NATIONAL SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Evening Star, Issue 19772, 24 January 1928, Page 5

NATIONAL SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

More Records Smashed

Two Titles to Otago Miss K. Miller’s Great 220 With two new fresh-water records set and an existing record equalled, it would be difficult indeed to sort out any one event at the New Zealand national swimming and diving championships last night for particular mention, as the large crowd of spectators that assembled at the Municipal Baths for the second night’s swimming was frequently roused to a high pitch of enthusiasm by the aquatic treat that was provided.

The finishes were again so close as to keep the crowd on their lip-toes with excitement, but rarely has so splendid a race been staged in Dunedin as that which was seen in tho 150 yds_ men’s national back-stroke championship. L. Fairgray was the holder of the title, which liad been in his possession since he first won it in 1925; but, ns L. J. Moorhouso was also a previous holder of tho title, a, great race was anticipated. Expectations were fully realised, for the pair wore never more than half a yard apart, and, while Moor-

house may have gained a little at the turns, Fairgray quickly made up the leeway. It was a great clash, and then at the, last Moorhouse obtained a slight turn advantage, which was sufficient to give him possession of the title by barely a touch. Fast time was expected, and so if, proved, Aloorhouse’s Imin ofisec equalling the existing New Zealand fresh-water record, though he himself has bettered this by a couple of seconds, this latter time not yet having been approved. Tho Now Zealand saltwater record is imin 52 3-ssec, held by Fairgray.

The 220yds men’s national championship was not in doubt after the first lllOyds had been swum, as Lindsay’s powerful stroke was then put to full use. Though he did not register as fast time ns he was expected to do, the Canterbury waterman finished 2yds to the good in 2min 37 l-ssec. Had he really been extended there is no doubt he would have bettered this mark still further. His team mate, A. T. F. Stokes, collected second points for Canterbury for the second time, and proved that outside of Lindsay he must be regarded as one of the best distance swimmers in Now Zealand at the present time. The ex-440yds national champion, 11, Pelham, was third. Lindsay is proving a big point-getter, already having two wins, a second, and a third to his credit.

Otago was well to the fore, and there was no more convincing victory during the evening than that of the titleholder. Miss K. Miller (Otago), who slashed her way to a 15yds victory in the 220yds national ladies’ championship in "the oustandiug time of 2min olsec, which was 1 d-ssec faster than she herself recorded in winning the title at Auckland in salt water last season. The New Zealand salt-water record is 2min 47sec. to the credit of Miss Gwitha Shand, and had she been pushed it is quite likely Miss Miller would have shattered these figures. Her time last night bettered the standard by 4sec, and is the fastest that has yet been returned in the title event, though no official fresh-water record is listed in the handbook. Miss Miller swam at the ton of her form, and from the_ start never looked like being headed, Miss D. Grant (Auckland) going a fair race for second place, while Miss M. Jepson collected third points for Otago. Following on Miss Miller’s success, her elcven-ycar-old Kiwi clubmate, R. Geddes, placed a win to Otago’s credit in the junior boys’ division. Geddes, who is a fine all-round aquatic performer for one so young, went a splendid race in the 75yds t junior boys’ breaststroke championship, and won comfortably by 6yds in 69 2-ssec. It was a very popular win, and immediately afterwards Otago’s colors were again to the fore, N. H. Bailey winning an interclub 100yds handicap in 64 3-ssec. The 100yds intermediate girls’ championship marked the first appearance in Dunedin of the Auckland 220yds recordbreaker, Miss Edna Champion, but, though her style was impressive, she had to acknowledge defeat at the hands of Wanganui’s improved representative, Miss Natalie Stratton, an eight heat exponent. Miss Champion did not swim the best of courses, and fouled the rope when nearly on terms with the Wanganui girl. Otherwise, the finish would have been even closer than it was. Miss Stratton’s time of '72sec smashed the New Zealand fresh-water intermediate record by 8 4-ssec. Another record went by the board in the 440yds intermediate boys’ championship, Wanganui being to the forefront again as the result of a splendid effort on the part of that strong swimmer, H. Gowan, His time was 6min 1 l-ssec, 10 3-ssec better than the freshwater record previously held by A. T. F, Stokes, though G. Bridson’s saltwater record is smin 38 4-ssec.

