TOLD BY READERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 71, 24 March 1928, Page 2 (Supplement)

TOLD BY READERS.

THE CROFTON CUP.

(Sent in by Olga Hill, 47, Bond Street, Grey Lynn, age 14.)

The fourth form at Woodhurst School was in a ferment. Twenty boys were down in the school swimming baths, watching the swimming instructor, Mr. Grey, endeavouring to introduce Bob Waters to the racing style of swimming. The cause of their anxiety was a swimming race to be held on the morrow—the race, far the Crofton Cup. The Crofton Cup had been presented to the district of Col west three years ago by Sir James Crofton, a noted swimmer. One boy from each school out of the fourth form wa9 to race for the cup. Any school which won the cup lour successive years was to have it as a permanent possession. For the last three years it bad been won by YVoodhurst, and the pupils wanted greatly to have it for their own. Dick Masters had been the hope of the fourth, and now-—the day before the race—he had sprained his wrist. Bob Waters was next in rank, but, though a good swimmer, was not up to racing style. "Perhaps the new boy that's coming to-dayTl be able to swim decently," said Bob as they came out. "Great pancakes, we'll go down to the gates to meet him and see," yelled Fatty Little. With one accord the fourth dashed to the gates, just as a cab came up. "Hey! Can you swim?" yelled 20 voices aa a figure came off backwards, dragging a box. Then a silence fell on the fourth, and they groaned aloud as the new boy turned round. A freckled face, surmounted by a red mop and adorned with spectacles, gazed at them. They all walked away. No boy who looked like a studious, weakkneed ass could possibly swim. Bob remained, however. "Can you swim?" he asked. The new boy came up and whispered for a while, and Bob chuckled first, then roared. "Righto," he said. Next day the whole school gathered to watch the race. There were four schools, and the competitors lined up. But instead of Bob standing outside the tent marked "W" was the new boy. There was no time for words, for the referee's pistol cracked, and they dived into the water. To their surprise the new boy was ahead at quarter mark, and further at half mark. The schools then started yelling for all they were worth. "It's Crelin!" 'No, Woodhurst!" "Crelin!" "Woodhurst!" "Hurrah, Woodhurst wins!" they shouted as the new boy (who turned out to be no silly ass) touched the winning wall first. The cup now reposes on the mantelpiece at Woodhurst School. "A pair of specs, and stooped shoulders certainly alter one's appearance," he confided to Bob.