SWIMMING

Evening Star, Issue 18502, 8 December 1923, Page 9

SWIMMING

[By Splash.] The Macandrew’s Bay Regatta Committee is running a programme of racing, diving, and aqua-planing events at the regatta on December 26 (Boxing Day). Good prizes are offered, and the programme lias neon passed by tho centre officials. The Port Chalmers Regatta Committee will also run swimming events in connection with its regatta on December 29. Tho Kiwi Club recently applied through the Otago Centre to the council of the Now Zealand Amateur Swimming Association for a ruling in regard to a proposal to rim football and hockey teams in the off season. Tho secretary of the local centre (Mr J. L. MTndoc) has received a reply from tho council stating that there is no objection whatever to the proposal. Tho scheme will, if carried out, servo tho good purpose, of keeping the members of the club together d iring the winter months. Tho annual conference of centres of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association will ho held at Wanganui on January 29, at tho time tho Now Zealand championships are to bo contested at Wanganui. Two delegates will represent each centre.

A swimming pool was opened at Balclutha a fortnight ago. It is tho same size as tho Dunedin municipal baths. The pool'is made of concrete, and is situated on the banks of the Molyncux River. A club has been formed, and the members are highly enthusiastic. It. would be wise for them'to apply to tho Otago Centre for affiliation. Mr Simpson (ex-Mayor of Bnlclutha) was largely responsible for tho erection of the baths..

Two great performances over 400yds wore registered at Sydney recently by Miss Christie and Andrew Charlton. These champions should provide formidable opposition to Arno Borg, the great Swedish swimmer, who is now on his way to Sydney.

Conditions were ideal at the Spit baths for Christie’s exhibition swim (states a Sydney writer). Tho quarter-mile Australian champion was in rare form. Ho moved along with a delightful stroke, and appears to be much improved on last year’s splendid form. His time, 4miu 57sec (and one watch made it 4min 55sec), is faster than that recorded by the late Barney Keiran in 1905 at Rose Bay—viz., 4min 58 2-ssec. As Christie was unpaccd, and swam well within himself, it is reasonable to expect a big reduction in this time when pressed. Charlton swam at Manly. Tho hatha wore exposed to tho full sweep of a strong wind. The wafer was rough, and the going against the swell was very heavy; consequently Charlton’s swim over tho 400yds in smin 6 2-ssec was a fine one, and proves that the young champion is recovering his best form. Swimming is a popular sport among week-enders at the various hays on the harbor side of the Peninsula. At Macandrew’s Bay the residents have the use of the new shed and all its conveniences.

Carterton, the usually quiet little AVairarapa borough, has been deeply agitated over the question of mixed bathing (states a northern exchange). The council had an earnest debate on tho matter. One councillor said that even if every other town in tho world had mixed bathing he would oppose it; but, in spite of his opposition, the council granted the application. “ Now that wo have allowed mixed bathing,” said the objector, “we must see to it that proper dress is worn.” The chairman pointed out that there was a recognised costume in other places. As a final safeguard the council decided to swear in the caretaker as a special constable, thereby giving him full power to exercia? authority “in case of trouble.”

Throughout the dominion there Is a ■great revival in water polo, and at the Auckland tepid baths each week the accommodation is taxed by interested spectators (states a northern writer). Water polo is becoming as exciting as first grade Rugby matches, and Wanganui will hava something spectacular at tho New Zealand championships when Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, and Wanganui teams fight out the issue as to which centre is to have* its name placed on tho banner.

The Wanganui Swimming Exe.cutivo has decided to hold life-saving competitions, and to approve only those programmes that include a life-saving competition. In moving a motion to that effect, tho president (Mr J.' Reid) pointed out that lifesavimr was the crux of the business. Although they liked to see speed swimming, he knew plenty of speed swimmers who would be hopelessly lost as to the right method to adopt in case of emergency When tho boys and girls were at school life-saving was an important feature of the work; but when the school period ended all work in connection with lifesaving also ended. He (Mr Reid) wanted to see this valuable work carried on to tbo senior stage, so that automatically tho good work could go on. After discussion tho motion was approved, action being delayed until February.