Tho 50yds junior girls’ breast-stroke

began well, and with a little more finish might have been closer up than third. The first stage of tho intermediate hoys’ diving championship was held, but so far the diving lias not been anything to enthuse over to any extent, though A. AT. Rix, the Otago hoy, and B. Howarth, of Wanganui, both executed one or two good dives. Through the prolific point-lifting by D. P. Lindsay, Canterbury already appears to have a firm grip on tho Yaldliurst Shield, hut competition promises to be very keen for the position of run-

championship saw Hawke’s Bay score its first success, Miss Z. Fryer winning in 45sec by half a yard from the “Wanganui girl, Miss V. Melton, both shaping well. Miss M. Mathieson (Otago) ners-up. At the present time Canterbury leads for the shield (which is awarded lor the highest aggregate of points in national championship events) with 20 points, Auckland having 10 points, Otago !) points, Wanganui 5, and Wellington 1. For the War Memorial Shield (intermediates and juniors), for which only firsts count for points, Wanganui is leading with 3 points, 'Wellington having 2, Otago 1, Auckland 1, and Hawke’s Bay 1. Barely has so much excitement and enthusiasm been exhibited at a swimming carnival locally as was evidenced in the water polo match between Otago and Wellington, and as the result of an improved'display the home side succeeded in drawing with Wellington. Water polo is likely to grow in popularity,. so that such irregularities as were too often evidenced in this particular match should be guarded against. A splendid exhibition of fancy diving was given during the evening, 11. C. Calder and H. E. Walker being the particularly bright stars. T. Thomson and G. Tipler assisted the local pair, but though the former performed quite well, Tiplers’ display, while productive of amusement, was a Jong way below that of the others.

As on Saturday, the conduct of the carnival left nothing to be desired, and the events were got off with remarkable despatch. Otago Centre President J. L. M'fndoe, Championship Secretary E. G. Janies, and the carnival director (Mr H. V. Jerred) had arrangements in splendid working order. Results: — 220YDS MEN’S N.Z. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Holder of title, D. P. Lindsay (Canterbury). World’s record, J. 'Weismuller (U.S.A.), 2miu 15 l-osec. New Zealand fresh-water record, D. P. Lindsay (Canterbury), 2nvin 29sec (to be approved). Standard time, 2min 40soc. —Final.— I). P. Lindsay (Canterbury) 1 A. T. F. Stokes (Canterbury) ... 2 R. Pelham (Wellington) 3 Also started: C. J. E. M’Lean (Otago), C. Claridge (Wellington), and A. T. Bolam (Canterbury). The furlong final did not result_ in as fast time as was anticipated, in view of Lindsay’s 2min 29soc in fresh water at Christchurch recently, but the' Canterbury crack was not seriously _ extended over the latter Half of the journey, which was swum at a slower bat than the first 100yds. Over the first length Claridge set a fast pace, but the Wellingtonian, who was swimming strongly, lost ground at every turn, Lindsay making up leeway in the second length, in which he was followed by Pelham and Stokes, Bolam bringing up the rear. With 100yds left behind in 62 2-osec, Claridge led Lindsay by half a yard, Pelham being 3yds further back. The complexion of the race altered at this stage, .Lindsay going to the front in the fourth length and increasing his lend at the end of the firth to 4yds. Stokes, who was swimming evently, had made up a lot of leeway, being practically on terms witli Claridge, who faded out in the last portion of the race. Lindsay was well clear at the last turn, and, moving easily, won comfortably by 3yds from Stokes, who also finished with a good spurt. There was a splendid race for _ third place between the two Wellington representatives, Pelham shading Claridge in the last few yards to beat him by a touch, 2yds behind Stokes. M’Leap finished second last, some Byds back. Time, 2min 37 l-6sec.

