NOTES ON THE RACES

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11739, 29 January 1924, Page 8

NOTES ON THE RACES

WELLINGTON’S POOR SHOWING FRESH WATER AND SHORT BATHS. SOME EXCITING FINISHES. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Times.") WANGANUI, January 28. The national swimming championship opened under perfect conditions in Victoria Avenue baths with good attendance. The Wellington representatives so far

are making a very poor showing, not being used to the fresh water and short baths. ENWRIGHT’S 100 YARDS CHAMPIONSHIP. The heats of the 100 yards men’s championship were decided in the morning. The programme was so arranged that practically second raters qualified to start in Hie final, the timo for one heat being as slow as 64 3-ssec, . whereas Paterson, who finished well up in his heat, the time for which was 61 4-ssec, was debarred from competing in the final, which only left Claridge as our rep. He was well in the picture up to the third lap, when he swam a bad course and collided with Fairgray, putting both out of the race. Enwright beat Batchelor (Canterbury) after a close and exciting race, with Smith (Auckland) third. Time 62 2-ssec. The water is somewhat on the slow side, as reflected by some of the times. A NEW CHAMPION. In senior events the mile was merely a prooession and only marked by the great performance of Atkinson, who has never been regarded before as a distance swimmer. He took the lead from the first lap and gradually increased it untfl he finished over 2 laps to the good. Murrell was well out of a place until half the distance was covered and thence on swam better. His time was 26min 50 2-ssec. MISS SHAND NOT EXTENDED. The 100 yards ladies’ championship, in the absence of Misse6 Hoeft and Walrond, was only an exercise swim for Miss Shand, although Miss Stockley, of Auckland, stuck well to her throughout the distance and shows considerable promise. Miss Breen qualified for the final of the 50 yards junior girls, but had little chance against the Auckland girl, whose time is claimed as a record. A GREAT RACE. The 220 yards intermediate hoys was the race of the day, and was a battle between Dowsett, of Wanganui, and Lindsay, of South Canterbury. Dowsett was only inches in front throughout the 200 yards, when Lindsay came with a dash and won l?y a touch. Lindsay’s style has improved wonderfully since last championship. He is the most promising young swimmer in New Zealand to-day. Our local boy, Watson, failed to get into, the final. Fitch got into the final of the 100 yards boys but was no match for Bridson, the ex-Wellington boy champion, or Cameron, of Christchurch, who is only 12 years of age and a wonderful little swimmer.

SECOND DAY

Per Press Association. WANGANUI, January 23. The showing of the Wellington representatives 'has been very poor, and they have been completely outclassed. Even their hope in the 50 yards junior girls’ breaststroke was beaten by a midget, though the result was very close. Murrell or Claridge did not secure a place in the heats of the 220 championship, and both swam extraordinarily bad, and it was obvious that they axe out of form. The same applies to the 220 yards ladies’ breaststroke Miss Imandt has done far better times than recorded in this event. Hicks is diving well, and is favourite for this event*, though he will be hard pressed by the Otago competitors. The surprise of the evening was Miss Jepson, of Otago, who easily accounted for Miss Pago, who was looked on as a certainty. Her style has greatly impressed the officials, and she is declared the best swimmer this country has yet produced. Miss Jepson will go far when 6he reaches the senior stage. Uzutaav awam a great race in tha 880

yards intermediate, and can best be described. as a New Zealand Charlton. The, Wellington and Canterbury polo game, wliich resulted in a draw, and by the rules should have been played to a finish, is to be replayed at the conclusion of the meeting. There is keen rivalry for the polo, one much disputing of the decisions.

THE PROGRAMME

The programme for the rest of tlfis To-day (Tuesday).—Nelson Shield Surf Life-saving Championship. Wednesday.—Morning, heats; 7.30 p.m.. Swimming Championships. Thursday.—9.3o a.m.. Wigram Sh'.cli Life-saving Championship (still water'; 3 n.m.. 31 miles Kellerman CupFriday.—Morning, heats; 7.30 p.m concluding Championship Carnival.