SWIMMING

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 33, 8 February 1930, Page 22

SWIMMING

mv "HiAotm- i

,FORM REVIEWED

N.Z. CHAMPIONSHIPS

WELLINGTON ENTRANTS

Another national championship meeting ' has come and gone, leaving the various centres clear to -finish off their own affairs after tho pressure of the big meeting has subsided. As predicted, tho senior swimming was,dominated by two competitors, Miss K. Miller and Gordon Bridson, each of whom were successful in all tfie free-stylo events. From what is gathered from returning competitors, it would appear, that tho opposition to Bridson was not of tho high standard usually associated with championship meotings. A. Stokes was just as superior to the remaining competitors as Bridson was to him. Admittedly the number of entrants in tho majority of events was poor, possibly owing to the fact that several of t|ie prominent swimmers were unable to be present, but even making due allowances, there was- a falling off in the form of some of the competitors present. The water was stated to be slow, and the times returned bear this out. " Fresh water would not find favour with those who aro used to sea water training. This may account for tho inability of some of the contestants to swim up to their proved form. All the visitors to the coast speak well of the conduct of the meeting, and from conversation it is learned that everyone had an enjoyable meeting. Manager Satisfied. '_' Mr. P. Coira, manager of the Wellington team expressed himself as well satisfied with tho performances of its members. Miss Miller was, of course, the outstanding performer, her three victories being 'accomplished in convincing fashion. The distance events were only an exercise swim for her, and although some people were of the opinion than the 220 yds championship was no easy thing, there is no doubt that she had tho raco won at any part of it. Auckland and Wanganui wore confident of annexing the 100 yds title, but again Miss Miller proved her superiority, and was going away from her opponents at the finish. Claridgo and Blekoley performed as well as expected, but found Bridson and Stokes too strong. Tho polo team. felt tho lack of practice, only striking combination toward* the end of the meeting. Poor shooting . was ' responsible for the loss of goals just when they were wanted, the team . missing a player of tho W. Cameron type. Auckland's tie with Canterbury was due to an excellent exhibition of marking, which, although dulling the game, was certainly offectivc. Gallate Off Colour. B. Gallate, intermediate representative, did not show up so well in tho 100 yds as his trials indicated, but on the day p he was off colour. It is doubtful if he would havo beaten tho winner- in any case. His performances in the distance events were quite good, and justifiod his selection. t Game Swinyner. Tho junior representative, Miss Wi House, swam very gamely. If tho championship meeting was a month hence, she would probably win the 100 yds event, if not the 50yds. From the time of her trial oVer the former distance until-, the actual race, she improved nearly ten seconds—a meritorious effort. Sho was reducing her time on. every occasion sho swam, indicating that her best performances aro yet to come. The experience should be of . great benefit to her, and moro should be heard of her later. The liife-Savers. On the life-saving side, the two local clubs wero well ahead of their opponents in all-round performances. Marauui successfully held the Nelson Shield, while Lyall Bay retained the William Henry Memorial. Both clubs wero runners-up to each other in theso two events, while -J. Blak'eley, .Lyall Bay, carried off the honours of champion boltman for the year. Successful Tour. Tho members of the Lyall Bay LifeSaving Club engagqd in a very buceessfV& tour on their way- to, and returning from tho championships, at Greyinouth. Visits were paid to Blenheim (twice), Westport, Boefton (twice), and Holdtika, and despite adverse weather a very onjoyablo time was Interest in tho sport was considerably onhanced as a result of tho visits, resulting in an invitation to make a further tour at a future date. The lifesaving_ exhibitions wero particularly appreciated, as was the swimming of •Miss K. Miller, who accompanied the team. Centre Championships. On Thursday night next the postponed centre championships will -bo contested at the Biddiford Baths, Lowev Hutt, when a.first-class programme* of events will be presented. Chief races of interest will be the 100 and 440 yds free-style, 220 yds breaststroke, men's' 100 yds ladice, and intermediate and junior championship. A feature of the meeting will be the reappearance of the ex-national champion, Norm. Dowsett, Geoff Bix-Trott, Dick Pelham and possibly Aub. Baird. This quartet of topnotchers. will offer stiff opposition to C. Clardige and J. Blakoloy, while another re-entrant in the breaststroke F. ("Ton") Bolton, will keep the present champion, K. Spry, on tho movo all tho time. Tho telent, mentioned should provide a great night's racing, equal to any that has yet/been soon* in action. Tho lady champion (Miss Miller) will also be soen in, action, as. will the rest of the * recont representative team. The entries for all events closo to-night. The 50yds centre championship, together with tho Walker and Hall flying squadron, has been allottod to the Wei-, lington Club for decision at their annual carnival on Saturday, 22nd inst. An application for the half-mile championship from tho Hutt Valley' Club was also granted. Mr. Blakeley Resigns. Mr. N. N. Oldorshaw has been appointed secretary to the Wellington Centre, Mr. Blakeloy having tendered his resignation, which was accepted with regret at a recent meeting of the parent body. Mr. Oldershaw has had a long experience in swimming mattors, filling the office of secretary to the Nelson Centre for some time, and taking a proment part in tho revival of the sport in that city; All communications for Mr; Oldorghaw should bo addressed care Post Office, Lower Hutt.