MISCELLANY OF SPORT

Evening Star, Issue 22896, 2 March 1938, Page 4

MISCELLANY OF SPORT

[By Wallaby.]

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS . The positions of the teams in the championship competition are now as follows: Ch. Ch. Pts. Pts. Old (Boys ... 4(5 Albion ... 25 Grange ... 34 Carisbrook B 18 University ... 30 Dunedin - ... 16 Carisbrook A 29 Kaikorai ... 15 RAPID SCORING

AND A CLOSE FINISH

The North Ground was again the scene of some rapid scoring on baturday. There was also something of a Arill in the earlier part of the dgy when Grange was struggling for a firstinnings lead, which it gained only after some anxious moments when the last two batsmen were at the wickets. Both these batsmen, by the way, were colts batting for the first time in senior cricket, and their coolness and success was, in the circumstances, most meritorious. Powell, who made 13 of those precious runs, was one of them, and Slartin, who carried his bat for 11, was the other. Prior to this, Dimes, who had started, dr restarted, aggressively by hitting three consecutive 4’s, had looked set for another good, total, but he was unfortunate in being bowled off his pads after the ball had just touched the bat. Mercer, too, was batting confidently when he returned a “ dolly ” catch to the bowler. The ball, a goodlength one, kicked a little as the batsman played forward. But the runs were got, and even though the margin was small when the last wicket fell, Grange felt relieved. Albion's best bowler was the lefthander, Frood, who in winter time is an Alhambra Rugby forward. A lefthander, he kept a steady length, and his six wickets for 41 off 15.2 overs »were well earned. Young Hands, who had come into the team owing to Silver’s enforced absence, was given quite a Jot of work, and though his three wickets were fairly costly (97 runs), the experience will benefit him. When he gains better control of pitch and direction he should reap more profitable harvests. Silver, by the way, hopes to be available next Saturday. When .Albion batted a second time there did not appear to be much prospect of any further interest being imparted into the match, but when, at a few minutes past 5, Duncan applied the closure, there were once more possibilities, although the task of making 188 in an hour and a-quarter seemed a bit beyond even Grange on the North Ground. The most impressive display in Albion’s second knock of 193 for five was Everson’s 32. The wicketkeeperbatsman opened up for his side, and he applied the wood in forceful style, and though ‘inclined to lift them ’ a little occasionally, was generally discreet in picking his spots. He hooked/and drove anything short of a length very hard. Chisholm, who top-scored with 37 not out, gave nearly everything the long . handle, though some of his square-cutting was very sweet. Dalziel batted neatly for 31, and Sinclair was still another who reached the 30’s and did it well. Of the six bowlers, four of them taking a wicket each, Lemin and Elmes were again the steadiest. Most of the onlookers concluded that Grange, in going in a second time, would merely indulge in some batting practice, but when Knight and Chettleburgh, getting off the mark without delay, knocked up the first 50 in 25 minutes, interest was rearoused. Then, when Knight was well caught in the deep ; low down, by Chisholm, for 45, got in 33 minutes, Elmes came in and carried on the good work. And so, 100 went up in 53 minutes, and though it was scarcely possible to gather a further 88 in 20 minutes, the pace did not slacken till Elmes was badly run out. It was his own fault, however, as it was Chettleburgh’s own call, and he did not move far enough down the wicket to justify Elmes coming on as he did. When the wicken was broken both batsmen were at the other end. “ Stumps.” found the score at 154 for three, actually only 35 short of the required number. Between 1.37 and 6.30, with three intervals totalling just on 40 .minutes, 416 runs were made. Good going. Chettlcburgh, by the way, hit three 6’s and seven 4’s during, his 70-minute stay, and was magnificently caught by Mitchell, the All Black footballer, who took a hardj high hit sideways, after running fully 30yds. The fielding on Saturday was patchy, bits of quite brilliant stopping and catching alternating with rather bad misses. THE OLD DICKINSON OLD BOYS CERTAIN PREMIERS Old Boys, by registering an eightpoint win over University, made themselves safe for the senior shield. They appear to be not only “ home and dried,” but also dressed and ready for the party. A lead of 12 points with two rounds to go is a comfortable position to be in, and only something in the nature of a cricket miracle could now upset them. There was a sensational interlude at the match on Saturday; something akin to that dazzling performance by Ccorge Dickinson against the Australians nine years ago. Oud on Saturday the same player was responsible for the thrill. In one over he took four wickets with five balls, and ns throe of them went in a row, Dickinson is

