SWIMMING

Evening Star, Issue 23430, 22 November 1939, Page 3

SWIMMING

[By Hooker.]

NOTES AND COMMENTS

FIXTURES. November 25 and December 20. Otago Centre’s interclub carnival. Municipal Baths. . December 2, 3, 8, 9.—St. Clair surf and life saving championships. ' December 5 and 7.—Otago senior, intermediate, and junior championships, Municipal Baths.' December 9.—Balclutha Club’s carnival. • , December 10.—Sagar Cun surf life saving competition, at St. Clair. December 10.—Logan Cup life saving competitions, at St. Clair. December IB.—Kiwi and West Enel Clubs’ dual meet, at Timaru. January 14.—Batt Cup Harbour Race, at Maeandrew Bay. January 17, lb, and 20.—New Zealand Centennial intermediate and junior swimming championships, at Dunedin. January 27.—Otago country clubs championships, at Balclutha. January (date to be fixed).* —Otago surf life saving championships, at Invercargill. ■ . , , . . February 3.—Taien Club’s carnival, at Mosgiel. ■ February 10.—Toko. Club’s carnival, at Milton. February 10, 12, and 14.-—New ea “ land Centennial senior national chamnionships, at Wellington. February 16, 17, and 18.—New Zealand surf championships, at Wellington , , February 17.—Kaikorai Club’s carnival. February 24,—Owaka Club s carmval. , ■ March 2.—Balclutha’s Club’s carnival. TO MAKE THEM " GO.” Bill Kendall, former Australian champion swimmer, has returned to Sydney after studying for three years in ■ America and England, during, which time he raced against world champions. Kendall has a coaching and training scheme, which he thinks might put Australia back on the world swimming map. He explained that American coaches have one idea—to make their swimmers “ go.” They believe in hard racing swims, and do not go in for the fancy methods of training most people think they; do. From the time the season starts until it ends American swimmers are made to work hard. Regular intercollegiate and interclub meets, with keen competitive swimming, have resulted in America producing such an array of champions. The whole system here requires pepping up,” said Kendall. “ Collegiate swimmers in America work out in Hie gymnasium for a month before tho start of the season, and once they have started, the coaches drive them. We must be more intense about our_ swimming.” In America last year Kendall finished second to Flanagan in the national 220yds championship, and won the national intercollegiate 220yds and 440yds. In England, during a sixmonths’ stay, he established a record of 54sec in a heat of a 100yds championship. LOSS TO MARANUI. The Maramii Surf Life Saving Club hardest a valuable man m H. C. “ Showy ”) Downs, who is now in a New Zealand Air Force camp with the rank of leading aircraftsman (says the ‘ Sports Post ’). He has been a member of the Maranui champion six-man team for several years, and was included in the New Zealand team which toured Australia in 1937. He is an old boy of Rongotai College, and has been with Maranui since he left school. Although a competent swimmer, he engages little iu competition, preferring work-in the surf. He hopes to be appointed an observer in the Air Force. KAIKORAI COMMENTS. The • club session .at tho Municipal Baths has for weeks now been well attended, and considerable enthusiasm has Leon aroused towards the coaching ot tho juniors. Thanks to Mr Matlueson, a vast improvement in the methods adopted is reflecting a much higher standard of results* The club expects to have a greater percentage of swimmers available for the intermediate and junior Otago championships. Several club members availed themselves of the opportunity last week-end of training at the Kaikorai Baths. Miss Aldythe Smith has resumed training after an attack of influenza. The club was very proud of her when she won the Nawi Kira Shield last season. Fred. Marrett, the club’s secretary, had a very busy time during the club session with the beginners', and there is a great demand for his services. Two visitors last week were A. R. Wethey, secretary of tho Toko. Club, and George Laing. secretary of the Balclutha Club. George is a vice-presi-dent of the Kaikorai Chib. Doug. Fairley, club captain, has entered into his tasks with enthusiasm. His work with the polo team has roused the senior men swimmers to show real keenness for the game. ' June Still, a junior girl, shows much natural ability as a breast stroke swim- ' mer. ■ The sub-committee has arrangements in hand for a picnic at Buckland’s Crossing about the middle of December. STIMULUS TO SWIMMING. There is no doubt that the intention of the Otago Swimming Centre of giving the sport a stimulus by providing opportunities for competition in each division to exponents of the various styles at regular fortnightly or threeweekly intervals will serve its purpose if the first of these iuteyclub fixtures, held last week, is any criterion. Most pleasing feature of the programme was the great batch of young swimmers which the meeting brought to light, and the improvement made by many of the youngsters was indicated in the number who met with disqualification because their performances bettered their declared times by more than the margin of 5 per cent, allowed under the N.Z.A.S.A. rules.

