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Reading from the left: W. Longworth, Duke Kahanamoku, I. Steedman, B. G. Page, A. W. Barry, G. Cuhna. |
THE KAHANAMOKU KICK
53
4/5sec : Duke Kahanamoku Creates a New World's 100 Yards Record
Cunha
and Barry also show Brillant Form : William Longworth unable to Swim in
the Mile : Record Crowd, and Gate over 600 : By CECIL HEALY
One hundred yards
in 53 4-5 seconds!
And over a straight-away
course too!
"What do you
think of the Duke?" one swimmer has impetuously questioned of another,
as if eager to anticipate the query he knew instinctively was on the tip
of his fellow enthusiast's tongue, when meeting for the first time since
the decision of the 100yds State championshiop on Saturday afternoon.
Invariably the person addressed has paused momentarialy before replying, in order to search his mind for some superlative calulated to do justice to his feelings of wonder and admiration aroused by the performance of the Hawaiian.
"But it is beyond
comprehension!"
Well might such
an ejaculation be excused, nay, even expected, of those who were not actual
eyewitnesses of the feat.
However, when
one comes to think of it, followers of natation should be getting use to
having their established theories as to the limitations of human cabalities
in the element, exploded in startling fashion.
A little more
than a decade ago the topical conjecture was as to whether the distance
would ever be negotiated in a minute.
When Fred Lane,
as it were, answered that surmise in the affirmative, he was popularly
supposed to have set a standard for all time.
Then Dick Cavill,
employing the "crawl" stroke for the first time in competition, advanced
the indicator on the speedometer by jumps and starts. The movements successfully
shocked the natatorial world.
It was just recovering
its equilibrium when the American C. M. Daniels emerged from obscurity.
He thereupon
commenced what culminated in a long series of disturbances amongst records
it was hitherto believed were destined to be mumified.
In the process
the swimming community was once more subject to agitation. On his becoming
a benedict and his virtual retirement foreshadowed, it was considered that
that eventuality would signalise a many years' cessation of hostilities
as far as the world's best sprint swim figures were concerned.
The
Duke is Discovered
Perhaps it would
have been so, had not Mr R. T. Rawlins migrated from the United States
to Honolulu, and had he not been cutely observent, after the manner of
his countrymen.
Many people had
watched and applauded the exceptional skill displayed by the Duke when
indulging in the old Hawaiian pastime of surf board riding.
No doubt thousands
had seen him "crawl" after his board as he played about with it, kitten
like, in the transparent waters that wash the tropical isle.
They probably
remarked that he was very much at home in the element, but beyond that
did not detect anything unusual about him.
It did not occur
to them that there was anything extrodinary in the way he glided backwards
and forwards.
That discovery
was reserved for Mr. Rawlins.
His divination
was more than confirmed by results of tests he submitted the Duke to over
properly measured courses.
These trials
were then forwarded on to the late Mr. Sullivan for recognition, but that
great official was just as incredulous about their authenticity as the
world at large, his scepticism drawing forth the now famous comment that
"world's records are broken by fractions, not seconds."
As the Duke's
romantic story has never ben related in this column, I might go on to mention
that subsequently arrangements were made for him to be tried out in the
United States.
He made his debut
in a race held in a freshwater tank.
Naturally, everyone
connected with the sport was tremendously curious to see if he could make
good the amazing rumours that had preceded him.
The Duke had
no previous experience in the lighter water.
This resulted
in his swallowing a mouthful soon after the contest started.
It nearly chocked
him, and the Duke had no alternative but to quit.
This happening
caused convulsive laughter in swimming circles.
The American
sportsmen fondly imagined a joke had been put up on them, but the mirth
was none the less hearty on that account.
Their awakening,
however, was as sudden as it was effective.
The Duke had
another oppurtunity of showing prowess very soon after, when he promptly,
in Yankee parlance, cleaned all the local champions up.
A
GREAT SURF SHOOTER
KAHANAMOKU
TALKS.
METHODS
AND CONDITIONS
(
BY W. F. CORBETT.)
(2.)
Kahanamoku talked
very interestingly to me yesterday about shooting the surf with and without
the board. (3.)
"Surf shooting
is a new pastime here," said he.