CRICKET

Notes and Comments

entitled to a new hat. With his first two balls of the over he clean bowled Aldred and M'Kelvey, then, off the next ball, Little was caught by Leader, who also held Joly off the fifth delivery. At the other end Groves was spinning them out also, though _at longer intervals, and the respective averages at the end of the innings were: Dickinson, four for 27, Groves, four for 32. There were only two batsmen who scored at all freely. Uttley played a bright knock, his 48 being got while his partner, 1 Dunn, laboriously compiled six singles., Aldred, who has been responsible for several useful scores this season, got 31. Old Roys had an easy task in making the 33 runs required to win, though they lost three wickets in doing it. In "their first innings. Martin hit a bright 53, which included two 6’s and seven 4’s. Past bowler Jolly, with four for 47 and one for 15, was easily best bowler for Varsity, whose battery is not particularly strong. "BOTTOM DOGS" DO BATTLE ANOTHER “ HAT-TRICK " In a match which might be set down as a battle to avoid the “ wooden spoon,” Dunedin followed up its line score of 294 by dismissing Kaikorai for a paltry 95 runs. The left-hander, Russell, was mainly responsible for the collapse. He swung the ball nicely and flighted it well, but for the first few overs his success was limited. But suddenly there came a “ spasm ” which brought him six wickets at a cost of only 9 runs, a “ hat trick ” intervening when he bowled Vial and Scott and had Pringle caught. H(s average_ at the finish was seven for 37 off eight overs. *

Kaikorai, compelled to follow on, again made a poor start, Anderson (who had got 21 in the first knock) and Constable going quickly. Then, after Holden (37) and Mathias (21) had stemmed the tide for a while, they went, and M’Gregor followed without delay. The chance of saving an outright defeat now looked fairly hopeless, but Vial, who was forceful and hit 6’a off two successive balls and made 41 in all, and Cherry saved the situation. Cherry, demonstrated the soundness of the maxim “ an old dog for a hard road,” and his 31 not out was undoubtedly the saving-factor, as, when stumps were drawn, nine wickets were dqwg and still 1 run was needed to save the innings defeat. It was a close thing, and Dunedin and Kaikorai, with Carisbrook B as possible companions in distress, still have-to decide the question of who will be at the tail end of the procession, A'S GET EIGHT POINTS FRASER A CENTURY Carisbrook “A ” carried on long enough on Saturday to enable Fraser to complete his century. It was his first in senior cricket, and should give him the confidence necessary to settle down to a march of progress which will take him far. There was only a brisk 21 not out by J. Cameron in to Fraser’s 107 not out, and the innings was declared at 239 for eight. The B’s bowling was not deadly, though. Dongan’s two for 19 off 14 overs reads well. Reg. Bell again came in useful by taking two for 33. When B’s batted a second time they made a much better showing, for a while at any rate, Lambert (43) and M'Mullan (38) being associated in a good stand. But the bowling of Carisbrook’s “ steady and true ” Jack Dunning, was too much for most of the side. Dunning added still another meritorious performance to his long list by taking seven for 47 in 19.4 overs, Kindley getting two for 25. With 33 to get and not too much time to do it in—just over half an hour —the A’s forced the pace, and lost four wickets. But they scored the runs with six minutes to space, and gathered in a welcome 8 points, which brought them within a point of University, which is in third place. INTERMEDIATE GRADE An interesting game was played when Kaikorai defeated Carisbrook. Lumsdeu, of Carisbrook, who has returned to form, compiled two nice scores of 32 and 34, while Rhodes, a promoted junior, made a nice double in getting 63 and 28. Coombs, besides batting quite nicely, took six wickets for 47 in Kaikorai’s first innings, but these performances were eclipsed- by Balk’s fine century for Kaikorai, his off-driving being very good to watch. SECOND GRADE A The game between Dunedin and Carisbrook at Tonga Park No. 1 was brimful of interest. Dunedin in the first innings compiled 174, of which Smith compiled 76. Although he started off a little uncertainly, he later settled down and played some good shots. In Dunedin’s first innings Mullin took four for 54 and Beighton four for 55. Carisbrook in its first innings cou'ld only reach 41, and were consequently forced to follow on. Faced with a deficit of 133, Mulhn and Duerdon, in Carisbrook’s second innings, took no risks and were content

