SWIMMING

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 51, 1 March 1930, Page 22

SWIMMING

«•» "MIADKK-

BIG PROGRAMME

WELLINGTON CARNIVAL

KEEN COMPETITION

Competitors found conditions tq-their] liking at To Aro Baths on Saturday afternoon last, \Vhen the Wellington Club held its annual carnival. A big programme of events was set down for decision, but tho starter, W. Gerrie, got his fields away smartly, and in consequence there was littlo delay between races. There wero several events of note on the card, interest being divided between the elder and younger supporters. Competition was'koen throughout the afternoon, with exciting contests 'in the majority of cases. Although there was a good attendance of the public, the- club will lose financially, a fact that is to bo regretted in view of the programme offered. 50 Yards ChampionSliip. A. good field lined up on the board for tho 50 yards centre championship, and a closo contest was predicted. Anticipations were fulfilled, tho eight competitors being separated by only six feet at the finish. All got away to a good start, J. Cameron' showing up momentarily as they' rose from tho dive. When they got into their strokes Claridge, Dowsett, and Cameron were slightly ahead of the remainder, but at half-way Pelhain looked to be slightly in front, with tho others bunched. Over the remaining portion of the distance positions changed, Dowsett, Cameron, and Claridge forging to tho front, with Blakeley in hot pursuit. Ten yards from the finish Dowsett was still slightly in tho lead, and with a final spurt he maintained his advantage, winning a good, race by 'inches. Claridge just headed off Cameron and Blakeloy, who were together, third place going to tho latter. Dowsetf's win was popular. Many of those present welcomed his return; to form. Considering the limited opportunity he has had for any swimming, his performance was a splendid one, and fit and well he would have won comfortably. Olaridge did not display his usual dash, and appeared to swim better later on in tho afternoon. Blakeley went •well, but "was not as prominent in the early stages of the. race as usual. J. Cameron was unfortunate enough to foul the lave towards the finish,' and this prejudiced his chances. At the timo he was going well alongside Dowsett, and looked likely to gain second place. Thero was not much between him and Blakoley for third honours. Pelhani surprised by his forward showing. . . Maranui Again. r Maranui had littlo : difficulty in retaining ,the Walker and Jldll Cup, their five representatives proving too- solid for their opponents. ■ Thero. was, however, a groat tuss'lo.'for second 7 place' between- tho .Wellington, Hutt Valley,. and Lyall- Bay teams, who eventually finished in that order. The last. men to go were Martin, Dowsett, arid"Cam-' erou respectively, the former, having a call over tho other two, with Cameron starting ahead of Dowsett. At the turn tho'Hutt man had made up a littlo of the ground and-was up with Cameron, Martin, however, was putting ill soino solid work, and, although the other two were gradually reducing the gap, tho Wellington- man stuck it out well, touching just ahead of Dowsott, who was a yard in front of Cameron. Claridge swam tho fastest hundred of all the competitors, cutting out tho distance in 60 3-ssec. This was a better swim, comparatively, than his 30 yards effort. School Competitors. School competitors were 1 well to the foro during the afternoon, tho contests j for the Dutliic and Coltman Cups and j the Maxwell trophies providing plenty of competition both in swimming and barracking. Clyde quay continued on their victorious way by retaining tho two former, trophies, both the girls' and boys' teams registering comfortable victories. Tho races for tho Maxwell trophies (secondary schools) provided thrilling finishes. . In the girls' section Wellington. College A scored narrowly from Hutt Valley High School, a.great swim by Miss P. Price for tho I latter nearly bringing success.. She was conceding her opponent nearly, eight yards when sho loft tho board, and a fow yards from the'finish was slightly in the lead, but Miss Clarke finished very determinedly for college, winning by a touch. The Hutt Valley boys made amends by winning their race, after being in the lead all the way. Warburton, .the last boy to swim, put up a.smart effort over the lap, holding off Gellate, ,who came with a fast burst at tho finish. Some promising material was noticed amongst the various school competitors, and with coaching many should develop into firstclass performers. Diving Standard. ■ The standard of diving in the men's championship was not.up to the-class usually displayed. R." Tuppin, whose win was well deserved, displayed better execution than his opponents, and had evidently practised more. His improvement has been gradual and consistent. When he masters tho control of tho more difficult. dives,. with their corresponding finish, he may rank as one of the top-notchers. Some of his efforts during the exhibition were well performed. Penman and Mulvihill showed up better in the plain diving contest. Lack of practico was noticeable in their compulsory dives, and the saino applies to J. Cameron. All three dived much better in the exhibition. Handicap Races. Miss. M. Eraser scored a well-deserved win in the ladies', handicap .of .50. yards. Sho finished very strongly to head off Miss Gallfly, who was a touch in front of Miss Thwaites. Miss K. Miller was closo up to 'tho place-getters, as usual, finishing very fast. ■ • . In winning the. 100-yards men's handicap, B. M'lvor registered his best swim to date. The writer . heard him nicknamed "Bridson," and he appears to bo developing physically along the same linos asvth'e champion. He registered (Msec for the distance, which timo may yet' be reduced,, as he is'now striking top form. . ■ - - Schools' Carnival. ' Schoolchildren were well to tho foro at the Wellington Club's carnival, but their real day comes on Saturday next, when the Primary Schools' Association will hold their third annual carnival.- Nearly 250 children will take part in the various events set down for decision, included in' which' are the school boy and girl championships. Tho work of tho association deserves every encouragement, and sympathisers will havo the opportunity of showing their appreciation by being present at To Aro Baths on Saturday; afternoon nest,