"With us it is
old - as old as the hills, perhaps. (4.)
Shooting on a
board and in a canoe must have started further back than body shooting.
(5.)
There are surf
boards in the Honolulu Museum which saw service ever so many years
ago, but they wouldn't do today. (6.)
We have, as you
wrote in the Sun a week or two back, improved our boards a bit, though
they may look crude enough. (7.)
The length, the
width, and the balance caused by nicely-judged distribution of weight,
are the results of the study of cause and effect as well as experience."
(8.)
Surf shooting
is indeed new in Australia.
We do not need
to go to the oldest inhabitant for information regarding how or when it
began.
Men who could
supply all the particlars are yet young.
Somewhere about
twenty-two years since (9.), as the result of a long and vigorous fight
for the privilege by several residents of Manly, peole who desired to do
so were allowed to bathe in the surf at any time and all times throughout
the day, and their number multiplied remarkably from year to year. (10.)
SURF SHOOTING'S
BEGINNINGS
We had surf shooting
four or five years before surf bathing became general. (11.)
Mr Fred C. Williams,
that inimitable handler of the megaphone at all Sydney's important swiming
carnivals, was the pioneer.
He picked up
the art from a South Sea Islander, and spread knowldge of it amoung the
surfers on the favored beaches of the time - Freshwater, Curl Curl and
Maroubra. (12.)
Mr. Williams
was then the best exponent of cavorting the breakers, and he still stands
out in that respect beyond all others.
This enthusiast
will tell you of surf shooters of the early days of the game who suprised
their fellows by the clever manner in which they used the force of
the breaker.
I have heard
of him mention Monty Fuller, Douglas Walker, Frank Bell, Harald Baker (the
Stadium referee), Jack Thompson, Morman Martin (Maroubra), Arthur Rosenthal,
Clive Smith, and Co., as wonderfully adept at taking the wave and never
leaving it till it exhausted itself.
Proceeding, Kahanamoku
said : "You have hundreds more surf shooters at work in one day around
Sydney than we see in a week, or perhaps a much longer stretch of time,
at Honolulu, but I think the old island has the pastime at greater perfection,
which is only to be expected considering its antiquity with us. (13.)
We race each
other in on a breaker, and the desire to excel sets us all thinking hard
and practising constantly.
THE DIFFERENCE.
"You catch the
wave as it curls. We take it earlier, perhaps half a dozen yards away from
the point of turning, and accumulate speed by scooping the water with the
right hand and using the left in the ordinary way, putting in the while
at least the speed you saw me finish my world record in last saturday afternoon.
Then the velocity
of the shoot is materially increased and its duration rendered greater.
We begin on our
sides and find we get more control over the effort, then we turn on our
backs or breasts as fancy suggests.
You are apparently
content with one position.
Two or more of
your beaches I have seen where dozens of bathers were shooting or trying
to shoot are not suitable.
The best performers
amoung the people patronising those places would do a great deal better
if assisted by more favorable conditions. (14.)
Holes and channels
created by the water's action are against the best results in surf shooting.
We believe there
is not another place in the world equal of Waikiki - that little
cove lying in the shelter of Diamond Head - for surf shooting purposes,
and thousands of travellers who call at picturesque island every year endorse
that opinion.
It has
a big curve protected by a large coral reef about half a mile from the
shore.
There is absolutely
no undertow. (15.)
SURF BOARD AND
CANOE.
"There the facscinating
sports of surf-canoeing and surf-board riding are indulged in by man, woman,
and child, who insist that they have the most exhiarating and fascinating
pastime known.
The canoe is
cunningly turned before a breaker near the edge of the reef till
it is picked up like a feather on the inclined plane of the front of the
wave, and borne with remarkable speed - frequently right to
shore.
The board
is worked on the same principle, but its control calls for
much greater skill.
"There are numbers
of high class surf-shooters in Honolulu, and some white people amoung them,
but, as with every other game, a few can do better than the great majority.
It was with the
few I delighted to be. (16.)
You ask me if
I held the championship as a surf shooter!
I did not, because
we had no competitions, but I do not mind telling you that there were none
around Honolulu whom I knew anything about able to shape better than me
(17.), and the full-blooded Hawaiian population is something between 25,000
and 30,000.
