ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 226, 23 September 1936, Page 20

ROWING.

, WEST END CLUB. ANNUAL REPORT. 3 ; The supporters of the West End Rowing C-lub have reason to be satisfied with the ' r fifty-second report and balance-sheet to • bo presented at the annual general meet- ; ing of the club next Tuesday night. | The principal achievement has been the development of eight-oar rowing both in regard to club rowing and to regatta racing throughout the province. \Vhile the club feels it has done its share in fostering this hitherto neglected branch of the sport, it is strongly behind the local association in its praiseworthy efforts to develop eights in the same manner as clone overseas for many years. Congratulations are extended to the Waitemata Boating Club, which purchased an eight last season, and also to the Auckland Rowing Club, who will take delivery of a new eight early in the coming season. It is also hoped that other provincial clubs will also secure the boats early in the season, and help to increase club rivalry in this class of racing. The full membership stands at 83 meifibers, comprising 50, active, honorary j (subscription) 12, honorary (elected) 12, and life 9. Although there is a decrease in the active membership, while unavoidable under the circumstances, It is not in the best interests of the club. It is hoped that during the coming season individual members will make a special effort in building up the roll. I The accounts show a credit balance of £9 5/7. In the past it has been customary to credit the general funds with revenue from the annual ball and other directions, but this year £48 7/1 was credited to the ; building fund instead. Taking all this into | consideration the financial position can be viewed with satisfaction. The major items I of revenue were: Subscriptions, £124 13/9, | and regatta donations £47. The main items of expenditure were for regattas, | oars, re-roofing of the clubhouse, and re-1 pairs to bridge and skids, £55 17/8. It is ' pleasing to note that subscriptions from present members have been paid in full, while £18 17/3 that was outstanding has been recovered in full. The club plant, all in splendid Order, has beeti conservatively revalued'at £572. Twelve sets of trial races were held, in which entries were well maintained, The standard of rowing was good, many close and exciting finishes eventuating. Trophies were well divided, a large percentage being gained by first-year members. To make accommodation for the three eights a big extension of the lower floor of the clubhouse was necessary. The re-roofing with iron and painting of the I clubhouse, together with other structural I improvements, should last as long as the building is required. The thanks of the club are due to Messrs. J. Barton, sen., V. McFarland, and M. D. Conway, for their practical experience and assistance in all this work. Mr. C. G. Herdman (life member) was elected to the building committee, and he has worked energetically with entertainments and raised £48 7/1. Donations amounted to £6 15/, and with £5 from club funds the building fund amounts to £82 10/7. an increase of £61 11/11 for the season. The club secured 4 wins. 3 seconds and 4 thirds in regatta racing. The maiden eights were unbeaten with three wins in three starts, and much credit is due to the coacli and coxswain. Mr. G. D. Conway, for the crew's success.