ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 277, 23 November 1927, Page 16

ROWING.

ROUGH WATER CONDITIONS.

VETERANS' GOOD IMPRESSION

REGATTA PREPARATIONS,

Supporters of rowing had a fine, choicc of programmes last Saturday, for the five local clubs were ah engaged with trial racing. At the western end of the harbour the West End Club was busy with the Patrons' Day and "At Home" that marked the official opening day. As usual, friends and supporters tinned up in goodly numbers, and between the boat racing, swimming race, music and dancing, spent a very enjoyable time. The trial foura attracted six crews that went through an interesting series of races before Bloxham's crew emerged the winners by a narrow margin, only about half a length separating the three boats. The new course tried the men out well, but they had recognised that training must be indulged in, and ;the result was justified.

The veterans' race only drew two crews, but a number of other old-timerß sought the seclusion of the boathouse, and watched their clubmates of the days when West End were so powerful. The event proved interesting, and recalled old struggles to the crews.

On the northern shores of the harbour the North Shore Club had a gala day, and the official opening with the president's trial fours proved an unqualified success. The afternoon was remindful of the old days, for many former Shoreites, now resident of other parts, assembled in force, ' and related the •club's activities of olden days. It was interesting and instructive history, and some of the present generation listened keenly. In the clubhouse the shields and photos made many think of how the years'have rolled by, but age was forgotten as men felt proud of the part they had played in helping to build the club to its present high standing.

The club officers excelled themselves, aud everything went off splendidly. To a great extent the action of the captain, vice-captain and secretary in. not taking part in the racing was responsible. There was always a responsible officer handy for any information wanted.

Although a rough sea was caused' by the heavy westerly wind, the races were completed without • any mishap. The conditions suited the light crews, and they were quick to realise it. The rowing also reached a good standard, but there is yet room for improvement, and no doubt some of the old members will this season coma forward as coaches after seeing the fine material they can work upon.

The idea that prompted the veterans' race was a happy one, for "old royal ■blues" were in force. Three crews took the boats, but had x the weather conditions been mo|o kindly more crews would have been forthcoming. The race was very closely. Contested, and as 41 result of the remarks heard should have a most beneficial result. As the last crew left the shed a group of young aspirants remarked: "The old chaps .often talk about the way they rowed, but, by-Jove, they know how to." The crews went off with a great swing, a fine catch, Shoulder lift, and leg drive that set the present members thinking. This was the best race of the day, and the visitors were quick to show their appreciation in no uncertain manner with rounds of applause.

The naval cutters' race between crews from the warships, was appreciated, and for the second year in succession Philomel No. 1 won the honours. The rowing was a marked contrast to what a rowing club member enjoys—it was real hard graft.

With seven crews, and seeking the shelter of the new railway embankment across Hobson Bay, the members of St. George's opened the season with the Rowsell Cup Memorial Fours. A splendid series of races resulted, and it is quite evident St. George's will play a big part in the regattas.

The racing opened with splendid water conditions, but as the wind went round to the south, the crews got a severe testing. The afternoon passeefwithout any swamping, although one was on at any stage of the journey.

The Auckland Club held the third set of trial fours of the season, and raced over the King's wharf to eastern tide deflector course. The races were good, and the rowing showed a big improvement.

The Waitemata Boating Club had intended to send two crews of eights visiting at the West End "At Home," but the heavy sea upset that arrangement and the committee decided .on a set of trial fours. Five crews competed, and a very hard set of races resulted. The was a great go and resulted in the club captain, A. M. Mackay winning by inches. Daylight Saving.

Both West End and Auckland Clubs have.. arranged for a set of daylight saving trials to be rowed on Wednesday evening. These will be the first trials under this scheme. The Auckland Club have five crews competing, three racing on Wednesday and two on Thursday.

The boats must leave the shed at 6 p.m., and the course will be from Paul's Point, Orakei, along the railway embankment <o the Parnell baths.

The crews for Wednesday are: R. Stacey, R. Martin, G. Jonson, F. Brand; G. Cleal, J. McComish, H. Goldwater, A. DoulJ; J. Bygate, F. Mahon, H. Duck, R. Chappell. Thursday crews: A. Ross, F. Wigley, E. Tliorburn, T. Morgan; Eaddy, A. Andrews, A. Coutts, R. Leabourn. Reserves: H. Piercc, G. Dugmore. Eight-Oar Racing.

The two best and best eight-oar boats are now in the Waitemata shed, but one will be transferred to West End as soon as that club is ready. This position has arisen owing to St. George's with their new best and best four not leaving room in the shed for the two boats. Suggestions have recently been sought from the clubs for ideas concerning the use of the eights, and these will be considered at the next meeting of the association. The idea is to have an interclub eight-oar race every Saturday afternoon throughout the season. Such races should arouse a lot of public interest, and it is hoped long courses will be used. Trial Four Selections.

. The method adopted by the Auq/cland Club in changing the men around in the various seats is to be commended, and it is a capital way to find out a man's best qualities. The same practicc could also be followed in other clubs. Regattas Arranged.

All the clubs have regatta crcws in training, and now that the Tauranga and Whangarei programmes have been advanced, the crews will get down to their work in earnest. The Tauranga programme provides for eight races: Maiden double sculls, £6, £2; youths' fours, £7, £2; maiden pair oars, £6, £2; maiden fours, lOst and under, £10, £2; junior pair oars, £7, £2; Bingle sculls handicap (open), £7, £3; maiden fours (open), £14, £3; junior fours (open), £15, £3. The winning donations amount to £91, and should attract big entries.

The Whangarei regatta has been arranged for January 2, and includes the usual races, with donations of £41.

Local clubs are anxious to know the date of the t championship regatta, for several crews anticipate making the trip to Wanganui. Youth and Age.

A comparison of the ages of the crews engaged at both the West End and Auckland Clubs' trials last Saturday is rather interesting. West End's crews totals were 86, 94, 107, 111, 113 and 163 years, while the total ages of the youths of Auckland's live crews were 81, 83, 83, 84 and 98 years. The youngest at West End was 20 years, the oldest 56, and at Auckland 17 and 30 years respectively These are all in the active members' list Clubhouse Gossip. R. Surman on a visit to town was at his old club's (St. George's) trials on Saturday.

Jim Stevenson is still holiday making, thus Waitemata's juniors, the club's only regatta crew, were not out during the week-end.

"Jim" Russell's luck has changed. Got in his first win on Saturday since joining the club. The boys gave him a big reception at home. "Monty" Spencer's and "Bill" Conway's ages totalled 110 years. Not bad "weight" in one crew.

Three North Shore crews went as far as Takapuna on Sunday. Enjoyed splendid water conditions.

All southern shore clubs compelled to keep to sheltered spots last week-end, owing to the westerly wind.

St. George's seniors are out twice a week. The crew is going well, but the services of a coach would work a big improvement.

The new best and best four of St. George's looks very nice in the shed. Crew awaiting a favourable opportunity to try her out.

Waitemata will hold trial fours next Saturday.

Biggest gathering of veterans seen at any club for many years, at North Shore on Saturday.

Davies and Dean (North Shore) both putting in a lot of work in their scullers.

Whakatane will not be competing at any regattas this season. Trade depression has given the club a big setback.

Other country clubs in Hamilton, Tauranga and Whartgarei promise strong opposition at opening regattas.