CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3854, 24 January 1928, Page 59

CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING.

RECORDS GO BY THE BOARD. - That the interest of the Dunedin public m swimming has undergone a decided re- ™ , "7? indicated by the crowds which attended the openmp sessions of the New Zealand National Swimming Championships at the Municipal Baths on Satur<«*.V afternoon and evening. The Deputy-mayor (Mr’ J. S. Douglas) extended a welcome to the visiting competitors, and stressed the fact that it was the duty > not only of every swimmer but of the public generally to support the sport and endeavour to popularise it, especially among the younger generation. He was glad, he said, to see local interest in swimming so keen, and he was sure that (he present carnival would further stimulate this interest. Mr J. L. MTndoe (president of the Otago Centre) endorsed Mr Douglas s remarks, and Mr W E D Bishop (president of the N.Z.A/S A ') replied briefly, on behalf of th e visitors. throughout both sessions, the swimming was of a high order, and during the noon and evening, no fewer than 10 New Zealand freh-water records were lowered; only four, however, being establishedsome by present champions, and a few in the.beats by young swimmers who are undoubtedly coming champions. . ''’th .such a galaxy of champions competing it is- difficult to nominate any one race as the star attraction of the meeting but one would be safe in mentioning the Ladies’ and Men s 100 Yards Championships as creating a s much interest as any event on the programme. With such cracks a s Dowsett, Fairgray, Lindsay, Enwright, and Farrell’ competing m the final of the men’s sprint, it was anticipated that this would be an epic contest, and s o it proved. Everyone knew of Lindsay, but more as a champion over distances from 220 yards to a mile, therefore his • swim over the 100 yards course came as a distinct surprise to many of those present. __AII were expecting great things from the Wanganui crack, Dowsett, and- he did not. disappoint them. His finishing sprint was one of the finest efforts seen here for many a day, and his time 59 3-ss.ee, sent- M. E. Champion’s record of 61 l-ssec overboard by 1 3-ssec. The ovation which greeted him was well-de-served. ' Again, in the ladies’ 100 yards, was swimminor history made. The title holder, Miss E. Stockley was expected to win, but the close go given her by the New Zealand 220 Yards and 440 Yards champion. Miss K. Miller, came somewhat as a surprise. Still’, the Auckland girl is a champion, she swam like a champion, and to be beaten bv her was no disgrace. In this case also, a record went by the board. The mile brought forward a trio of fine distance swimme s in D. P. Lindsay, A. T. F. Stokes, and C. J. E. M'Lean. Lindsay, of coui’se, was looked on as a certainty, and immediately after the dive-off it could bei seen that everything that had been written or said of him was not exaggerated. Swimming like the champion_.be undoubtedly is, he reeled off the quarter, half, and three-quarter distances in times that would make the average miler look foolish, and wound up by completing the distance in 24min 14 4-ssec. which is 47sec under the previous fresh water record. Stokes is a distance man who will certainly go far, and the local man, M'Lean. although a long way back swam well. Tn fact, these two both swam the distance under standard time (26min 35secl. Another swimmer whom local, enthuthusiasts looked forward to seeing was I'L .Cameron, intermediate boys’ champion. who has recently registered some sensational times at Wellington. Cameron is undoubtedly a coming Australasian champion, and both in the heat and the final of the 220 intermediate boys’ event he'won as he liked. Yet another record became his very own in the final, when !•« clipped seven seconds off W. Low’s fresh' water record of 2min 52 l-ssec. In the second heat of this race. H. Gowan, a Wanganui boy. also got under previous record time bv three-fi'fths second, but he was nushed along by J. Palmer, anofher Wellington representative, to do it. Pahn»r notched a well-deserved second in the finals' . Tn' B. Gallate, a junior bov. Wellington has' another coming cliamnion. He was never extended in the 100 yards event, but yet he broke the record for the distance bv 4-ssee. and if h° bad been nushed it is safe to sav fhaflie could have dinned another second or so off his time.' Geddes,

