SWIMMING

Evening Star, Issue 21879, 16 November 1934, Page 5

SWIMMING

MOTES AND COMMENTS [By Bookxk.] FIXTURES. November 22.—Australians’ appearance at Ashburton. November 24 and 26.—Australians at Invercargill. November 28 and December s.—Australians’ appearance at Dunedin. November 30. —Australians’ demonstration at Milton. December I.—Australians at Alexandra. December B.—Australians at Oamaru. December 12. —Otago intermediate and junior championships, Municipal Baths; Australians at Christchurch. December 14.—Australians at Westport. January 16.—Kiwi Club, annual carnival, Municipal Baths. January 31.—Otago senior championships, Municipal Baths. February 4.—Batt Cup harbour race, at Macandrew Bay. February s.—Zenith Club annual carnival. , February 16, 18, and 20.—New Zealand national championships, at Auckland. Club hours—Kiwi, Tuesdays (6-7) and Thursdays (8.45-9.45); St. Clair and St. Kilda, Mondays (8.45-9.45); Dunedin, Wednesdays and Thursdays (8.45-9.45); Kaikorai, Saturdays (8.459.45). All at Municipal Baths. _ Zenith (7-8.30) each night except Friday, ajt the Y.M.C.A. Baths.

Otago’s Bright, Prospects. Probably never before have the prospects for a season been so bright in Otago as this year, and with many important meetings close at hand swimmers have commenced their training operations earlier than usual, and this was indicated by the high standard revealed at the first inter-club carnivalof the season, promoted by the Otago Centre in conjunction with its “ Learn to Swim Wcdk.”

Considerable trouble was gone to by 1 the officials to make the programme I as varied and attractive as possible, and the success of their efforts could be gauged by the exceptionally large entries. On the other hand, it must be just a little discouraging to these enthusiasts to observe that their efforts do not meet with great appreciation on the part of the general public. The attendance was a fairly large one, but for such a fine programme it should have been much larger. 'When one realises that the swimming clubs of Otago have close bn 1,000 members, it is surprising that attendances at carnivals are not larger. If dlie members, their parents, and friends were to attend fairly regularly, then the financial worries of the centre and the clubs would be finished with. The fine work being done in encouraging and teaching children to swim by club mem- | hers is of a purely voluntary nature, and the parents of the youngsters can expresfe their appreciation in a practical why.by attending the carnivals. So early in the season, one does not look for any very marked nlents either in style or time, but it was surprising how many swimmers showed really noticeable advance on their performances towards the end of last season, For instance, J. Clulee, who entered .competition for the first time late last season, whs prominent in every event in which he took part op Saturday night, returning improved times, and showing that his already promising style is likely to be still further developed this season. Clulee is one of the most likely intermediates in the Dunedin Club, and with his proficient stroke shopld make a name for himself this season. He relaxes well, and emplovs a smooth, clean stroke with a gliding action. In his first appearance. he showed that he is too speedy to be rated as a second-class swimmer since he was doing round about, 17sec for the length. He finished second to C. Ferguson in his heat, won in 21sec, conceding the winner Ssec. He clocked 28 2-ssec in winning the 50yds short’ limit handicap, but his time was not quite so impressive in the 100yds, due to the fact that he had just had a hard final in the 50ydS junior and intermediate handicap in which he filled third place. Clulee shoul not hesitate to do plenty of distance work for lie looks to be one of the most promising young swimmers here at the prosent time.

_ The Dunedin Club has another good little swimmer in C. Ferguson, who swam into second place in the 33 l-3yds second class handicap and won the 50yds junior and intermediate handicap from the limit mark. Ferguson has plenty of dash and determination, and is now straightening his stroke out. This season should find him a much improved swimmer.

M. Goodwin has shown promising form with the Kiwi Club, and it was a _ good performance on his part to win. the 33 l-3yds second class handicap in 20 2-ssec in his first appearance in interclub competition, a success he followed up later in the evening by swimming in the Kiwi Club’s winning teahi in the interclub relay. Goodwin has a very clean arm stroke, but should devote attention to his leg action. He is inclined to lift his knees too high, and with better co-ordination in stroke is bound to return faster time in forthcoming events. There was no mOfe popular win for a Jong time than that of “ MOrrie ” Taylor in the 100yds handicap in 70sec. The Kiwi man is a good all-round swimmer, without possessing exceptional speed at any event, and at some carnivals he has been known to compete in as many as three finals on end. That, perhaps, is one of the reasons why more success has ngt come his way, but Taylor showed himself to be in good form on Saturday night, winning the final convincingly. He is relaxing more than used to he the case, and not rolling so much, and with his easier stroke he should improve his times this year. Taylor has devoted most of his attention to water polo in recent years, but is still a more than useful handicap swimmer. Arthur Thomas was one of the most successful of the middle-niarkers, the Kiwi man filling second place in the 50yds short limit handicap and the 100yds interdub handicap, in which he did a shade over 66sec. As he did 23 l-ssec for 50yds, this indicates that

