ROWING SEASON OPENED

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume LXIV, Issue 6579, 25 October 1939, Page 3

ROWING SEASON OPENED

LARGE ATTENDANCE AT A.B.C.

SHEDS

Considerable Interest in Rowing

Events

There was a large attendance at the Akaroa Boating Club's sheds on Monday afternoon when the club held its annual opening of the season function. The Mayor, Mr F. Davis, president of the club, said he was pleased to see such a large attendance and the interest displayed in rowing by club members. He wished them a successful season. He then called on Mr C. W. Leete, a foundation member of the club and one of its life members to declare the season open.

Mr C. W. Leete said fifty-three years ago Mr A. McGregor, the late Mr W. Penlington and himself had met on thei wharf ond decidel to start the Akaroa Boating club. In the first year they had nine members and the club had gradually been established and had always been well supported. The club had through the years had varying success in the rowing world and had at one time been the premier club of the Dominion. He said he was pleased to see so many young members taking an interest in the sport of row ing. He declared the season open amid applause.

The lady supporters of the club provided afternoon tea for the large number present at the opening who included a number of visitors from Christchurch and some members of Christchurch rowing clubs. The afternoon was devoted to the usual rowing races, the captain, Mr R. Phillips, the Hon. secretary, Mr D. Reid getting the crews away while Mr Geo Whelch acted as startei. A feature of the rowing was the exhibition given by the boys' crews. During physical fitness fortnight the boys have received instruction in rowing and they made a good showing, especially the four-oar crews. The vvomens races were also well contested as well as the combined races and many of them were fought out to a close finish. The northerly breeze and bright sunny afternoon

made the rowing a pleasant occupation for the participants and there were many onlookers at the sheds and along the waterfront who watched the various events with interest.. The results of the races were as follows: Youths' Foui-oai Race J. Phillips (str), L. Langrope (3), S. Erickson (2), and J. Mcßride (bow) beat M. Guerney (str), J. Phillips (3), J. Barrett (2) and D. Kotlowski (bow). The winning crew then rowed and beat the. following women's four-oar icrew: Misses P.' Ferris (str), V. Gracia (3), P. Davis (2) ,and J. Lennon (b.ow). Combined Pair Oar Miss V. Gracia and D. Read beat Miss A. Walker and C. Walker; Miss P. Ferris and R. J. Phillips beat Miss V. Gracia and D. Read. Womens Pair Oar Misses A. Walker and A. Hunt beat Misses P. Davis and J. Lennon; Misses P. Ferris and V. Gracia beat Misses A. Walker and A. Hunt. Coxswain's Races M. Guerney and D. Kotlowski beat J. Truman and D. Shuttleworth. K. Hammond and T. Langrope beat J .'Phillips and L. Walker. L. Langrope and John Phillips beat J. Mcßride and S. Erickson.

Competitions

During the afternoon competitions were held with the following results:

Naildriving: Ladies—Miss- P. Ferris Men—Mr W. J. Thimpson.

Darts: Ladie-—Miss Joan Kotlowski; Men—Mr Gerald Curry.

Quoits: Ladies —Miss Esther Hollander; Men—Mr V. Brocherie.

Mrs Reg. Keegan won a competition lor a dinner and Mr Hill a competition for a framed picture.

Prizes for competitions were kindly donated' by* Mesdames F. R. E. Davis, P. S. Price, N. Bell, W. J. Thompson, Messrs R. H. Campbell, C. C. Nai'bey W. W. Reid, A. J. Brown and R. S. C. Stewart. Opening Night Dance The dance held in the club's social hall in the evening was well attended, many visitors to the town attending. Mr Bill Fraziei''s band supplied the music and Mr C. Innes was master of ceremonies. Mrs Beatlic Hammond and partner won a waltzing competition and Mrs Leo Hammond and partner a Lucky Spot waltz.