surfresearch.com.au  duke kahanamoku : february 1915

Last Saturday was a blank day as far as carnivals were concerned, but next Saturday will be the reverse.
The return or the Kahanamoku party provides the reason for actlvity In both surfing and swlmming sectlons of the sport.
The champion sprinter and surf-board exponent will make hls first public appearance In the surf at the Dee Why Club's carnival, and if the waves be at all suitable, his exhibitlon of board-rldlng in various attitudes should be worth witnessing.
Kahanamoku stands upright on the board, and is also at home standing on his head  and balanclng In various positlons as the board shoots towards the shore.
Another achievement, so far alone mastered by him, is to take a passenger on the board with him.

George Cunha, the travelling companion of Kahanamoku, and one who, on his performance in the hundred yards championship or the State may be classed as the fastest white swimmer in Ihe world, is Iisted to make another appearance at the Domaln Baths, where he will meet Barry and other speedy local performers over the 100 metre course in a special handicap at the Ladies Association championshlp carnival.
Cunha holds the record for the dlstance, but Barry Is showing such fine form, that the dlfference between the two in their one contest was so Ilttle, that both are looking forward to another meeting.

The Ladies' Association has also arranged for the troupe of divers, led by Len. McCarthy, to give an exhibition of high tower acrobatic diving, a branch of the art which has not so far been mastered by the fair sex.
Excepting these two items, the whole of the programme will be confined to girl swimming, and Miss Fanny Durack will be called upon to defend her championship titles against the fast-improving Lottie Fevyer, Marjorie Winn, Aggie Sly, and others.
Miss Mina Wylie, who has been a very consistent performer for many years at these galas, will be an absentee owing to an illness.

A third carnival—an important one, too— will also be held at Lavender Bay.
The North Sydney and Rose Bay Clubs have joined forces for the day.
Two district champlonships besides the Harris Cup high diving competition, in which all the leading exponents of the art are entered as representatives of their respective districts, will be decided.
Champion Longworth will make his re-appearance, after his unfortunate illness, in the 220yds Eastern districts' championship, and it is predicted by his club-mates that new Australasian figures will be created.
In the quarter-mile Northern Suburbs' championship, T. Adrian, the State champion, will be challenged by club-mate G. Wyld, and Cotton, the North Sydney rep.
As the carnival will clash with that of the ladies, it has been arranged that the divers, and also Barry, Cunha, and others will appear at both fixtures, and a launch will be utilised to transfer these competitors from one bath to the other.

On Monday next D. P. Kahanamoku will make his last swimming appearance in Sydney, when he will appear at the Drummoyne Club's gala in a special hundred yards invitation handicap.
The event will consist of one heat, in which only the best sprinters will be invited to start.
The bath provides an ideal course for a fast swim, as, although the laps are short (33 1-3 yards), the width of the enclosure minimises the trouble experienced in other small baths of a jobbled state of water for the scratch man.
Kahanmoku will give starts to all the men, which means that he will have to move considerably faster than if he were to meet the same field in a championship, and, that being so, a new record should be created.
Besides the main event, the programme includes no fewer than four championships.
The Harris Cup medley event, in which three swimmers from each district will swim relays of hundred yards by means of the back stroke, breast stroke, and free style, is new to Sydney.
A few of the nations are anxious to have such an event included in the programme of the Olympic Games, so that, from many points of view, the item will be of considerable interest.
The 500 yards teams championship of the western districts should provide an even tussle between the Drummoyne and  Rechabite clubs, and both are anxious to gain the Association's standard time certificate.
The 100 yards club championship and 50 yards junior championship will also be decided.
Other items include an exhibition swim by Miss Fanny Durack, world's lady champion, diving and novelty events, and handicaps.
George Cunha, the Hawaiian swimmer, will not take part in the special 100  yards race, but will give a special swim over a distance to be selected.
The competitors in the event as opponents of Kahanamoku will be Barry, Longworth, Boardman, Solomon, Hay, and Page.
A good proportion of the seating accommodation has already been sold, so that the success of the venture is practically assured.
In the polo competitions, Sydney are leading in the first grade with two points, and in the second grade Pyrmont and Sydney each have two points.
Pyrmont easily defeated Mosman last Saturday, and the meeting between the two leaders should provide some excellent polo.