the Otago boy' champion, swam well, but was outclassed by older and stronger boys. The 50 yards junior girls’ championship saw the record beaten in each heat and equalled in the final. The final tussle be? tween Misses Z. Howarth and M. Smith brought the spectators, to their toes, and both these girls swam impressively. Unfortunately, one competitor only came forward in the 75 yards intermediate breaststroke championship, Miss J. Thomson, of Auckland, and consequently her time (68 l-ssee) was not so fast as it might have been had there been competition. The open interclub dive was responsible for some - fine displays, and the winner, Nj s . s k’ Copplestone, gave a finished exhibition. On her showing the judges should have had little difficulty in picking her as the winner, her flight and entry alike being in some cases -almost perfect. Calder, the New. Zealand champion, dived well, but something, appeared to go wrong with his flight in the running dive off the high board. For some unaccountable reason he brought his hands back just before he entered the water, and although, he made a clever recovery, what would have otherwise been a good dive was spoiled. Following are the results:—, 100 YARDS MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP. Holder of title: A. D. Adamson (Auckland). World’s record: J. Wensmuller (U.S.A.), 52sec. New Zealand record —fresh water: M. E. Champion (Auckland), Imin 1 l-ssec. Standard time: Imin.

First heat: D. P. Lindsay (Canter-, bury) 1, J. P. Farrell and J. Enright (Auckland), equal 2. Also started: C. Claridge (Wellington), N. H. Bailey (Otago). Lindsay and Claridge went away best, and going upon the second lap the latter had a handy lead on Lindsay, with Farrell. Enwright, and Bailey, close up. Just before the second turn the Wellington man fouled the lines badly and let Lindsay into tlfe lead. In the final lap Lindsay was well ahead, and went on to win by a yard and a-half from Enwright, who came up with a great sprint to tie with Farrell for second place. Time, 61sec. A New Zealand record.

Second heat; N. Dowsett (Wanganui) I. L. Fairgray (Auckland) 2. Only starters: Both men swam practically level to within 15 yards of the finish, where Dowsett drew away to win by two yards. Time, 62 3-ssec. Final. N. Dowsett 1 D. P. Lindsay 2 L. Fairgray 3 Also started: J. Enwright, J. P. Farrell. Dowsett soon opened out a gap of a yard on Enwright and Lindsay, with Fairgray and Farrell in that order a similar distance away. The Wanganui man turned first, with Enwright and Lindsay close together on his heels, Farrell and Fairgray having failed to make any impression on the leaders. The second lap saw Dowsett still leading, but being pushed along by Enwright and Lindsay. At the last turn the leader and the Canterbury champion touched almost together and going down for the last time the latter went to the front. Fairgray in the meantime coming up with a good spurt and displacing Enwright from third position. The final 20 yards saw a magnificent tussle between the Wanganui flyer and Lindsay, and the former, clapping on the pace, gained the verdict by two yards. Fairgray’s strong finishing eflort bringing him to within a yard of 100 YARDS LADIES’ CHAMPIONSHIP. Holder of title: Miss E. Stqckley (Auckland). World’s record: Miss E. Lackie (U.S.A.), Imin 0 4-ssec. N.Z. recox’d —Fresh water: Miss G. Shand (Canterbury). Imin 9seg. Standard time: Imin 9sec. First heat: Miss K. Miller (Otago), 1, Miss D. Magee (Auckland) 2. Also started: Miss D. Grant (Auckland). Miss Magee led at the end of the first lap, and going up on the second had a lead ot 2yds o . Miss Miller, with Miss Grant a yard further back. The final lap saw the Otago .irl draw up with the leader, and, swimming easily, touch with 2yc’s to spare. Time, 70 l-ssec. Second heat: Miss E. Stockley (Auckland) 1, Miss M. Jepson (Otago) 2. Also started: Miss Simmonds (Hawke’s Bay). Miss Stockley led from the start, and won by 3yds. Miss Jepson, who was lying last at the beginning of the final lap, threw out a strong challenge to the Hawke's Bay girl, and just gained second place by a touch. Time, 70 2-ssec. Final. ' Miss E. Stockley 1 Miss K. Miller 2 Miss M. Jepson .. .. .. .. .. 3 These three were the only starters. Misses Stockley and Miller went over the first 20yds together, a couple of yards ahead of Miss Jepson. The New Zealand champion turned first, with 2yds to spare, aiid maintained this lead on the Otago girls over the second lap. Going down for the last time Miss Miller went out after the Auckland girl, and gradually decreased the gap, but despite a great finishing effort, just failed to get home by half a yard. Miss Jepson was 3yds back. Time, 68 3-ssec. Miss Millers’ time was 69 l-ssec. 100 YARDS JUNIOR BOYS’ CHAM-' PIONSHIP. Holder of title: L. Olds (Otago). N.Z. record—Fresh water: N. S. Batchelor (Canterbury), Imin lOsec. Standard time: Imin Usee. First heat: R. Geddes (Otago) 1, J. J. M'Donald (Canterbury) 2, J. Hunter (Canterbury) 3. Only starters. This v as an even race, and until the last lap any of the three placed boys looked a winner. Then it was that Geddes put in a great finishing effort, and got home by a yard from M’Donald, who was 2yds in front of Low. Time, Imin 17sec. Second heat: B. Gallate (Wellington) 1, C. Coughlan (Otago) 2, J. Hunter (Canterl ury) 3. Also started: V. Newall (Wanganui). From the start the result of this heat was never in doubt, Gallate winning as he liked by 12yds. and incidentally knocking l-ssec off the New Zealand record. Coughlan beat Hunter by a touch. Time, 59 4-ssee. Final.

