SWIMMING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11854, 4 January 1902, Page 7

SWIMMING.

From the latest Canterbury Exchanges I note that the Australasian champion had been allotted to and accepted by the Wanganui Swimming Club prior to Mr. E. S. Marks receiving the intimation from Mr. Smart to that effect. ' •. From a "gate" point of view. I can hardly see how the forthcoming intercolonial gathering can, possibly prove a success at, Wanganui, as the baths there arc not capable of holding more than about 250 persons, which means that even in the event of the championships being; extended over three days, the takings would still bo very small. Mr. E. S. Marks, who lias been representing -the.New South Wales Swimming Association in tho negotiations being carried on in connection with the holding of the forthcoming Australasian championships, informs mo that Now South Wales is not likely to be largely represented at the meeting. As far as he knows at present, McDonald, who has a big refutation as a plunger, is the only man likely to corn© across from the Commonwealth State. ; A Southern paper mentions Lane and Cavill as competitors, but neither are. likely to come according 'to Mr. Marks. Such excellent arrangements have been made for the night gala to be held in the Albert-street baths on the 22nd of thismonth in connection with the Auckland Swimming Club that it may be safely reckoned on by those who extend their patronage that these gatherings will supply some really good sport. Exceptionally good entries have so far been received, and everything promises to slide' off satisfactorily Swimmers, who contemplate ; participating in the meeting, are notified that entries close" at the Albert-street baths, and the Sports Club on Wednesday next: '* The Canterbury Education Board have, tor. consideration, decided to appoint only one swimming instructor for the schools, instead of two. ' ' ' Mr. .G. Hogben, Secretary for Education, at a conference with the Normal School Committee,. ; Christohurch, the other day, erred to the fact that under the Act the Board would be enabled ;; to ; form T swimming classes, "'■'■■ in respect of which capitation would be paid. The Board decided to send circulars to ' the school committees which have baths, informing them of the conditions on which the Government capitation can be obtained.' At; the '■ annual meeting of the council of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, held in Christcliurch the other day, the following officers were elected— President, Mr. G. Harris; vice-presidents, Dr. Chappie (Wellington), Mr. 0. M. Hamilton , (Greymoutli), and the president of the Wanganui Swimming Club; registrar, Mr. 0. T. Aschman. Tho Trinity Young Men's Institute Club (Wanganui) and the Dunedin Amateur _ Swimming Club, were affiiliatod to the association. ,-'. On the recommendation of the Canterbury centre the Ashburton Club was affiliated. It , was decided to plaeo on record an appreciation of Mr. G. J. C. Smart's services to the association and the sport generally in his capacity as secretary, which ofSco he had held for live years. Reference wag also made to the services of Mr. W. H. M. Bergh, lion, treasurer of the association. .'.-."' Tho chief attraction at the annual gala of the Hibernian Amateur Swimming Club, held on November 5, in the Garbals baths, Glasgow, was the appearance of J. H. Derbyshire, of Manchester, the noted . English recordholder. Despite tha fact that he was not in the best of, condition,. ho succeeded in lowering the Scottish record for 100 yds. His time for : the: distance was 615., or 4s. better than tho previous best. Derbyshire appeared at the same gala throe years ago, when he accomplished ono of the best performances of his careor. He also competed in a 100 yds handicap, and, although conceding long starts, was only beaten in his heat by half-a-yard.