IBOYDB MEN’S N.2. NATIONAL BACKSTROKE CHAMPIONSHIP Holder of title, L. Fairgay (Auckland). World’s record, AV. Kealoha (U.S.A.), Imin 44 4-ssec. New Zealand fresh water record, L. J. Aloorhonse (Canterbury) ? Imm 56sec. Standard time, Imin 68sec. L. J. Moorhouse (Canterbury) ... 1 L. Fairgay (Auckland) 2 D. P, Lindsay (Canterbury) .... ... 3 W. P. Boyd (Otago) was the only other starter. This was probably the most thrilling lace of the evening, and the pace was a clinker all the way. Aloorhonse and Fairgay were swimming together all the way, with barely a foot between them at any stage of the journey, Aloorhonse probably owing his victory to proficiency at the turns. Fairgay established a very slight lead from Moorhouse in the first length, but the Canterbury man picked up at the turn, and at 100yds touched simultaneously with the title-holder, Lindsay being syds hack, and Boyd bringing up the rear. At the 133 T-3yds mark it was still anybody’s race, but the turn favored Aloorhonse, who gained half a yard. Fairgay was not done with, and tried hard to get to terms, but Aloorhonse stalled him off, winning in a underfill finish by barely a touch. Lindsay was third, 9yds away, Boyd being another 12yds behind. Time, Imin 56sec—equalling the New’ Zealand fresh water record. 220YDS LADIES' N.Z. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Holder of title, Miss K. Aliller (Otago). World’s record, Aliss Af. Novelins (U.S.A.), 2min 40 3-ssec. New Zealand salt water record, Aliss G. Shand (Canterbury), 2min 47sec. Standard time, 2min 55sec. Miss K. Miller (Otago) 1 Miss D. Grant (Auckland) 2 Aliss AT. Jepson (Otago) 3 Also started: Aliss E. Stoekley (Auckland) and Aliss AT. Simmonds (Hawke’s Bay). A fast race Avas Aliss Aliller’s all the way, the title-holder .shooting to the front from the start. Swimming at the Lop of her form, Aliss Aliller turned the first time a yard ahead of Aliases Stockley. Grant, and Jepson. The champion had increased her lead to 4yds 1 with 100yds passed, Aliss Grant swimming in second place, just ahead of Aliss .Stoekley, with ATiss Jepson moving up. Aliss Aliller’s stroke and lovely regular leg action could hardly have been bettered, and with a little over tw r o lengths to go tho Otago lady had opened out a gap of 12yds, Aliss Grant leading Aliss Jepson and Aliss Stoekley, who took a turn on the back-stroke at this stage.- Turning for the last time a long way abend of Aliss Grant, Aliss Miller put in a characteristic dash over tho last 20yds, and Avon by_ 15yds_ in fast time, Miss Jepson finishing third, 3yds behind Aliss Grant. Aliss Stockley Avas fourth, fairly well up. Time, 2min 51sec, 44QY0S INTERMEDIATE BOYS' CHAMPIONSHIP Holder of title, G. Bridsou (Auckland). New Zealand fresh Avater record, A.T. F. Stokes (Canterbury), 6min 12 4-osec. Standard time, (imin 4scc. H. Cowan (Wanganui) 1 J. Palmer (Wellington) 2 P. Biwnlee (Auckland) 3 Also started: E. Woods (Canterbury) and J. Eaton (South Canterbury). Owing to indisposition, T. Hnrland (Otago), Avho qualified in his heat, did not start. From the outset of a fairly fast race GoAvari ahvays appeared dangerous, though Palmer was Avith him at the end of three lengths, Brownlee being a couple of yards back. Palmer forged to the front in the fourth lap, but GoAvan appeared to be going the more easily of the pair, though they Avero racing neck and neck in the seventh length, at tho end of Avhich they touched together, Brownlie being several yards back. GoAvan avbs proving more adept than Palmer at the turns, and, with 300yds gone, the Wanganui boy Avas 2yds to the good, Brownlie being 6yds back, with Woods badly out of it, Gownn did not let up, and sliced through the last four lengths to Avin by 12yds from tho tiring Palmer, Brownlee being a similar distance hack third. Though outclassed, AVoods SAvam plnckily and completed the course. Time, (imin 1 l-ssec—a Ngav Zealand fresh Avater record.

