The New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association is formally constituted[7] on 4 January. It is the second national governing body in the world after the
A.S.A. of
England.[8] A subsequent disagreement between the
North and
South Island clubs leads to the formation of a rival association in the North Island known as the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association Registered. The two associations remain apart until uniting on 21 March 1904.
The first national titles are instituted. Each event is held at a separate carnival (this continues until 1905 when a single championships is held for the first time).[9]
In the first year there are 2 separate carnivals for 100 yards and thus 2 different champions.
National champions (Men)
100 yards freestyle (
Hamilton) – H. Bailey (Auckland)
100 yards freestyle (
Christchurch) – W. Sneddon (Canterbury)
^As the New Zealand Bowling Association at this time consists largely of South Island clubs, the first truly "national" championships are not deemed to have begun until
1914.