SWIMMING TOURNAMENT AT SUMNER.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 6962, 16 January 1888, Page 5

SWIMMING TOURNAMENT AT SUMNER.

j The weather on Saturday afternoon was anything but tempting, either to those who were to take pure in the swimming tournament projected by Mr Bell, tho enterprising proprietor of the Sumner baths, or visitors. A steady rain set in over night and as tho time approached for a start to be made for Sumner the weather showed no signs of clearing. However about twenty enthusiastic members of the Canterbury Araate-ur Swimming Club, under their Captain, Mr Francis, put iv an appearance at the trysting place where it had been arranged that a drag should meet them to convey them to the baths. However, after a long wait and sending out of several scouts to hunt up the conveyance without success, the party took advantage of a passing tram. On reaching Sumuer it was found that the weather was much better than in town, but an idea having got abroad that the competition would be postponed the number of visitors was but small. However, Mr Bell aud Mr Francis after consultation decided to give those present a little amusement, and accordingly a half mile race and a two hundred yarels spin, for boys, were arranged. For the former there was a first prize of the sweepstakes, and a second a silver medal, given by the Club. Nine swimmers faced the starter, all going from scratch, and as there were one or two dark ones amongst the number, particularly a gentleman with the reputation of a Lyttelton victory, some good swimming was looked for. Nor were the onlookers disappointed, for although no very fast time for the half mile was made, the race was well contested throughout. The Lyttelton crack showed in front for the first lap, with Dallas, Gillespie, and Brabner close up, the rest a bit scattered. In the turn into the second lap Gillespie got the lead, and, swimming with considerable power, held it until the last lap, when Dallas, who had been playing a waiting game, came away with a spurt anel won, Gillespie second, Sneddon thirel, and Brabner fourth. The boys' race for a 100 yards resulted in a win for L. Appleby with 3see start, Tacon being second. The boys swam very pluckily, the winner showing great speed, and the time made for the distance was also very good. The following are the details of the two races :—

Half Mile Race. Nine entries. Dallas 1 A. Gillespie .. .. ..2 Sneddon .. .. .. ..3 Time, 16min 52sec. Boys Race. 100 yards, L. Appleby (3sec).. .. ..1 G. Tacon 2 Time, 95sec. As the weather was unfavorable the remainder of the events were postponed for a fortnight, when the prizes given by Mr Bell will be competed for.