Thomas would give a good account of himself if he were to concentrate just a little more instead of engaging in so many events. He is certainly one of the keenest competitors in Otago. Miss M. Cleary, a Zenith swimmer. Avon the 33 l-3yds ladies’ handicap, and swam much more determinedly m the final than she did in the heat. She was closely followed by the Kiwi junior, Miss C. Knowles, who also swam a long Avay better in the final than in the heat.

Very promising form was shown by Miss A. Gillies, the ladies’ champion of the Kiwi Club. This girl is a candidate for intermediate honours, and her improvement- lately has been due to most conscientious training. She won her heat of the ladies’ 33 ]-3yds handicap in 22 2-ssec, and filled third place in the final, being second in her heat of the 50yds intermediate and junior handicap, and a member of the winning relay team. She is swimming much more freely than was the case last season, showing a better co-ordina-tion between her leg and arm movements, and in general employing a more finished Stroke, In the absence of S. W. Jarvis, Jack Barry was the virtual scratch man in the 50yds intermediate and junior handicap. and the Dunedin intermediate won his heat in good style. Barry is better over the 100yds or longer, and if he trains for the. distances should be seen to advantage at the intermediate championships. The interclub diving handicap produced a good entry, but generally speaking the standard was not So high as usual, though allowances must be made for the earliness of-the season. The winner, N. Williams, however', gave a display that promises well for the coming season, and if he gets down to serious training during the next month should give Charlie. Eckhold a good tussle in the intermediate championship on December 12; The Dunedin boy also swam well'for third place in the 100yds handicap, but he was , reducing his stroke a little at the finish. He is full of determination, however, and is a versatile, performer. Peter Mathicson has not. done much training on the , boards so far .this season, but gave quite a sound display for second place. He could aim tor a little more height from the board, but otherwise his exhibition was a good one, and he has much ' better control over his legs in the air than was formerly the case. - _ The: Otago champion, R. O. Johnson, dive'd well considering he was making his first appearance on-the boards this season, and if he gets down to his training in earnest there is no reason why he should not improve upon his last year’s placing of third at the national championships—that is, pro-viding-he is able to make the trip to Auckland, Which is doubtful at present. It was in the 100yds breast-stroke handicap that some of the best swimming of the meeting was witnessed. Breast stroke has gained greatly in popularity of recent years, and twelve competitors came forward On this occasion. ■ Reg.' Geddes was a non-starter, as lid lias not done much training at this style as yet; but with the Otago championships only ten or eleven weeks away it is time he was buckling down to it.

Bert Lewis-was one of the most consistent handicap performers at this style last season, and, having regard to his previous record, was not harshly treated off BseC in the 100yds breaststroke handicap, winning his heat in 87sec and the final in 85sec. Lewis swam much better in the final than in his heat, and will have to be reckoned with off shorter marks. Lewis is conscientious in his attention to training, and should have no hesitation in coming forward to represent the St. Clair Club in the 220yds Otago championship. Second place went to J. ,D. O’Driseoll, who led D. Shanahan, the New Zealand intermediate champion, home in the final, both being off the same mark. Shanahan, however, had shortly before just had a hard race in the 50yds short limit handicap, and did not swim nearly so strongly as in the heat which he won in the good time of 82 2-ssec. With the power he puts into his stroke Shanahan should bo at home over the' 220yds course. O’Driscoll is very capable at free Style, back stroke, and breast stroke, but if he had more time to devote to breast stroke ho would take some beating at this style of swimming. Michael Shanahan swam gallantly in the final of the 100yds breast stroke handicap to take third place, a touch behind O’Driscoll, who was beaten by a touch i for premier honours. The twelve-year-old New Zealand junior champion won his heat in 94scc, which was good time considering the recognised junior distance is 75yds. He tired a little towards the finish of the final, but still kept his smooth, effortlqss stroke going nicely. Over the junior distance some great performances may be expected of this little lad this season. Another promising young breast-stroke exponent was R. Knewstubb. who qualified for the final. The interclub relay handicap was won by one of the Kiwi Club teams, it being a good performance on the part, of this club to have no fewer than five teams in the semi-finals, including the No. 1 team, which was off the 2sca mark. , >

Pleasing features of the islay were the good showings made by the younger clubs, Kaikorai, Zenith, and St. Kntia all being represented in the linal. The Kaikorai team did well to take second place, an.d this success should give tho club an incentive to take a still more prominent part in interclub competition.