"You must get suitable days here to achieve the best results, and we, at Honolulu, also need suitable days, but more of them occur at Waikiki Beach than on this country's ocean front. (18.)
FAVORABLE CONDITIONS
REQUIRED. (19.)
"Take Freshwater,
for instance.
I was promised
a long roll there the day I gave that exhibition on the board, and perhaps
such a state of affairs may be more often experienced at Freshwater than
at Manly, Coogee or Bondi, but I found a short roll and a sea otherwise
which needed some managing. (20.)
With everything
favorable one can show one's best , and the more frequently condiions are
right the more practice the shooter gets.
"Your surfers
do wonderfully well, all things considered.
But not
every man can become an expert.
All people are
not built the right way.
The greater the
bouyancy the easier the task.
There are men
who can never float properly.
Their legs will
insist on dropping down."
THE EAR TROUBLE.
(21.)
Questioned regarding
his ear trouble, and asked if it was prevalent amoung Honolulu's surf shooters,
Kahanamoku said he never heard of many people suffering.
Occassionally
there were cases more serious than others, but considering the number of
people who entered the surf, the percentage was very small.
Three or four
toimes he had to seek medical attention to relieve him of pain, and found
filling his ears with rubber plugs, which are procurable in Sydney, or
using wadding saturated with oil, every time he swam till a cure was effected,
helped him a great deal.
Before starting
for the 100 yards championship of New South Wales last Sunday afternoon
Kahanamoku could only plug one ear.
It would not
have paid to be deaf to the starter's signals.
2. The reporter,
W. F. Corbett joined
The Referee, (a Sydney sporting paper) in 1888,
where he reported boxing, swimming, lawn bowls and both codes of rugby.
He moved to the
Sydney Sun in 1913. (Source -Rabbitoh Warren)
After a journalistic
career of 37 years, he died in 1923, aged 67.
(Source -the Bulletin,
Sydney, 1 November, 1923)
3. Sydney's surfing enthusiasts were as interested in Duke Kahanamoku's body surfing skills, as well as his ability on a suirfboard..
4. The ancient origins of surf riding are noted.
5. I suggest this contention is open to further discussion.
6. The boards
reported as held by the Bishop Museum probably refers to those ridden at
Wakiki in the 1830's by high chief Abner Paki and eventually restored by
Tom Blake in the late 1920's.
See #502
7. Duke Kahanamoku was aware of his own press coverage.
8. That surfboard design has a history (experience) and is also in continuous development (study of cause and effect).
9. circa 1893
10. Legalised daylight bathing is credited to Manly residents and there is no mention of the often credited William Goucher.
11. Hard core suring enthusiasts preceeded the growth of popular surf bathing.
12. Circa
1895, South Sea Islander, Tommy Tana, a youth employed as a houseboy in
the Manly district, introduced body surfing to Australia.
From the Pacific
island of Tana, (New Hebrides, now Vanuatu) he amazed onlookers at Manly
Beach with his skill at using the power of a wave to ride back to the beach.
His style was studied
and copied by Manly swimmers, notably Eric Moore, Arthur Lowe and Freddie
Williams, considered the first local to master the sport.
Enthusiasm for surf
riding expanded such that Manly surfers were invited to demonstrate the
technique at other metropolitan beaches, ultimately including Newcastle
and Wollongong.
13. Notes the immense popularity of surf riding in Australia at this time.
14. The importance of suitable surf conditons, futher expanded upon later in the interview.
15. The suitability of Wakikiki for surf riding - given the frequency, number of breaks, favorable wind direction and tropical air and water temperatures - is unique.
16. While aware of his own abilities, Duke Kahanamoku indicates that his skills are not unique, and are attainable by others.
17. Can only
refer to surfboard shaping?
If so, it would
firmly cement Duke Kahanamoku's postion as the founder of modern surfboard
design.
It would also account
for the importance and revence accorded to Duke's designs and construction
technics by Australian surfers.
18. Given the restricted geographic mobility of the period.
19. Further comments on the importance of suitable surf conditons, expanded intial observations, see 14.
20. Probably
refers to a uneven swell or even choppy surface conditions, as indicated
by photograph by the Daily Telegraph, 25th December, 1914.
