SWIMMER DEPARTING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22092, 24 April 1935, Page 16

SWIMMER DEPARTING

AUCKLAND LADY CHAMPION By the impending departure for j Hastings of Miss Edna Rainey, who is to make her home there, Auckland is deprived of one of jts most noted j swimmers. Regret at her departure is ■ widely expressed, for she will be missed, j not only for her ability, but also for j her personal qualities. For several years j she has taken part in races, and at the age of 17 can now look back on a career crowded with success. In Auckland championships she has never been | defeated, and her victories in New Zealand contests date from 1930, when she won the junior titles at Greymouth She proceeded to win these again and, later, intermediate champion-1 ships, gaining .'it least one such victory j in every season except 1930-31, thesej and record swims preparing her triumph in becoming the New Zealand lady j champion at 100 yards this season. Her winning of the senior title and that for intermediate girls in the same season has been voted a place among the highest achievements. Miss Rainey has treated swimming in the right spirit, neither exploiting victory, not being sensitive to defeat, and, consequently, she has gained esteem for her unassuming manner and her serenity. In Hastings there are live clubs, which frequently stage competitions, so that Miss Rainey should have good opportunity of cultivating her talents. Next season she will no doubt defend her New Zealand championship as a Hawke's Bay representative, but, although Aucklanders will ,naturally prefer one of their own girls to win, Miss Rainey will retain much goodwill here, and, if she is again successful, Auckland will share her pride.