SWIMMING

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 10, 12 January 1929, Page 20

SWIMMING

«• " HEADEB " ' COOK STRAIT SWIM COLDNESS OF THE WATER MISS COPPLESTONE'S EFFORT FIXTURES. 22nd January.—-Worser; Bay Club Carnival,, Worser Bay. . : 2nd to 9th February—National Championships, Te Aro v . .;'.-.. ■7th February—Hutt . Club Carnival, (Norden Cup), Riddiford. Baths. 2nd March—Wellington Club, Carnival, Te : Aro. . ..-■■ .■:■■■■.' With the local championships disposed of this afternoon, interest will now be mainly centred in the national championships, but prior to this important gathering, two other events will engage .the at-tention-of.followers of the sport, namely, Miss L. Copplestone's attempt to swim Cook Strait, and tlie annual 1 carnival of" ,the Worser Bay Club. A number of people are showing great interest in Miss Copplestone's effort, and it is apparent that on Saturday next, when the attempt is to be made, any news of the swim will be eagerly awaited. It is anticipated that progress reports will be available at intervals right from the time Miss Copplestone enters the 1 water,-which will be round about 2 a.m. An idea is prevalent that the Cook Strait will never be swum, but probably the same has been said about' the English. Channel. Given good, conditions and average luck, the swimmer of stamina should have reasonable prospects of success, although tides and currents are serious obstacles to contend with. But even these adversities have been conquered in the Channel, and the number of swimmers who have swum that stretch of water proves that with experience and knowledge what' was once thought a wondeiful feat is becoming somewhat commonplace. \ In Miss Copplestone's' case, she may find it a trying effort without the aid o£ the knowledge of someone who has attempted the swim from the South Island to the North, but she is not undeterred by this. With the assistance aheady given her, the tides and currents are not the Chief concern. She is wise enough to recognise that the main obstacle to contend with is the coldness of the water, and there is no doubt that it is the one factor that would prevent the swimming of the Strait. That fine distance swimmeri Ron. Webster, in his attempt last year had to leave the water after making a successful start from 1 the' North Island. It was too cold, and although Miss Copplestone will no doubt, be well prepared against the temperature of the water, she may experience the same difficulty as Webster. Howeveri she is alive to all the difficulties to be encountered, but her pluck' and courage will carry her on, and with the gods in her favour she will make a gieat effort* to-complete this gruelling swim.' SKould-.*he succeed, the. honour and glory 'will be, entirfcly' her own. Good luck to hei! > ' The Championships. Championship matteis are proceeding apace, and the vanous. cub-committees aie Kettmg down to senous business again , t£>r the holidays. There is still much to be done! bStX local official! are conndont that they will have everything m binooth luiming older well before the o enine day. As on the occasion Z J championships were last; held ,n Wellington, a bpecial reserve stand is to be elected by which it is estimated that additional seating accommodation wiU.be piovided tor approximately 400 people. These wiircompnse the best seats in the baths, and will be retained for patrons desiuug to book. The bos plan will be opened shortly. , Intending competitors for events at the national championships should note that all entries close on Tuesday week with the secretary. No late entues will bo accepted.

Norden Cup. ,;- : - The annual competition between Wellington and Canterbury • for the Norden Cup will be held during national championship week, and the Lower Hutt Uub is arranging a-carnival; for the Ihursday night; at which the three events—7oo yards flying squadron, diving, and;_ water--polo-will- be ■■decided. This .gathering will be hel.dat.the-Riddiford Baths, and the progressive young club can be relied upon to submit a programme'fully cater-, ing for the interest of the public. Worser Bay Carnival. The annual carnival of the Worser Bay Club'is one-of the recognised attractions on Anniversary: Day, and this years gathering promises to provide plenty ot variety to those who attend.: .The programme is similar to that of former years and intending competitors will find plenty ot events to engage their attention. As is usual, the morping will be devoted to hfesaving competitions, for which ,a recordentry ia expected. All the local clubs, are training hard for the Nelson 1 BhieW competition (the New Zealand championship), and will-no doubt take the opportunity of a try-out at Worser Bay. Secretary J. Newport should get a big response for the various events when entries close. The championship secretary,: Mr. , J. Blakeley, reports'that, although some offers to 'billet the visiting junior swimmers have been received, the full requirements have not yet been allocated. He would therefore be glad:to receive the names and addresses of any supporters who would be willing to assist in this direction. Inquiries addressed to Box 1373 would be welcomed. The Otago representative team, as reported in "The Post" during the week, is i strong in its respective'events, and will gather in some of. the honours. _ N. de Loree is'an Auckland swimmer who is a prospective representative at the championships.- He- recently conceded Jack Enwrishtone second in a 100 yards event, and beat him. This is promising form for one who is considered more of a distance swimmer. ... D Lindsay, who has been training m Napier, for .a .few weeks under the gild- | ance of C. Atkinson, returned to Wellington last evening, and is a competitor at'Te Aro this afternoon. • . Miss K. Miller'is". decidedly unfortunate in experiencing "further trouble with her injured foot. ' The break in graining may place her at a disadvantage..for the championships now,drawing near. ..■■■ _ - Mr. P. Coira has, been re-appointed selector for the representative' and Norden Cup teams. ' The' polo: team may cause him some thinking, but otherwise his task should be easy. _■■;" ': - •: ' \