Image below.
21. Ear problems
are a common complaint for surfers, exotosis is commonly called "Surfer's
Ear".
The use of ear plugs
is the most practical preventative.
.
20. There
is no discussion of wave height.or mention of tandem riding.
KAHANAMOKU
IN THE SURF.
DISPLAY
AT MANLY.
Kahanamoku, the
Hawaiian swimmer visited Freshwater yesterday morning, where he gave some
fine displays of surf-shooting.
In the afternoon
be treated the thousands of spectators on the South Steyne Beach to a highly
interesting and clever exhibition of board and ordinary surf-shooting.
The breakers
were favorable for the pastime, and the Honolulu champion made some magnificent
returns to the shore standing on his big surfboard.
He was however,
greatly impeded on this occasion by local surfers, who wished to give exhibitions
of their own at the same time.
Nevertheless,
his performance was a revelation to the big crowd in the vicinity.
Sydney Morning
Herald
Monday
11 January 1915 page 6.
Corrections required!!!
THE
SWIMMERS.
HAWAIIANS
ENTERTAINED.
KAHANAMOKU'S
RHETORIC.
The party of Hawaiian
swimmers comprising Messrs. D. P. Kahanamoku, G. Cunha, and Francis Evans
(manager), were entertained at dinner at the Fresh Food and Iee Company'
cafe, King-street, on Saturday evening.
There was a representative
attendance of over 10 swimmers, and the dinner was presided over by Mr.
James Taylor, president of the association.
Hon.
After the toasts
of "The King" and the "President of the United States" had been honoured,
Mr. Taylor proposed tho toast of "Our Visitors," remarking that the visit
of the Hawaiians was of historical interest, in as much as it was the first
occasion on which amateur swimmers of international reputation had visited
Australia.
And what champions
they were.
Kahanamoku's
speed over the sprint distance was an eye-opener to those who had not seen
him swim previously.
Mr. Taylor paid
a tribute to the efforts of Messrs Rawlins (Hawaii) and W. W. Hill, hon.
secretary of the Australian Swimming Association, in bringing about the
visit of the Hawaiians and thus helping to promote tho most successful
swimming event ever held in Sydney; or, for that matter, in Australia.
Mr. Taylor also eulogised the true sporting spirit displayed by the visitors,
and concluded by stating that Australian swimmers would undoubtedly benefit
by watching Kahanamoku's method of propulsion.
Mr. Evans, in responding, said he fully appreciated the honour conferred on his party by the New South Wales Swimming Association, and hoped that they would always deserve the good things that had been said of them.
Mr. Kahnnamoku,
instead of replying, sang a Hawaiian Hula, "Mellnna e," (?) in conjunction
with Messrs. Evans and Cunha, the sprint champion manipulating the Ukulele,
a local stringed musical instrument.
"By the Sea"
was rendered as an encore.
However, those
present insisted on Kahanamoku giving a speech, which he did as follows:-
"Gentlemen, I thank you for your little (??) - I don't know what you call
it, but it's all right."
(Great laughter.)
Mr. Cunha also
replied.
The other toasts
honoured were:-"Winners and Losers," "The Coldale (?)," "The Press" and
"The Chairman."
The Sun
12th
January 1915, page 7.
KAHANAMOKU
IN THE SURF.
STATUS
OF THE HAWIIAN
FINANCING
HIS VISIT
BY
W. CORBETT
KAHANAMOKU GONE
NORTH.
A change was
made in the Australian itinerary arranged for Kahanamoku who is now well
on his way to delight Queen8land folk.
He left by the
Brisbane express yes-terday afternoon to fufill eight engagements, which
include shows at Allora and Rockhampton.
OTHER ENGAGEMENTS.
Due to reach
Sydney again on the 4th proximo, Kahanamoku will appear at the Dee Why
Surt Club's carnival on the 6th prox., the Cronulla carnival on the 7th,
Drummoyne Baths on the 8th, and Newcastle on the 10th.
The 11th will
see him hurried off to Melbourne for exhibitions on the 15th and 18th of
February, and coming back to Sydney he will step off the train at Goulburn,
where preparations are being made for a good time.