Both Manly and Sydney held 220 yards handicaps last Saturday, a feature that cannot be too highly valued.
In this column attention has often been drawn to the too frequent 50 yards events at the "Village" to the detriment of promising distance talent.
However, the fact that seven heats were necessary to decide the furlong event on Saturday shows that the members appreciate a change to a longer race now and again.
The 220 yards is the most important distance to Australians, in view of the world's teams' championship being decided in relays of that length.
Barry has improved considerably over the distance, and on Saturday put up 2m 36 2-5s, an improvement of several seconds on his best previous swim.
A slight alteration to his stroke is responsible for this.
The sprint champion deserves every credit for his perseverance in mastering this distance.
Rose Bay held heats of its Longworth Cup, 500 yards event, and again William Longworth qualified for the final by swimming second in his heat.
The champion has a very substantial lead in this competition, and looks all out a winner of the cup presented by his father.
The Melbourne Club has arranged its programme for the visit of Kahanamoku on Saturday, February 13, and Monday, February 15.
On the first day the 100 yards and diving championships of Victoria will be decided, but as only State residents are eligible to compete in the championships a special 100- metres event has been included for the visitors.
This function will be carried out at St. Kilda Baths, but the Monday fixture will be held at the City Baths, and a 220 yards race is listed for Kahanamoku.

Newcastle has arranged a special 150 yards race for the Hawaiian visitors, who will appear in that city on Wednesday, February 10.
It is an effort to secure Longworth and Kahanamoku over a course likely to make an even contest.
It will be interesting to note the doings of Kahanamoku over this distance, and yet another Australian record may go to the credit of the visiting team after the event.

The members of the Hawaiian party, Duke Kahanamoku, George Cunha, and Francis Evans (manager) - arrived by yesterday's mail train from Mt. Morgan and  Rockhampton, and spoke appreciately of the treatment given them.
They  continued their journey south by the Osterley, which left the New Farm Wharf at 11 o'clock yesterday.
Amoungst those that bade them farewell were Messrs. D. M. Carter (Chairman of the Q.A.M.A.), A.J. Wilkins (sec. treasurer), W. Finnemore (sec. treasurer, Q.C.U.), A. Andersen, and E Jacobs.

Some time ago the New Zealand ASA arranged the itinerary to be carried out by D. P. Kahanamoku in connection with his tour of the Dominion.
The fixtures included carnivals up to March 27, but as the members of the Hawaiian party were booked to leave Auckland ... 168 words

The New South WaIes Amateur Swimming Association has approved of the following records established by D. P. Kahanamoku and George Cunha at the State championship carnivals on January 2 and 6.
-100 yards: 53 4-5s by D. P. Kahanamoku.
100 metres: 63 3-5s, by George Cunha.
Both records are also Australian best performances, and will be submitted to the Australian union for recognition as such.
The 100 yards record is also the world's best, and will be forwarded to the International Federation for recognition.

The Deewhy surf and beach carnival will be held tomorrow afternoon, and will be followed in the evening by an open air concert.
Part of the afternoon's entertainment will be a surf board display by Duke Kahanamoku, and many other attractive items have been provided.

Duke Kahanamoku, the 100 yds. world's champion swimmer, will visit Cronulla Beach on Sunday afternoon and will give an exhibition at 3 o'clock.
At the invitation of the Cronulla Surf Club he will visit the beauty spots of the Sutherland Shire.

Duke Kahanamoku, the World's Champion, at Cronulla on Sunday afternoon.
A big draw.

The Surf bathing Association' officials visited Cronulla on Sunday last to put through a number of members for the Association's medallions.
The following were successful: J. Hallet, N. Deacon, F. Postle, E. Wilshire, L. Newman, S. Short, C. Ray, R. Whipp, W. Duff, R. Emanuel.
In addition to these it will be pleasing to know that Capt. Stroud and Vice-Captain Cutherbertson secured the Association's highest award - that of Instructor.

There are no fewer than three very important carnivals to be held this afternoon.
The famous Hawaiian party will endeavour to be represented at all of these.

Messrs. D. P. Kahanamoku, George Cunha, and Francis Evans, the Hawaiian Swimming Team, who have been touring Queensland, returned to Sydney yesterday morning by the Osterley.
The visitors report having made an extensive tour of the Northern State, which they competed at Allora, Brisbane, Rockhampton, Maryborough, and Mount Morgan.
Owing to the Queensland rules not allowing other than residents to compete in the State championships, all the races were handicaps, in which Kahanamoku and Cunha had to concede long starts.
However, the majority of the events were created in every city visited. 

SURF CARNIVAL.
KAHANAMOKU AT DEE WHY.

