ROWING

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 251, 23 October 1928, Page 13

ROWING

STARTING THE SEASON.

OARSMEN OUT AGAIN.

NOTES FROM THE BOATHOUSES.

With the winter sports finished, oarsmen were- in great force at their boathouses during the week-end, and enjoyed a spin out. Auckland were first under way with a set of trial fours on Saturday afternoon, and the racing showed the renewed vigour the m#i could put into their work after the six months' spell. Naturally, the rowing was of a moderate standard, but even then better than anticipated. The racing was confined to three crews of last season's members, and the new men profited by what they saw. The honour of stroking the first winning crew fell to W. Eaddv.

While the old hands at the clubs were all keen to again feel the oars with a good crew, the new members were not

forgotten, for much time was taken up giving instruction. Although at the start many "crabs" were caught, and the "slides" went at a great pace as the crews returned to the sheds, a marked improvement was shown. The oars were less cumbersome, and the sliding seat well mastered.

It will be only too unpleasantly remembered by many of last season's crews, the necessity for proper coaching. Men must remember that it is of no use to get a coach for only the beginning of the season. They must have him throughout. Few crews of recent years have gone through the season with an unbeaten regatta record. Only too many crews have jumped off with a win, and have not caught the judge's eye again. Men cannot correct their faults on their own. The coach is the man, so when one is secured, pay great attention to training, stick to one sport, and master it, then the coach will stick to bis crew.

All club officers must consider the question of coaches at this juncture very carefully, and formulate a programme for the season.

Again the coxswains must receive closer attention in their all-round, duties. How to call the time, when to call for a special effort, and how to steer a proper course were three pronounced faults last season. A good set of boys is a valuable asset to a club. Club uniforms again demand attention. There may be reason for delay in securing the proper singlets for the first few rows, but many crews afloat on Labour' Day were a motley clad set.

Another matter members should heed right away is punctuality at their chibs. Only too often late arrivals have caused an nnnecessay delay, and a setback given a good afternoon's sport.

CLUBHOUSE GOSSIP.

Don't frown at the treasurer, his job is to collect the "subs." There is a lot of expense to be met before Christmas.

Opening day for Hamilton next Saturdav.

R. Salisbury (Hamilton youths' four): lost two fingers in a circular saw accident. A good man lost to the club.

Every member is required to do his "bit" of work. Well assist the officers and contribute to smoother running of the club.

Auckland hold trial fours on Saturday for Wm. Clark Memorial Shield.

North Shore may start with a set of trial fours on Saturday.

Crews from Auckland, North Shore and St. George's got as far as Cheltenham on Labour Day. One Shore four 'went further along the coast.

St. George's annual meeting on Thursday, and the Auckland Rowing Association on November 5.

"Bill" Bryden, G. Buchanan, and V. St. St. George are Hamilton's delegates to the A.R.A.

Auckland are bnsy with preparations for celebrating the diamond jubilee of the club this season.

J. Skinner and G. Dowling have resigned from West End.

Reported that T. Johnson and N. Poublcday will not assist Waitemata this season.

The senior crews should prove an even set on present reckoning.

Hamilton has placed an order with Simms. of Putney, England, for a best and best four. An Edwards' clinker four is also on order.