100YDS INTERMEDIATE GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIP Holder of title, Miss J). Magee (Auckland. New Zealand fresh-water record, Miss (1. Shand (Canterbury), 80 4-osec. Standard time, 72scc. Miss N. Stratton (Wanganui) ... 1 Miss E, Champion (Auckland) ... 2 Only starters. This was an exciting race, although only two competitors faced the starter. It was carved out at a List clip, but though Miss Champion appeared to have the quicker stroke Miss Stratton, who swam with an easy arm action in tiie former half of the race, plunged to the front from the start and touched at the end of 33 l-3yds a yard ahead of Miss Champion. The latter was unable to reduce the gap in the second length, but entered a spirited challenge in the third Jap, Miss Stratton feeling the strain to such an extent that she reduced her stroke, which became somewhat rough. Miss Champion drew up, but swam against the ropes, Miss Stratton making one last effort which carried her to victory witli about half a, yard to spare. Time, 72sec—a New Zealand fresh-water record. INTERMEDIATE BOYS’ DIVING CHAMPIONSHIP Holder of title, ,D. MulvilnTl (Auckland). The first stage of the intermediate boys’ diving championship (compulsory dives) was contested by A . Rix (Otago), B. Howarth ( Kemp (Hawke’s Bay), and J. M‘Kee (Hawke’s Bay). The dives comprised a half-screw backwards and a running pike off the low board, and a halfborer forward and bac ksomersault off the 10ft board. The standard was not a particularly high one, having been bettered in this class in recent years. Rix and Howarth appeared to show the best form. Rix executing some of the dives quite well in the rough. He had a fair flight, hut his toes needed pointing; while Howarth’s entry was good, the Wanganui boy having a fair flight. In the half-screw backwards all the competitors screwed off the board, Kemp and M'Kee in particular making poor efforts. All did quite well with a running pike, but a half-borer forward was not very well executed by any of the competitors. Rix executed a "very fair back somersault, which would have been neater had he not flung his arms out when he started. 75YDS JUNIOR BOYS’ BREASTSTROKE CHAMPIONSHIP Holder of title, L. Olds (Otago). New Zealand salt-water record, L. Olds (Otago), 62 l-ssec. Standard time, 68sec. First Heat. —R. Geddes (Otago) 1, G. Low (Canterbury) 2. Only starters. Swimming the better stroke of the pair Geddes led all the way and gradually increased- his advantage to win by 11yds. Time, 74sec.

Second Heat. —J. M'Donald (Canterbury) 1, J. Hunter (Canterbury) 2. Also started: B. Gallate (Wellington). From a good start M'Donald showed out first from Hunter, Gallate withdrawing at the end of a length. The Canterbury pair were together at the last turn, but M'Donald spurted and won by half a yard in ordinary time. Time, 76sec. —Final.— 11. Geddes (Otago) 1 J. Hunter (Canterbury) 2 J. M'Donald (Canterbury) 3 G. Low (Canterbury) did not start in the final. Geddes proved superior to the northerners, both in style and speed, the Otago youngster swimming fairly well down in the water and employing a good, wide kick. From the start Geddes went to the van and turned 3yds ahead of Hunter, who led M'Donald by a yard. Geddes maintained his advantage in the second length, turning syds ahead of the Canterbury pair. Finishing with a strong spurt Geddes won by 6yds Hunter bent M'Donald for second place by a yard. Time, 69 2-sscc. 50YDS JUNIOR GIRLS' BREASTSTROKE CHAMPIONSHIP Holder of title, Miss D. Moye (Wanganui!. New Zealand fresh water record. Miss D. Broward (Canterbury), 41 l-sscc. Standard time. 45soc. Miss Z. Fryer (Hawke’s Bay) ... 1 Miss V. Melton (Wanganui) 2 Miss M. Mathieson (Otago) 3 Also started; Misses V. Berry (Canterbury) and C. Lang (Otago). Miss Mathieson and Miss Berry were to the fore in the initial stages, but a powerful breast-stroke swimmer in Miss Fryer came to light with half

the distance covered, and turned 2yds ahead of Miss Mathieson, followed by Miss Berry ami Miss Melton. Miss Fryer remained in front, but Miss Melton moved fast over the last 15yds, and pushed Miss Fryer to within half a yard. Miss Mathieson swam a good race, and finished third half a yard back, Miss Lang being fourth. Time, 45soc.