Tho Dce-wby Surf Club held Its aeoond tin nual carelral this afternoos In dull and pleasant weather. There were about two spectstors.
Tbe chief attraction waa a display on a surf board by Duke Knhanomoku, who performed all kinds or tctobiUc oats on the board.
Ue sfterwurds earned a lady passenger.
Altoge ther It ww an Interesting exhibition.
Ano ther attractive featuro vaa a hiunorout rro ctsslon, and 'Rickey's Hobos' provided a lot ot tun. The mnreh-p«st o! tbe different surt cubs was a tine sight. Resulta: ORAKD PAiRADE OF OLTJBS.-Dee-Whr. 1: North Sterne, t THRBB-LBOOED HACE.— Nonh Steynn (H. and r. NlehoUa), 1; Collaroy (N. Blaken and J. Bit), t. WWle the OanedlBS Highlanders wear kalis, and an «e tit, trcw, aad tarty as our own Hltnlaaosn, Mr IsOMaCt. It ntneh. What a reeepUen the* 'wlll h»re tow the Chan »»!. thaw lhtat ponfiaWoitlcM ot I'Sateete

1915 'SURF CARNIVAL.', Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), 6 February, p. 7, viewed 4 February, 2015, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115826398

The second annual carnival of the Dee Why Surf Club was held this afternoon at Dee Why Beach.
The attendance was large.
The principal attraction was a display on the surf board by Kahanamoku.
He went through all sorts of acrobatic meats (sic).

Notes
1. "acrobatic meats" is a printer's error and should be "acrobatic feats".

The Sporting Judge Melbourne, Monday 6 February 1915 page 1. Duke Kahanamoku World's Greatest Swimmer St Kilda Baths ... Saturday, February 13th City Baths ... Monday, February 15th ? Melbourne, Friday  12 February 1915 page ? Kindly contributed by Craig Baird, Australian National Surfing Museum,Torquay, Victoria.

Duke Kahanmoku treated something like 4000 persons to a fine exhibition of surf board shooting at Deewhy on Saturday afternoon.
The local club had arranged a surf carnival, and Kahanamoku was asked to appear and shoot the breakers as the Hawaiians do.
"The Duke" did all, and more than was expected of him,
Taking a board something like 10 feet in length, the champion swimmer made out towards the open sea.
When a favorable rise presented itself the swimmer's paddling arm action drove the board ahead, to be eventually carried shorewards on the crest of a breaker.
When "the Duke" stood up the sight was grand.
Later Kahanamoku came in standing on his head, and at another time carried a lady passenger.
For more than an hour exhibitions were given.

D. P. Kahanamoku, the famous Hawaiian swimmer, gave an exhibition on the surf board at the Dee Why surf carnival on Saturday.
The beach was lined with people, all anxious to obtain a good view.
The various events were watched with interest, especially the performance of Kahanamoku.
He came out with his surf board, plunged into the water and continued to swim out until those watching from the beach soon wondered when he would stop.
After covering nearly half a mile, Kahanamoku turned and prepared for a roller, which came along a moment after; he caught it, and as the wave carried him shorewards he performed all kinds of acrobatic feats on the board, and finally dived into the water as the roller broke.
The crowd showed their appreciation in a very hearty manner.

Kahanamoku remained in the surf for nearly an hour, and he was accompanied at intervals by Miss Letham, of Freshwater, and it was a rare sight to watch both swimmers on the surf board.
The various surf events under the control of the New South Wales Surf Bathing Association were well contested.
An open-air concert at night concluded the day's sport.

Details :—
Grand Parade of Clubs.—Dee Why, 1 ; North Steyne, 2.
Three-legged Race.—North Steyne, 1 ; Collaroy, 2.
Pennant Rescue and Resuscitation Competition.—   Metropolitan Division, third round ; Bondi A, 57.77 points, 1 ; Manly A, 57.47 points, 2 ; Coogee, 56.66 points, 3 ; North Steyne, 52.03 points, 4.
Novice Surf Race.—A. V. Rein (Manly), 1 ; C. D. Bell (Manly), 2.
Tug-of-War.—Collaroy, A. L. Melrose, capt. ; C. Knight, J. Walton, A. Thew, J. Jack, J. Bloomfield,
D. Scully), 1.
Beach Relay Race.—First heat : Collaroy, 1. Second   heat : North Steyne, 1. Third heat : Coogee, 1. Final : Collaroy (L. Chinchen, T. V. Smith, A. Sheldon, L.   Sheldon), 1 ; North Steyne (E. Goulding, G. Morgan, O. H. G. Merrett, C .Whitehead), 2.
Alarm Reel Race.—Manly (H. M. May, belt, O. Mater, H. Buhl, F. Bennett, D. West), 1 ; North Steyne (L. Hind, belt, F. Nicholls, B. McEwan, E. Goulding, N. Thompson), 2.
Cock Fight.—Balmoral ( J. Doudney, C. Walker), 1.
Surf Race Relay Race.—Manly (J. Brown and N. Smith), 1 ; North Steyne (C. Healy, L. Solomon), and Bondi (J. G. Brown and H. Fletcher), dead heat.
Novice Alarm Reel Race.—First heat : North Steyne, 1 ; North Bondi, 2. Second heat : Coogee, 1. Third heat : Bondi, 1. Final : Coogee (J. Leary, H. Mason, H. McClure, R. Harret, M. Reubenstein), 1.
Wheelbarrow Race.—North Steyne (H. Nicholls, F. E. Nicholls), 1.

