SWIMMING

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18057, 18 January 1927, Page 14

SWIMMING

NOTES AND COMMENTS BY

“CRAWL.”

FIXTURES. February s—Leithfield. February 12—Soxnerfield. February 29—Feudal ton. February 26—Christchurch. That the quality of the swimming at the New Zealand Championships is going to be high is indicated by the high standard attained at the Auckland Provincial Championships. Honours of the first evening rested with Miss Gladys Pidgeon, the Dominion lady breast-stroke champion, who lowered the Australian and New Zealand record for 220 yards from 3min *4osec to 3min 35 3-ssec. She held the previous record conjointly with Miss Ettie Robertson, of Sydney. Miss Pidgeon, through lack of lady opponents, had to swim in the men’s breast-stroke # /ace, and one of the surprising features of her magnificent effort was the fact that she was only 3-ssec behind the winner, M. Dickinson. The second record was established by Miss Doris Magee in the 100yds intermediate girls’ championship. Miss Magee won very easily in 68 4-ssec, which is 2-ssec better than Miss M. Farquhar’s record for the distance. There was a regrettable incident at the start of the 100 yards men’s championship. When the competitors were lined up for the start Enwright and Fairgray overbalanced and fell into the water. When the starter gave the word Baird and Fairgray were caught napping, but the rest of the field got away on fairly level terms, with the exception of Enwright, who obtained a flying start. A false start was signalled and the order was given to lower the rope which was suspended across the bath above the water for the purpose. There was no one on hand to obey the starter’s command, and the epreadeagled group of swimmers sped down the bath. Some were stopped as they attempted the first turn, but Adamson, the champion, and Baird* continued on to 66 2-3yds before they were seized by officials leaning over the side. ft Some time after this fiasco the race was re swam, Baird withdrawing. Adamson won narrowly from Enwright and Fairgray, who dead-heated. When the latter award was announced some of the spectators questioned it, declaring that EnwTighfc had beaten Fairgray for the touch, * The Dominion champion, Miss E. Stockley, was extended all the way in her race against the past intermediate champion* Miss M. Farquhar, and won a thrilling race by the barest of margins. Results are as follow: 100 YARDS MEN’S TEST. A. D. Adamson (Waitemata) 1 J. Enwright (Waitemata) and L. Fairgray (Waitemata), dead heat 2 Also started: E. V. Cunnold (Waitemata), A. Crossley (Ponsonby), J. Meikle (Waitemata). Adamson, Enwright and Fairgray were swimming on equal terms at the commencement of the second lap, but Adamson then began to clap on the pace. Enwright and Fairgray were battling in second position inches behind, Meikle being fourth, Cunnold fifth and Crossley last. On the last 331-3 yards Adamson wore Enwright down and won a great race by nearly a yard. Enwright and Fairgray had a stirring struggle for second honours, and the judges could not divide them. Time—s 9 2-ssec. 220 YARDS MEN’S TEST. A. E. Baird (Waitemata) 1 J_Enwright (Waitemata) 2 These were the only starters. Enwright touched first at 66 2-3vds, but Baird was level at 100yds. He was just ahead entering the sixth lap, and won by Byds without being extended. The time of 2min 40scc was very disappointing. 220 YARDS OPEN BREAST-STROKE M. Dickinson (Waitemata) 1 Miss G. Pidgeon (Waitemata) 2 *R. Cameron (Parnell) 3 Dickinson took the lead, but was pursued by Miss Pidgeon. The former reached the last turn first, and on the final 20yds had to swim “all out” to beat Miss Pidgeon by a yard. The winner’s time was 3min 35sec. and the Dominion lady champion’s time was 3min 35 3-ssec, an Australian and New Zealand record. Cameron was some yards further back. 100 YARDS LADIES’ CHAMPIONSHIP. Miss Ena Stockley (Grammar) 1 Miss Marie Farquhar (Waitemata) 2 The only starters. . The other thre entrants. Misses M. Johnstone, P. Page and J. Bell, did not make an appearance. There was hardly anything between the two contestants all the way. Mis Farquhar made a splendid effort and was beaten only by a touch in 68sec. 220 YARDS LADIES’ TEST. Miss Piri Page (Waitemata) 1 Miss Jean Bell (Waitemata) 2 The two competitors turned together at 33 l-3yds. and also at the end of the second, third and fourth laps. Miss Page touched for the turn into the sixth lap 2ft ahead. The champion gained on the last turn *and drew away over the remaining 20yds, to win by a little more than 2yds. Time—2min 56 l-ssec. 100yds INTERMEDIATE BOYS. G. Bridson (Grammar) 1 R. Sellars (Helensville) 2 A. Raper (Ponsonby) - 3 Also started —H. Hamiston. Bridson, holder of the title, soon established a handy lead and swimming with a long, easy stroke, won by Syds. Sellars swam splendidly, and was 3yds in front of Raper at the finish. Time —62 3-ssec, equalling the Auckland>record. 220yds INTERMEDIATE BOYS. G. Bridson (Grammar) 1 R. Sellars (Helensville) 2 A. Raper (Ponsonby) 3 Bridson won without being extended by 20 yards. The time, 2min 39 l-ssec, was 1 l-ssec slower than the New Zealand record. INTERMEDIATE BOYS’ DIVE. D. Mulvihill (Waitemata) 1 100yds INTERMEDIATE GIRLS. Miss Doris Magee (Parnell) 1 Miss Champion (Waitemata) 2 Miss Lilia Coutts (Grammar) 3 All three girls swam with great, dash, but !Miss Magee was outstanding. Over the first two laps she was far ahead and swimming faultlessly. The first 50 yards were covered in slightly slower than 30sec, and the 66 2-3yds in about 42sec. Although she tired somewhat over the last 33 l-3yds the leader was still showing a splendid turn of speed. She won by about six yards from Miss Champion, who in a gruelling tussle with Miss Coutts, touched a stroke to the good. The time was GS 4-osec—a New Zealand record. 75yds INTERMEDIATE GIRLS’ BREASTSTROKE. Miss M. Rydon (Waitemata) 1 Miss M. Bell (Waitemata) 2 Miss JtL Hedlund (Ponsonby). .... 3

