SWIMMING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18533, 18 October 1923, Page 12

SWIMMING.

i NOTES AND COMMENTS. CONDITIONS AT PONSONBY BATHS. Accommodation at the Shelly Beach Baths is ■ absolutely inadequate for the many men who patronise them. At present there *£« only about 24 cubicles, each with capacity for no more than three persons. The conditions in summer, when the attendance numbers 300 or more, can be easily imagined. The result is that, patrons have to disrobe in the gallery above, where they are exposed to public view. These conditions call for .prompt remedy. Even a canvas awning alone the front of the gallery would provido privacy, if not comfort, for male swimmers. . . Now that most swimmers are preparing for the forthcoming season, a little advice concerning training: is not out of place. Many make a mistake in trying to gain racing form too quickly. They start oil after a rest through the winter months with the idea that by sprinting and swimmine over lone distances at top-speed, even though they feel the strain, good results aro to be obtained. On the contrary, they do themselves a groat deal of harm. Training for any sport is a splendid means of keeping tho body fit, but often it is abused cither through ignorance or indifference. , Swimmins is a splendid bodv-builder. giving an upright carriage and increased lungpower and strengthening practically every muscle. Unlike other sports, ago is no barrier, and it has just as many recommendations to the old as to the young. Adults get as much enjoyment floating slowly along with the breast-stroko as the youngsters do in trying to master the more up-to-date " crawl." , , • ... , All swimmers should cultivate proper breathing. Once breathing is mastered progress is certain. ' «'•'... „. , The presence of! Miss Gwitha Shand in the ladies' racas during the forthcoming season will give added interest to the carnivals. In Christchurch. Mies Shand was in a class of her own. The clubs will bo putting more long-distance races on their programmes for lady competitors, and some stirring contests should- be witnessed. Hitherto, most" of tho events for ladies have been short-distance ones. These no not give aspirants to distance honours the necessary competition, in preparation for the 440 yds. championship. A 220 yds. event has been added to the list of national championships, and our lady swimmers deserve every encouragement, so that they may do their 4- home-town justice when the time arrives. . , .••.-■' , Prize-winners at the swimming snorts promoted by the Summer Carnival Committee in March have not yet received their trophies. Surely this is a matter for the official* if the Auckland . centre in the interests of competitors who supported the goU in large numbers. ' . When it was announced that Johnny Weissmuller's swimming career was about ended because of a heart trouble, admirers of a -superb sportsman expressed regret. But Wcisßmuller recently proved that ho is still to' be reckoned with. On his first appearance, after his retirement, he won a 100 yds. race, in a GOft. pool, in the fast time of 54 2-5?, without the least apparent effort. A few day* later he. won the American quarter-mile .championship in Cm 37 2-53, despite a. battering sea. .