SWIMMING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11771, 28 September 1901, Page 7

SWIMMING.

There is every indication of a very interesting and altogether successful season in store for local swimmers. Already quite a number of aspirants for fame are clubbing together and considering their prospects for the forthcoming season.

The. zealous officials of the different clubs are also exercising their energies, :ind are looking up members of their clubs, in order to induce them to undergo a consistent training prior to the commencement of the season's championships. No time or energy has been spared in the preparation of the Albert-street Freshwater Baths for the coming season. The baths have recently undergone a comprehensive overhaul and are now in a most complete order. Malcolm Champion, formerly of Auckland, and now of Wellington, who journeyed to Australia last year ami competed in the Australasian championship as New Zealand a representative, intends, I understand, going in for a thorough training, so as to be in good trim when the visitors from the other aide arrive. Champion's performances, as

is well known, stamp him as the speediest swimmer in Maoriland as yet produced ana, iudgine by his recent times, he should give " good amount of himself when in competition with the Australian cracks in Neu Zla ifpk a aS to note that this year the It is pleasing to note that ti us >ear tn biennial Australasian championships are i_ be competed for in New Zealand and practically all of the Australian top-notchers will visit these shores. .Amongst the pro bablo visitors will be "Dick" Cavill and his brother, and also Fred. Lane and George Read, all of whom registered such big per formances in the Australasian contests last * The annual meetings oifte New Zed«d Amateur Swimming Association S W and the Auckland Swimming Club will botn be held within the next fortnight. . It is rumoured that neither Messrs. Che™ nor Hughes will allow themselves to be nominated for the position of secretary of the club (business being the reason), so »* hoves the members to look around tor a. suitable man to fill the post. Already two awards have been maoe "«• connection with the humane division of ttie association, and the council now have iincase of the rescue of Mr. Josiah Hadfie.d by Mr. George Rogers under consideration. Ims case will bo dealt with at the annual meeting. The association authorities have also interested themselves : u the case of the very plucky act of Miss Alice Goomes, who, it will be remembered, effected a gallant rescue of her father at Stewart Island a month or two since. The registrar of the association (Mr. H. S. Chcvis) has communicated with the Mayor of Invercargill on the matter, and that gentleman is interesting himself in connection with the case. It is proposed to hold monthly galas in the Albert-street Baths this season, and a district contest o'i the game of water polo, for which the club intend to donate caps. Negotiations are going on between the Government Educational Department and the New Zealand Swimming Association (Registered), Auckland, re instructions to be given to school children and the appointment of instructors. The association have also been informed that the sum of £100 voted last vear is now available. Half of this sum will be sent to the Christchurch centre, as was done last year. Matters with the Southern section of the association (headquarters Christchurch) are getting on gradually, and it is anticipated that everything will be in good working order before the opening of the season. It is with the deepest regret (says a Southern scribe) I have to chronicle the death of one of the finest of sports who have taken an interest in the progress of swimming in Canterbury Alfred Harrison, of Ashburton, who died at his residence, Matakatea, recently, at the age of 56 years. The deceased gentleman was an enthusiast in all branches of sport, but his greatest attentions were undoubtedly devoted to (lie natatorial art, of which he was himself a keen follower. The swimming club in Ashburton was founded as a result of his energies. The London Daily Mail of recent date has the following:—Owing to the continuance of unfavourable weather, Mme. Isacescu, aftei consulting her friends, has decided to return to Vienna and not attempt to swim the Channel this year. Next year a Dover doctor has promised to lend the lady his steam yacht, and M. Bibbero, the well-known trainer of swimmers, has volunteered to assist her. " Given calm weather, I am. confident she will succeed," he said recently. When the last mail left, Nut tall, the famous English swimmer, was reported to be suffering from heart trouble, the result being that his medical adviser has ordered him to abstain almost entirely from swimming. The half-mile amateur championship of England was decided on Tuesday, August 6, at Leicester. J. A. Jarvis, the holder, added another to his long list of successes, winning by 10yds from D. Billington in 12m. 42 2-ss. G. E. Shaxpe was third. This is Jarvis' fourth consecutive victory in this race.