NATIONAL TITLES

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 47, 24 February 1934, Page 20

NATIONAL TITLES

SUCCESSFUL MEETING

KEEN COMPETITION

Although in several instances the results of the national titles went in the direction anticipated, the meeting nevertheless was one full of interest and keen competition. On this occasion however, there were more surprises than has been the case for many years, and these happenings gave added zest to the carnival as well as providing thrills above the ordinary. The meeting opened in brilliant weather, but the Canterbury Centre was not so fortunate on the succeeding nights, both of which were cold, with rain falling on the last . night. However, the gathering was quite a success all round, and the financial prospects are more favourable than would have been the case :if the tepid baths had been used. The control of the meeting was well up to standard,, and the various officials are to be commended on their efforts in bringing the meeting to a successful conclusion.

CRUMP IN FORM '

As previously mentioned, the swimming of Noel Crump was expected to engage the attention of all interested, and his performances were in keeping with the opinion expressed as regards his debut into senior ranks. Many held the view that Frankham would reverse positions with him in the 100 yards, but Crump was definitely on top and won the race in a decisive manner, albeit his winning margin was small.. The placed men were close together but it appeared "that Crump always held the advantage, despite bursts of speed from his opponents. He swam an excellently judged race, finishing with dash and maintaining fine pace throughout. W. Jarvis was unlucky at the start, losing valuable ground, and although he swam 'in improved style it is doubtful if he could have beaten Crump with an even start. Frankham was consistent both in heat and final, and showed pace, but. he found the winner just n fraction too good. Whareaitu was a little disappointing. Towards the end of the.race he made a brilliant spurt but could not sustain the effort, and eventually he faded at thefinish. The water did not suit him for the free-style, while his judgment was not up to that of the place-getters. He still has the pace, however. The remaining contestants were not good enough, although each swam up to his known form, McConville being the best and incidentally showing consistent form right through the meeting.

Crump nijain was definitely superior in the furlong event, but went down to Lindsay in the longer distance races. The latter swani exceptionally well and is far from boing a spentlight. It was evident from his performances that he has beon through some solid training, and the form he revealed is as good as he has ever shown. After his mile swim on the first day, in which he put up sound time, it was a certainty that he would take the halfmile honours, but in the quarter-mile many expected that .Crump would "beat, him. But Lindsay was not to be denied and registered-a decisive victory, at no stage looking likely to bo defeated. His excellent swimming was one of the features of the meeting. The backstroke championship introduced the sensation of the day. After his performance in the 100 free-style, and nothing much being known of his ability as a backstroke exponent, W. Wharenitu was not viewed in the light of a dangerous opponent to either G. Low of L. Moorhouse, but he confounded all by the sensational manner in which he won his heat. To prove this effort was no flash in the pan, he brilliantly won the final in time that was only a fraction belli d the record. Low and Moorhouse could not pace it with him at any part of the journey, and there does, not appear to bo any doubt that, hard pressed, he.would have set up. fresh figures. No doubt the opportunity will present itself before the season.ends for an attempt on the record, and when it docs, the brilliant Maori-lad will bei successful.

LJADIES' EVENTS

The surprises continued in the ladies' events, in which it was apt anticipated Miss Leydon would win the sprint event. But.this she did, finishing with rare determination to beat the favoured selections, Misres Farquhar, Grange, and Lewin. The 220 yards was thought to be all in her favour as well as the 440 yards, but although she won the latter event in a comfortable manner Miss Ludlow turned on a further surprise when she beat her in the former event. Miss Leydon, however, was unf ortuanto in that she fouled the lanes repeatedly over the last portion of the race which reduced the'lead she had established, and, being unable to extricate herself in time, was just beaten ,by a touch. It was bad luck for her to lose the honour of winning the three titles, especially as she had swam so excellently on each occasion she competed. Miss Ludlow also swam splendidly in her respective" events and fully deserved the title gained. Miss Farquhar. had no difficulty in retaining the backstroke title, and Miss Webster also upheld her reputation as a first-class breastroke swimmer by easily disposing of her opponents, to win her second title in a comfortable manner; thus completing a succession of victories for the Auckland lady representatives.

WELLINGTON PERFORMANCES

Disappointment was felt when it -was known that the local- polo team had been considerably depleted at the last moment through players being unable to get way. Actually the team was one short when it left and a substitute had to be secured in Christchurch. The resultant disorganisation lpft the team with little hope of success, and although the leading players gave their usual sound display, i. was too much to expect them to defeat the three strong teams to which they were opposed. There was consolation, however, in t!e fact that the two other representatives, Miss P. Pri and K. Spry, were to the fore in their respective events, Miss Price winning the Indies' diving championship' with a very consistent performance, and Spry gaining second place-in. the breaststroke championship. Tlie win of the former was well received, and her efforts were repeatedly applauded. She fully deserved her sueceiib