SWIMMING.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 319, 5 October 1908, Page 9

SWIMMING.

TIIE SWIFTS CLUB. The report to bo presented at the tenth animal meeting of tlie.-bwiits Amateur Swimming Ohio on Thursday evening states thai last season was the most eventful in tiio club's history, the line weather experienced being responsible for great activity in tiio swimming worlci —IV / seniors, SWS juniors, and it) ladies are on the membership roll. During tho season the club lost, through removal from Wellington, air. W. T. Cmirchw'nrd, who was one of . its founders, and who, in addition to holding tho position of captain from the club's inception until his enforced resignation, filled at various times the offices of lion, secretary, handicapper,- and delegate to. tho Wellington Contro iVZ.A.S.A. Tho ladies' branch was placed on a firmer basis than previously, and two races were contested by members in their own baths. The enthusiasm shown by tho ladies justified the committee in its efforts to populariso the sport with the gentler sex and the incoming committee is recommended to go considerably further in encouraging lady members. Water polo has greatly increased in popularity among members, and tho club's clforts have been rewarded by tho securing of both the local contro championship and the New Zealand championship. In the Wellington centre championship tournament the club team played and won three matches scoring 24 goals against nil, wliilo in tho Now Zealand championship tourney, two matches wero played and won with a record of 7 goals for and 1 against. Tho annual carnival was held at To Aro Baths itndor very favourable conditions and was ouo of the most successful yet managed by tho club. A feature of the carnival was the 220 yards handicap which was decided in beats, and in which B. C. Frcyberg succeeded in lowering his own Now Zealand record, making new figures, viz., 2min. ilsec. This time was passed by tho N.Z.A.S.A. as a New Zealand record. ' Tho club, in furtherance of its policy of fostering long distance swimming, increased the length of tho distance ovent of last season to one mile, besides holding the usual quarter-mile handicap.' Tho mile event was well supported, and after a most interesting race J. Lynch, who started from scratch, was declared tho winner, with C. Morse a good second. Fifteen events were competed for during tho season, drawing a total of 326 entries and trophies to tho value of £32 Is. 6d. were distributed amongst 24 winners. Tho New Zealand championships, wore decided at Napier in March, and tho club was again represented by H. C. Frcyberg, who gained second plaeo in each of tho events excepting tho 100 yards, in which his chance was spoiled through swimming a bad courso. Thanks are extended to Messrs. c! P. Skerrett, K.C., Martin Chapman .T. G. W. Aitkcn, M.P., and J. P. Maxwell' for donations to the funds, to Mr. and Mrs! Wilton, for assistance rendered throughout tho season, and to Mr. 15. ,T. Fleming for his services us starter. Tho balance-sheet shows a credit of £4 _3s. 3d., and the excess of assets over liabilities is £18 os. 3d.