ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 31, 7 February 1928, Page 14

ROWING.

GOOD INTERCLUB CONTESTS. COMING TRIAL RACES. REGATTA ALTERATIONS. The best course—straight across the harbour from Stanley Bay to the reclamation, owing to the fresh northerly wind was adopted by the Waitemata Boating Club for the Smith Shield last Saturday. The race, an interclub nonclass fours, has for the last 14 years aroused the greatest interest, and this 6eason s event can well be placed on the recoids. St. George's ruled fat'ourites, owing to their fine win in the McHraith Cup. Waitemata, Auckland and North Shoie had strong supporters, whil-2 West End's entry was regarded in a sporting light. The faith placed in St. George's was borne out, but at the same time Auckland can be regarded as somewhat unfortunate. This crew was warned of the strong flood tide, and both St. George's and Waitemata made good allowances for it. With half the course traversed, Auckland, North Shore and West End were steering for Luna Park. Auckland travelled at least another 200 yards, and when they did square up for the final effort, met th«j full force of the tide. It was a case of lack of judgmtat, and met its costs. A straight-out go with St. George's Would be worth watching. It is interesting to note that every club in town has held the trophy, and the only clubs with one win to their credit are North Shore, 1913-14, first race, and Hamilton, 1917-18. The Mason Pairs also attracted five crews, and St. George's (who control the event) decided on the northern shore course from Stanley wharf to the Devonport wharf. After St. George's fine win at Hamilton, the crew were looked upon as certainties, but surprises are no uncommon happenings in boat laces. It was North Shore that predictions, and gained the trophy bv a three-lengths margin.

Coming Regattas. Regattas outside the Auckland proMnce that are likely to attract clubs under the control of the Auckland Rowing Association are:—Wellington, February 25; championship regatta, Wanga• nui, March 3; and the interprovincial fours at Wellington on March 24. Association Regatta. After the inspection of the Whau River course, the Auckland RowinoAssociation anticipated holding a gatta thero this season. The only date 3 upon which the tides are suitable have been taken by the Power Boat Association for their races, and a rowing regatta must be held over this season. A Valuable Trophy. The members of the Waitamata Boating Club will next Saturday row the Reynolds Memorial Trial Fours. This e\ent carries the handsome gold cup presented for annual competition by Mr. W. ,T. Hampton-Reynolds. The members of the winning crew will each rcceivc a facsimile of the cup. This marks the first occasion in the Dominion club's trial racing that such a trophy has been offered for competition.. To show their appreciation to their vice-president for the handsome trophy no doubt the entries will constitute a record. Somerville Shield. Tw'o efforts have been made to decide the eight-oar challenge race for the Somerville Shield and on Wednesday night it is hoped to accomplish the task. The course will depend upon the weather. Waiteuiata (holders), have made more alterations in their crew and it is hoped to place J. Johnson (8), L. Brooker (7), JC. Doubleday (<?), I) Smith (o), V. Smith (4), A. M. Mackay (3), C. Fearon (2), W. Stevenson (1); reserves, W. Lowe, J. Stevenson. West End: J. Skinner, W. Bright, W. Bloxham, O. l'elton, S. Hadley, G. Dowling, McFarlane. G. Conway. The following crews have been selected for the Auckland Club's trial fours next Saturday:—R. Stacey (stroke), T. Morgan, E. Factor, A. Simcock, X. Dixon (cox); J. Bygate (stroke), A. E. Yukennan, R. Leabourn, F. Cochrane (cox); G. Cleal (stroke), E. Thorburn, H. Pierce. M. Barrett, T. Mclndoe (cox); W. Eaddy (stroke), R. Mahon, H. Goldtvater, H. Zukerman, .T. Dewar (cox); G. Field (stroke), R. Martin. A. Coutts, F. Brand, ,T. .\llan (cox); G. .Tonson (stroke}, J. McComish, A. Doull, A. Hertzell, P. Stacey (cox).

Arrangement!? arc now well in hand for the Auckland Club's At Horn a on February 18. Trial eights will be rowed by the members for tho prepud lex-president's trophies (combined). In addition the annual inter-club double sculls race for the Maurice Caro Memorial Cup will be rowed. This will be a handicap event and senior scullers must row in best and best boats. They will be on scratch and racing clinkers and practicc clinkers will be duly handicapped. Entries cloec next Saturday.

Clubhouse Gossip. Among tho visitors at tlie .Smith Shield racc was Mr. M. Ford, an old member and officer of the Pctone Club, Wellington. Ho displayed a keen interest in Auckland's rowing activities. Another visitor was Mr. Somerville. late of Glasgow, but now a resident of Wellington. He gave an interesting account of rowing ih his home town, and of how tho Glasgow Corporation built the boathouses, and all the clubs had to do was to find their plant. W. Stevenson, W. Logai. and Darcy Had field were a keen trio of scullers afloat on Sunday. North Shore pair, Dean and Harvey, brought off a big surprise in the Mason pairs. Waitemata's senior four had a smart spin to West End on Sundav. Waitemata have again altered the senior crew, and got last year's four in action. . S . fc - George's seniors and probably t.he regatta * rave l to the championship Sole selector T. Marshall will probably visit Hamilton next Saturday. Judging by the array of talent Submitted for the Olympic crew, the Dominion selectors have a big task ahead. dmHifV 10 — ° f Stevenson and D. at Milford for the New Zealand double sculls championship. G. Jonson (Auckland) had a spell at Kawau last we*k-end. P Only two provincial regattas remain— Rangirln and W. otevenson, New Zealand sculling WaZm/i n ft t rtC t- P rc P ara tions fof vVanganiu. His meeting with St. Clair Of Hamilton, should bd worth seeing Waitemata's Junior four has undergone a change. C. Fearon remains stroke, W.

Lowe takes three, C Read goes on two, and J. Stevenson on to bow seat. Mr. A. Delves has been appointed umpire for the championship regatta at WanganuL The Hamilton Club has yet several sets of trophies to decide in trial fours. Wanganui Union supporters arc feeling confident of their crew for the senior fours championship.

WEST END CLUB.

Handicap single sculls for a gold medal donated by Mrs. Geo. Dowling were staried ou Saturday last in ideal conditions. Sirs. Dowling supplied afternoon tea for the members and this was greatly appreciated. Results to date are:— First Round.—V. McFarlano (Gs), beat W. 11. Conway (15s). by three lenztb* : R. Macey (4s) beat G. Conway ("is), by inches; F. Conway (ss) beat J. Skinner (ss). by two lengths: O. Felton (3s) bent L. Strange (8s), by two lengths; G. Dowling (ss) beat A. C. Xorden (scr), by one length ; NV. N. Bright a bye. Second Round.—R. Macey beat V. MrFarlane by one length ; F. Conway beat O. Felton by half a-length. Tbe final will be completed during the ■week.