SWIMMING.

Evening Star, Issue 17959, 4 May 1922, Page 3

SWIMMING.

[By Venator.]

During the past week tho pool was kept very busy at tho municipal baths, but it was freely noted that there was little done by tho sprinters and would-be sprinters in the way of training. That is why Otago always falls Irohiiid in dominion events our good swimmers of both sexes will neither train nor keep fit. The mixed loathing night still retains is unique power of attracting sprinters, beginners, bathers, and lookers-on. generally. It is Hie night of nights at the baths.

Tlio cold weather usually has the effect of lessening the swimming activities of the timid and also of those addicted to other sports. In a small city like Dunedin, with its several winter attractions, tho active swimming -groups seem to break up ai*l mingle their amusements with (he other games, such as football and hockey.

In Jlmerica, with its larger populations, the margin separating the exponents of the various sports is more pronounced than in New Zealand. The swimmers in America would play other games quietly for the purpose of keeping fit only, where in New Zealand tho idea is to excel in, all sports, thus developing the all-round man. Tho American prefers the champion, and ho is always a specialist. In the North Island good results -arc noted from taking a lesson from tho Americans, The youths who seek all-round success in several sports finish up usually like -the man who was a jack of all trades and master of none. If I urn not mistaken Miss lldeft (Auckland) is specialising, and with good results, too. In America they have two distinct seasons, with little break between tho outdood and the indoor. Tho outdoor embraces sea bathing. Most of the swimming instructors are broughtto the beaches to safeguard the bathers, Tho test for a qualified life-saver in the States is a severe one. He has to swim out some 300 yards in. the surf and bring in a struggling man; row a- boat in a choppy sea, and take charge of a, surf boat; know at-least two methods of artificial respiration, and be able to swim a

mile. I am afraid such, a test would bo considered an impossible one hero, at. present. at any rate. Water polo, water tennis, and push ball arc enjoyable pastimes in tho swimming pool during . tho winter season. Water tennis and push, ball arc two games that, should take on very well in Dnnodin. Last week tho various ladies’ colleges bad a relay raco af tho municipal baths, with as follow :—Archerfield 1, Columba 2, St. Hilda 3. Tho winning team wore Miss W. Milner. Miss S. Cuthbertson, Miss P. T/ano, and Miss M. Henderson ; the second team Miss T. Grove, Miss G. Rates, Miss M. Campbell, Miss S. Urquhart. Tho 33yds championship raco resulted in Miss W. Milner 1 and Miss F. Baggett 2. Thorn were ten starters. The race was a. close one. The Archerfield Col logo hold its first carnival at, the municipal baths, and it turned out a groat, success. Some ten events were run off. There was quite a big crowd of spectators, who look a keen interest in every events. Mrs Clagiiorn presided. Mr Madndoe judged the diving and swimming, and (be schools’ instructor, Mr Olds, started each event. Results arc as follow ; Senior Championship, two lengths.—P. Lane and W. Milner I, F. Kelly 2. _ A good moo, with the winners dead-heating. Junior Championship, one length.—M. Henderson 1, H. Carswell 2, Tho winner is a promising little swimmer. Senior Diving Championship, three dives.—W. Milner (20 points) 1. F. Kelly (18 points) 2. Tho girls seemed nervous, ■but dived fairly welt. Tho beginners’ raco was won by N. Fleming, and tho new term’s beginners by D. Adam, Graceful Swimming.—P. Lane 1, W. Milner 2. Senior Championship, one length,—P. Lane 1, W. Milner 2. A very close race. Junior Championship, ono width. —Miss Henderson 1, N- Fleming 2. Miss Henderson won easily. Corfu Dive.— F. Kolly 1, W. Milner 2. Miss Kelly is always attractive Cl her movements. Sh© sprang quite a surprise by finding the lifebuoy every time. This lady is a neat all-round swimmer. Dressing Race.—S. Sutton 1, F. Kelly and J. 'Dunlop 2. Tho first girl in this event is an expert at dressing under difficulties. Senior champion, P. Lane, winner of tho Bligh memorial swimming cup. Junior champion, M. Henderson. In addition to tho -above events thews were also tub, candle, ribbon, and crocodile races, in which the Misses Morgan, Kelly, M'Gregnr, and W. Milner were winners. There wore also beginners’ and junior dives, which were won by M. Fleming and N. Fleming.