SWIMMING

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 19 November 1927, Page 11

SWIMMING

CURRENT TOPICS HAWERA CLUB OPENING-. GALA ON WEDNESDAY. (Notes by “Narwhal.”) Weather conditions still militate against large attendances at the baths, though patrons are gradually increasing and a number of enthusiasts are taking the water with regularity, however chilly or uncongenial the elements may be. Keen interest is being evinced in the Hawera Club opening on Wednesday next when an attractive programme will launch the club activities of the season. Given fair weather conditions the popular rendezvous should be the scene of a big gathering. _ Water temperature at present, however, is not ideal for muscle development., and trainees should never remain in long enough to cause shivering even to allow the finger tips to go white. Once the blood circulation is disturbed to such an extent as to cause those symptoms, physical exertion in cold water may lower the vitality and tend to retard, instead of advance, the individual progress. While some swimmers, and more particularly those of the so-called weaker sex, are fortunate enough to be endowed with sufficient bodily heat to resist a temperature of low degree, the majority are not so equipped, and are apt to sufter the discomfort referred to. ‘ Among the swimmers who were prominent last season, those who have already commenced training for the current season’s events include A. Spragg, the provincial intermediate boy champion over 220 and 440 yards of last, year, and Miss Zelda Spragg, the junior girl champion over 50 yards. Miss Myra Jackson, who won the iunior girls’ 100 yards championship of the province last year and was second to Miss Spragg in the shorter distance, is also a familiar figure at the pool. A. Dowdle, the junior champion of the club last season, was one of the early starters this year, and is training with his elder brother, Clive, who was the runner-up for the club senior cup last season. ■ . , , Ralph Sage, the newly appointed secretary, is one of the club’s most enthusiastic adherents of the sport and seldom misses the early morning dip. L. Hulbert, who annexed the novice cup last season, and C. Robb are among others who are making endeavours to o-et into form as early as possible.' Supporters of the club will welcome the reappearance locally this season of Brian RawsoD a former Hawera member, who represented New Plymouth Club last season, when he set a new record of 3min 37sec for Taranaki in annexing the senior 220 yards breast, stroke championship. Now domiciled at Manaia, he is expected- to swim for the Hawera Club again this season and will be a valued acquisition in Ins particular style and also as an exponent of Pupils of the Hawera Main School and the Convent School are taking full advantage of the facilities provided at the baths for this branch of school recreational training, the moving spirit among the former school pupils being the headmaster (Mr F. A. Bates), while among the Convent school children^ interest is being stimulated by the Rev. Father Evans. Mrs E. Higgs, to whom a large number of girl swimmers of Hawera owe their initial instruction in the natatorial art, “broke the ice” last week and is undertaking the training of the school girl pupils. Rightly esteemed for her tact and patience with beginners, _ Mrs Higgs will be accorded the best wishes of parents and supporters of swimming for success in her work.

AUSTRALIAN SURFERS. Fifty-four clubs affiliated witli the Australian Surf Life Saving Association operated in New South Wales last season, almost every surfing beach in the State receiving attention The various clubs had an active ziiembor ship of 4223, owned life-saving gear, including surf boats, worth £4250, and saved 1041 persons from watery graves. Yet the Government subsidy is only £2OO per .annum. NEW ZEALANDER IN ’FRISCO. Some interesting facts concerning the champion sprint swimmer of the woild are contained in a letter received A D Adamson, winner last year of the New Zealand 100 yards championship, who is now Jiving in San Francisco (reports the “Wanganui Herald > Adamson states that ho witnessed W eismuller do the 100yds in the record time of 51 2-5, and that lie has never seen a more beautiful exhibition. To sU°r?5 U °r? an American writer: “His mighty 51 2-5 effort in the 100yds was a symphony of muscular co-ordination, magnificent exhibition of intelligently applied energy, a terrific pace well sustained, tlio performance of a great champion. Weismuller, who stands Oft 4in in his bare foot, never ceases training, winter or summer. He ■ has no time to get stale, and is always at practice over his favourite distances.’’ Swimmers will be delighted to know that A. D. Adamson, ex-Aucklander, is doing well as a member of the Olympic Club, and that lie is being specially coached by Tom Whittaker, official coach for the club. In his opinion, Adamson has the makings of a champion, and the Aucklander is being carefully instructed in the art of training and starting. He started in the 100yds Pacific Coast championship and swam into second place, a touch behind the winner, and the time was 5/sec. This would point to the fact that Adamson lias already improved, as ' his fastest time here was 59 2-5, and, another thing, before one can become a member °of the Olympic 'Club he has to break 59 over “ 100 yards. AUSTRALIA’S HOPE. After tliOi recent defeat of Australia’s! picked team of men swimmers in .Japan, there is little prospect of the Commonwealth being strongly represented at the Olympic Games in Amsterdam next year. Although the Japanese meeting was not attended bv any world’s champions, the Australians managed to fill minor places only, and their times were'’well below Olympic standard. Present indications are that the country’s Olympic hope is “Boy” Charlton. Much has been written, and will be written, about Charlton’s indifference in regard to active competition, but the. fact remains that the Manly youth is far-sighted enough not to risk his career for sport. The farm promised him by his grandfather, if he applies himself to his agricultural studies, is placed before swimming and the trips it brings. Those who are on

iutimate terms with Charlton say he is still devoted to the sport, nevertheless, and would be just as pleased to represent Australia again as Australia would bo pleased to have him as her 1928 Olympic “hope.” Time alone can tell. Charlton intends to represent New South Wales in the Australian championships this season, and, peculiar though it may seem, it will the first Australian championship in which he has competed.