THE SPEECHLY MILE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20673, 11 March 1937, Page 13

THE SPEECHLY MILE

To the Editor ot "The Timaru Herald" Sir,—The idea I take it, of handicapping a race, such as the Speedily Mile, is to endeavour as near as possible, to have all competitors finish together, or at least with a medium of distance between them. This rarely happens in this mile swim, so I would suggest to the powers that be, that some alteration be made in this respect, such as a committee consisting of a member from each dub with the handicapper, or some other responsible person as chairman for the same. This would largely remove the responsibility from the handicapper and help to prevent the under and over handicapping that has occurred. This race has always been run and managed by a handful of enthusiasts, and they are deserving of the greatest support from the public that can be given them. They could then award many more and much better prizes to the competitors. We have some excellent young swimmers in the district at present. Let us keep them at it and encourage others to do likewise. Good swimmers are valuable assets to a seaport town where there is an ever present danger to little children. I would also like to see the handicaps out at least a week before the race. Can we not get more than one thrill at the finish of the Speedily Mile?—l am, etc., SPECTATOR. Timaru, March 8.