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Swimming Club

An increase in membership has led to a general increase in our activities for the year- The V.U.C. Swimming Club this year cannot boast of its major successes of the previous season, but it can boast of an excellent club, where all interested in swimming will be welcomed.

The Club has had an active season, despite the wintry conditions which prevailed during Wellington's so-called summer. Early in the season, the Club combined with the Maranui Swimming Club to hold a carnival—the first to be held in the new Karori Baths. Varsity managed to hold her own against more seasoned competitors at this carnival.

Following this, we endeavoured vainly to stave off challengers for the Peck Shield—the Wellington Centre's Annual Harbour Race over a course of three miles. This race was swum under very wintry conditions, for, though the day was fine and sunny, the temperature of the water seemed almost on freezing point. A young team, we were defending the Shield, won for the first time the previous season. Hutt emerged the victors in this year's event, V.U.C. finishing sixth. Our congratulations go to Hutt for the excellent performance of their team.

Perhaps the most popular feature of our season was the weekly training nights held at the Thorndon Baths. By means of these, members can garner much experience in racing and helpful practice at water polo. The Cup, for the swimmer gaining most points in our weekly races, went to R. L. Webb.

The Club entered an "A" and a "B" team in the water polo competitions. Though more practice would improve the teams, they performed consistently well throughout the season. M. J. Mason, our dashing centre, was selected to play against the visiting Australian Surf Life-saving Team, in a match at Riddiford Baths, but unfortunately was away from Wellington at the time the game was played.

Polo, the exhilarating and exacting partner of swimming, is a game all swimmers should indulge in, and we urge all would-be dolphins to play.

Our representatives at Tournament, viz. Misses Hefford, Morton and Sanders, and Messrs. Mason, Meek, O'Flynn and Webb, swam very well and were well up to standard. Miss S. Hefford and Mr. R. Meek each secured a second in the ladies' and the men's breaststroke events respectively.

The Club Championships decided at our own pre-Tournament Carnival, resulted in victories for Miss M. Morton and Mr. W. J. Mason. Mason was awarded the cup for the Men's Championship. It is hoped that more interest will be shown this season in the Ladies' Section of the Club. Miss Morton shows distinct promise and was an ardent follower of the Club's activities.

The Annual Harbour Race arranged by the Club resulted in a win for P. H. Ryan, who swam a well-judged race under choppy and difficult conditions.

In conclusion, may we remind swimmers that the Club depends for its success, not on champions, but more on the mediocre, enthusiastic member. So, even if you are not a champion, join up next season and help improve not only your own swimming, but also a club of V.U.C.