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Tasman Jones

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Tas Jones
Born
Henry Tasman Jones

(1893-04-07)7 April 1893
Launceston, Tasmania
DiedDecember 1936 (aged 42–43)
Other namesTasman Jones
Known forswimmer, diver

Tasman (Tas) Jones (1893 – 1936) was an Australian sportsman, well known as a swimmer and a diver. He also played water polo, rugby union, and rugby league.

Early life and education

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Photographic portrait of Henry Tasman Jones at fourteen years of age in swimming costume.
Henry Tasman Jones, at age fourteen

Jones was born Henry Tasman Jones on 7 April 1893 at Launceston.[1] He went by the diminutive given name Tas, which he also used in legal matters.[2]

Jones attended the Crown Street Superior Public School. As a teenager he showed talent in swimming.

By 1906 Jones was winning handicap races, 45 yards school competition, starting from scratch,[3] Winning again over 50 yards.[4] At the age of 14 he won the 60 yards championship at Crown Street Superior Public School.[5]

Jones was required to "swim off" to split dead heat eligibility to compete in inter school events at above his age,[6] and missing out, still winning at age level.[7]

Two decades later, Jones' swimming performance at school was still a benchmark for competitiveness for others.[8]

Adult life

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Jones devised a scoring method for diving, adopted in December 1914,[9] using standardised tabulated forms[10] which took account of diving elements, including approach, deportment, and entry.[11] His method was considered simple for judging and broadly satisfactory, but it did not account for the degree of difficulty of the dive.[12]

Jones was respected as a "never failing volunteer" for sporting demonstrations for "good causes".[13]

He managed the Spit Baths from 1918 to 1922.[14] His knowledge of and experience in the provision of swimming bath facilities was called upon by others.[15]

Jones was involved in water rescues, saving one life.[16]

His profile was such that he was used to endorse products in advertising.[17]

Jones died December 1936.[14]

His death left his widow in difficult circumstances and the Spit Club raised funding to assist her,[14] known as the Tas Jones Memorial Fund.[18][19]

Outreach

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As well as performing in demonstration diving and swimming events, Jones took a keen interest in the administration, development, and support of others in sport.

Jones was a vice-captain for the East Sydney Club,[20] and a handicapper for the club.[21]

He was the inaugural president[22] of the Spit Club, and its swimming coach.[23] and later the president of the gentlemen's section of the club.[24]

Jones coached individual diving,[25] and individual swimming,[26] and he was the inaugural coach of the Balmoral Amateur Swimming Club.[27]

Jones would sponsor sporting achievements, some included the 50 yard swim trophy for the East Sydney Amateur Club,[28] the Spit Club diving trophy,[29] and the North Sydney rugby league club trophy for most consistent forward.[30]

Swimming

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Jones was referred to as a "star sprinter".[31]

Diving

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Photographic action of Henry Tasman Jones as an adult executing a dive in swimming costume.
Tas Jones executing a dive.

Jones had a diving reputation in 1912.[32]

He frequently led diver teams in demonstration events.[33] and was considered a diving veteran.[34]

Water polo

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In 1909 Jones played water polo second grade for East Sydney.[35] And later played water polo at state championships.[36]

He was sought by the [amateur] Randwick and Coogee water polo team in 1931 but was regarded as professional. While Jones had never competed as a professional he had managed the Spit Baths and taught children to swim for fees.[37]

Rugby union

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Jones played second grade for the Eastern Sydney rugby league club from 1912[38] to 1914.[39]

He moved to first grade in 1914 in fullback and three-quarter positions.[40]

Jones also played in seven-a-side competition for Eastern Suburbs[41] as a back.[42]

Rugby league

[edit]

Jones played first grade[18] for the North Sydney rugby league club.[14]

He started playing rugby league, for Eastern Suburbs, in a pre-season game, but was under disqualification from rugby union. Jones was observed to be a bit hazy on the rule differences between league ad union.[43] Jones played at halfback for Eastern Suburbs first grade opening game of the season against Annandale.[44]