While they impressed by the keenness displayed, it was gratifying also to find some of Otago’s Yaldhurst Shield point-getters last season also well to the fore, and no swimmer in the province is showing better first-of-thc-scason form than W. H. Dyson; the Kiwi breast stroke star. In his first national championship meeting last year he filled second place in each men’s breast stroke event, and it was generally conceded that lack of experience beat him. He had the satisfaction during the season, however, of placing his name on the New Zealand record lists over 200 metres, 200yds, and 400 metres, and judging from his form last week further improvement may be looked for this year.- He won the 100yds breast stroke handicap from the back mark in a blanket finisli from his club mate, Miss Winnie Dunn, to whom he was conceding llscc. and his ■sjme of 77scc was only 1 3-lsec outside Lcn Smith’s senior record. Dyson staged a splendjtJ sprint over the last

lap, and the finish was the most exciting of the night. Miss Dunn, holder of all the women’s titles and records, also revealed excellent form for so early in the season, and when the national meet is listed she should be capable of at least repeating her last season’s performances. So far as the younger brigade were concerned, one of the best prospects on the night was that of the Kiwi intermediate, Jack Stewart, who Avon the interclub diving handicap with a display that pleased -greatly. SteAvart is a of Vic. Eckhoff, runner-up in the Xew Zealand intermediate boys’ diving championship last year, and by the boldness anil confidence of his slioaving last Aveek he should seriously trouble Eckhoff at the provincial meeting, though the latter is a very determined performer. SteAvart gets a good flight, and should stand a good chance of gaining representation for Otago at the Ncav Zealand intermediate and junior championships. He was superior to Eckhoff on the night, but the latter, avlio tilled second place, has been training onlv a short time. On the other hand, Eckhoff has a wider repertoire than SteAvart as yet. The interclub 100yds free style handicap Avas Avell fought, and, surprisingly enough, tAvo distance men repeated the duels they had in the Otago half-mile and mile championships last year. P. 1). Young, titleholder over the two longest distances, Avas on the limit with 9sec, and lasted just sufficiently to boat his club mate, Colin Kidd. ' The latter conceded Young oscc, and in registering G4sec for the distance Kidd put up a creditable performance. Kidd and Young arc both more at home over the longer distances, and they may be expected to give a good account of themselves at the provincial championship meeting. Kidd also accounted for the 66 2-3vds back stroke handicap. The 06 2-3yds junior and intermediate back stroke handicap provided very close racing, and the tAvo scratch men, I. Hall and I. Johnston, finished Avithiu a yard of each other in second and third places respectively; the Otago intermediate girls’ 100yds title holder, Miss Edna Goldthorpe, being the winner from the Sscc mark in 56sec. All three revealed proficient style, and another intermediate Avho may be expected to seriously trouble Hall and Johnston in the Otago championships is Colin Sell, winner of the junior championship last year. Sell returned 49 2-ssec for the distance, but Avas disqualified for improving upon his time bv more than the allowed margin. ' It is a long time since Otago has had so many junior ami intermediate breast stroke sAvimmers of the calibre of those engaged last week, and their form suggests that in the various breast stroke title races at the provincial meet-

