SWIMMING

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 30, 5 February 1927, Page 22

SWIMMING

By ' Header *

BIG IMPROVEMENT

NATIONAL GATHERING

THIRTEEN NEW EECOBDS

The completion of the National Championships marks further progress in the sport, and without a doubt New Zealand is coming into her own in the swimming world. The fact that D. Lindsay was the outstanding figure at the ,big meeting and gained the majority of senior championships dc<s3 not indicate that he is our sole worthy champion. We have others in the making, of both sexes, who will worthily follow the new star, and in proportion to our population the standard of swimming will bear comparison with almost every other country. In conversation with Mr. W. E. D. Bishop, president of the New Zealand Council, the writer gathered that it was the policy of that body to give every encouragement to the Dominion swimmers for overseas competition, and in all probability an effort would be made to send Lindsay abroad. The recent conference of delegates from the various swimming centres was unanimous that the class of swimming now being shown by our champions was worthy of further recognition than the holding of a national championship, and to this the council also agreed. .Aim of Council. "The fact that thirteen new records were established and three present records were equalled at the recent championship meeting," said Mr. Bishop, "will convey the extent to which the standard of swimming has improved, to say nothing of the_ substantial reductions that took place in the previous times. In all respects we have reason to be proud of our swimmers, who, by strict training and assiduous attention to style, have developed that class to which we have always aimed. We are sure, however, that more can yet be accomplished, and if we are successful in having swimming and lifesaying made compulsory where facilities exist, and the appointment of paid instructors for each island, the sport of swimming must progress on a larger basis than at present. Naturally our aim is not to produce solely speed swimmers, the teaching of every individual to swim *is paramount, but if in that process we discover fresh champions we are naturally the better pleased. Each and every sport endeavours to reach the highest plane, and we, o£ course, are' also working in the same direction, without forsaking generally the whole movement for the benefit of a few." These interesting remarks are fully borne out by several of Ihe council members who passed through Wellington on Monday night, and also other officials who were present at the championship meeting. Each and all were emphatic that the long looked for improvement amongst the male swimmers has arrived, and from the talent offering the future of high-class swimming is assured. One had to only observe Lindsay on Monday last to concur with the above expressions, and, taking into consideration the disadvtantages under which he swam, the merit of his championship performances were fully borne out. Miss Miller, too, was impressive, and bids fair to be a worthy successor* to Miss Shand. .. ■ ; . -. Nordon Cup. As is usually the case, the home team was successful in winning the Nordon Cup. The flying squadron was a foregone conclusion, and it also looked on paper that the local team would win the diving. This proved to be correct, so that the result of the polo niade no difference. However, the game was a good one, and, although Wellington played practically its best team, the youthful Canterbury boys gave a display which earned them great praise. It was easy to note why Auckland found them too hard to beat in the final at the championships, and as long as Carl Atkinson is there to lead them the polo trophy will take some shifting. The local team, however, with the requisite practice, could do it. Lyall Bay Carnival. ' An exceptionally fine and varied programme has been drawn up for the Lyall Bay Club on Saturday afternoon next. In addition to the various interclub events the star event will be the Walker and Hall Cup, a relay race of 500 yards for teams of five. Ever since this trophy was presented many years ago it has created a great deal of interest and exceptionally keen competition, and Saturday's race will not lack in either direction. Wellington, Lyall Bay, and Maranui will provide the teams, and, with each club on a par, it is anybody's race. A new departure will be the splitting of the relay race into two grades; which slioujd meet favour with the swimmers and incidentally provide a better contest from the public's point of view. .Fine weather will.be all that is required to make the carnival a success. ....:> Atkinson. Although C. Atkinson, the great all round swimmer from Canterbury, did not race at the championship meeting, his form at Te Aro showed that ■ he ig far from being a back number, and it would not be surprising to see him competing next year. This is provided he can get in the necessary amount of training, as to him anything worth doing is worth doing well. If many of our swimmers had followed along similar lines they may have claimed a few of the long list of titles that Carl has won. Lindsay has followed his mentor's lead, and the result is new amply apparent. Bix-Trott is another going along the right lines, and Mr. Atkinson's comment on his swimming is worth recording. It is: "Do not on any account let his Btroke be altered. He is a natural swimmer with fine action, and with training will be the champion you expect him to be." An interested spectator at Monday's carnival was Mick Walker, ex-New Zealand diving champion. Some considerable time ago he hurt his shoulder while playing football, and unfortunately opprations have been necessary. At present an improvement is taking place, but in the interval all thought of. diving had to be shelved, and consequently he was missing from the diving board. He has hopes, however, of being a contestant next year, and it is to be sincerely hoped he will. Diving still requires him as one of the front-rankers. Deatb of Mr. Levestam. The sudden demise of Mr. H. Levestam came as a great shock to his many friends in the swimming world where he was woll known, especially am«ng ' c older brigade. The late gentleman's 1 connection with the sport dates back many years, and right throughout he had always followed its doings with the keenest of interest. He was a familiar figure at the ocal baths prior to leaving Wellington some seasons ago, and his kindly and unassuming nature endeared him to all. Latterly, when resident in Wanganui and Christchirch, he identified himself with the sport in a controlling capacity, serving on the centre in the former place, and occupying a seat on the New Zealand Association while in the southern city. His services were highly appreciated in both places, and the sport is a deep loser through his passing. The sympathy of a wide circle of swimmers will be with his wife and children in their great affliction.

The sympathy of all cricketers will go to H. Watson, of Hutt, in the loss he has sustained by the death of his sister. " "