NEW ROWING CUP.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 285, 1 December 1928, Page 11

NEW ROWING CUP.

SIR HENRY BRETT MEMORIAL.

HANDSOME SILVER TROPHY.

GIFT TO ROWING ASSOCIATION",

A very handsome cup perpetuating the memory of the late Sir Henry Brett has just been presented by Mr. A. R.j Brett for competition among the clubs affiliated to the Auckland Rowing Association, which embraces the province from Whangarei to Hamilton in the north and south, and Tauranga on the east. The trophy is to be known as the "cup for non-class fours,"' and the fact that there is no restriction as to class should bring about some excellent racing. A tall, graceful cup, of solid silver, the trophy is lettered across the front, ''Sir Henry Brett Memorial Cup," and on the lid there is a medallion with an

enamel portrait of the late Sir Henry Brett, the likeness being excellent. An uncommon note is lent by the two sculls which stand upright on each side of the trophy, the blades being thrust through the handles. On the front there is also a plaque with a view of Rangitoto in the background, and two racing fours in the foreground. It is a fine piece of work, and quite up to the high reputation of the makers, Messrs. Walker and Hall.

It is very fitting that the memory of the late Sir Henry should be connected with rowing, as he was a keen oarsman in his youth, which was spent at St. Leonards-on-Sea. He frequently competed in amateur events, and was one of the best 'oarsmen on that part of the south coast. When he came to New Zealand in 1863, and became a shipping reporter on the "Southern Cross," and afterwards on the "Herald," his handiness in a boat often stood. Sir Henry stead. In those days the shipping reporter used to spend half his time in a waterman's boat, such as were common enough on the Waitemata, until about forty years ago. Sir Henry was noted for his keenness, and his enthusiasm often led him to go far dWn the Rangitoto Channel, only himself and the boatman in the boat, and during heavy weather they often ran considerable risk. The Sir Henry, crett Memorial Cup [cannot be won outright, but each member of the winning crew will receive a miniature cup with an inscription recording the event. The first race for the trophy will take place next February.