The exhlbltlon of surf board rlding given by D. P. Kahanamoku at the Deewhy Surf Club's carnival provided the greastest spectacle that has yet been witnessed in this respect.
The Hawaiian proved himself a master of the art, and, despite the fact that the conditions were anything but favourable, fulfilled his advertised programme.
On one occasion the board carried him a distance of four hundred yards, and he balanced on his head while shooting towards the shore.
On another occasion, and whilst sitting on the board, he finished the shoot by coming in broadside on.
He also carried a lady passenger a distance of a hundred yards.
The exhibition lasted more than an hour.
There seems to be no limit to Kahanamoku's work with the board, and at Cronulla on Sunday he used it he used it to carry him for a short distance, and then dived into the wave and completed his trip to the sands with a body shoot.
The Deewhy carnival was well carried out.

Trove
1915 'DUKE IN THE SURF.', Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), 10 February, p. 1, viewed 4 February, 2015,
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129344157

The Duke's party, consisting of Duke Kahanamoku, George Cuhna, Harry Hay, W. Hill and officials of the Aus. A. S. A.: W. Scott, Marks, and officals of the N.S.W.A.S.A., and D. McIntyre, and officials of the Surf B. Assn., altogether a very representative gathering of Sydney swimming powers that be, was met at Sutherland station by the following members of the Cronulla Life Saving Club, with their cars, J. Munro, J. Halett, D. Bouffier, L. Giddings, and F. Stroud, and whirled off to Waterfall, returning to National Park via Lady Carrington's Drive.
Alfesco luncheon at Audley.
The toast of the visitors was given by the Club captain, who expressed the Club's appreciation at being given the opportunity of entertaining such distinguished members of the swimming world as Duke and George Cuhna, and hoped that Cronulla's welcome would bring them an enjoyable day.
The toast was responded to by the Duke, G. Cuhna, W. Hill, E. Marks and R. Doyle, brevity being the order of the day, all thanking the Club for its hospitality.
Mr. Doyle remarked that if he remembered the day by nothing else, the run down Lady Carrinton's Drive would never be forgotten and he registered a debt of gratitude to the Club.
Apropos of mr. Doyle's remarks, it was extrodinary from the remarks of other prominent Sydney men, world scourers too, t5hat they should have missed the beauties of that gully so near sydney all their lives.
Incidentally, the five drivers, local men at that, had not been through before either, but did not say so.
Lunch over, the launch was waiting to run the party down the river to Cronulla, where the beach was gay with bunting and packed with people.
The party was met by the Shire president, Mr. Hyman.
Unfortunately, Jupiter Pluvius and Father Neptune were in a bad mood and spoilt the afternoon, the former dumping water where it was not wanted and the latter would nor stir his up at all.
An alarm reel race was held, between the Duke, Cunha and Hay, the linesman being made up of the clubmen.
There was much guessing as to who the winner would be as the two Hawaiins (sic)had never been in the belts before, and Hay is one of the fastest beltmen in the State.
However, the Duke made good use of his long legs in the wade out and beat Hay by a yard.
Cuhna could not get use to the belt and line at all, swimming a crawl stroke he nearly wrenched his toes off, catching them on the line.
The Duke then adjourned to the big beach as there was more roll on there, and gave an exhibition with his board that will be long remembered by those who saw him.
Standing upright, standing on his head, diving off, twisting the board.
It all looked so ridiculously easy, and so it was to the Duke, but local men who tried after came to the conclusion that they had a lot to learn about the game.
One wants to try and stand on that unstable piece of wood, even in smooth water, to appreciate fully the sight of that bronze statue tearing in through broken and choppy seas.
Tea was held in the new pavillion and the party adjourned to the captain's house for a couple of hour's music, the Duke and George Cuhna rendering an item in Hawaian (sic), the Duke providing the accompaniment on his eucalalia (sic, ukulele/ukelele).
The visitors declared themselves delighted  with the day, before leaving.
The two Hawaians (sic) proved themselves unassuming gentlemanly fellows, good sports, very much "one of the boys" variety, who set no hugh (sic, huge) price on their services, but did all they could without stint.
Altogether the Committee congatulate itself on the success of the day.