Just exactly
when we may see the last ot the "Duke" is not, at the moment, certain.
If the original
plan were adhered to he would leave for New Zealand about the middle ot
February, but the swimming authorities of that part ot the continent are
apparently not ready to receive him.
They have cabled
the local governing body to delay his visit a few days it possible.
THE PATRIOTIC
CARNIVAL.
The N.S.W.A.S.A.
is now hopetul that their guest's services may be available tor a big patriotic
carnival to be held in the Municipal Baths, Domain, on the 20th proximo,
when the great attraction will probably be a meeting between Kahanamoku
and Billy Longworth, who was prevented, through illness, from competing
at the recent State championshlp meeting after the first day.
FINANCING THE
HAWAIIAN'S VISIT.
A correspondent
-Bona-fide Amateur- writes asking information regardlng the conditions
under which Kahanamoku is here, and expressed the opinlon that "The border-
line of amateurism must be dangerously threatened by the liberty of the
expenses allowed him."
Bona-fide Amateur
did not believe a man like Kahanamoku wouJd come so far a way from his
home unless he was liberally remunerated.
I made Inquiries
of Mr. Scott, hon. secretary. and others connnected with the management
of the Swimming Assoclation and learned that neither Kahanamoku nor anyone
of the two visitors accompanying him received a penny.
They were guaranteed
first-class travelling to and hotel expenses from Honolulu to Honolulu,
and promised a tour through Australia in so far as it could be arranged.
The A.A.U. of
the United States vouched for Kahanamoku's status, and cabled the Sydney
controllers of his trip for an undertaking that he would not be allowed
to compete with professionals. That was given.
During the Queensland,
Melbourne and New Zealand visits the New South Wales Association is to
receive £25 for each show taklng place.
It is expected
that the venture will result in a substantlal addition to this States
swimming exchequer, but it may not prove the very profttable thing some
people appear to imagine.
Over and above
the expenses of the visitors there is the cost of advertising, the renting
of the Municipal Baths, &c.
It 1s much the
greatest risk the association has ever shouldered.
AMATEURS AND EXPENSES.
Probably Kahamoku's
trip to Australia is a matter such as the English Amateur Swimming Asociation
would have refused to countenance had that body been in a position of power
regarding it.
It will be remembered
by the older swimming officials of to-day that whenever the motherland
was approached with the idea of securing a visit by an English champion
to Australia we would be told, a.ter a lot of formality had been gone through,
and the Invitation passed from the Southern Counties' Association to the
Association proper, or from the latter to the former and back again, that
the
suggestion, because
of the expense necessitated, savored too much. of professionalism.
And all the tIme
we were sending our top-notches to the old country and they were drawing
blg gates to swell the coffers of England's clubs and her governing body.
I remember one
London writer working hlmself up to an hystertcal condltion almost when
he heard that Son (we used to call him then) Baker had gone all the way
to New Zealand, and no sooner returned to Sydney than he wheeled round
and hurried oft to Rockhampton.
"Sureley", said
the English scribe, "there Is somethlng here that should receive attention.
Baker may have
pald his own expenses and he may have only received within a penny of the
amount needed to land him at his destination, but what was the object of
It all?
Nothing more
or less than to provide a big line for the invitlng club's bill."
That writer did
not know, or could not see, that Baker's tour was in furtherance of a scheme
which all Australian swimming associations had at heart for the purpose
of popularising the game and spreading it.
THE BEAM IN THE
MOTHERLAND'S EYE
The motherland
should have seen to the beam in her own, than troubling about the mote
in Australia's eye.
Nuttall, in his
amateur days, also Tyers and Jarvis, were up to their eyes In engagements
of the nature indicated, but never a hand did the ruling bodt lift to stop
it, desplte the fact of most people being aware that at least two of the
trio had no money for such trips, and valiable trophies, in the form of
high priced pianos and the like were proudly pointed to as evidences of
their owner's superiority.
KAHANAMOKU'S SWIMMING
As evidence of
how poor a swimmwer, comparatively, Kahanamoku is beyond 110 yards, at
which he holds the world record, the following reference may be interesting.
One of the official
time-keepers, Mr. T. C. Roberts, specially clocked the Hawiian's first
half of the 220 yards swim last Saturday afternoon as 1 min. 8 2-5 sec,
which is not at all fast.