with scoring off any loose balls that were sent down. Ducrdon batted 40 rain'utcs for 23 and Mullin an hour for his 21. With the advent of Beighton the scoring increased appreciably, and he had 37 on when he was bowled by Reddington. Marshall played his best game of the season and compiled a delightful 83, when he skied one from Arnold. Marshall has a very free stylo aiyl times the ball nicely, and more should be heard of him. Williams followed up his 69 in the previous game with a well-compiled 95. Up till the tea adjournment, when ho had 87 on, he played very freely, but on the resumption he quietened down and was finally caught in the outfield off Arnold. Williams has plenty of cricket in him, and when it is remembered that he is a brother of Reg Williams, who played for Carisbrook “ A ” a few seasons ago, and also of C. Williams, who plays regularly for West Christchurch, it would therefore not be surprising to see him go a long way further. Carisbroolk declared with 301 for seven wickets, thus leaving Dunedin 169 to wiiv, but the task proved too great, and Dunedin were all out for 88. Reddington, who scored 35, was the only batsman to make a stand. Heller, in an inspired period of bowling, took five for 40. The most consistent bowler for Dunedin was Arnold, left-arm round, who in the first innings took six for 24, and three for 58 in the second. Brock bowled some beautiful balls, and the one that came in slightly from the off to skittle Duerdon was a just reward for some very good bowling. UMPIRES AND UMPIRING Mr G. M'Queen, president of the Otago Umpires Association, Submits the following comment on umpiring and its critics : “Followers of cricket,” ho says, “ will have noticed some severe criticism levelled at umpires in a North Island paper recently. Whether the Press criticism is going to do any good or not is questionable; personally, I do not think so, especially if the criticism comes from a cricketer who is sd much in tho limelight as the writer in question is. I think he is much more likely to cause bad feeling between players and umpires, which goes a long way to bring about the bad decisions of _ which this writer complains. The point I wish to stress is just this: When players see the umpires being ‘strafed’ through tho Press they are inclined to think they (the unfpires) do not know their job, with the result that they do not pay those officials the respect which is due to them.' :

_ “ Personally, I think the critic mentioned would bring about a much happier result if he would attend some of the local Umpires Association’s meetings and discuss rules and decisions with them, instead of using tho Press to voice his opinions. The writer in question makes reference to very bad Ibw decisions which have been given. Well, I do agree that the Ibw decision is a very unsatisfactory one; it always was and always will be. It is a rule which we umpires must be very sure about.