The sports club relay proved: a popular event, and was won by the Civil Service Harriers, but there were so many “ dark horses ” in the limit teams that the back-markers had little chance of success. Next season it would be a good scheme when this event_ is l»ld to fix a limit of, say. losec, which would make for a mere interesting and better contested race.

Although out of a place in the final, C. M'Gregor, the Otago junior hoys’ champion, swam fairly well in his heat of the 100yds handicap, and with more distance work should be in good fettle for the junior championship events next month.

Australians’ Tour. . A comprehensive programme has been arranged by the Otago Centre tor the visit' of the Australian swimmers to Otago, and the carnivals to be held on November 28 and December 5 promise to bo the best promoted here for years, lleg. Clark, the fine Australian allrounder, will appear in two special invitation scratch races over 50yds and 100yds, at the first carnival, and while most interest, of course, will centre on Ills meeting with Walter Jarvis, both S. W. Jarvis and J. D. O’Driscoll, who will complete the field, may be depended on to provide the right kind of opposition. As Clark has got off the mark so well in Sydney this season it can be taken for granted. that he will bo in line form for his Dunedin appearances, so that fast times may be expected . Having regard to Walter Jarvis’s record time for 50yds of 23 l-Sscc and to the fact that he is gradually striking form, it will not surprise if he goes close to his own record for 50yds, even though the season is so early. The 100yds should be a great race, and lie would be a bold man who would pick the winner. Harry Tickle, the Australian champion diver, will give a display on his own, and subsequently will take part in another exhibition with some of the local divers. Tickle is reported to be one of the finest clivers Australia has ever developed, and his appearance here is being eagerly awaited.

The centre lias made a wise move in electing to. stage two relay handicaps. The first will bo. a 133. l-3yds shortlimit handicap, with a limit of 15scc, and this should ensure the fastest teams from the various clubs being brought together, while the 133 l-3yds second class handicap relay will give the slowcr'swimmers their opportunity. It was felt by centre members that it was asking too imich of 'junior swimmers to compete in heat and final of a_ 100yds breast stroke handicap on one night, ■ and as a result a 75yds junior hoys’ breast stroke handicap has been included, which will give the New Zealand champion, Michael Shanahan, a chance of measuring himself with boys of his own division.

The handicap competitors are well catered for, for besides the 100yds breast stroke there will be 100yds interclub handicap, a 66 2-3yds backstroke handicap, a 33 l-3yds second class handicap (which is always popular), a 33 l-3yds ladies’’ handicap, and, a 50yds junior and intermediate handicap. An interclub diving handicap will be hold, and the fact that Messrs Hellmrich and Tickle will be acting as judges, should lend interest to the event.

The programme for the carnival on December 5 is equally attractive, anti chief interest will centre, on the 100yds invitation scratch race, in which the competitors will be the same as at the previous carnival. In the 100yds shortlimit back-stroke handicap some fast swimming should be witnessed, since Clark is the 100yds champion of Australia, and in Peter Mathicson he will be meeting a back-stroke exponent who gave a good account of himself at the last New Zealand championships, while AV. J. Jarvis, J. D. O'Driscoll, and A. Thomas are all good back-stroke swimmers.

Tho inclusion of an invitation diving short-limit handicap should be interesting, and will afford an opportunity for comparison of the style of the Australian with that of tho local competitors. Tickle will also give an exhibition by himself. The handicap events are of a varied-nature,- and the staging of a G 6 ff'-Syds breast stroke handicape should draw a big entry.

Complete arrangements have ...jen made for coaching to be undertaken by Mr Hellmrich and the Australians during their stay here, and there seems but little doubt that the visit of this team will give the sport a big impetus in Otago.

