SWIMMING ITEMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22265, 13 November 1935, Page 22

SWIMMING ITEMS

DISBANDMENT OF " CLUBS FIRST AUCKLAND CARNIVAL STRENGTH IN MEMBERSHIP The carnival being held at the Tepid Baths next Tuesday evening by the Auckland Swimming Centre and its affiliated clubs shows promise of inaugurating the new season with an earnestness not associated with previous seasons. Seldom has such a comprehensive programme been arranged so early, affording opportunities for racing to every class and type of swimmer, and offering encouragement to intermediates and juniors. If subsequent programmes are drafted with similar thoroughness, carnivals will have a complete appeal to all swimmers and enthusiasts, and none will be able to complain of being neglected. Numerous nominations are being received, and it is hoped the carnival will lie very successful from the point of view of the size of fields, the keenness of competition, and the number of spectators. Auckland swimming clubs are facing the new season with confidence, assured of the support of their best members .last season, and reinforced by the possession of promising juniors. Glancing back to last season, however, it is disappointing to observe that strength in regard to the number of affiliated clubs is now weaker, two of them having become defunct. These are Grammar and Birkenhead and- Northcote, and, furthermore, the I'ukekohe and Onehunga Clubs are reported to be languishing, if not altogether disbanded. The disbandment of clubs like these removes interest that would otherwise bo directed to the sport and sustained. The need is evident for a forceful policy on the part of the AucklamJ Centre, assisted by clubs, to encourage weak clubs to function. Similarly, the centre has neglected for too long its duty of forming clubs in the outer suburban and country districts having reasonable facilities for swimming. Propaganda Committee The appointment of a propaganda committee to investigate the problem »vas advocated at the centre's meeting on Monday night by Mr. G. W. Bell, who commented upon the centre's responsibility toward languishing clubs. The committee should, he suggested, collaborate with the Royal Life-Saving Society in establishing more new clubs within its territory. The vice-chairman, Mr. It. Moore, said the question had been "discussed by the organisation committee. Various proposals had been raised, one of them being that teams of the most prominent swimmers should be taken to .country towns and interesting carnivals promoted with a view to encouraging the existing club and the formation - of others. The meeting agreed to refer the matter to the management committee to take what action it considered advisable. The failure of the two clubs named is partly compensated for by the establishment of the Eastern Suburbs Club, which has enriched swimming by arousing the interest of a territory practically previously. Support from Country

The independent activities of clubs have been deferred until after November 19, the date of the carnival at the Tepid Bath#-under the direction of the Auckland C'entro and affiliated clubs. All are working hard, and the general enthusiasm is indicated by the proposal of the Helensville, Whangarei and Dargaville Clubs to send teams to Auckland for the carnival.

No club is stronger in senior members than Mount Eden, the second largest in Auckland. It has R. B. Frankham, B. O'Connor, A. C. Bagnail and W. Johnson, four leading sprinters, and with P. Hannah, a new member, formerly of Morrinsville, another capable of bettering 60s for 100 yds., the flying squadron relay team is undoubtedly supreme, not only in Auckland, but also in New Zealand. The outstanding Lady members are Miss J. Webster and Misses P. Johnston and G. Priestley, two intermediale girls, all of whom have represented Auckland. Tho Now Zealand diving champion,# W. Hassan, is definitely lost to amateur contests, being now a professional instructor at the Mount Eden Baths, but to succeed him the club has G. Perry,

The North Shore Club retains the highest membership, and from this impressive following it can draw upon proven performers. Outstanding among these is N. Crump, then E. Stevens and the breaststroke exponent, A. Mackintosh. Also available are numerous swimmers with no claim to championship rank, but affording the material for exceptionally strong relay teams, which will defend the honours gained by the club last season. The representatives in ladies' events will be Misses M. Gillies and J. Cadness, and distinction as an intermediate should be won by Miss J. Melhose. Reliance upon Juniors The power of the Waitemata Club lies in the future of its younger members, notably A. Pascoe, T. .Tones and Misses C. Watters and M. Black, who have all held junior or intermediate titles. Apart from them, however, the club will be able to muster fine relay teaiiis, and its reputation in senior championships will, no doubt, be upheld with credit by J. Magoe, C. Buchanan and Miss N. Ludlow. If unable to number as many champions as other clubs, the Ponsonby Club can claim genera] equality through its formidable relay teams, the product of the unexcelled enthusiasm prevailing among members. Its lady champion, Miss M. Leydon, has brought it more than ordinary distinction, and in championship contests she will have the company of such members ns A. Raper and N. Goldsmith, and the divers E. Midgele.v and Miss A. Walmsley. The remaining clubs, Parnell, Otahuhu and University, are without championship holders, but are determined to take more part in competitions. Miss S. Grange is the Parnell Club's most noted performer, and another well known is Miss It. Bull, the harbour distance swimmer. Even higher success in endurance tests has been achieved by the Otahuhu Club's representative, Miss L. Grey. UNIQUE GOLF . CEREMONY INSTALLING NEW CAPTAIN The sun shone nt St. Andrews golf club, Scotland,- recently, on a ceremony that custom has not made less impressive—the driving into office of a new captain of tho Royal and Ancient Golf Club. All St. Andrews seemed to have risen early to greet tho captain-elect, Mr. W. Norman Boase, who is also Provost of the famous golfing city. He walked on to the first tee of the old courso iii company with the retiring captain, Mr. Bernard Darwin, to undergo an ordeal which princes, dukes, and earls liavo experienced.

Mr. Dnnvin indicated that the hour had eotne. William Aiiohterlonie, the newlv-appointed professional to the premier club, teed the ball and Mr. Boase, after a few practice swings, struck tho hall straight and far down the fairway. The historic brass cannon ronrecl a salute to the now captain; a horde of caddies surged across the fairway to scramble for the ball, and from the press, emerged, smiling and triumphant, William Cochrane, to hand the ball to Mr. Boase and receive in exchange a bright golden sovereign.