By the way, it is worthy at this juncture to note in connection with our New Zealand team which toured England that a remarkable number of our flayers were out Ibw, and the North sland writer was no exception. It would be interesting to know if he ridiculed the professionals at Home. But, getting back to where we read that the umpiring is not helping cricket any. Let us ask ourselves the question : What support are the respective umpires associations getting from old cricketers? I do not know about other centres, but I can only say so far as the Otago Umpires Association is concerned that it is getting little or no sup-, port from old cricketers who have had so much out of the game; although we see a lot of them looking on every Saturday. Then there are those others who drop the game altogether and play bowls. I think I am correct in saying that at least within the last five or six years there have been only two old cricketers who have donned the white coat. Now, how can the umpiring be improved if the umpires associations do not get the support of those who have played cricket and understand the game? My association has made a special appeal to the local cricket clubs without any response. To revert to the Ibw matter. The new Ibw rule is not making the umpires’ job any easier, although it is quite clear. The rule reads: If a ball pitched outside the off-stump, and without the striker playing the ball, it strikes any part of the batsman’s person, and in the opinion of the umpire the ball would nave hit the wicket, the striker is out Ibw. That is to say, if the striker’s pads are in a direct line from wicket to wicket; this is a most important factor in the rule, and one that an umpire must bo very sure about. If the striker moves out of line of the wicket when playing at a ball which is pitched outside the wicket, then he can not be given out. Let us take a left-hand bowler bowling round the wicket to a left-hand batsman, and pitching the ball outside the off-pin, making much pace off the wicket, and swinging across to miss the leg pin by a good margin—that is if the striker does not play it with bis bat or pad. And then again, a bowler of this typo very often gets a wicket with a ball pitched well outside the off stump and swinging in, but that ball must be pitched well up. So I contend that a howler of the typo mentioned must drive the striker right back against his wicket to claim an Ibw under the new rule. As a matter of fact, 1 contend that any bowler bowling to get an Ibw under the new rule must drive the striker back against his wickets. If the striker goes forward to play at a ball which is pitched outside the off-stump and, swinging across, strikes his pad, which is in Hue with the wicket, he should not bo given out Ibw, because it is very doubtful whether the ball would have hit the wicket; and that, in my opinion, is the hardest thing the umpire has to decide. Our critic in the north makes reference to a batsman being given out Ibw when he has gone well down the wicket to play a spin bowler; well, 1 quite agree that the decision is a very doubtful one, especially if the ball strikes the batsman on the full, for the doubt remains whether the ball, would have hit the wicket or not, be-

