SWIMMING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 251, 22 October 1937, Page 4

SWIMMING

CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS ENGLAND AND NEW ZEALAND RECENT TIMES COMPARED The performances at the English swimming championships held recently indicated that New Zealand's best swimmers compare favourably with the champions of England. The 100 yards men’s free-style championship of England was retained by F. Dove in 55 4-ss, a time that was frequently bettered last season by the Aucklanders, P. Hanan and R. B. Frankham, who are the two fastest sprinters in the Dominion. In view of his time of Imin. 46 2-ssec. for 150 yards backstroke, the Englishman, J. C. Besford, is not as speedy as the New Zealander, P. E. Mathieson, of Wellington. On the other hand, N. Wainwright’s time of smin. 3 2-usec. for 440 yards free-style was much superior to the New Zealand standard, as also was J. G. Davies’ time of 2min 41 l-4sec. for 200 yards breaststroke. English lady champions are evidently more skilful, except at 220 yards freestyle. For this distance Miss O. Barlie registered 2min. 42 3-ssec., whereas last season Miss I. Purdie, of Dunedin, took 2min. 40sec., and Miss N. Ludlow, of Auckland, 2min. 41sec. The performances of Mrs. O. Wadham, 100 yards free-style in 63 2-ssec., Miss D. Storey, 200 yards breaststroke in 2min. 53 4-ssec., and Miss L. Frampton, 150 yards backstroke in Imin. 56 2-ssec., have so far proved beyond the capacity ol lady swimmers in New Zealand.