B. Gallate 1 G. Low .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 J. M'Donald 3 Also started: C. Coughlan, R. Geddes, J. Hunter.

From the outset it could be seen that tht real contest in this race would be for second place. Gallate soon established a lead of 6yds over Geddes, Low, M'Donald, Hunter, and Coughlan, in that order. Going up the second length Geddes . dropped back,- and M'Donald and Low together swam into second position, Gallate in the meantime easily maintaining his lead, and going on to win by syds. M'Donald and Low fought it out for second place, the former touching with a yard to spare. Geddes was fourth. Time, 69 l-ssec. 220 YARDS INTERMEDIATE BOYS’ CHAMPIONSHIP. Holder of title: Gx-Bridson (Auckland). N.Z. record—Fresh water: E. Low (Canterbury), 2min 52 l-ssec. Standard time: 2min 46se?. First heat: W. Cameron (Wellington) I, T. Harland (Otago) 2, E. Woods (Canterbury) 3. Also started; J. Eaton (South Canterbury). Cameron went ahead immediately after the start, and won as he liked by 4yds. Woods and Harland had a good tussle for second place, the latter getting home by after a strong spurt. Time, 2min 53sec. Second heart H. Gowan (Wanganui) 1, J. Palmer (Wellington) 2, P. Brownlee (Auckland) 3. Also started: R. Sutherland (South Canterbury). Palmer led for the first three laps, when Gowan drew level. For the next two laps there was little to choose between these two, anrt going down on the last length Gowan put in a good sprint, and got the verdict by a yard. Brownlee was Syds away, anti Sutherland, who appeared to tire over the last lap, was a long way behind the placed three. Time, 2min 51 3-ssec —aNew Zealand., record. Final. W. Cameron .. ~ ... .. .. 1 J. Palmer 2 H. Gowan 3 Also started: T. Harland, P. Brownlee, and E. Woods. Cameron showed out from the dive off and led at the turn, with Palmer, Woods, Harland, Gowan, and Brownlee in a bunch three yards back. At the second turn Cameron was still ahead, with Palmer lying handy and Woods half a yard behind the latter. For the third and fourth laps the order was unchanged, but Cameron, swimming easily a? he was, was kept -it it by Palmer, who up to the last length wa never far away. Gowan in the meantime was putting in some good work, and over the last 20 yards he threw out a strong challenge to Palmer, but could not get within three yards of him. Cameron won by two yards, his time, 2min 45 l-sscc, being another New Zealand record. Woods, Brownlee, and Harland finished five yards behind the place-getters. ONE MILE MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP. Holder of title: D. P. Lindsay (Canterbury). World’s record: Arne Borg (Sweden), 21min 41 3-10 see. New Zealand record —Fresh water: M. E. Champion (Auckland), 25min 1 4-ssec. Standard time, 26min 35sec. D. P. Lindsay (Canterbury) 1 A. T, F. Stokes (Canterbury) 2 C. J. E. M'Lean (Otago) .. 