Frenchman Breaks Swimming Records

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 53, 5 March 1935, Page 7

Frenchman Breaks Swimming Records

DOMINION TOUR OPENED Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. A distinguished opening of their New Zealand tour was made by the European swimming champions, Jean Taris and Emils Poussard, of France, at a carnival in the tepid baths. As holder of European titles for several years and of world’s records for distances ranging from 300 metres to 1000 metres, Taris was a formidable opponent for Auckland’s champions, who, although outstanding in their own class, were made to appear like novices in scratch races over 220 yards and 440 yards. Taris won the former by 18 yards from It. B'. Franliham, his time, 2min 16 3-ssec, breaking the New Zealand record of N. Crump, who was third, by 5 2-ssee, and tho Australian record by 1 2-ssec. This is held by Katsuo Takaishi, but tho fastest, time registered by an Australian is 2min 20 3-ssec, the performer being G. Voekler, of Melbourne.

In the quarter-mile Taris headed his opponents, W. Johnson and R. Thomas, soon after the start and he touched the finishing rope a winner by 42 yards from Johnson, who gained second place from Thomas on the touch. The Frenchman’s time was 4min. 59 2-ssecs., which is Msecs, faster than G. Bridson’s Dominion record.

While Poussard dived the spectators were spellbound. He performed a wide variety of dives, including many most difficult ones.

Miss Mona Leylon, tho New Zealand 220 yards and 440 yards lady champion, left by the Wanganella to compete in the Ne.w South Wales championships.