CHAMPION SWIMMERS’ TOUR

Taranaki Daily News, 15 February 1933, Page 6

CHAMPION SWIMMERS’ TOUR

TARANAKI ARRANGES FOR VISIT. FRANK KURTZ AND MAIOLA KALILI The American swimmers Frank Kurtz, and Maiola Kalili will probably be seen in action .at New Plymouth as the result of the Taranaki Swimming Centre’s decision last night to guarantee to the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Centre the £25 required before a visit to any centre will be considered. The two men, stated a letter from the New Zealand association, would be available for three weeks after the Australian tour. The terms would be approximately £25 per appearance. That was all the information available at present, stated the secretary, and replies from New Zealand centres were now being awaited before replying to the offer from Australia. “If your centre wants an appearance it would mean finding a minimum of £25,” concluded the letter. Mr. P. J. Flannagan said the attendances in Australia had been enormous. Kalili particularly had been a tremendous attraction. Mr. R. Crossman: Supposing the weather is wet?

Mr. Flannagan: You could insure the carnival—and you might get both the insurance and proceeds as welL He believed, said Mr. Flannagan, that the swimmers would be such a draw .that the baths would be packed wet or fine. If the chance were missed now it would be regretted. Mr. F. J. Eggleton (the chairman) agreed that an attempt should be made to have the visit arranged. It would be a great benefit both to enthusiasm and proficiency. , z “ It was decided to guarantee the £25 and to ask that the visit to Taranaki be arranged to take place as soon as possible after the swimmers’ arrival from Sydney on March 11.

Added interest was lent to the first, day of the Tasmanian amateur championships on Saturday by the presence of Frank Kurtz and Maiola Kalili, says the Australian Sporting Globe of February 8. Kalili established an Australian record for 100 yards of 535.

Kalili began somewhat slowly, but on turning carved .his way through the water with a tremendous speed, and left the other competitors almost at a standstill. It' was a great effort, and the Hawaiian was loudly cheered when his record was announced. Kalili afterwards gave an exhibition, and amazed the crowd with his demonstrations of quick turning and his crawl and overarm swimming. ' . . - Kurtz gave a brilliant exhibition of diving, including an Isander with half screw which had not previously been done in Australia.