ANNETTE KELLERMAN CUP HARBOUR RACE.

Evening Star, Issue 22271, 24 February 1936, Page 14

ANNETTE KELLERMAN CUP HARBOUR RACE.

TO THE EDITOB.

Sir,; —In a heat of the 150yds New Zealand back stroke championship, decided on Monday morning, L. J. Moorhouse, of Canterbury, was disqualified for not touching with both hands when turning at the end of the baths, and this disqualification on such a technicality cost Moorhouse a likely second place in th© final of ■ the back stroke championship and this province three points. Yesterday, in the Annette Kellerman Cup Harbour Race (three miles), th© Otago officials controlling the race were as lax as the day previously they had been officious, and openly permitted—and, in fact, encouraged—supporters and minor officials accompanying the swimmers in dinghies to pace, escort, and generally advise and direct the swimmers competing. As a test of the best New Zealand open-water distance swimmers competing it was a complete “ washout,” and resolved itself largely into a competition of 'watermanship on th© part of those in the dinghies, with the swimmers blindly following and obeying instructions. Open-water distance swimming is a trial of speed, plus stamina, plus experience, plus a knowledge of the sea in all its vagaries. Judgment plays a very important part in this kind of racing. It is the supreme test of a swimmer’s ability. The Otago officials know a good deal about baths swimming (less possibly about judging races), but obviously little about the conduct _ and management of openwater distance swimming races, and they should have sought the counsel of those competent to advise them in this matter. One can ouite confidently' assert that had the dinghies merely patrolled the course .(as a safeguard

against any untoward happening) and not paced and directed the swimmers the result of the race would have been much different. The New Zealand Council of the Amateur Swimming Association should in future races for this cup stringently oversee this competition, and insist on full compliance with the rules governing this race and the elementary rules of competitive swimming.—I am, etc., Old Swimmbb. February 19. t