3 These were the only starters. All three men started off at a 70sec clip, Lindsay and M'Lean swimming almost together over the first 190 yards, which was covered in 66 2-ssec. Over 'he second 100 yards Lindsay began to draw ahead, and at the end of the distance, which was put behind in 2niin 24 4-ssec, was leading by eight lengths from M'Lean, who was a similar distance ahead of Stokes. Lindsay’s time for the 300 was 3min 46sec. and by this time Stokes had crept up and was swimming almost level with the Otago champion. It could now be seen that Lindsay would have an easy swim over, and that the issue for second place would also not be in doubt. Lindsay threw the quartermile behind in smin 10 2-ssec, and at t. stage had a lead of nearly a lap and a-half over M'Lean, who was now 20 yards behind Stokes. On went Lindsay, swimming in an easy, effortless style. At the 700 yards he lapped Stokes, and at the" half-mile lapped M'Lean for 'he second time. Stokes was also swimming well, and was gradually drawing away from M'Lean, who was battling along gamely a lap away. At the three-quarter-mile the Canterbury champion had established a lead of over 100 yards over M'Lean and 50 yards over Stokes, and, continuing to draw away, finished strongly in the splendid time of 24min 14 4-ssec—a New Zealand record. Stokes was 60 yards away and 90 yards in front of i,l‘Lean. Lindsay’s progressive times were as follow:— 100yds, 66 2-ssec; 200yds, 2min 24 4-ssec; 300 yards, 3min 46sec; 400yds, smin 7sec; 440yds, smin 40 2-ssec; 500yds, 6min 29sec; 600yds, Bmin 51sec; 700yds, 9min 15sec; 800yds, llmin 39see; 880yds, llmin 53 2-ssec; 1000yds, ,13min 29sec; 1100yds, 15min 52see; three-quarter-mile, 16min 57sec; mile, 24min 14 4-ssec. 50 YARDS JUNIOR GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIP. Holder of title: Miss S. Brown (Auckland). New Zealand record—Fresh water: Miss M. Jepson (Otago), 34 l-ssec. Standard time, 36sec. First heat: Miss L. Haworth (Wanganui) 1, Miss V. Berry (Canterbury) 2. Also started: Misses E. Morrison (South Canterbury), Miss D. Murdoch (Otago). Miss Haworth went ahead at the 25yds, and gradually drew away to win by four lengths. The time, 33 4-ssec, broke the existing fresh water record by 2-ssec. Second heat: Miss M. Smith (Auckland) 1, Miss J. Brewer (South Canterbury) 2. Also started: Miss C. Lang (Otago). Miss Smith was never troubled and won easily by two lengths. In this case also the New Zealand record (34 l-ssec) was broken, the winner’s time being 34sec. Final. Miss L v Howarth 1 Miss M. Smith 2 Miss V. Berry 3 xAlso started: Miss J. Brewer. Miss Smith went away slightly in the lead and was the first to turn, with Miss Howarth a yard away, and Misses Berry and Brewer a little further back. The Wanganui girl turned badly and lost ground, but going up on the second Jap she regained this and drew almost level with the leader, turning within half a yard of her. The last lap ’ saw her chasing the Auckland representative, whom she over : hauled 15 yards from home and drew away to win by two yards, with Miss Berry a similar distance away. The time

was 34 l-ssec, which equalled the New Zealand record. n SGIRI ' S ’ INTERMEDIATE BREAST-STROKE CHAMPIONSHIP. Holder of title: Miss M. Rydon (Auckland). New Zealand record—fresh water: Miss D. Breward (Canterburv), Imin 6 2-sscc. Standard time: Inun ■ 9sec. Thonisdn (Auckland) ... 1 Diiss 1 nomson was the only starter, and swam over the distance in 68 l-ssec.

