SWIMMING PROSPECTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19469, 27 October 1926, Page 18

SWIMMING PROSPECTS.

SOME BUSY MONTHS AHEAD. NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONSHIPS. VISIT OF AUSTRALIAN GIRLS. Officials and members of the Auckland swimming clubs are now preparing for a strenuous new season. After a lapse of i.even years the New Zealand championships have been allotted to the Auckland centre, and with the influx of represents tives from oilier centres the week from January 22 to 23 will be crowded with incident. For the first time on record two Australian lady swimmers, Miss Claire Couldwell and Miss Ettie Robertson, will cor.npeto for New Zealand championship titles. The present proposal is that they should arrive at Auckland from Sydney at the end of nest month and after touring the country, finalise their visit with appearauees at the Dominion meeting. Consequently, some thrilling struggles may be expected in tho ladies' events. The assertion of a member of the Auckland centre that the two Sydney girls arc not first-class swimmers has been rightly contradicted by the Australian authorities. TV visitors havo only to reproduce their foim of last year to prove they are in tho front rank. Miss Could well has been hailed as the Australian girl most likely to emulate the Olympic Games success of Miss Fancy Durack und Miss Robertson is undoubtedly tho best all-round swimmer and diver in either Now Zealand or Australia. Thus, they can hardly be called second-class performers. Opposition to the Tour. Some of tho larger centres have not beeu unanimously disposed to welcome tile Dominion Council's scheme. The council, from the outset, has not entertained the idea that the centres would profit to any oxtent from the tour. Its sole object has been to assist the country clubs which in the past have not had the advantages of visits from overseas champions. It was thought, therefore, that the krger and more fortunate centres on this occasion would be prepared to make some sacrifice—and a small sacrifice at that — in the interests of the country bodies. If only the centres will co-operate in financing the venture they will render valuable service to the surprisingly large number of country clubs seeking an extension of the visitors' tour to include their districts. No other visits from overseas swimmers have yet been negotiated for, but as far as Auckland is concerned there is the possibility of an appearance from Taltaishi, the Japanese youth who swam so well at the last Olympic Games. The Japanese is expected in Australia early next year and might be persuaded to include Auckland in his itinerary. Twj. Notable Absentees. Apart from the abovo attractions, the local season will be a busy one, with the Auckland championships claiming chief interest. Most of the swimmers who were in the limelight last year will again face the starter. Two notable absentees at the beginning of the season, however, will be Miss E. Stocklev and D. Pelham. The former hopes to rotnrn from Sydney in Time to defend her 100 yards title, while Peiham should return with the Maori Rugby team about February. A. E. Baird's arrival from Napier eases the anxiety which existed in regard to Auckland's chances of retaining possession of the Y aid hurst Shield. Baird has very proficient team-mates in A. D. Adamson, 11 Fairgray, J. Enwright, E. V. Cun- ' nold and J, Meikle. All these men improved their times last summer and are capable of further improvement. Enwright might be considered a veteran, but he is a very hardy veteran and keeps his form in a remarkable manner. Diving should be assisted a great deal by Barry Young, who has joined the Ponsonby Club and hopes to form a troupe of divers. Young was third in the last New South Wales diving championship. Tho Intermediate Champion. But for his intention to take advantage of his last year in. the intermediate division G. Bridson wouid make his presence felt in the open class. The Auckland Grammar School champion has grown considerably and has put on a great deal of weight during his winter spell. He will certainly not lack physique when ho atiacks his own records and endeavours to improve upon times that are already formidable. Bridson stands far above the other intermediate boys, of whom Hogg, Homiston, Lynch, Raper and W. Stockley show good promise. There is a dearth of junior boy talent and the only lad likely to bo outstanding is the Ponsouby school champion, L. Smyth. The chief contender for the ladies' sprint title should be Miss M. Farquhar, but strong opposition is bound to come from Misses P. Page and J. Bell, who, however, are at their best over the longer distances. Miss G. Pidgeon should benefit from her holiday in Australia and extend Miss Robertson at breaststroke. Miss E. Champion should havo a clear mil in the intermediate girls' class, with Misses D. Harvey, B. Hanlon (holder of the Dominion junior titles), M. Bell and J. Thompson (breaststroke) as her closest rivals. Tho junior girls are practically an unknown quantity. In view of tho Australian champions' visit and the Dominion championships it is essential that a 3trong and active social committee should be set np. The Waitejnata Club has made a move in this direction and it behove 3 other clubs and tho centre to do likewise, for Auckland owes a debt of gratitude for entertainment in the past which cannot easily be repaid.