cause very often the spin bowler, pitching a ball in line with tho wicket, nearly always turns away from the wicket. Many times have 1 seen spin bowlers pitch a ball in a direct line with the wicket and break away enough to beat the batsman, wickets, and wicketkeeper, so 1 contend that it must be a doubtful decision when a batsman is given out Ibw when moving forward to play, at a bull from a spin bowler, whether it be a full toss or not. Mr Badcoek, our recent coach, writing on one occasion, said that a bowler could pitch a ball 13ft away from the wicket and claim a correct Ibw. Well, 1 quite agree with him, but it must he on a true wicket, because if that particular ball is rising very much there is just a doubt as to whether the ball would have gone over the top of the stumps. If the striker goes forward to play at a short-pitched ball of this type it makes it very hard for the umpire to tell whether the ball was rising sufficiently to go over the top of the wickets. It is the second part of the rule which is the hardest to decide on, and I contend that, under any type of bowling, Ibw decisions are very unsatisfactory, and will always cause comment. It seems to me perhaps ■ the time has come when a New Zealand cricket umpires’ association might be formed, where rules might be more fully discussed and umpiring be put on a more uniform basis, as it would appear that we all do not judge decisions the same, and I think it might be that which is causing the criticism ofumpiring which we read in the Press. I wish to make it clear that there is very little comment, even in the Press or among the cricketers, in Dunedin on the umpiring; decisions are always taken in the true cricket spirit, and full appreciation is sho.wn to the efforts of the gentlemen who give their Saturday afternoons for the good of cricket. After all, it is only a game, and i think that so long as an* 3 umpire is capable, fair, and careful. that is all-that should he expected of him. NOTES Luck enters so much into the game of cricket that there is no harm in commenting on the “ might have been ” in connection with tho Otago representative team this year. As it turned out, this province was only two points behind Auckland, the champions; so that had Otago managed to stave off an outright loss at New Year and conceded Auckland first innings points only, the honours would have conic south. It is these uncertainties, these might-have-beens and should-have-beens which keep cricket fresh and interesting. Of course, no competent critic will argue that Otago was a better side than Auckland, judging by the play when the teams met. Yet how many critics gave Wellington a chance in the final match of the season? And Wellington very nearly scored an outright victory; aided a little by the weather and wicket conditions, certainly; but still- . One of last week's * Leg Glances has been snapped up by a follower of the game, but it is not quite clear whether, after all, it was a catch. 3he matter relates to the reference to the Mornington player Grimmett, who, it is understood, is a nephew of the famous “ Clarrie ” Grimmett, and who does, my correspondent declares, sometimes bowl googlies for his club, though his opportunities are few owing to the success of tho .faster bowlers. It is pleasing to know this, as one healing such a name is immediately associated with the art of bowling, and particularly of “ googly ” bowling. One could scarcely imagine, for instance, a fast bowler with the name Grimmett. The Mornington player is described by my correspondent as being a tower of strength to his team, a hard-hitting batsman, and a brilliant field, as w.ell as a bowler. Good luck to him. And now, let us hope, the matter has been, as it were —Olarrie-fied. Iho Mornington team, by the way, appears to be a certain winner of tho second grade H championship. Good luck to it also. Plaving for Kensington against i rosnect in a recent club match in Adelaide, Bradman helped himself to 88 runs in even time, including 14 4 s and a 6. He made 38 from two overs. Kensington’s total was only 135 Cotton, the fast bowler, finished with fcur for 10. Four Prospect wickets fell for 80, Ray Robinson 24. , At the annual meeting of the English champion county club, Yorkshire, Lord Hawke, the president, said: 1 have read that Herbert Sutcliffe said ho thought England would have a good chance against Australia, it, m the tests, the England side were properly chosen. I am rather surprised that a man of Herbert’s standing should venture to discuss the selection at all. inat committee docs its best, and wo have to take tho team they give us as the best.” England is fortunate to have a cricketer of the standing.' experience, and achievements of Sutcliffe prepared to constructively comment on the work of tho selectors (comments the ‘ Sydney Referee ’). I.EG GLANCES Silver will again be in currency, so to speak, next Saturday. For which Albion will bo duly thankful. One of Chettleburgh’s sixes last Saturday was a hefty lift off bowler Hands ivhioh struck tho outer wall of the church in Cumberland street. Hands across the—road. Pipe is one of Y.M.C.A. (Auckland’s) best bowlers. He should be a good draw. Albion’s left-hand bowler put up a splendid performance in Grange’s first knock, and it was not his fault that tho side lost. He provided Grange with Frood for thought, as one might say. It was a day of “ hat tricks ” on Saturday, at least three being recorded—by Dickinson for Old Boys, Russell for Dunedin, and Curran for E.R. and L. (league). Evidently more of our trundlers are bowling with their heads. By the way, it becomes a serious matter. does it not, when one of our lady players docs the “hat trick”? And the phrase: “ A duck of a hat ” becomes particularly appropriate. University’s tall fast bowler was that team’s best attacker against Old Boys; he took four for 47 and one for 15. Jolly good.

EMPIRE GAMES SWIMMING

NEW ZEALANDERS' PERFORMANCES TRAINING METHODS OF CANADIANS LESSONS TO BE LEARNT [By Hooker.] While there were several factors contributing to tbo lack of success of the Now Zealand swimmers at the British Empire Games, I am satisfied that the underlying cause for the comparative failure of our representatives was not merely the different conditions to which they had to become accustomed, but the lack of high-class competition which has been denied most of them. MISS LEYDON OUTSTANDING. The swimmers, unlike the athletes, did not have the spectacular victories of a Matthews or a Boot to cover up their failures, but in Miss Mona Leydon particularly New Zealand was represented by a girl who definitely proved herself in the very top flight, and in measure this may illustrate the point, for Miss Leydon, has previously appeared in Australia. Her magnificent effort in the final of the 440yds women’s free style event was the outstanding feature of the New Zealand team’s showing, and with a lap to go she still looked like contesting first place with the ultimate winner, Miss Dorothy Green, and it was only over the last 20yds that the pace began to tell and she dropped back a little, Miss M. K. Jeffery (England) then producing an electrifying finishing burst to edge the Auckland girl out of second place.