Polo in Auckland. Once given scant attention, water polo now has a prominent place in club life, and all clubs, inspired to a largo extent by the energy of the Auckland Water Polo Control Board, take the game seriously, hold regular practices and regard the winning of a grade championship as a major success (says the Auckland ‘Herald’). The number of players lias increased each year since the board was established,, and, as there are 270 to provide for this season, it has again been obliged to inaugurate another grade. The intermediate grade is a new division, and is open to players ineligible for the junior grade yet not experienced or skilful enough for the B grade. To be in readiness for the resumption of matches, clubs have been practising hard, two or three of them for several weeks. There will be keen competition among players for a place in the Auckland representative team, because for the first time in eight years the New Zealand championships will bo decided at Auckland in February in conjunction with the swimming contests, and, not having travelling expenses to discourage it., the board will be able to select a team typical of the high standard attained here. Auckland will also have a splendid opportunity of winning the New, Zealand water polo trophy out-

right, -:i success it lias never achieved, the best it has done being two draws with Canterbury, the first at Greymo nth in 1930 and the second in Napier in 1933.

Toko. Club's Effort. Success should attend the Toko. Club’s “ Learn to Swim ” effort from November ‘26 to November 29, and, as the Milton Club has shown the enterprise that has enabled it to secure demonstrations from the Australian team, there should be a bumper attendance on the wind-up night. Mr D. C. Bannatyne, who has had considerable experience of running “ Learn to Swim ” campaigns in varw ous parts of the province, will take charge of the instruction at Milton, and with the keen club officials who will be acting with him he should produce very satisfactory results, especially as there are reported to be some very promising swimmers in this_club. A number of Dunedin swimmers will make tire trip to Milton to take part in the demonstration carnival, St. Kilda Notes. Last week was ideal at the beach, and club members took the opportunity for several practice run-outs, arid for the start of the season gave some very fine displays. One of the teams, with Frank Stewart on the belt, is to bo congratulated on the prompt rescue of a young girl who was m difficulties last Saturday afternoon. Members should rigidly enforce the rule that swimmers must keep between the flags. R. Morton, D. Newall, and E. Manson put in an appearance at the beach for team-work. The club should be able to enter a good team for this year’s Otago surf championships, and an early start should bo made with the practices. Dunedin Dashes. Club members welcomed the president of the centre (Mr W. A. Jenkins) at the club hour last Friday. “ Bill ” showed that he can still move fast over a length, and he also did some coaching of one of the younger members of his family. J. Byrnes has an improving pupil in A. Skinner, but the latter should watch his arni action. Jack Skinner is also showing marked improvement, and with more training should do well this season. :

Douglas Ness lias changed over to breast stroke, and is shaping very well. ■ It is hoped to have several teams competing for the relay buttons op Wednesday nights. Miss Olga Ferguson is diving nicely, but must pay more, attention to her flight. • ' ivliss Iris; Gordon is another muchimproved diver, and with more practice should do well on the boards. The Lowe brothers have' been back in the water. Both did well last season.

Wool worth’s relay team was present at the club hour on Friday night, and put in some good training. Two of the club members (L. Lake and J, M'Taggart) and It. Childs (an ex-member) were in the team. L. Lake, in particular, would make a good swimmer if ho gave more time to the sport. T. Smith is always on hand to help with the social ac«jvities of the club. He is coaching one of his sons, who is swimming quite well. Another of his pupils, Graham Johnson, has just learnt to swim this season.

Gordon M'Donald is a very keen little diver, and Miss Betty Hanley is swimming very well for a beginner. Ray Smith, a first-season junior, is paying attention to his coach. Miss Joyce Ramsay lias resumed swimming after an illness. Miss E. Johnson (ladies’ captain) has several new members under her care this season.

B. Kerr. J. 0. Byrnes. J. D. O’Driscoll, D. Newall. S. W. Jarvis, J. Barry, and P. W. Harlress have been selected to play in the A grade water polo team.

Kiwi Doings. Mr Sam Brown, the club’s president, is taking a very active interest in all club activities, and he is a regular attendee at the Tuesday night coaching hour. His daughter, Beverly, has made a start, and under Miss Boulton’s coaching should soon be showing improvement. Miss Olwyn Thomson is a newcomer who shapes well on the breast stroke. She should pay attention to her leg action, and with practice will do better. Ron Williams also shapes well on the breast stroke, but should- lie his Jett shoulder deeper into the water, and catch the heels together more evenly. Andrew Kay is swinging his arms too straight, and swimming with a little too much roll. He will be included in one of the club’s relay teams at the next carnival. The Otago junior champion, Colin M’Gregor, needs to pay more attention to style, as his slow breathing makes his stroke uneven at present. Miss I. Gibbon is showing improvement as the result of concentration on her work.

Miss Boulton was working hard with the grouping of a number or new members.