A few things the Club need not do the next time the Duke & Co. visit Cronulla.
Prince Henry Joe needn't bolt from Sutherland and take all the party down to Audley to start the run through Lady Carrington's Drive.
Jack needn't make up his mind the Duke's going with him in his car, "Nor walk" either.
The Captain needn't break his petrol pipe and try to borrow soap from every passing car.
Lance needn't try to shift the gate post with his dash board again, it hurts.
The "Waverley" nearly met its "Waterloo".
Jack needn't try to shift the same post with his rear wing, it also hurts.
The whole of the Club needn't take the invitation, when the Duke says "Pas a 'bernaner,' " one can have too much of a good thing.
Raining "bernaners" isn't raining manna.
The divers needn't kid they know every inch of the "Drive" when they start off by going to the wrong end.
Some members needn't give exhibition rescues in Port Hacking, the country has more use for them on the Suez Canal, if they want to take a risk.
The blubber needn't be so thick on the big beach.
The Duke needn't say "Gee, these stingarees are hot."
The captain needn't look for red marks on the Duke to rub ammonia on where the blubber stung.
The same chap needn't try to get twenty on his car when it will take only neneteen.

SYDNEY, Australia, Jan. 6.
The performances of Kahanamoku, the Hawaiian, in the New South Wales championship swimming carnival a few days ago, particularly the Olymplc record holder's lowering of the world's record for 100 yards of 54 3-5 seconds by four fiths of a second, has caused a decided stir in Australian swimming cirles.
Indeed, it is predicted by sporting authorities here that the Australlan "crawl" stroke wil have to give way to what is being called the "Kahanamoku Kick."

It had been contended ever since "Dick" Cavill first used the  "crawl" in championship races that the leg work did not materiaIly assist the pace of the swimmer except in keeplng the body well balanced on the water and thus minimizing the retarding effects due to the legs and feet sinking.
But this theory was quite upset by the methods or the "Duke" and his swimming mate, George Cunha, also of Hawaii, who use the rapid independent movement or the feet, as against the Australian fashion of smacking the leg from the knee down upon the water at every stroke of the arm. The slow, easy movements of Kahanamoku and Cunha from the hips to the tips of the fingers was markedly in contrast in the races with the style which the Australian cracks pitted against them.
The buried heads of Barry and Longworth of Sydney, who are among Australia's best, was also in contrast wIth that of the Hawaiian.
The "Duke" kept his head well clear of the water and had, what his competitors did not possess, a clear view of what every opponent was doing.

"Swim with the head low so that your legs will float nearer the surface" has been one of the first instructions given by the coaches in Australia to racing swimmers; and this has been followed by injunctIons to work the arms fast and the legs in unlson with them and to roll the body slightly from
side to side so that from the hips up it should assist the arms and make breathing easier.
But all these requirements, it is pointed out by experts here, are more than met by the "Kahanamoku" or independent "kick."

According to these same experts this kick originated in the fresh water baths of the Eastern United States, where the more rapid movement of the legs was not necessary to overcome the Iess buoyant fresh water as against the salt  water baths of Australia, where the "CrawI" was evolved.
But this opinion seems pretty far fetched when one bears in mind that Kahanamoku belongs to a race of Islanders who have no superiors in the world as swimmers and that his prowess is likely instinctive rather than the result of any artificial conditions.

However that may be, the Australian swimmers admit now that they have seen him race, that the "Duke's" kick serves all the purposes of the "crawl," and that it is much faster and needs less exertion than theIr own method of locomotion in the water.
Before Kahannmoku came here there was some skepticism about his achievements, but it vanished after his first performance.

It is only ten years since the then wonderful feat of swimming 100 yards In a minute was accomplished by the Australian and world's champion, F.C. Lane, in England.
He was followed by several other exponents of the "crawl," and at one stage the Commonwealth claimed the only four men who had covered that distance in that time - Lane, Cavill, Healy and Wickham.
But it was another American, Charles M. Daniels, who upset their calculations, and, altllough Australia is still the place par excellence of swimmers, generally speaking, and the Commonwealth possesses  many first-class performers in the water, it is more than likely that the Honoluluan's style will be have to be taken up if Australia hopes to keep up its record.