100 YARDS BACKSTROKE CHAMPION- ■' SHIP. S. Fogg, Otago (13sec) 1 L. J. Moorhouse, Canterburv (scr) 2 Also competed : J. C. Blakely Wellington (15se<). s Moorhouse was severely treated by the handicapper in this event, anj despite a splendid effort, could not do better than swim into third place. Blakely, who led all the way, was an easy first, but owing to circumstances, which were not explained by the judges, was disqualified, Foag, therefore, being awarded first place and Moorhouse second. Time, Imin 23 l-ssec. 66 2-3 YARDS .INTERCLUB HANDICAP. . First heat: R. Pidgeon, Auckland (9sec), r-L k- Leask, Wellington (Isec), 2 - T. Champion, Canterbury (3sec) 3. Also started: W. P. Sutherland, Canterbury (scr). . on by 6yds, with a yard between second and third. Time, 44sec. 1 ® c 9, on< J_ heat: A. E. Short, Otago (6sec), C- ripler, Canterbury (3sec), 2; J. Meikle, Auckland (Isec), 3. Only starters. Won by a yard, with two vards between SC T ( , and third - Time, 44 2-ssec. third heat: A. Harrod, Otago (Bsec), 1. Harrod was the only starter, and swam over the course in 53 4-ssec.

Final. L. J. Leask j A. E. Short $> Also started': R. Pidgeon',"G'.'Tipler, A. Harrod. First and second in each keat qualified for the final of this race. Harrod led for 20 yards, but dropped back, allowing Short and Leask to swim into first place. . Short turned first and forged to the front m the final lap, but Leask with a great sprint, gained the verdict by a yard. Time, 38 l-ssec. &6 2-3 YARDS LADIES’ HANDICAP First heat: Miss E. Grant, Auckland (scr), 1; Miss L. Coppiestone Canterbury (4sec), 2. Only starters. iVon by two yards. Time, 46sec. Second heat; Miss K. Miller, Otago (scr), 1; Miss H Ellis, Canterbury (6sec), 2; Miss D. Dickinsos. Canterbury (15secj, 3 Only starters. Won by a touch. Time 4o l-ssec. •Final. Miss K. Miller j Miss L. C'opplestone .... 2 Miss E. Grant (Auckland) 3 Also started; Miss H. Ellis. Miss Coppiestone and Miss Grant led for th e first lap and a-half, when the Otago girl drew up, and with a great fimshing effort, got home by a touch, >.li aS Giant being a yard away. Time 44 4-ssec. * , T - DI y E - INTERCLUB. Copplestone, Canterbury 1 R. C. Calder, Otago ” 9 W, Hicks, Wellington ... ’ 3 , com P et ed: Miss M. E.' Thomson T - Thomson (Canterburv) G. R. Riordan. (Canterburv), W. P Bo’vd B an Ho d V, ’/w SS FL Ellis (Canterburv), B Howath (Wanganui), Miss D. Foote (Otago), G. Tipler Canterbury). 133 1-3 YARDS DUAL RELAY HANDI- - ' ' N. Dowsett and Miss' N. Stratton Wanganui (scr) .. ’ j_ J J 5"e P c)° n and M ’ SS K ’ i,ler > Ota&o Also started: W. P. Boyd akd Miss’ D Morgan, Otago (14sec). fioTK 1S x ra *i r ® solved itse lf into a magnificent tusstle between Dowsett and Simpson, the final swimmers for their teams Simpson had a good lead given him bv his team mate and took over with a lead of five, yards over Dowsett. The Wanganui champion, however, swam a great lap and 21’ S ,n by a tOUCh ' Time ’ lmin LONG PLUNGE. C. Atkinson, Canterbury, 64ft 3iin ... 1 r. L. Collins, Canterbury, 56ft 6in 2 J MTndoe, • Otago, 51ft lOin ... 3 this was not a championship event. WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIP. ? .. First Round. Canterbury A 5 v. Otago ail. Auckland 3 v Canterbury 3. Canterbury A 1 v. Auckland 1. VISITORS ENTERTAINED. On Sunday morning the visiting swimmers were the guests of the St. Clair Life Saving Club at St. • Clair, and in the afternoon they were taken for a motor trip by the Leith Valley road to Waitati, where'they were entertained by the members of the Otago Swimming Centre, afterwards returning to town over Mount .Cargill. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. BRISBANE, January 22. ’ In the Australian National Swimming Championships, the 440yds Free Style Championship of Australia was won by Jones (West Australia). Grier (Queensland) was second, and Ryan (New South Wales) third. Time. smin 23 2-ssec The Springboard Diving Championship >f Australia was won by C. Barrass (New South Wales). In the Challenge Relay Race of 500yds, Queensland defeated the rest of Australia.