Swimming

The fact that the 1961 N.Z.U. Swimming Team in Australia made history by defeating Australian Universities seems to be little known outside swimming circles. This is perhaps due to the meagre coverage given by the daily newspapers. In this regard the Broadcasting Service gave excellent coverage.

The tours are biennial, being started shortly after World War II. This is the second time women have been included in the team and the first time New Zealand won either trophy.

The outstanding swimmers were undoubtedly Peter Hatch (Victoria) and Alison Bell (Otago).

Peter won the 110 Butterfly in both Tests. His times were 68.9 secs, and 66 secs, compared with the N.Z.U. Blues time of 73secs. and the N.Z.U. record of 72.1 set by him at Easter, 1960. He also won the 220 medley in both Tests in 2.50.9 and 2.44 compared with the Blues time of 2.49 and the N.Z.U. record he set last Easter of 2.46.8. To cap it all Peter won the 110 Freestyle in 62.5 in both Tests equalling the Blues time and .4 sees, outside his N.Z.U. record.

Just in case you think he was loafing he was a member of the Polo team which lost in the first Test and won in the second Test. He also swam in the relays.

Alison won the Women's Medley in 3.10.1 and 3.5.5 (N.Z.U. Blues time 3.9 and record 3.8.4 held by herself), the Women's 220 Freestyle in 2.39.9 and 2.36 (Blues time 2.38, no N.Z.U. Event) and the 110 Freestyle in 70secs. in both Tests equalling the Blues time and .4secs. outside her N.Z.U. record. She of course also swam in the relays.

New Zealand won all but two swimming events in both Tests, a remarkable achievement though of course the Australian team was not as good as their team in New Zealand in 1959.

Others who broke Blues times in the Tests were:

Geoff. Elmsley (Otao, 110 Backstroke, 71.9 (Blues time 72) and Kirsty Macallan (Otao), 110 Breastroke, 90sec. (92sec.).

The Relay teams also performed creditably winning all but the Women's Freestyle relay in the first Test.

The tour from all accounts was most successful and I hear that Swimming Council have received a number of complimentary letters from Australia.

The Inter-Dominion Swimming Record Book has been rewritten, the six girls and 12 chaps have had an excellent tour and the New Zealand clubs have had their moneys worth.

Roll on Easter in Dunedin so that we can hear those tales of the past.

You do not have to worry, remember not all those at Tournament are N.Z.U. Blues or even potential ones—why not try and be one of those in Dunedin for the fun.

—C.P.