The popular view of the Hawaiian's  victory - although he has been beaten by an Australian in one of the three races he has participated in - is perhaps best expressed by the comment by a Sydney newspaper:
"Kahanamoku has justified all that was said of him.
It was not mere physique that did it, for although his physique is fine, it is not unsurpassable.
No doubt the fact that he is practically a waterman, and has lived in the water ever since soon after he was born, has made a difference, though some Australians have been watermen in that sense too.
But his American training must certainly be counted in.
The Americans got hold of him early.
They found the man with the possibilities, and they turned him out a specialized swimming machine."

As for the "Duke", his sportsman-like actions and good nature have made him very popular here.

Kahanamoku and Cunha will make their last appearance in Melbourne this evening when they will take part in competitions at the Melbourne Swimming Clubs meeting at the City Baths Swanston street.
Kahanamoku and Cunha will compete in the in ternational race relay race against the Victorian and New South Wales swimmers and in this race Kahanamoku will attack his 100 yards worlds record- 53  4-5 sec - established in Sydney recently.
Kahanamoku will again meet the champions G. W. Morris (Vic) and T. Adrian (NSW) in the 200 yards invitation handicap.
Kahanamoku will concede Morris 6sec handicap and Adrian 2sec.
Beaurepaire the ex-amateur champion of Australîa will attempt to lower the 200 yards world's record.
A programme of races has been arranged and the programme will conclude with an interstate water polo match be tween teams representing New South Wales and Victoria.
The Melbourne Swimming Club anticipate a record attendance and visitors are requested to be seated early.
The first race is timed to start at 6 o'clock.

The Herald Melbourne, Monday 15 February 1915 page 1. SWIMMING EVENTS EXCITE INTEREST KAHANAMOKU MAKES VICTORIAN DEBUT Noted competitors at Melbourne Swimming Club's annual ??? Duke Kahanamoku, H. M. Hay and George Cunha. Kindly contributed by Craig Baird, Australian National Surfing Museum,Torquay, Victoria.

Three functions competed for the patronage of natatorial enthusiasts in Sydney on Saturday afternoon, each detracting more or less from the others, both as regards attendance and exponents.
The great majority of prominant swimmers are now connected with surfing bodies, and a number seized the opportunity of taking part in the Dee Why Lifesaving Club's carnival, in order to witness Kahanamoku's first and last public exhibition of surf-board riding.
The crowd which put in an appearance exceeded any that had previously congregated at this out-of-the-way resort.
In view of the district being only sparsely populated as yet, and its comparative inaccessability, the local organisation showed great enterprise and initiative in shouldering the financial responsibilities to secure the Duke as an attraction.

At the time the Hawaiian put out to sea with his surf-board, which he seems to worship almost as much as a child its doll, the waves, unfortunately, were not particualy good for shooting purposes, merely an occasional one having any length of run.
The rapidity with which he took the weighty plank out through the breakers was not the least amazing feature of the display.
He lay outstretched upon it, and, used his hands as paddles, one on either side.

It struck me as I watched him propel himself along in this fashion infinitely faster than any of our expert surfers could move unencumbered, that he must be able to exert tremendous power with those arms of his, and, therein probably is to be found the explanation of his extrodinary capabilities as a sprint swimmer, rather than his particular method of kicking.

On sighting a likely-looking wave, he commenced to paddle vigorously, still lying prone as before.
After a few ineffectual attempts he succeeded in catching one properly.
Instantly the board seemed to leap forward like a fiery steed when the spurs are driven into the rowels.
Immediately afterward the Duke rose upright, and assumed the attitude of ancient chariot drivers.
And no sooner had he done so than he appeared to exercise some subtle influence over the madly careering craft : in fact just as if he had taken reins in hand.
He altered its direction so as to steer a course diagonal to the beach.
Although the prow pranced and bounded over the crest of the onrushing billow, the Duke stood like an ebony statue, immovable save for the deft movements of his feet, and remained so until a few of the shore, when he leisurely dropped off.
It was a thrilling sight to watch, and such balancing skill and dexterity entitles him to the designation of a surfing Blondin.

A young lady acquaintance then emerged and accompanied the Duke seawards.
It occured to me at once if the Duke found it difficult to to get going by himself with the not-by-any-means good waves at his disposal, obviously his chances of doing so would be greatly minimised when hindered by a novice.
Such proved to be the case.
A considerable time elapsed before he managed to get a move on with his partner.
It must be admitted, however, that the duel (sic, dual) shoot, when it did come off, was the the more sensational spectacle of the two while it lasted.
It served to show more conspicuously the Duke's wonderful facility for maintaining his equilibrium under these exacting conditions, as although his passenger was toppling backwards over the lattter part of their journey, the extra burden failed to dislodge him until they had negotiated about three-parts of the distance he covered when alone.
But the question arises whether the onlookers, many who had come from distant suburbs, would not have been better pleased to have been treated to a greater number of performances like the first, rather than have to submit to the wearying wait that occurred before the Duke found it possible to bring off the more difficult stunt.

