AQUATICS

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1146, 28 March 1912, Page 19

AQUATICS

The Australian sculler, Hagney, who has expressed his intention of proceeding to America for the purpose of rowing Durnan, will also compete in several of the big cycling events in the States. That Hagney is a sprint cyclist of no mean calibre was evidenced the other day when he lowered the colours of the famous American cyclist, Mitten, in a race over 100yds for £5 aside.

Dick Cavill, the well-known swimmer, who left Sydney close upon two years ago for America, has been connected with the. Pittsburg Athletic Club as swimming instructor until recently. In a letter to a Sydney friend he states that he has left his former position, and intends going into vaudeville. His act will be similar to that presented by Professor Finney, and he will have the services of his two clever children, Dick and Thea. ;

Dick Arnst, who is at present on his way to the Old Country to row Ernest Barry on the Thames, has undertaken the trip without trainer or pacemaker, but will secure both in London. Arnst has arranged for Barry to post his £5OO expenses in England, but as sculling is a longway from booming at Home just at present he will probably not be able to lift the whole of the amount until after he rows the Englishman. When he pulled Barry on the Zambesi he •drew his expenses (£300) immediately he arrived in Africa, but subsequently demanded another £lOO (which he got) because of the Zambesi committee inot accommodating his party as arranged.

Owing to the fact that Malcolm ■Champion is not making the trip to the Olympia Games to represent New Zealand in the swimming events, enthusiasts on this side of the Tasman will, so far as Olympic matters are concerned, have their attention engrossed in the doings of the. Australian swimming team. In the event •of sufficient funds being available, Australia will have four swimming representatives at the Olympic Games, these being W. Longworth, Cecil Healy, Harold Hardwick, and L. Boardman. The three first-named swimmers were chosen outright, but the selection of a fourth man was delayed, and a test race oyer 220yds held at the Domain Baths in Sydney. In the event in question L. Boardman conclusively proved his superiority over all comers, and won his heat and final in the excellent times of 2min 36sec and 2min 37 sec respectively.

Though it is a matter for regret that the representation of Australasia has been left solely to the swimmers of New South Wales, it is thought that the quartette will succeed in their main objective, viz., the annexing of the international teams’ race of 800 metres. That the four members chosen are a speedy team who should represent Australia creditably in the world’s championship is borne out by their best times over 220yds (which is about 4yds further than the 200 metres), these being as follows:' —Longworth, 2min 27 2-ssec; Healy, 2min 29 4-ssec; Hardwick, 2 min 30 3'-issec; and Boardman, 2min 36sec. Longworth will also probably swim in the 100, 400, and 1500 metres events, Healy, Hardwick, and Boardman in the 100 metres, and Hardwick also in the 400 metres.

Australasia will also be represented in the women’s section of the swimming events, the representation again resting solely with New South Wales. This State has a brilliant individual performer in Miss Fanny Durack, who gave proof of her prowess during her recent visit to Auckland, while, there also seems a remote possibility of a representative team being available for the women’s teams’ race. The Ladies’ Association has decided to nominate both Miss Fanny Durack and Miss Mina Wylie for selection, the latter to go in the event of sufficient funds being available for two. There is also a probability of a third lady, also an excellent swimmer, making the trip at her own expense, and with Miss Dorothy Hill available in England, a brilliant representative team would be at hand to represent Australasia in the ladies’ teams’ race. Miss Durack can safely be trusted to acquit herself more than creditably in the individual events, as on considering her late phenomenal performances there appears to be no -woman swimmer in the world capable of defeating the popular New South Wales and Australian champion over any distance. Her success

in the ladies’ diving is more problematical, as she may find different standards of judging in force to those prevailing in this country. The other three ladies would be very creditable second strings for at least the 100 metres event.

The Auckland Rowing Club held a series of trial fours on Saturday for gold brooches (ladies’ nomination) presented by the Commodore, and trophies donated by Mr J. Negus, a former member of the club. The final

was won by Sinel’s crew by over a length. The winning crew consisted of C. Slnel (stroke), R. Wilson, Stainton and A. King (bow).