Time, 60 3-ssee.

220 Yards Invitation Backstroke Championship—Mathieson 1, N. Campbell 2, 13. Hay 3. Eight started. Won easily. Time, 2min 38 l-osec. 880 Yards Championship of New South Wales —N. Ryan 1, S. Herlord 2, A. Hart 3. Won by nine seconds. Time, lOmiii 49 3-ssec.

Commenting on Mathiesou’s performance, the “Sunday Sun” says had it been anticipated that ho would break the record the starter’s call could have been altered from “17” to “go,” and Mathieson would have been entitled to tlie record. The officials were as regretful as the spectators that the popular New Zealander could not return home with the record theoretically as well as actually. The Australian free-style champion. Miss Pat Norton, provided something of a surprise at the Coogee Aquarium when she convincingly beat Miss Bonnie Mealing in the 100 yards backstroke championship of New South Wales in lmin 14 4-osee. Miss Kitty Mncltay easily won the 440 yards championship in 6min 11 4-5 see, beating Miss Joan Davies by five yards. # J THE METHVEN CLUB. The committee of the Methven Amateur Swimming Club met on Saturday evening, Mr Hector Reid presiding. Final arrangements for the annual open swimming carnival tuunorrow evening were made. The secretary reported that the entries were a record,

having been received from Christchurch, Ashburton, Mount Somers and other clubs. The social committee reported that all arrangements for the dance to follow the carnival were complete.