The largest crowd of spectators ever contained within the Drummoyne Baths was present at the local club's carnival on Monday night, the chief source of attraction being the final appearance of Duke Kahanamoku and his companion, George Cunha.
The Duke figured in a 100yds Invitational Handicap, the other Albert Barry, Tod Solomons and Harry Hay.
Barry was in receipt of 2sec, Solomons and Hay 3sec.
The precaution was taken to despatch the Hawaiian from the word "go", so that in case of his beating (the) record, the time would be recognised, which proceedure added to the severity of his handicap.
A magnicifent race was the outcome.
The Duke tore after the vanguard and gained appreciably going down the first stretch (33yds).
Barry, however, more than held his own during the progress of the second.
With a terrific shove-off at the last turn the Hawaiian lessened the Sydney Club man's lead, but failed to make further advancement until more than half the remaining lap had been disposed of, when he came with a superb burst, which enabled him to touch down a fraction of a second before Barry, who similarly anticipated Solomons.
The whole four competitors seemed to finish practically in a line, which happening gave rise to an animated scene amoungst the onlookers.
The Duke's time was anounced as 55sec dead, which speaks for itself, and needs no embellishment, suffice to say that it comes under the category of things marvellous.

George Cunha gave a 66yds exhibition swim, which arosed much cheering, as did an exhibition by Miss Fanny Durack over 100yds.
Their times were respectively 35 9-10sec, and 1min 11sec.
Leslie Boardman's back-stroke "crawl" was a feature of the 300yds Harris Cup Medly (sic, Medley) Teams' Race in which teams of three members competed, one representative swimmi9ng freestyle, one brest, and the third back stroke.
Boardman was timed at to negotiate his 100yds relay in a fraction less than 1min 19sec, which is some 10 sec faster than the record.

NOTES
1. Blondin, also known as Chevalier Blondin, was born as Jean Francois Gravelet in France in 1824, and gained a world-wide reputation as a tightrope walker when he successfully crossed Niagara Falls in June 1859.
In 1874 he made highly profitable and much acclaimed tour of Australia, performing in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
http://www.hat-archive.com/blondin.htm

"We have had a fine time in Australia," said' theDuke Kahanamoku, before leaving Sydney for Melbourne, "though I may say that the programme has been almost  too severe a tax upon  us.
I do not say this in a complaining spirit, but to point out that we did not expect this tour of pleasure to to marked by so much hard work."

Nevertheless the Duke did not look as if he had wasted away, but frankly admitted that in the matter of weight he was all there.

"To judge by the programme I have seen, the task will be harder in New Zealand, where so much travelling have to done," continued the Hawaiian.
"I hope they will be able to make it a little less severe upon us over there."
Yes, I know the chmate In New Zealand is not. so hot; but I do not. mind the climate."

The Duke looked very fit as he left for Melbourne.
He had just returned from the surf at Bondi, after some hard battles with the rough breakers, which he explained, were vastly different from those of his beloved Honolulu, which roll in with a long, steady, sweeping roll.
The Duke likes the surf play here; though it is different to carvorting on the waves at Honolulu.

The Duke and his companions will take away with them souveniers of their visit in the shape of albums, containing photographs of scenes and races in which they have figured.
These will include the principal photographs which have appeared in "The Referee."
He also takes all copIes of this paper dealing wlth his visit to Australia, a fact which shows that the visit will rank as no mere passing hour in the life of the sprinter.
The Hawaiians will return to Sydney to-morrow, and leave for New Zealand on Friday.

Melbourne had a visit from D. P. Kahanamoku and party on Saturday, a result due more to the pertinacity of Sydney officials than to any effort on the part of the Victorian A.S.A.
However, the Melbourne Club undertook the necessary financial risk, with the result that a very fine success was achieved.
St. Kilda Baths were calm, and the two appearances of the famous Hawaiian were responsible for the creation of two new Victorian records, and a new Australasian 100 metres that overshadows the previous best.
The visitors were allowed to swim in the 100 yards championship of Victoria on condition that the first Victorian past the winning post should rank as the local champion.
W. B. Bennett secured fourth place, being beaten by Kahanamoku, Cunha, and Hay, the battle for second place being a magnificent tussle, in which Hay was beaten by a touch only.
The time of the winner was 56s, which is much better than Cecil Healey's figures, established in the same baths many years ago.
In the hundred metres event the Hawaiian equalled his own world's record of 61 3.5s, which, from the point of view of speed, easily beats any previous swimmer's effort by several seconds.
A few years ago the time would have been a 100 yards record, but it now goes down as the best performance over a distance 10 yards in excess of that.
It is pleasing to note that Kahanamoku has proved just as big an attraction in Melbourne as elsewhere, and that the Southern City will probably be prepared to undertake international fixtures in the future.

