ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 37, 13 February 1929, Page 14

ROWING.

THE SMITH SHIELD. MASON CUP RACE. JOTTINGS FROM THE CLUBS. A visit to the Waitemata Boatincr Club's boathouse on Saturday afternoon quickly impressed the casual visitor that some important event was on. Questions brought the answer, the Smith Shield, the, much-prized inter-club non-class four-oar race tbdt the club controls. It was the fifteenth annual race—how time flies—and no wonder that some of the stalwarts of Auckland rowing, who make this contest a certain day to visit the old boathouse, showed signs of age. Some of them figured' in the winning crews, others knew the taste of defeat, yet all gathered and gave stirring accounts of the great races of the past. The big central figure, Mr. W. Smith, the donor of the shield, was missing—he has passed to the Great Beyond—but he saw his ambitions realised, the cultivation of a clean, healthy, manly competition in the sport of rowing. The' Smith Shield has done much to promote rowing throughout the province, and it its always a matter of regret with the country clubs when circumstances prevent them sending crews.

Last Saturday's race was again worthy of the event, for some seasons have passed by eince the event was so open. The keenest follower of the sport was somewhat loath to nominate the winner, hut the majority were fully convinced that the issue lay between four crews. This forecast proved correct. The race is quickly told. Waitemata, Xorth Shore and St. George's No. 1 jumped out at the start, but their work was not steady, and Auckland, well on the outside, struck a splendid stroke, lively with a good catch, drive and body swing, and rushed to the lead, passing the other crews like a flash. With over half the journey covered West End and St. George's Xo. 2 figured as starters to experience a stern chase. Auckland steered a splendid course, but Waitemata, Shore and St. George's No. 1 turned towards the embankment, thus giving themselves two unnecessary turns and travelling a greater distance. It was certainly a lack of judgment. Once Auckland hit the calm water the race was theirs; it remained to be seen by how much. The three crews promised a stirring fight for second place, when a launch came across and nearly swamped St. George's with its wash and put their chances out. Waitemata then challenged Shore, and the spectators on the embankment were treated to a great fighting finish. Waitemata were seen °at their best, and got their place by a canvas. Shore were somewhat unlucky to break a runner on one siide early in the race. On the day Auckland was* the best crew and gained a well-deserved win.

The second inter-club event was the junior pair-oars for the Maeon Cup, under the control of St. George's. Waitemata were voted favourites as the four crews set off for the start. Once on the journey it looked a« if the critics' views were correct, for Waitemata swung along with a two lengths lead. Xearing Point Resolution another tale was un" folded—the leaders' condition told. Shore jumped to the lead, and Auckland took second place. The marine suburbs crew soon opened the gap to go on for a two lengths' win, while Waitemata made a desperate effort, but Auckland hung out to get the second place by a canvas.

The two inter-club races provided some good rowing, and the increasing public interest was shown by the number of spectators along the new embankment as the Mason Cup was beiii" decided. c North Shore's Entry. Is North Shore entitled to hold the Mason Cup for pair oars? The club did not comply with the rules. A crew is allowed one substitute, but the controlling club, St. George's, must be notified of any change made to that of the crew entered. Korn and McCallum was the crew entered, but Korn was unable to start, and McCallum took Cotes as his partner. This change was made without the club's authority, and the St. George's officials were not notified. Under these circumstances it will be interesting to see what St. George's do in the matter. There can be no disputing that Shore rowed a fine race, and brought off a good surprise. However, there are rules, and these are made for a purpose. It will therefore occasion no surprise to' see the race awarded to Auckland, the second crew. Rules. The sooner some oarsmen—or is it laxity on the part of the club officialsrecognise that there are rules governing the sport of rowing the better. For the Smith Shield a West End crew attempted to enter just before the race but were not accepted. This competition has been in existence for 16 years and surely by now the conditions should be known. If not, the Waitemata Club has a copy for perusal. In several cases this season there have been indications of doing things in an off-handed manner, but fortunately with the officers concerned, the delinquents have been checked. Some clubs' officers should also remember that changes in the personnel of a crew must be made in writing and signed and forwarded to the controlling powers before the race. The necessity for the strict observance of this rule must be only too clear to everyone. Two out of five clubs (North Shore and West End) were offenders to rules last week.

