FORDELL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 54, 6 March 1939, Page 4

FORDELL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

SUCCESSFUL EVENT N.Z. CHAMPIONS COMPETE Ten national champions and more than 50 leading swimmers from all parts of the Dominion competed in the Fordell Swimming Club’s carnival at the Gonville baths on Saturday night before an attendance of 1500 spectators. Mr. W. J. Rogers, Mayor of Wanganui, welcomed the visitors, among whom he was pleased to see Mr. A. F. Moncur, M.P. for Rotorua. Mr. Rogers congratulated the Fordell Club on its enterprise.

Mr. J. B. Cotterill, M.P. for Wanganui, and president of the Wanganui Swimming Centre, endorsed Mr. Rogers’ remarks and said that it was the first time in the history of Wanganui that a carnival had attracted so many swimming celebrities. Mr. W. Green, president of the Fordell Swimming Club, welcomed the visitors and thanked all those who were assisting in making me carnival a success. The men’s invitation 100 yards was won by J. Whiti (Rotorua), with N. S. Crump (Auckland), holder of the New Zealand record, second. In a special 100 yards backstroke race, C. Cliff (Christchurch), 440 metres champion, beat P. Mathieson (Auckland), 100 yards champion and record-holder. The winner’s time was 66 4-ssec. An outstanding performance was given in the 66 2-3 yards ladies’ handicap by Miss S. Gosleib, of Wellington, who won in the excellent time of 54 3-ssec. The best Wanganui performance was recorded by B. Haworth, of the Central Club, in coming second in the men’s 100 yards. A fine exhibition oj diving was given by D. G. Ewart, New Zealand champion.