W on bv a foot, with a touch between second and third. Time—69 4-ssec. 100yds JUNIOR BOYS’ TEST. L. Smyth (Ponsonbv) 1 J. Magee (Parnell) 2 The only starters. At 50 yards the two boys were level. They turned together at 66 2-3vds and Smyth went away to win by 3 --ards. Time—76 4-ssec. 75vds JUNIOR BOYS’ BREASTSTROKE. J. Mavee ( Parnell) 1 Magee, the. only starter, was paced bv T. Lowe, and registered 70sec. 50yds JUNIOR GIRLS’ TEST. _Miss S. Brown (Waitemata), 1; Miss N. Coutts (Grammar). 2; Miss S. Grange (Waitemata), 3. The only starters. The winner went away from the dive and won 1 -»* Time —33 3-ssec. MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS. Open Handicap, 66 2-33 r ds.—First heat: R. de Lorree, 3sec. 1: D. Keene, 3sec. 2; R. Crewther, ssec, 3. Time—--40 3-ssec. Second heat: W. Tapeth, 7sec, 1: E. Bradle- 3sec, 2. Time— , 38 1-osec. Third heat: C. Welson, 2sec, 1; C. Witten, 3'sec, 2; A. Keene, Ssee, 3. Time—llsec. Final: Bradley I, de Lorree 2. Time—39 2-ssec. Junior Boys’ Handicap, 50 yards.— First heat: B. Keane, 7sec, 1; L. Smyth, 4sec\ 2; E. Johnstone, 4sec, 3. Time—33 l-ssec. Second heat: G. Foy, lsec, 1; H. Hamiston, 3sec, 2. Time —3lsec. Final: B. Keane 1, IT. Hamiston 2, G. Foy 3. Time—32 3-ssec. Junior Girls’ Handicap, 50 yards.— Miss M. Johnstone, ssec, 1; B. ITanlon, scr, 2. Time—39sec. Water Polo.—Possibles 3, drew with Probables 3. Swimming with wonderful power and far ahead of the other competitors on the second evening. Gordon Bridson, intermediate champion of New Zealand, lowered his own 440yds Dominion intermediate record by 7sec to smin 40sec. Bridson’s record is remarkable, only two ’seniors having won the New Zealand, open championship in faster time. Baird's Dominion record is smin 30 4-ssec. Although Bridson is only seventeen years of age, his latest performance equals M. E. Champion’s time in' winning the 1913 New Zealand championship. The greatest surprise of the meeting was provided by Miss Jean Bell, who defeated the New Zealand champion, Miss Piri Page, over 440yds in a great race. T. Lowe recorded lmin 26 1-osec for the 100yds intermediate bov’s breaststroke. The record is lmin 17'4-ssec. Miss F. Lawrence was timed to swim 75yds breast-stroke in 84 4-ssec in an intermediate girls’ trial. Results are:— 440Y'DS MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP. A. E. Baird (Waitemata) 1 J. Enwright (Waitemata) ! 2 Also started.—C. Welson (Waitemata). At 100yds Welson was leading Baird, but the champion caught him with a splendid turn into the fifth lap. Welson retired at 200yds. With five of the thirteen laps remaining, Baird had an advantage of 3yds from Enwright. At each turn he would shoot further away. The final lap was swum in heavy rain. Baird was moving along strongly without exerting himself. He touched about 6yds to the good in smin 47sec, which bears no