SWIMMING.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 8143, 15 December 1904, Page 2

SWIMMING.

At the baths last evening a 50 yards handicap was decided by the members of the Swimming Club, and considering the inclemency of the weather the acceptances were very good. As this was the first race of the season, and there were a number of new members entered, th handicapper must have been at his wits' end to decide on the respective handicaps, but with what success can* vest be gauged by the result of the different heats as well as the final. Some ten swimmers faced the starter. The first heat — M. Hunter (scr.), Tonks (ssecj, Kean (Bsec), Bernard (lOsec), and Woods (15sec) resulted in a fine race between the first four men, Ber nard eventually winning by a foot from Tonks, Kean a couple of feet away third ; time, 44sec. Woods in this race was too harshly treated by the handicapper. In the second heat Grant on 13sec mark scored a fairly easy win from Baird (ssec) second, Brough (Bsec), and Nowell (9sec); time, 38 l-ssec. After a few minutes' rest the first and second in each heat swam off the final, which resulted in the best race of the three, Grant again being successful, beating Baird by a length, who in turn beat Bernard by a touch for second place; Tonks close up fourth. The Rev. Jacob acted as starter, Messrs Stevens and Butts judges, and Messrs Payne and Brunette timekeepers. The swimming championship to be decided in Wanganui at Christmas time are attracting a lot of attention from outsiders. It has been definitely arranged that Cayill and Keran will appear there, and besides taking part in the races will give exhibitions. The polo is to form a special feature. There are three teams in Wanganui, while a great many others are expected. It will be interesting to see if Wanganui can recover the championship from Auckland, an honor which it lost last season.

In Wanganui it is expected that Moore Hunter will shake Murphy up in the championships, as the fatter has done practically no training. Among others at this meeting will be George Tyler, J. Hamilton, and Roberts. If the weather is anything like fine swimmers will have a great time in Wanganui at the Carnival.