SWIMMING

Southland Times, Issue 23946, 12 October 1939, Page 13

SWIMMING

SOUTHLAND CENTRE ACTIVITIES SUCCESSFUL SEASON LAST YEAR The swimming season in Southland last year was the most successful experienced, both from the point of view of administration and swimming generally, according to the annual report of the Southland Swimming Centre which will be submitted to the annual meeting of delegates next Wednesday evening. SENIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS “For the first time in our history this important fixture was entrusted to the Southland Centre and the way in which it was conducted brought forth loud praise from the president of the New Zealand Council (who was in attendance), also all visiting officials and competitors,” states the report. “We were a little diffident about running this fixture, but our administration met all demands and any future national championships can be undertaken with the certainty that Southland has nothing to fear in this direction. From the centre’s point of view the only ‘fly in the ointment’ was the poor response from the public for the first two nights, with the result that a small loss was shown. Unfortunately, for the week our weather was on its worst behaviour and this with strong counter attractions, no doubt militated to a great extent against the expected crowds for the first two nights. “In addition to two polo teams, we were represented by Misses Joyce Macdonald, Moira McGrath, Clare Lynch, D. Mulvey, A. Mair, J. Hannon and Messrs W. Johnson, D. Berry, K. Shaw, A. Branks, C. Martin, A. C. Millar, D. Davis and F. W. Springford. Joyce Macdonald celebrated her entry into senior ranks by putting up wonderful performances in easily winning both the 100yds and 200 metres ladies’ backstroke events. These were our only successes, although placings were secured by other members of the team. ANNETTE KELLERMAN CUP “This three-mile open water event was held at Bluff on a Sunday, where again the weather was against us, with the result that at the last minute a new course had to be found at Ocean Beach. This upset all arrangements, but goes to show that the event can be held at Bluff provided an alternate course is arranged. The centre’s thanks are due to the contestants who tackled a man’s job under trying and extremely cold conditions. Congratulations are extended to the Vai Osmond, late of Invercargill, also F. Clow, New Plymouth, and C. M. West Coast, who. finished second and third respectively. “The junior and intermediate championships were held at Rotorua and we were represented by Misses Joyce Macdonald, Berle Westerby, Sylvia Brown, N. Dixon and M. Gerrard, also Messrs J. Cameron, I. Mitchell, J. Alexander and D. Kirkland, with Mrs T. Lynch as chaperone and Mr C. Kirkland, of the executive. Our team, although' not successful in winning the War Memorial Shield, performed well and the experience gained both at this and the National Championships gives our swimmers some idea of what is required to win championship events and should be most helpful for the future. CARNIVALS “Successful carnivals were held by Murihiku (2), Collegiate (2) and Ex-

Pupils (1). Congratulations are extended to the progressive Murihiku Club on the outstanding success of the opening carnival for the year. It goes to show that by departing from orthodox methods and going to a little trouble in arranging something new, that in their case anyway, it paid handsomely. The instituting of moving pictures on swimming methods at their second carnival was a great idea and was much appreciated by the public, and this carnival also was a financial success. EDUCATIONAL WORK “This very important part of our ac-. tivities remains under the guidance and control of our educational officer, Mr J. E. Salisbury, who is to be commended for the time and work that he devotes to it. During the year he issued over 700 certificates, which compares more than favourably with previous years, more so, when it is taken into consideration that much more time was devoted to beginners than swimmers. FINANCE “The centre was faced with heavy expenditure during the season in sending a big team of juniors and intermediates to Rotorua and the conducting of the senior national championships which, unfortunately, resulted in a small loss. It is disappointing from the centre’s point of view, that some parents are indifferent to their childrens activities. What could be nicer for parents and their friends than to come along to carnivals and encourage their children’s efforts in this outstanding and very necessary sport and at the same time show that they are at least grateful for the time and attention bestowed on their children by the centre, clubs and enthusiastic coaches? However, because of the generous response by professional people, business houses and others to our appeal for funds, we are pleased to be able to state that our financial position is not unsatisfactory.”