The second lap
occupied the difference betwen that and 2 min. 32 2-5 sec.
It seems hardly
possible for a first clas swimmer's power to peter out to such an extent,
but it did.
The Referee
13
January 1915, page 15.
HAWAIIANS' SUCCESS.
ALLORA (Q.), Wednesday.
Tho Allora Swimming
Club held a carnival to-day, at which George Cunha and Duke Paoa Kahanamoku
took part.
Cunha won the
100 yards handicap from scratch in 50 1/2s.
Kahanamoku won
the 400 yards from scratch in 5m 31s.
SWIMMING.
RIVER
TRIP TO KAHANAMOKU.
The members of
the Hawaiian swimming team were entertained at a delightful trip up the
river on Sunday afternoon by the Commercial Amateur Swimming Club, in the
motor launch Darryl.
About 70 participated
in the outing.
Amongst the invited
guests were Messrs. Duke Kahanamoku, Francis Evans, D. S. Carter, president
Q.A.S.A., A J. Wilkins, treasurer Q.A.S.A , and the following vice presidents
of the club:- Dr. Shaw, Messrs. J. Casey, F. Hepburn, C. W. R. Just,
M. J. Kirwan, M.L.A., B. H. Hart, and S Davison (lhandicapper).
Amongst others
were Messrs. Parkes and Fitzgerald, Warwick, several members of the Commercial
Club, and members of the Toowong, Vallev, and South Brisbane clubs.
On reaching the
destination a large number enjoyed a delightful swim, which was enlivened
by the use of a polo ball.
The remainderenjoyed
themselves with a football on the flat.
The "Duke" preferred
the latter pastime, at which he is no mean adept: .
A shower of rain
caused a leturn to the boat, vvhere refreshments were served by E. C. Eachenhagen.
Before leaving
a few toasts were proposed.
"The Visitors"
was given by M. J. Kirwan. M L.A. (vice president), and responded to by
Messrs. F. Evans and Duke Kahanamoku.
"The Q.A.S.A."
was proposed by Dr Shaw (vice president), and appropriately responded to
by Mr D. S. Carter (president Q.A.S.A)
Mr. Carter proposed
the toast of "The Commerial Swimming Club," wihich was responded
to by Mr. J. Dunning (hon. secretary).
A start was made
for town shortly after 6.
The trip was
enlivened by Mr. A. Bragg's musical ubllltiea (?) and vocal items from
several members.
The
Brisbane Courier
Thursday
21 January 1915, page 3.
WARWICK VISIT ABANDONED.
WARWICK, January
20.
The Warwick Amateur
Swimming Club, which had invited Duke Kahanamoku, the famous Hawaiian swimmer,
and George Cunha, to give an exhibition at Warwick on thair return from
Brisbane, has been advised that they will proceed to Sydney by steamer.
Duke Kahanamoku
states that he expects to make another tour of Australia next year, and
that he will then visit Warwick.
THE KAHANAMOKU TOUR.
The following
fixtures have been arranged for Kahanamoku mokti and party on their return
from Brisbane: Arrive Sydney, February 4 Surf display at Deewhy Club's
Carnival on ... Cronulla Surf Club on February and Drummoyne Club's Carnival
on 6th; Newcastle club's Gala, l0th; visit ... 154 words
STRUCK
BY SURF BOARD.
WOMAN'S
LEG BROKEN.
Mrs. Green, who
lives in Burren-street, Eskinville, was enjoying a dip close in shore,
about half-past 8, when a shooter, some distance out with a board, caught
a forceful breaker.
In the dark Mrs.
Green could not see him coming in, and the man crashed into her leg, board
first.
She was knocked
over and endevored to struggle to her feet, but finding the task beyond
her, cried for help.
Two men carried
her to shore, and the Civil Ambukance rendered first aid.
She was then
taken to hospital.
The
Brisbane Courier (Queensland)
Monday
25 January 1915, page 3.
KAHANAMOKU
CARNIVALS.
THE
FINAL STAGE.
A
NEW QUEENSLAND RECORD.
SOME
SPLENDID SWIMMING.