W. Dyson needs practice, but owing to examinations has been unable to do much training lately. Under the circumstances he swan well at the carnival on Saturday night. Stan Holder is a keen member who has shown great improvement this season, He was a member of one of the club’s relay teams that reached the semi-finals on Saturday night, and will also be playing water polo with the B team' this season. Arthur Thomas has taken J. Dyer in hand, and this new senior should be figuring in competition before long. W. Booth is back again, and if he maintains his improvement last season is another who should ‘shon be ready for competition. ... J Campbell has resumed training, and will again.be seen in action with the B team at water polo'. R. Wootton, a very keen member, is improving rapidly. ‘ . Miss L. Gillies is a very consistent swimmer, but would improve greatly if she entered competition. G. Chambers is being coached by Mr A. Greig, and should do well in interclub breast-stroke competition. Miss Maureen Shanahan is developing a fast finish on the breast-stroke, at which she shows very pleasing style. Dorothy Pope, a new member, made a good start in competition by winning her heat in the ladies’ handicap at Saturday's carnival. She has made rapid progress under the direction of Miss Boulton.

W. Smith, who is being coached by C. J. Leeden, is a promising youngster, who will do Well if be concentrates on his swimming. The first of the series of handicap races for the Vernon Smith junior boys and junior girls’ cups will he SWilra off on Thursday next at 8.30. The boys’ event will be a 33 l-3yds breast stroke, and the girls will be 25yds free style. Thanks to the assistance of Mr J. Pereira, arrangements have been made for a swimmers’ picnic at Tomahawk on Sunday, thO picnickers leaving the Baths at 10 O’clock. Members Of all dubs are invited to be present. Kaikorai Comment, Much gratification is felt among dub members by the performance or the relay team last Saturday night in the centre’s carnival. The team, which; consisted of K. Nelson, E. Sountag, and ty Ness brothers, were competing against more experienced swimmers, and to register place in the final swim-off was a commendable performance. ‘ Owing to the very favourable weather conditions and the anticipation of an early Summer, it has been suggested that a carnival be staged at the Kaikorai Baths this month. This fine open-air ppol in a.sunny sheltered spot was patronised by a large number of Swimmers over the week-end, it being estimated that the attendance nfearly doubled the figures for a corresponding period of last season. Miss H. Ness made a reappearance on Saturday night, club-mates being pleased over the recovery of her injured foot. This will enable her to settle down -io training. R. Foxton is a keen junior swimmer who is improving with every swim. Jim Strong is not swimming with his usual. dash, but it is early in the season, and this promising lad will improve during the next few weeks. R. .MTntosh, K. Nelson, and J. Ness are Showing signs of returning to form, and as all are intermediates these young swimmers are expected to worthily represent the club in the future. i . . Members are again reminded that the club championship events will commence on December 1, and ns many of the new members are showing form it will be advisable for last year’s cup holders to commence training immediately. Mr E. Millin, the club president, intends being present'at the club, session on Saturday night. His lively interest in the club activities is appreciated by all.

Splashes, Some idea of the form being shown already early in the season by. Reg. Clark, the Australian all-rounder, who is to arrive in New Zealand as a member of the team to _ tour the South Island under the auspices of the Otago Centre, is contained in the Sydney ‘ Referee ’ of November 1. In the St. George Club 100yds event he flew over the course in 57sec, good time at this stage of the season, which indicates what a great race may be expected when he and Walter Jarvis meet next Wednesday week. Fresh from his duels with Noel Ryan at the British Empire Games, Bob Pirie, the seventeen-year-old Canadian swimming star, has won the Canadian two-mile championship for Canada for the first time since it was competed for four years ago. Facing twentyseven swimmers from all countries, mostly from the United States, at tho Canadian National Exhibition at Toronto on September 15, Pirie covered the distance in SOmln 39sec, and won by 200yds. Harry Tresnack, of the Lennox A.C. (New York), was second, and PetOr Brnko (also of the Lennox A.C.) was third. The next event, and one for which preparations are going ahead steadily, is the visit of the Australians, Reg. Clark and Harry Tickle, and their manager, Dudley HeilmriCh, on November 24 and 26 (Says the ‘Southland Times’). It is not expected that the visitors will have everything their own way, for several local performers are already in training. Added interest will be lent by the holding of intermediate and junior championship events on both nights. Owing to W. J. Jarvis being unavailable, J. D. O’Driscoll has been invited to appear at Invercargill in races against the Australian swimmers. It is not known yet whether ho will be able to make- the trip owing to his school examinations. An invitation has been received by the Otago Centre for those swimmers who are going to Auckland for the national championships to compete at Hamilton on the trip up. The matter is one that will have to be considered by the Centre later in the season;