This is the farewell week of Kahanamoku.
He will swim at Goulburn to-night, and return to Sydney to-morrow morning.
The opportunity will be taken to say farewell to members of the party at 5 p.m. at the Sports Club. They will leave Sydney by Friday's boat for New Zealand, where they will tour until March 23, and then catch the Niagara from Auckland to Honolulu.
To say that the tour has been a success is but a mild statement of the case.
Financially, socially, and from a swimming point of view everything possible has been accomplished, and Australia will readily welcome the next international visitor on account of the success of this venture.

Since his return from Queensland, Kahanamoku has taken part in several first-class handicaps. Cunha has also started in two of these events, and in all cases the grouping of the topnotchers has resulted in very fine races, with everyone having a good chance of success.
These have been true international events, and the spectacle of some competitor with a long start beating all the famous exponents of the day has been saved.
Kahanamoku has won every handicap in which he has started in New South Wales, and Cunha has won every handicap in which he has competed since his return from Brisbane.

At Newcastle the local organisation, owing to the wet weather prevailing on the night of the carnival, and also to the large expense incurred in the erection of seating accommodation, netted a loss on the visit.
The incident was responsible for a fine sporting action on the part of the Australian champion, Albert Barry, who, in order to help the Northern Association to make ends meet, decided to forego the prize coming to him as second in the hard-fought 150 yards race with Kahanamoku.

To-night two carnivals will be held.
At Drummoyne Baths the Rechabite Club will carry out its annual function, and besides the usual interclub and district championships the Harris Cup polo match, between Metropolitan and the Western Suburbs will be played.
Coogee Aquarium Baths will be the scene of the Palace Emporium Gala, when the Harris Cup race (open only to Palace Emporium, Newtown, St. George, and South Sydney), will be contested.
The club has also hit on a novel prize in connection with 66 yards interclub event in the form of a reward to the fastest performer over the distance.

On Saturday the newly-formed Woolwich Club will hold its first annual carnival.
The 100 yards Northern Suburbs championship will be decided, and a water polo Harris Cup game between Northern Suburbs and Eastern Suburbs will be played.

In club circles on Saturday the most note-worthy performance was that accomplished by R. Longworth in the Rose Bay handicap, when he got so near the minute for the hundred yards that he may be looked upon as the next swimmer to join this elect circle.
Longworth won the final in 60 1.5s.
At Manly and the surf carnival at Collaroy, the absence of the Manly Life Saving Club's team at Melbourne depleted the entries to a large extent, yet enough members were mustered to make the other clubs envious, in this respect, of the villagers.
The next race of the Sydney University Club will be on Saturday next, at the Domain baths, at 10 a.m.

KAHANAMOKU AND CUNHA.

In a letter to Mr. H. S. Williams, who will pilot the Kahanamoku party on their tour through the Dominion, Mr. Francis Evans, the Hawaiian's manager, requests that Cunha and the "Duke" appear in exhibition races mostly, "with a few handicaps now and then, say, in the larger cities where the jumps are not too close and the stops longer.
In the matter of handicapping may I ask that consideration be taken of the fact that they are travelling all the while and this, coupled with the further act of entertaining, all tends, if anything to keep one out of good condition, and I would therefore ask that the handicapping be not too stiff.
I would ask also that the "Duke" and Cunha appear once only in each carnival, such as is being done throughout the present tour.
We will be much obliged if you will confine the swims to sprInts only, say, from 50 upwards to 100yds.
One appearance may seem short to you, but I would suggest that in order to lengthen the programme somewhat the "Duke" be entered in one race and Cunha in another.
This is what we have been doing all along."
This information should help the framers of the local programme for 6th March.
The programme for the first Kahanamoku carnival in Christchurch, to be held on 24th February, has been drawn up, and will be as follows: (1) 100yds Invitation Race; (2) 66yds Interclub (first class), limited to swimmers doing 35sec; (3) Diving Competition (fancy, swallow, and running); (4) Relay Interclub (100yds), teams of three men; (5)  33 1/3yds Dash Handicap (interclub); (6) exhibItion by Kahanamoku; (7) Water Polo Competition (time permitting).

Autographed Postcard, Feb 11, 1915.  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.

---

surfresearch.com.au

---