In 1919 Jones played for North Sydney.[45]

References

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  1. ^
    • "Jones, Henry Tasman". Names Index. Libraries Tasmania. 1893. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
    • "TASMANIAN NOTES". The Referee. No. 1320. New South Wales, Australia. 21 February 1912. p. 8. Retrieved 12 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  2. ^ "Advertising". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 25, 133. New South Wales, Australia. 25 July 1918. p. 4. Retrieved 12 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. ^ "CROWN STREET". Sunday Times. No. 1089. New South Wales, Australia. 2 December 1906. p. 8. Retrieved 9 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. ^ "CROWN-STREET PUBLIC SCHOOL". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 21, 552. New South Wales, Australia. 14 February 1907. p. 10. Retrieved 9 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. ^ "SOMETHING ABOUT HORSE-SHOEING". Sunday Times. No. 1112. New South Wales, Australia. 12 May 1907. p. 2 (The Sunday Times MAGAZINE SECTION). Retrieved 9 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. ^ "SCHOOL SWIMMING". The Daily Telegraph. No. 8973. New South Wales, Australia. 4 March 1908. p. 14. Retrieved 9 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  7. ^ "SWIMMING". The Sunday Sun. No. 259. New South Wales, Australia. 15 March 1908. p. 16. Retrieved 9 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  8. ^ "ONE OF A FAMILY OF BOOKMAKERS". Sunday Times. No. 2105. New South Wales, Australia. 6 June 1926. p. 7. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. ^ "HIGH DIVING AND SWIMMING CARNIVALS". Referee. No. 1468. New South Wales, Australia. 16 December 1914. p. 7. Retrieved 9 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  10. ^ "Swimming". Referee. No. 1461. New South Wales, Australia. 28 October 1914. p. 13. Retrieved 9 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  11. ^ "THE DUKE BEATEN". Saturday Referee And The Arrow. No. 979. New South Wales, Australia. 9 January 1915. p. 7. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  12. ^ "TO JUDGE DIVING COMPETITIONS". The Referee. No. 1501. New South Wales, Australia. 6 October 1915. p. 13. Retrieved 12 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  13. ^ "SWIMMING ITEMS". Saturday Referee And The Arrow. No. 986. New South Wales, Australia. 27 February 1915. p. 6. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  14. ^ a b c d "The Two Million". The Daily Telegraph. Vol. I, no. 275. New South Wales, Australia. 6 February 1937. p. 6. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  15. ^ "SWIMMING BATHS". Daily Observer. Vol. IX, no. 139. New South Wales, Australia. 13 June 1919. p. 1. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  16. ^
    • "SAD DROWNING. ACCIDENT". The Mercury. Vol. XCX, no. 13, 739. Tasmania, Australia. 9 March 1914. p. 5. Retrieved 9 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
    • "IN RIVER WHIRLPOOL". The Mercury. Vol. CXLII, no. 20, 108. Tasmania, Australia. 5 April 1935. p. 2. Retrieved 9 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  17. ^ "Advertising". Sunday Times. No. 1739. New South Wales, Australia. 18 May 1919. p. 23. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  18. ^ a b "Records Expected at Last National Carnival". The Daily Telegraph. Vol. I, no. 256. New South Wales, Australia. 15 January 1937. p. 19. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  19. ^ "SPIT CLUB CARNIVAL". The Daily Telegraph. Vol. I, no. 273. New South Wales, Australia. 4 February 1937. p. 20. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  20. ^ "SWIMMING". Sydney Sportsman. Vol. X, no. 640. New South Wales, Australia. 27 September 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 9 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  21. ^ "SWIMMING". The Evening News (Sydney). No. 14, 779. New South Wales, Australia. 21 October 1914. p. 2. Retrieved 9 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  22. ^ "SWIMMING". The Arrow. No. 1321. New South Wales, Australia. 30 September 1921. p. 10. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  23. ^ "SWIMMING". The Arrow. No. 1094. New South Wales, Australia. 17 March 1917. p. 8. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  24. ^ "SWIMMING". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 26, 159. New South Wales, Australia. 7 November 1921. p. 6. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  25. ^ "SCHOOL SPORT". The Arrow. No. 1349. New South Wales, Australia. 14 April 1922. p. 12. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  26. ^ "AMONGST THE SWIMMERS". The Arrow. No. 1185. New South Wales, Australia. 13 December 1918. p. 2. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  27. ^ "PREPARING FOR HARRIS". The Arrow. No. 1380. New South Wales, Australia. 10 November 1922. p. 12. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  28. ^ "SWIMMING NOTES". The Arrow. No. 1126. New South Wales, Australia. 26 October 1917. p. 3. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  29. ^ "SWIMMING". The Arrow. No. 1092. New South Wales, Australia. 3 March 1917. p. 6. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  30. ^ "NORTH SYDNEY OUTING". The Referee. No. 1750. New South Wales, Australia. 22 September 1920. p. 12. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  31. ^ "Popularising Swimming". Sydney Sportsman. No. 1320. New South Wales, Australia. 7 October 1924. p. 8. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  32. ^ "SWIMMING". Sydney Sportsman. Vol. XI, no. 705. New South Wales, Australia. 25 December 1912. p. 7. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  33. ^
    • 1921 "SWIMMING". Sydney Sportsman. Vol. XVII, no. 1168. New South Wales, Australia. 9 November 1921. p. 10. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
    • 1922 "SWIMMING". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 26, 290. New South Wales, Australia. 10 April 1922. p. 6. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
    • 1925 "SWIMMING". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 27, 206. New South Wales, Australia. 17 March 1925. p. 12. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  34. ^ "Swimming : Duke's Form Reviewed". Referee. No. 1478. New South Wales, Australia. 24 February 1915. p. 13. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  35. ^ "SWIMMING". Evening News. No. 13, 001. New South Wales, Australia. 9 February 1909. p. 2. Retrieved 9 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  36. ^ "STATE SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS CONCLUDED". Referee. No. 1315. New South Wales, Australia. 17 January 1912. p. 8. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  37. ^ "NO INCREASE IN FEES". The Daily Telegraph. Vol. 1, no. 263. New South Wales, Australia. 18 December 1931. p. 3. Retrieved 8 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  38. ^ "FOOTBALL". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 23, 489. New South Wales, Australia. 23 April 1913. p. 5. Retrieved 9 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  39. ^ "RUGBY UNION". Sunday Times. No. 1476. New South Wales, Australia. 3 May 1914. p. 13. Retrieved 7 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  40. ^
    • "UNIVERSITY v BALMAIN". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 23, 823. New South Wales, Australia. 18 May 1914. p. 4. Retrieved 7 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
    • "FOOTBALL". Evening News. No. 14, 649. New South Wales, Australia. 22 May 1914. p. 10. Retrieved 7 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
    • "GENERAL ITEMS". Evening News. No. 14, 661. New South Wales, Australia. 5 June 1914. p. 7. Retrieved 7 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  41. ^ "INTER-STATE RUGBY UNION". The Sun. No. 1234. New South Wales, Australia. 11 June 1914. p. 7 (FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved 7 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  42. ^ "RUGBY UNION". Evening News. No. 14, 673. New South Wales, Australia. 19 June 1914. p. 10. Retrieved 7 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  43. ^ "EASTERN SUBURBS". Sydney Sportsman. Vol. XIV, no. 880. New South Wales, Australia. 3 May 1916. p. 3. Retrieved 7 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  44. ^ "EASTERN SUBURBS v. ANNANDALE". Sydney Sportsman. Vol. XIV, no. 881. New South Wales, Australia. 10 May 1916. p. 9. Retrieved 7 January 2022 – via National Library of Australia.
  45. ^
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