Mr Tommy Walker, the Canadian swimming manager, who was one of the most expert coaches at the Games and a Canadian representative at three Olympic Games, told the writer that Miss Leydon had one of the most outstanding styles of any swimmer at the Gaines. She retains her body position, eliminating lost motion from the start. Having regard to the fact that Miss Leydon loses ground on the turns through her leg disability, her swimming at all times was very favourably commented upon, and she thoroughly justified her claim to be regarded as New Zealand’s No. 1 swimmer.

In the international carnival staged at Dubbo Miss Leydon was one "of the outstanding competitors, her win in the international 220yds women’s free style event in 2min 44 l-ssec being a fine effort in a 55yd pool, being achieved in opnosition to the Emnire 110yds titleholder, bliss Evelyn de Lacy (of Aus-

It was a , badly-judged affair which resulted in Elmes being run out on Saturday. The sight of two batsmen at one end is not a • pretty one.

M. Bishop, the Grange woman allrounder, took six St. Kilda wickets for 1 run on Saturday. She also made 30 runs, M. Hollis top-scoring with 77. Then for Planet J. Little helped a lot by scoring 62, while D. Broadfoot got six of the opposing side (Albion) where the shoe pinches, so to speak, at a cost of 17 runs. * Tom Eraser has begun early with his century making in senior cricket. It is not often a young player gets a three-figure score in his first season. There was nothing of the test match rate of scoring on. the North Ground last Saturday. A return of 416 runs for tho afternoon wasn’t a bad .washup. . Grange’s fielding was a little better on Saturday than it had been of late. Still it was patchy. So was Albion’s, for that matter. Dickinson and Groves present a perfect contrast in bowling. It is the combination which used to' be considered the ideal one. In late years circumstances have often altered opinions. As the Prince of Denmark is to ‘ Hamlet ’ so is Jack Dunning to Carisbrook A. That is to say, in the matter of being an essential part in the proceedings. Seven wickets again to Jack on Saturday. Although not on the field during the last match, Ron, Silver scored heavily for Albion—with the pencil and score book. Six off the first ball of an innings is a nice, fresh start. Knight did this in Grange’s second knock.. Bowling for North-east Valley against Old Boys in the intermediate grade. Pickup took five wickets for 26 runs. He should be a good fieldsman also. Everson, Albion’s topnotch wicketkeeper, can hit hard with the hat. It is not often he had to run for a single. The North Ground suited him well. Chisholm, of Grange, doesn’t believe in “.digging in.” But he uses the “ long handle ” very effectively all the same. Bob Copland, who a few years ago played for Dunedin, is still a fine allrounder. He topped the average for batting, and was second in bowling for his club in Christchurch at the end of the senior competition. Jack Robson, who claims to be the veteran of veterans still actively engaged in tho game in Dunedin, top scored (32) for Dunedin second grade B’s on Saturday. Jack- is president of the Dunedin Club.

tralia), and several of the Canadian stars. Miss de Laey had previously won the 110yds event. HANAN’S PROSPECTS, Of the swimmers, Peter Hanan (Auckland) was, next to Miss Leydon, New Zealand’s most impressive performer, and lie swam right up to New Zealand form in the final of the 110yds men’s free style event. Bob Pirie, of Canada, won convincingly, but a couple of feet would have separated the others, and Hanan was with them all the way. During his stay in Sydney he had the, benefit of coaching from Miss Ena Stockley, the former New Zealand Olympic representative, who is now living in Sydney. Miss Stockley proved herself to be one of the best coaches met with on the tour, and she was of great assistance to the New Zealand team. Harry Hay, well-known Australian coach, holds hopes for Hanan’s future success, and Tommy Walker is another who believes that with the right competition Hanan can be developed into a star. There is little wrong with the Aucklander’s style, and the experience of the Empire Games should be invaluable to him. It will occasion no surprise to find him establishing fresh records over both 100yds and 220yds when he returns to the Dominion.