ing next month excellent racing Avill be seen. Winner of the 66 2-3yds handicap last Aveek Avas Miss Lorraine Kearns, avlio Avith three years still to go in the junior division, should win. hmh honours. She returned 69sec m the final, second place going to her Kiwi clubmate, Miss I. Freeman (also a candidate for junior honours), Avith , Miss V. Payne, an intermediate competitor, third. Miss Freeman is also a promising diver, and filled third place in the junior event Avhiqli Avas won by Miss Joan M'Culloch (KiAvi), Malcolm M'Gregor, the Dunedin boy, being second. M‘Gregor is a strong contender for the Otago junior boys’ title, and certainly performs his dives like a tradesman. It is Avorthy of note that the three placed competitors in the junior diving handicap and the interclub event are all pupils of the Otago men’s champion, Doug. Freeman, Avhose coaching activities are extended beyond club considerations. Miss Betty Reid, who has moved into intermediate ranks, sAvam one of her best races to Avin the 100yds intermediate and junior handicap, and though the time Avas not startling last year’s Otago junior 50yds champion shoAved a much stronger finish than she' has evidenced previously. With more distance Avork, Miss Reid should bo capable of good performances in the | intermediate division at the Otago championships. Murray Fyfc, making his first appearance in interclub competition, swam Avell for second place, and W. J. Booth, who tilled the other place, swam in a nay Avhicli suggests that lie should bo in the running for places at the provincial title mooting. Miss Joan M'Culloch had a big task to concede Miss Valerie Clark 40sec in the lOOvds junior medley handicap, but she made a plucky attempt and finished only syds behind the latter. Miss M'Culloch is a promising back stroke exponent, and is also improving as a breast stroke SAvimmer. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING. The national centennial senior championships Avill be held at tlio Riddiford Baths, Lower Hutt, under the auspices of the Wellington Centre, and the programme has been arranged as follows: —Saturday, February 10; 100yds men’s free style national championship, 220yds men’s breast stroke national championship, one mile men’s free style national championship, ladies’ national diving championship, first section (coinpulsorics, all from 3-mctre hoard) —No. 3c, living somersault, forward, running; Xo. 9a. somersault backward: Xn. 14b, fsaiulcr (lialf-Gaincr), running: Xo. ~ 2Ca, half-screw, bacliAvardy men's ua-

tioual diving championship, first section (compulsories, 1 all from 3-inctre board) —No. 3c, Hying somersault, forward, running; No, 9a, somersault backward; No. 14b, Isander (halfGainer), running; No. 20a, backward spring, forward dive; No. 2Ga, halfscrew, backward; 220yds ladies’ free style national championship; 400 metres men’s back stroke national championship; water polo championship, first round; GG 2-3yds ladies’ handicap; and 100yds men’s open handicap. Monday, February 12: 100yds ladies’ breast stroke national championship; 880yds men’s free style national championship; 100yds ladies’ back stroke national championship; 220yds men’s free style national championship; ladies’ diving national championship, second section (four voluntary dives); 440yds ladies’ free stylo national championship; 100yds men’s back stroke national championship; water polo chain-' pionship; 100yds breast stroke handicap, open; 66 2-3yds junior and intermediate boys’ handicap; 100yds men’s open handicap; 133 l-3yds Dominion centennial interclnb relay premiership (trophy to the value of £8 Ss). Wednesday, February 14.—100yds men’s breast stroke national championship, 100yds ladies’ free stylo national championship, 440yds men’s free stylo national championship, 220yds ladies’ I breast stroke national championship, 200 metros ladies’ hack stroke national championship, men’s diving national championship, second section (five voluntary dives), 500yds flying squadron relay, 50yds men’s invitation scratch race/ 50yds ladies’ invitation scratch race, 66' 2-3yds ladies’ open handicap, 66 2-3yds men’s open handicap, final of Dominion Centennial interclub relay premiership, and water x>olo championship final. The Wellington Centro has made the closing date of entries January 31. The Annette Kellorman Cup harbour race will bo swum in Wellington Harbour on Sunday, February 11, at 2.15. Trophies in this event will bo: First, N.Z.A.S.A. gold medal; second, trophy value £3 3s; third, trophy value £1 Is. Fastest time, trophy value £3 3s; second fastest time, trophy value £2_2s. It has been stipulated that if necessary heats, diving, and water polo will bo hold during the mornings. INTERPROVINCIAL CONTESTS. fn conjunction with the second interclnh carnival being conducted by the Otago Swimming Centre at the Municipal Baths next Saturday night will be held the first of a series of dual meets with Southland, the contests comprising water polo, flying squadron 500yds relay, and three-a-sido diving, the teams being drawn from the water

