ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 251, 22 October 1926, Page 13

ROWING.

THE SEASON'S PROSPECTS.

SPIRITED ANNUAL MEETINGS.

The annual general meetings of all the local clubs have been held, and the preliminary arrangements for the coming season completed. The reports and balance sheets were most favourably received, and each club starts off in a most satisfactory condition. Keen interest was evinced at all the meetings; as usual pet grievances were aired, these for the most part providing a happy interlude. That confidence in so many of last season's officers was fully maintained, was manifested in the large number returned to office. The meetings were spirited and ballots frequent for many positions. This had the effect of bringing forward the younger members, who will gain a valuable experience in the management of affairs. The general prospects for a most successful season are very bright. New Members. While a number of retirements will be noticed in all clubs, the various memberships will be increased with new members. A fine stamp of recruit has come forward, and' these show a very keen desire to master the art of rowing. The new members will all have [ the advantage of good coaching and good boats, and if the interest manifested at present is maintained, some very fine maiden crews will be found

afloat. There will be plenty of pleasure rowing and racing offering, but intending ' members must not think that the joining of a club means racing alone. There are many sides to the sport. The clubs have an excellent lot of supporters, and already many trophies have been offered i for trial races. These events prove j most enjoyable and offer excellent tryouts for "prospecive regatta men. All clubs are determined to adopt the long courses for the trial racing, and it is a wise decision

Regatta Events.

For the more ambitious ones a big regatta programme is promised. The great tests will probably be at Tauranga, Russell, Whangarei, Hamilton,, Mercer, Rangiriri, Ngariiawahia and 1 Dargaville. Then there will be the New Zealand Championship Regatta, but the allocation of this event will not be known until the meeting of the New Zealand Rowing Association at Wellington on Saturday.

There are several items of particular interest to oarsmen expected from the parent body's meeting, one of which will be the allocation of the eight-oar boats that will arrive from England in February. The. exact position—which is keenly awaited—will be gleaned, however, at the annual meeting of the Auckland Rowing Association early in November. The local governing body's meeting has necessarily been delayed until after the New Zealand meeting. There promises to be increased merest in sculling, for several new men are making inquiries about boats.

The question of having an official opening of the eeason by the Auckland Rowing Association has been freely diecussed for some time, and it is felt that if such a function were held—on similar lines to the' opening procession of years ago —increased public interest would be created. An Association regatta also claims attention, and no doubt both questions will be discussed at the annual meeting. Club Glimpses. West End was the first club to start, and once again "Gus" Norden is captain, with O. Felton vice-captain. A new secretary has been found in "Jack" Haylock, whose lengthy experience in the sport should be valuable, while R. Macey will, as treasurer, make many acquaintances. The club's plant is in splendid order and consists of racing plant, two best and best fours, one best and best pair oar two clinker fours, one clmker pair oar, one clinker stump, practice boats, six clinker fours and two clinker stumps. A new convertible double sculler is now due from H. Davis, of Hamilton. This boat will be watched with interest. The Auckland Club had a good meeting and retained as captain, "Dick? , Stacey, and G. A. Jonson as deputy. The secretarial duties are once more in Alan Doult's charge, and the finances are carefully guarded by R. Leabourn. All theee officers were re-elected. No new boats have been purchased, but the plant has been carefully overhauled and is in splendid order.

North Shore intend making an exceptional effort to revive the sport in the marine suburb. The annual meeting was the liveliest of the lot and the election of all officers entailed a ballot except in the case of the treasurer. Veteran P. R. Graham again assumes control as captain, with "Stan" Butland as deputy. Secretary Cameron will have plenty of scope to display organising, while Treasurer Fraser will remind members of club expenses. The plant, though not large, is all in good order.

Waitemata promise to be an even stronger proposition than last season. A new captain has been found and the mantle has fallen on A. M. Mackay, more popularly known as "Mac." He has proved most efficient in various offices and with the veteran "Tommy" Marshall as vice-captain, C. H. Hunt secretary, and M. K. Kenrick. treasurer, a powerful quartet lead the club. The plant consists of one best and best four, one best and best convertible double sculler, one racing clinker four, one racing clinker convertible double- sculler, five practice clinker fours, two clinker convertible double sculler, two clinker single scullers. The club is fortunate in the possesion' of a first-class plant, which is being enlarged by the purchase of a new best and best four from Mr. George Towns, of Sydney, together with a new racing clinker single scull and racing clinker double scull from Messrs. Jerram and' Son, of Melbourne. These.boats will be ready by November. .

St. George's came last in the order of meetings, "but, judging by, the officers, the season should go with a swing. K. D. Page received well deserved promotiqn to »captain, and similarly V. Hargreaves as deputy-captain. Fortunately Mr. V. Mortdn again holds the secretarial reins,. while the services of "Val", Dunne (although he retired from the captaincy) were secured to take charge of the exchequer. All the boats are in splendid order and consist of two clinker fours, two clinker pairs oars convertible "double sculls), one'best find best double scull, two clinker single sculle, all for racing. For practice there are three -clinker fours, two clinker pair oarß.'(convertible double sculle), two clinke single sculls, one whale boat, Qn»9 jjljagire t>ostfc "" ~' .