Miss Mona Leydon was unable to take part in a tour of Queensland because of the shortness of the time at her disposal before returning to New Zealand to engage in an educational tour, but both. Hanan and Noel Crump left for Queensland after the Games concluded. Crump showed form little short of that which gained him third place at the Empire Games in the 100yds event at London in 1934, but on this occasion it was not good enough, and he failed to qualify in the 110yds event. Just before the Games he put up good time in winning a race over that distance at Enfield, and his prospects of qualifying seemed fairly bright despite the tough opposition. He admitted subsequently, however, that he made an error of judgment in watching one of the other competitors instead of swimming his own race, and as a result he was caught napping' when two of the Australians sprang a surprise and finished well to qualify. Crump has changed his style, and though it did not meet with the approval of some of the experts, he seems to be ’well enough suited by iL Crump is a very keen observer, and is one of those bound to bring back to New Zealand new ideas from the Games. Like moist members of the team, he took every opportunity of taking part in training swims with representatives of other countries and of gleaning all he could in the way of the latest in swimming technique and training methods. Both J. C. • W. Davies and Miss Winnie Dunn, New Zealand’s breast stroke exponents, found the opposition top strong, and even had they equalled their New Zealand times they would still have been out of the picture, though Davies would have qualified without difficulty had he got near his winning time at the New Zealand championships. ; While both breast stroke swimmers seemed to be affected by the conditions and by the heat, I think in their case, more than any other, lade of experience of big competition told its tale. In this view I am supported by the famous Australian Olympic star. Miss Clare Dennis, who very generously gave both breast stroke swimmers the benefit of her advice both before and after the Games. . Miss Dennis is one of the greatest authorities in the world on breast stroke, and is now engaged as a professional coach in She expressed the view_ that with proper coaching and training Davies and Miss Dunn should show big improvement in the next two years, and that Miss Dunn especially might possibly develop into an Olympic prospect. Before the Games Miss Dunn was obtaining a very powerful leg drive, a feature of her swimming remarked upon by Miss Dennis, but her forni fell off in actual competition. This is her first season in senior ranks, and if she can be afforded mora opportunities for meeting Swimmers of class she has it in her to achieve greatness. Davies similarly lacked experience, and was one of the few competitors in the men’s breast stroke event who did not exploit the “butterfly” stroke for sprinting purposes. He was eager to learn, and before leaving Sydney became quite adept in the use of the “ butterfly.” A pronounced drop in one shoulder troubled him just before the Games and affected his usual smooth glide, but he has benefited from his experience and should establish a new record at the New Zealand University championships. JOYCE MACDONALD. Jovce Macdonald, who turned 16 just a few days after her return from the Games, impressed with her stylish back stroke, and Miss Ena StocMey told the writer that the Southland girl had the speed all right and only needed to develop stamina. Her 86sec in the HQyds back stroke section of the medley relay was right up to her very best form, having regard to i the . 55yds laps, and with slight modifications in her style Miss Stockley is satisfied that Joyce should break her (Miss StocMey’s) 100yds back stroke record quite easily next year. The ex-Olympic representative is of opinion that Joyce should swim with a lower head position. _ The position, as it is, causes a certain amount of tension and tightening of the neck muscles, whereas the spine should be relaxed. This dropping of the head will enable her to get a longer oar-like pull. For her age and size. Miss Macdonafld is a fine swimmer, and she is exceptionally fast over the first 60-70yds, but in time, perhaps next year—the winter spell will help her to get more strength—she should do exceptionally good times. It took Miss Stockley three years to get a finish in 100yds, and perhaps another year to do the 110.

Although overseas swimmers and coaches recommend doing long distances, Miss Stockley thinks shorter distance and more speedy sprints may be of greater assistance to Miss Macdonald. Long distances are very tiring, and when one grows tired then faults creep into one’s stroke. The further one goes the worse the fault becomes. Training swims of 200yds and perhaps the same distance kicking the feet alone should be ample distance for Joyce in the meantime. Four to six turns and the same number of “ pughoffs ” and then as many sharp sprints as possible for, say, the distance of 15yds to 20yds. Len. Newall definitely was most disappointing, and well below hjs New Zealand form, especially over 1,660yd5.