Brett Memorial Cup. The first race for the Sir Henry Brett Memorial Cup and Miniatures will be rowed on the harbour next Saturday afternoon. If weather conditions are suitable, the course will be from Orakei to a point on the new waterfront roadway a distance of about one and a-half miles. The competition is under the control of the St. George's Rowing Club. Mr. T. M. V. Morton, the club secretary, has forwarded to each club affiliated to the Auckland .Rowing Association a set of rules governing the trophy, and a rareful study should be made of them. Entries close next Wednesday evening. The fact that the competition in a non-elass event, irrespective of grade, and being rowed for the first time, should produce some very strong crews. At the time of writing the five local clubs will enter crews —Auckland Club probably two— and advice from Tauranga, Hamilton and Whangarei indicates that those clubs' colours will be seen on the harbour on Saturday. If the Hamilton junior four can secure the loan of a boat, they will also make the journey. Speak up, town clubs.

Inter-club Eights,

When the Auckland Kowing Club introduced inter-club eight-oar racing on the harbour for the Dr. Stuart Keid Cup some years ago, a big start was given this class of racing. The enthusiasm for eight-oar boats was keen enough, but then the expense, harbour conditions and several extras provided circumstances that could not be surmounted. 1 he race has lapsed for several seasons, but with the commendable initiative the Auckland Club's officers have displayed, a new departure was made this season. A scheme was launched by the dub, new rules drawn up, and the other clubs invited to share in the venture. It was intended that the race should be known as the head of the river championship, but that title had to be dropped. Not disturbed, the Auckland officials have worked steadily, and now all arrangements are practically completed. The race will take place on the Pine Island course on February 23. A special steamer has been chartered, and an excursion will be run to the favourite island. On Saturday last .Mr. D. Stacey, Auckland's captain, and Mr. D. Davies, Shore"s vice-captain, inspected the course. From just above Pine Island to about a-quarter of a mile below Hobsonville a tine course of 1A miles has been laid off. It is proposed to start the first race just as the steamer reaches Hobsonville, and follow the event. The next race will be rowed from Pine Jsland down. The semi-linal crews will then take the boats for their go, and the final will be from Pine Island to Hobsonville. The steamer will land passengers at the island, and then follow the races, but it is presumed that most of the visitors will stay aboard and watch the racing. The five local crews have entered, and Waiteniata has drawn the bye. They will meet the winners of the first heat. The draw is: First heat, Auckland v. St. George's; second heat, North Shore v. West End. A special launch will convey the boats, oars, and any oarsmen who are free to assist to the scene in the morning. Every thing will then be in readiness by the time the afternoon boat arrives. The full programme will be advertised in the "Star" columns. Any oarsmen unable to assist should notify their club delegate. Competitors in the first heat must leave town by the 12.30 p.m. steamer for Pine Island. If the programme is run to time, the steamer should reach town by 6 p.m. Hamilton Club. Hamilton oarsmen are very active and training keenly for the Auckland provincial championships on the Whan River. A big contingent can be expected from the Waikato township. The senior crew is hard at it for the southern trip. They will compete at the Wellington regatta next Saturday and the New Zealand championships at Picton the following week, February 23. The men will be away about a fortnight and the club is to be congratulated upon being represented, especially with the heavy expenses entailed. It is most unfortunate that the junior crew colild not secure the necessary leave, for they must have played a big part in their class event. However, if a boat is procurable from one of the Auckland clubs this crew will make the journey to town for the Sir Henry Brett Memorial Cup.

Cup for Scullers. The club has just received a donation of a handsome silver cup from Mr. L. W. W. Brown for maiden single scullers. The donor will also provide annually, so long as lie resides in Hamilton, "a miniature of the cup each year. The Hamiltonians are keen in sculling and this donation will be a great incentive to single sculling. Already X. A. Pennail has taken up sculling, while T. Blackman, K. Attwood and V. St. George are all preparing for a tilt at that keen sport, J. R. Wink. They will have to go some to wrest the trophy from him. The club hoped to send a crew for the Smith Shield, but the men were unable to get leave.