Swimming Club

Once again the Swimming Club lived up to its reputation of being one of the most popular and energetic, if not the most successful, Club at 'Varsity. Although last summer could not be classed as a good summer for swimming, the Club on the whole had a good season, the attendance of the members on the Club nights throughout the season being particularly pleasing. During the last two seasons, the membership of the Club has increased by leaps and bounds and, in the very near future, there can be little doubt but that the standard of swimming at Victoria will show a marked improvement. The number of younger swimmers who have joined up with the Club of late is very encouraging and this increase bodes well for the future success of the Club.

As in previous seasons, a start was made immediately after the November examinations and Club nights were held at Thorndon Baths every Wednesday evening. The Committee decided to lower the price of admission to the Baths from 6d. to 3d., but, despite this decrease, the very satisfactory financial position of the Club has been maintained.

Two teams were entered in the Wellington Water Polo Competitions, one in the B. and one in the C. grade. These teams played regularly throughout the season and both finished near the top of their respective grades. The polo teams for the ensuing season should be very strong, and it may even be possible to enter a third team.

Club nights were again the mecca of a happy throng of swimmers. Great care was taken to arrange a balanced programme each night and full scope was given to all the aquatic arts—freestyle swimming, breaststroke, diving, polo and novelty events. The Inter-Faculty Carnival, and the Club's Combined Carnival held in conjunction with the Karori Club, were outstanding successes and the latter particularly was a splendid advertisement for the Club.

A team was again entered in the arduous Peck Shield race and, although the Club finished well down, the individual performance of R. G. Hall in securing second place brought great honour to the Club. The team which ventured on to the harbour did not do as well as previous 'Varsity teams, this being due to lack of distance training.

The tournament team was most unfortunate. The team consisted of Miss S. Hefford, Miss N. Spiers, Miss M. Malcolm, Meek, Hall, O'Flynn. Taylor and Wishart. Miss Hefford finished first in the ladies' breaststroke in fast time, but was disqualified. Meek came second in the men's breaststroke, but suffered the same fate. Hall, to be quite consistent, finished second in the backstroke, and was also disqualified. Victoria protested against the decision of the referee in each case but to no avail. The team deserved a much better fate, but luck was against them.

Taylor won the men's club championship for the season, O'Flynn being the runner-up. The ladies' club champion was Miss S. Hefford, Miss Malcolm being second.

In conclusion, the Club can look forward to a very successful season next summer. The women's section of the Club is still very weak as regards membership and it is hoped that this defect will soon be remedied. A determined effort will have to be made to entice the fair sex to spend their Wednesday evenings at Thorndon. Excellence in swimming is by no means essential for Club membership.

The sincere thanks of the Club are due to its efficient Secretary, R. L. Meek, who has contributed in no small measure to its success and popularity.