SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 11, 14 January 1932, Page 4

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

The phenomenal summer so far experienced in Wellington has created considerable activity amongst swimmers. Next Saturday at the Te Aro Baths the Wellington Amateur Swimming Club will stage a carnival, and as there, are something like 2,00-, entries; for the various ■ events it appears likely that the ■venture'will be a decided success.

0"c °f the main eveniE-:is:.ihe,loo yards Wellington provincial ehampibhsHip. The present holder of the title, C. E. Claiidge, will find a hard opponent, in J. C. Blakley, who recently completgd this distance in the fast time of 58 2-ssec. Claridge, who has been swimming consistently in Wellington for the past ; 12 .years and who has to his credit something" like 27 piovincial and New Zealand championships, is as fit as .ever he Tvas, but it" looks as if he willrequire: all his experience and speed to' stave ofi .the challenge of Blakley, who' narrowly missed winning the title last year. Ihe contest should provide one of the most thrilling races ever seen in Wellington. The other , three competitors m > the. race are\G. Fookes, E. M. Gill, and ±5. trallette. It is quite possible that the vast improvement. Bhown by these swimmers during the past few weeks may upset calculations, as 4t is doubtful if either Blakley or Claridge can give away anything to these men if they are fully extended. , Saturday's race should prove this. The 220 -yards provincial breaststroke championship should also be a very evenly contested' face,'. as the "holder of the title, K. Spry, and . one or two of the I other contestants are capable of completing the distance, in a few seconds under the six-ycar,old record of 3min 16 sec_ set Tip A. Claridge. • Spry will probably have to break this record to successfully defend his title on Saturday. Besides these championship events there are several handicap races for both ladies and men, aiid record entries have been received for these. from, Wellington and outside clubs; .including Mastertoh, which is sending down a strong contingent. Diving, novelties, and water'polo arc included on the..programme, and the public of Wellington are assured of an entertainment unsurpassed in swimming circles for many a long day. The carnival will start at 2.30 p.m.