comparison with his New Zealand record of smin 30 3-ssec. Enwright swam a splendid losing race. 150YDS BACKSTROKE TEST. L. Fairgray (Waitemata) 1 Fairgray was accompanied by the Australian and New Zealand lady backstroke champion, Miss E. Stockley, who was swimming a trial. The Dominion open champion and record-holder won in lmin 57sec. His record is lmin 62 3-ssec. Miss Stockley’s time was 2min 11 2-ssec. There is no New Zealand or Australian ladies’ record for the distnee, but the world’s record is lmin 58 l-ssec. 440YDS LADIES’ CHAMPIONSHIP. Miss Jean Bell (Waitemata) 1 Miss Piri Page (Waitemata) .... 2 The only starters. The pace was fast from the start, each girl going ahead by inches as she got on the “blind” side. Going down the sixth lap they were still on level terms. Each was making a great effort to draw away. Going down the tenth lap. Miss Page went to the front slightly, but Miss Bell refused to be shaken off. She battled hard, and by the time the twelfth lap had been covered she had won the race. Turning first, she spurted away, displaying excellent reserve power, while Miss Page was unable to respond. The gap gradually widened, and Miss Bell eventually won her first open championship by Syds, in 6min 20 3-ssec. 220YDS INTERMEDIATE GIRLS. Miss Edna Champion (Waitemata) 1 Miss Lilia Coutts (Grammar) .... 2 Miss Champion, swimming strongly and easily, asserted her superiority in the fourth lap, and drew out to win easily by 7yds in the good time of 3min 4sec. The record is 2min 57 2-ssec. 440YDS INTERMEDIATE BOYS. G. Bridson (Grammar) l R. Sellars (Helensville) 2 A. Raper (Ponsonby) 3 Also started.—R. J. Lynch, W. Stockley. Bridson made his own pace and won by nearly a minute. Sellars, a boy of .promise, was well ahead of Raper. The. other two competitors retired. Time—omin 40sec —a New Zealand intermediate record. lOOY'DS JUNIOR GIRLS. Miss S. Brown (Waitemata) 1 Miss N. Coutts (Grammar) 2 Miss Brown, who won the 50yds championship on Tuesday evening, did not extend herself until the third lap. She then increased a lead of one yard to seven yards at the finish. Time—--81 2-ssec, compared with the New Zealand record of 76 2-ssec. 220YDS. JUNIOR BOYS’ TEST. L. Smyth (ponsonb}') l J. Magee (Parnell) 2 Both boys swam in line until the sixth lap, when Smyth went away to win by six yards. sec. The New Zealand re<*brd is 2min 54sec, established last month by L. Olds, of Dunedin. HANDICAP EVENTS. Open Handicap, 50yds—First heat: J. Eddlestone (Helensville), 7sec, 1; J. Rankin (Mount Eden), Bsec, 2; W. Foster (Ponsonby), 6scc, 3. Time—3lsec. Second heat: L. G. Smith (Mount Eden)* 6sec, I ; C. Witten (Moimt Eden), ssec, 2. Time—3osec. Third heat: R. Crewther (Waitemata), Csec, 1; M. Honeyfield (Parnell), Bscc, 2. Time—29sec. Final: Eddleston, 1; ; Smith, 2: Rankin, 3. Time—3o 2-ssec. | Ladies’ Handicap, 66 2-3yds—Miss M.

