LOCAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 21, 25 January 1936, Page 24

LOCAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The first of the senior free-style championships (local) will be contested at the combined University and Maranui Clubs' Carnival, which is set down for decision on Wednesday night next. These are the 50 yards and 880 yards, and each event promises to provide plenty of action. In the former the straight-out sprinters will race at top all the way, and with Somervell, Plank, Claridge, Pennington, Thwaites, to mention a few of the competitors, there is material for an exciting contest. The first-named should just about win. The half-mile should also prove a better race than is usual, and with the addition of stayers like Blakeley and O'Neill to some of the others mentioned, an even tussle should eventuate. The 150 yards backstroke will also be contested during the evening, and although the field may not be large, there will be enough competitors to make a close race. J. Williams, the title-holder, will have to be at his best to head off Plank and Gellate. The diving championship contested at the Hutt carnival did not produce any outstanding competitor, although S.. Muff, the winner, gives some promise. He was a comfortable winner from the rest of his opponents, but hardly any of his dives were up to championship class. Still, he has a pleasing style, and with plenty of practice should improve a lot. It was noticeable that none of the divers used the boards to the best advantage, consequently many of their efforts were poor. The judging system proves popular with the crowds and adds interest to a competition. There was, however, some disparity in the points awarded' at times.