He, more than any other member of the team, failed to accustom himself to the conditions, and the heat seemed to affect him from the start. Newell is too good a swimmmer to be disheartn ened by lack of success, and the lessons learnt at the Empire Games ho should put to good use. CLASSY DIVING. Up against the classiest opposition yet brought together within the British Empire, Miss Gwen ilix performed very creditably in the women’s springboard diving, though she scarcely revealed the form shown in her earlier training efforts. She missed her first dive, going over a shade too far, and this upset her slightly, but she dived up to her New Zealand form, and the general view held by the experts is that she is a diver .of great promise. ' In the displays by the Empire representatives later iu the meeting Miss Rix performed very well indeed, and here is another case of a girl requiring more opportunities for competition. She does not get it in New Zealand, but if some of Australia’s women divers are brought ,to New Zealand in the next' year or so—and they are known to be available—further improvement will be noticed in the New Zealand champion. Gwen worked as hard, as any .of the divers at the Games, and that is saying something, and there is no doubt that she profited from the expert coaching of Harry Tickle, former ' Australian champion, who is now the professional coach at the Enfield Baths. The Otago girl has acquired more polish, and the hints she has picked up should _be most useful to her on her forthcoming educational tour. PROMOTION OF TOURS. The most valuable lesson learnt front the Games is the desirability of promoting more regular tours by Australian teams, and in this connection the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association is assured of the co-operation of the New South Wales and Victorian Amateur Swimming Associations. Men like Messrs H. 11. Kelly, E. Sandell, : and Bert Galland, of the, N.S.W.A.S.A., have already, shown that, jthey are keen to assist New Zealand swim* ming in every way possible, ..and the New Zealand Council will have something to work on in this direction when it considers the report of the swimming manager. , CANADIANS’ TRAINING METHODS. Generally speaking, it appears that New Zealand swimmers do not do-the regular amount of distance work "embraced by many of the leading swimmers from other parts of the- Empire* This is perhaps an individual matter, but the training carried out by Bob Pirie (Empire Games 110yds . and 440yds titleholder, runner-up •in the 1,650yd5, and record breaker for 220yds in 2min 13sec—two seconds faster than Jack Medica’s, Australian . record) is worth noting. , , His coach, Tommy Walker, told mo that Pirie began training' for - the Games in November. Every day he swam upwards of I,oooyds and then worked about 300yds or 400yds on light kicking alone until he felt he'had done too much. If he wanted a day off he would take it. No time trials were held in this period, the IjOOOyds being covered at three-quarter speed. * Only a few sprints were indulged' ih, mostly in the form of relay work. The" last three weeks of his preparation " Pirio carried out in Australia, and for the first four or five days off the boat bo swam a mile a day, and then went back to sprinting. Walker pointed out that a swimmer must he careful not to sprint before he', is fit or lie' will'i-ruin- his stroke. Several’ tinre trials were" then held, the coach keeping a close eye on his charge to observe what' was lacking, and lots of relay work, including take-off, turns, and kicking. As already pointed out, the matter of preparation is one for the individual swimmer, and Dorothy. Lyon (who in Canada has done 62 2-ssec for 100yds in a 25yds bath and 100 metres in Imin 11 l-sseo in a 50-metre bath) trains only three times_ a’ week and findsthat more than sufficient. ■ She works in an office, and has been swimming only a year. She swam as a junior (under 16) for a year and as a senior, this year. After arriving in. Sydney she trained twice a day. She is only 17 years of age, and when racing dees a 12-beat kick. .

The secret of her championship, swimming (she beat Miss Phyllis Dewar in Canada) is relaxation, especially the neck is relaxed and the head allowed to float, and when turning for air the head only is turned. When exhaling the head is turned so that the chin is turned slightly to the other side to balance the shoulders. The recovery is made by lifting the elbow and throwing the arm forward, fingers touching the water, hand relaxed. The, hands enter the water the same width as the shoulders, this entry meaning perfect balance. The hand presses down and halfway down the elbow_ bends like a half-circle, and the push is made to the hip (not thigh).