Bell (Waitemata), 6sec, 1; Miss M. Farquhar (Waitemata), scr, 2; Miss D. Grant (Grammar), 3sec, 3. At 50yds Miss Bell had drawn well out from the other competitors, and she won comfortably. Misses Farquhar and Grant fought out the last 16yds, the former getting home by a touch. Time—46 Boj's’ Handicap—First heat: H. Homiston (Waitemata), 4sec, 1; J. 11. Dave 3' (Waitemata), 4sec, 2; A. Spraggin (Waitemata), 6sec, 3. Time—44sec. Second heat: G. Foy (Mount Eden), 2sec, 1; E. Johnstone (Waitemata), 6sec, 2. Time —52sec. Final: Homiston, 1; Foy, 2; Johnstone, 3. Won by two strokes, with a stroke between second and third. Time—4ssec. Water Polo—Probables 3, beat Possibles 0. THE AUCKLAND TEAM. A particularly strong team has been selected to represent Auckland in the New Zealand championships. The ladies’ 100yds championship will be swum at the afternoon session and the final of the men’s 100yds in the evening. Following is the team: Men’s 100 Yards—A. D. Adamson, J. Enwright and L. Fairgray. Men’s 220 Yards—A. E. Baird, J. Enwright, A. D. Adamson. Men's 440 Yards, 880 Yards, and One Mile—A. E. Baird, J. Enwright and E. V. Cunnold. 150 Yards Backstroke—L. Fairgray. Men’s Dive —B. Young. 100 Yards Ladies’—Misses E. Stockley, M. Farquhar, J. Bell and P. Page. 220 Yards and Yards Ladies— Misses P. Page and J. Bell. 220 Yards Ladies’ Breaststroke—Miss G. Pidgeon. 100 Yards, 220 Yards and 440 Yards Intermediate, Boys—G. Bridson and R. Sellars. Intermediate Boys’ Breaststroke—T. Lowe. Intermediate Boys’ Dive—D. Mulvihill. 100 Yards and 220 Yards Intermediate Girls—Misses D. Magee, E. Champion and L. Coutts. 75 Yards Intermediate Girls’ Breasti stroke —Miss M. Rydon. 100 Yards and 220 Yards Junior Boys—L. Smyth. 75 Yards Junior Bovs’ Breaststroke— J. Magee. 50 Yards and 100 Yards Junior Girls —S. Brown and N. Coutts. The following water polo teams have been selected by Mr W. J. Gibbons.—Auckland A—Fairgray, Enwright (captain), Adamson, Jenkinson, Cunnold, F. Hedges, Meikle. Auckland B—Clark, H. Moore (captain). G. Hedges, C. Wclson, E. Bade-' ley, Foster, Pettit.