SWIMMING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11538, 24 November 1900, Page 7

SWIMMING.

The swimming season was opened last evening, when the Auckland Swimming Club brought off a 72yds handicap at the Albert Baths, in the presence of a large number of enthusiasts and followers of the sport. In all there were 16 entrants for the event, and of those 15 started. The racing which resulted was of a kind to make this scribe, at least, particularly hopeful for the success of the incoming season. Our champion, G. A. Tyler, was seen to advantage, and his final effort, in the winning of the handicap, proved that he is fairly entitled to be regarded as equal to far more brilliant achievements. Winning his heat in 47%., he bettered this periormance in the final by coming in first in 45 l-ss. The racing resulted as follows:—First heat: G. A. Tyler, 1; G. Burke, 2; F. A. Browne, 3; P. Rylance, 4. Second heat: W. Tyler and S. J. Easdown (dead heat), 1; R. G. Rainger 2. Third heat: P. Graham, 1; W. E. Dervan, 2. Fourth heat: A. H. Patterson, 1; S. Koane. 2. Final: G. A. Tyler, 1; S. J. Easdown, 2; P. Graham, 3; W. Tyler, 4; A. H. Patterson, 5. Won by a touch. Mr. W. B. Eyre officiated as handicapper, Mr. Hughes as judge and checkstarter, and Mr. A. Goldwator as starter and timekeeper. . . , , , The Auckland Swimming Club are indebted to Mr. George Fowlds, M.H.R., for a guinea subscription. The following gentlemen have arranged to be taught the methods of life-saving by Mr. R. W. St. Clair, in order to represent the club in that department at the forthcoming carnival in the "Calliope Dock on the 22nd prox.:—Messrs. P. H. Hughes, H. G. Che vis, W. E. Dervin, aiid P. Graham. " Four, new members joined the A.S.C. last night. . . . Mr. W. B. Eyre intends giving a prize to the most deserving competitor who swims his utmost during the season. He reserves the right to enter such competitors who ho thinks have swum right out. At the annual meeting of the Southern N.Z.A.S.A. held recently, the following officers were elected President, Mr. G. Harris ; honorary secretary, Mr. G. J. C. Smart; honorary treasurer, Mr. W. H. M. .Bergh; executive, Messrs. W. G. Atack, H. Irost, and .7. Sibbald (North Island), A. Franois, C. Kent and W. Johnson (South Island). The New Zealand championships were allotted to the Canterbury clubs, the suggestion being made that they should be decided during the first week in January. Speaking of the Legion of Heroism insti.tilted by Mr. R. W. St. Clair and other officials of the registered N.Z.A.S.A., with the inauguration of which the opening of the 20th centurv is to be celebrated by the association, " Natator," in the Sydney Referee, says:—"This i* a cnr.tal idea, and something our association should have gone ia for long ago. I recollect the proposal

being agreed to at the Swimming Convention in Maoriland some years since, but the matter slipped my memory altogether, otherwise I might have drawn attention to it long since. However, it's not too late now. Following in the wake of the N.Z.A.S.A. would give the N.S.W.A.S.A. all the prominence it yearns for, and a far better claim than it now possesses (good although the present position is) upon the sympathy and support of the community. Says London Sportsman of October 11The Harodian entertainment of 1900 will always be remembered, if only for the fact that three of the most accomplished swimmers that have ever journeyed from Australia—to wit, F. C. V. Lane, J. H. Hellings, and V. Lindborg— making their last appearance in London, previous to their return home. It may at once be said that, although very successful, they have become most popular amongst all classes of swim mere, and their departure is regretted by all. It may be of interest to st?te that last evening they took part in I;he 60yds open handicap, and their respective times were: Lane, 35 3-55.; Hellings, 36 4-55.; Liridberg, 37 4-ss. There are no swimming fixtures of any importance in Christchurch until the New Year. There is much speculation as to the respective merits of Fred. Truscott and Jack Wauchop for the championships on New Year's Day, especially the 220 yds. The well-known Wellington swimmer, JM. Hamilton, is now living in Greymouth. His clubmates of the Empire City expect great things of the club which he has formed on the Coast. The latest anent the "unknown's" acceptance of professional champion Joey NuttaH's challenge: —After all a championship swimming match is not improbable (says London Sportsman). The unknown has replied refusing to meet Nuttall by appointment, unless the champion agrees to the unknown's terms, viz.. to swim three races at 100 yds, 220 yds, and 440 yds.' Nuttall, in answer, will now take on the unknown on the latter s terms, provided he agrees to alter the' 220 yds to 300 yds. Thus, in effect, Nuttall will swim the unknown at 100 yds, 300 yds, and a quarter of a mile for £100 aside, surely a fair enough compromise, which, it is to be hoped, will lead to the speedy ratification of a match.