polo team in each case. Since Otago are the present holders of the New Zealand water polo championship, this will afford the Dunedin public an opportunity of seeing in notion most of those who brought tho trophy back to Dunedin last season, and as the Southland team also contains some experienced players, a first-rate game should bo seen. Tho Southland team will probably include Artie Wosncy, the All Black Bugby player, who is a good water polo player and also one of the finest divers New Zealand has produced. The Southland team will bo finally selected on Thursday. The handicap events on the programme have drawn large entries, and the ■ breast stroke event for juniors and intermediates will require some six or seven heats. Every style is catered for, and the programme has again been kept*within reasonable limits. This will be the last carnival before the Otago championships on December 5 and 7, and some very keen racing should bo seen. SURF LIFE SAVING ACTIVITY. Considerable activity is being ghown in surf life saving cii’cles, and with better weather conditions to be expected St. Clair Club teams should soon be getting into solid training for the important fixtures ahead. The St. Clair Club will decide its championships on December 2 and 9, the Sagar Cup competition being put off until December 10. The championship events comprise surf race, boltmen’s championship, and resuscitation championship, of which tho hcltmen’s championship will be decided on December 2, the club surf race the _ following morning, and the resuscitation championship on December 9. A big attraction is to bo staged on December 3 when the club will hold a beach day at which surf displays will he arranged by senior and junior teams, canoe and surf boat events, and various beach displays also being arranged. The first big competitive event of the season is the Sugar Cup which is listed for decision on December 10. This is a four-man event, and teams have been selected as follows: No. I.—B. Ingram, A. Pritchard, R. Buchanan, J. D. Alexander. No. 2.—Smith, J.B. Robert, I. Wilson, H. Devlin. 1 No. 3.—C. Adams, E. B. Toase, J. G. Reid. R. Watts. No. 4.-—A. E. Deucbrass, A. G. Beadle, M. Goodwin, and I. Rodgerson. No. s.—. Sutherland, K. R. Lcckie, G. D. Anderson, A. Raines. No. 6.—A, Cunningham, J. Dlirand, 11. James, J. Swan. No. 7.—J. W. MTndoo, C. W. Elliott, A. Algie, 1, Hay.

No. B.—E. Dolan, H. R. Callender, D. Fairley, J. Cranston. No. 9.—M. Myles, P. D. Young, CLawrence, and H. D. Gillies. SPLASHES. R. Hatchwell, New Zealand 100yds men’s free style champion, is going all out in an endeavour to retain his title at the national meeting to be held at the Riddiford Baths in February. Hatchwell, only a comparative youngster, has been training for some 10 weeks—when the weather has permitted. Ho is moving very well; better, in fact, than last season, as far as can be judged from work-outs. Hatchwell lias filled out considerably since last summer, He should take no end of beating (says the ‘Sports Post’). The Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association will hold four preliminary trials in connection with the selection of its team for the New Zealand Centennial intermediate and junior swimming championships to be held at Dunedin on January 17, 18, and 20. The Canterbury trials will be held at the United l Club’s carnival on December 13. Tn Miss D. Clark, winner of the 100yds breast stroke handicap, Southlantl has a worthy successor to Miss C. Lynch. With a little more experience Miss Clark may well prove to be one of the province’s best performers at thi? style (says a Southland writer). K. Spry, breast stroke champion, and a man with a remarkably fine record at New Zealand championship gatherings (though he has never won a title), is dickering with tho idea of retirement. He says that he finds the water a shade cold now. But it is safe to say that with the national carnival in Wellington this summer, Spry will have just one more fling. He has missed'only two New Zealand championships since 1929, and only once, last season at Invercargill, when he was third, has he finished further hack than second (says a Wellington writer). R. M’Kenzie, one of tho best javelin prospects seen in New Zealand since Stan. Lay earne into prominence, is now working in Dunedin. M’Kenzie won the Otago junior javelin throwing championship with a record throw of 147 ft lin when representing North Otago last season and then went on to collect the New Zealand junior title at Auckland with a throw of 175 ft sJin. As he is still eligible for junior competition, his presence in Dunedin should give a big impetus to this event among tho under 19 athletes, and with the competition he will now get he should show further improvement ip this event this season. Deputy-chairman of the Otago Centre and one of the patrons of tho Kiwi Club, Mr Sam. Brown led homo

a winner at the centre carnival last week, daughtei Beverley winning the 33 l-3yds junior free style handicap. A younger daughter, Val, promises to win laurels at breast stroke. A. Tye, who has played consistently good water polo in the B grade for Kiwi and has also shown considerable improvement as a_ free-style swimmer, leaves shortly to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force. A good club man, Tye was elected this year to a seat on the Kiwi Club’s committee.