Fortune was doubly
unkind to the Queensland Amateur Swimming Association in respect to the
third and final stage of the Kahanamoku Carnivals, which were held on Saturday
afternoon.
Firstly, it was
ascertained during the week that the Dock, where the first two stages were
held with success, would not be available, so recourse had to be made to
the South Brisbane Baths, with its shorter course and lessor accomodation
for spectators.
The second misfortune
was the uncertain weather, though it brightened somewhat in the afternoon.
Not withstanding
these disadvantages, the association and its officiers indefatigably worked
for and achieved a thoroughly successful carnival.
The various events
were keenly contested, and tha performances of Duke Kahanamoku, the famous
Hawaiian, were interesting and appreciated.
His swimming
partner, George Cunha, was regrettably unable to appear, as he was suffering
from disentery.
He is in the
hands of Dr. Hopkins.
As at the other
stages of the canival, there were many ladies present, and there were altogether
abot 800 spectators.
The receipts
amounted to £23/13/.
The Railway Band
gave pleasure with its bright musical selections.
An offset against
George Cunha's non-appearance the "Duke" gave a fine exhibition of various
strokes, comparing the American with the Australian style, and was loudly
applauded.
ln the 100 yards
Invitation Handicap the "Duke" swam splendidly, his time being only one
second outside the world record put up by himself in Sydney on January
2.
Sydney Morning
Herald
26
January 1915 page 10.
SWIMMING
KAHANAMOKU
v LONGWORTH
The executive
had practically arranged another of raising a sum for patriotic purposes
for Friday 19th, at which the Hawaiian party were to be made the means
of adding to the price of admission by auctioning several surf boards made
by themselves; but the departure of the Wellington boat on Friday, 19th
February, instead of Saturday the 20th, has also made this impossible.
However the executive
still has the matter of a patriotic function in hand, and will make a definitive
answer later.
...
DEE WHY SURF BATHING CLUB.
Kahanamoku will
appear at the Dee Why Lifesaving and Surf Club's carnivalon Saturday February
At this gathering
the Surf Bathing Association's ??? for rescue and rescusitation drill will
be decided.
New York Times
January
26, 1915, Tuesday, page 9.
NEW
SWIM RECORD.
Duke
Kahanamoku Does 100 Yards in Sydney in 53 3-5 Seconds.
Special cable
to the New York Times.
San Francisco,
Cal, Jan. 25 - A new mark for the 100 yard swim has been set by Duke Kahanamoku,
the Honolulu champion, according to word received here today from Sydney,
N.S.W
The Duke swam
the distance in 0:53 3-5 seconds which beat all former records.
The best previous
time was that of C. M. Daniels, who in four turns in a freshwater tank,
made the distance in 0:54 4-5 Seconds.
DANGEROUS
SURF BOARDS.
USERS
TO BE PROSECUTED.
Last night Alderman
Railton drew the Manly Council's attention to the dangers resulting from
the
careless use
of surf boards at South Steyne.
He asked the
council to prohibit the surf boards altogrther on the beach, as the people
who used them would not keep outside the area of the ordinary bathers,
as instructed.
Ultimately it
was resolved to issue instructions to the bathing inspectors to enforce
stritly the rule.
Anyone, therefore,
using the boards in the vincinity of the surf bathers will be prosecuted.
The
St. George Call
30
January 1915, page 4.
SURF SPLASHES
On Sunay afternoon,
February 7th, at about 3 in the afternoon, Duke Kahanamoku, the world's
natatorial marvel will be seen at Cronulla beach.
He is accepting
the hospitality of the Cronulla boys in the form of a day's outing around
the beauty spots of the Shire, and will swim in the afternoon as mentioned.
Sydney Morning
Herald
Saturday
30 January 1915 page 18.
FINAL APPEARANCE OF KAHANAMOKU.
The last Sydney
appearance of Kahanamoku, the world's champion sprint swimmer, will take
place at [?] Drummoyne Club's carnival on February 8.
The committee
has arranged with the Hawaiian to appear in a special 100 yards invitation
handicap, in which ...
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E. S. Marks was prominant in Sydney sports. Sydney's premier athletic track is named The E.S. Marks Field. Postcard reproduced from private collection. |
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