100YDS INTERCLUB HANDICAP First, heat: N. H. Bailey (Otago), Bscc, 1; R. Pidgcon (Auckland), lOsec, 2._ Only starters. Bailey, caught Pidgcon at the second turn, and went on to win by 4yds. Time, 69scc. Second heat; J. Eaton (South Canterbury), 13scc, 1; J. c. Blakeley (Wellington). 6sec, 2. Also started: V. B Howarth (Wanganui) 16sec and R. Sutherland (South Canterbury) 13sec. Eaton led practically all the way. and. though Blakeley nearly drew level in the last length lie fouled the ropes, Eaton heating him by a touch. Time, 67 3-ssec.

Third boat: T. Champion (Canterbury). Risen, 1; CL Tipler (Canterbury), 12sec, 2. Also started: A. E. Short (Otago) Blsee, J. Mo.ikle (Auckland) 7sec. and J. G. Leask (Wellington) ssec. Champion got up in the last length and beat '1 ipler in a. good finish by a touch. Time 68 3-ssec. —Final.— N. H. Bailey (Otago) Bscc ] T. Champion (Canterbury) lOsec ”! 2 J. C. Blakeley (Wellington) 6sec ... 3 This p.s a good race, Bailey swimming his best lor some time. He was almost with Champion at the second turn, and, sprinting in the last lap. ho drew away to beat Champion hv half ' l . ..T-nrd TTlnkeioy being a yard back thud. Time, 64 3-sscc. JUNIOR BOYS’ PLAIN DIVE P. S. Mathieson (Dunedin) and 4. Ronnie (Dunedin), dead heat ... 1 R. Geclcles (Knvi) 3 Also competed; G. Low (United). Tho diving was not of a particularly nigh standard, and the local bovs have all .given better displays. But f« r going ? rCr ! ln 0,10 divo Oeddes uOll Id have been hard to beat, and as it was there could have been very httle between the three bovs all of board. reri ’ nrcd to further'up off the WATER POLO OTAGO 4, WELLINGTON 4. The crowd was roused to a great mtch of excitement by the ' second match of the water polo championship ccoiid rouiki, Otago effecting a draw with Wellington after a stern, hardlouglit contest, in which overmuch j'ough play was witnessed, Wellington being the worst offenders in this respect. fortunately the referee adopted firm measures, but even then the Wellington players were constantly appealing and indulging in back chat, Claridge and W. Cameron being the worst offenders in this direction. A draw was a fair indication of the run of the play, though Otago lost two excellent chances of scoring when penalty throws were given for Wellington players being ordered out of the water. Apparently Otago did not appreciate the fact that a penalty throw could be taken from the 4yds mark. The mainstay of the Otago team was again C. B. Lewis, but the honors were "equally shared by Swan, who saved his side in goal time and again, and Claridge, Mol Tier, and Pelham showed to advantage on the Wellington side. Goals for Otago were scored by Boyd (2) and Lewis (2), and for Wellington by Claridge, Murrell, W. Cameron, and Mollier. The teams were:—Wellington ; T. Ryan, C, Claridge, Mollier, E. Pelham, Murrell, J. Cameron, and W- Gameton.

Otago.-—J. Swan, G. Standring, A. Harrod, W. P. Boyd, L. Pitliie, C. B. Lewis, and R. C. Caldcr, SWIMMERS ENTERTAINED Yesterday morning the visiting swimmers were taken through Thomsons’ cordial factory, and in the afternoon seventy swimmers, in charge of Mr W. H. Saunders, paid a visit of inspection to the Eoslyn .Woollen Mills,