ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 4, 6 January 1931, Page 11

ROWING.

FORM AT WHANGAREI.

WAITEMATA HEAD LIST. DONATIONS WELL DIVIDED. While disappointment was met by some crews at the Whangarei regatta, it was pleasing to note that four out of the six competing clubs shared in the prize list, and Waitemata came out on top, notching £15, with two firsts and four seconds, and St. George's were second with £12, gained in two firsts. North Shore got £11 with one first, one second, and West End £11 in two firsts and one second. The big gala at Onerahi presented a picturesque scene, catering for sport of all descriptions. What a contrast the bright sunshine was to the pouring rain of twelve months ago, and no wonder the treasurer, L. Hall, and secretary, C. Waymouth, were so happy when the returns were completed. The committee had a wonderful recovery from the disaster met at the last gala, and with anything like luck the Whangarei Harbour Regatta Association should be able to firmly re-establish the regatta.' Small Entries. Comment was made about the small entries, but the train arrangements, and the absence of a steamer excursion were the contributing factors. Two regattas in a fortnight were a difficult proposition for many men to overcome, and it was a case of attending the gala that best suited. If the regatta lacked a number of entries, the spectators gained in the racing and rowing witnessed. The fine water conditions and keen competitions made amends. The starting was In the capable hands of Mr. T. Marshall, and he got the crews away in fine style. If any races ar.e to be singled out then the heavy maidens, junior fours, maiden and junior pair oars can be mentioned. Acting to the starter's instructions instead of pointing always pays best, and if the actions of the crews at Whangarei can be taken as a criterion starters at future regattas have an easy task ahead. As mentioned last week, new winners would not come as a surprise, but in two races, the maiden'and junior pair oars, the wins of St. George's and West End upset many calculations. Some great races will be seen in these classes before the season finishes. The -training operations were borne out in the maiden fours under lOst by the win of the Waitemata crew (known as the "Moths"), and St. George's success in the heavy maiden four. A clinking race over the first half-mile was witnessed in the junior fours, but from that point North Shore's combination told. If the display given by West End in the row over the course can be taken as a guide, then another winner must appear in the youths' fours at Hamilton. There is still room for a lot of improvement in all the crews, and as the Hamilton course requirements are thoroughly understood the coaches can bo relied upon to remedy the weaknesses. The majority of the regatta men have completed their holidays, and will go into training at, once, in view of the future regattas for the season. More trial racing will be witnessed this month, but it is hardly likely that big entries will result. Veterans throughout the province are very keen on the suggested race for tliem, but the views expressed about the general conditions are most varied, and nothing definite Avill be done until soma club takes action. L. Hall, as treasurer for Whangarei regatta, had a busy day, but got through his duties and renewed many acquaintances. J. Burfoot, who was with Shore last season, is now actively engaged in th© regatta crews at Whangarei. West End Club. Only four crews entered for the West J End Club's Kohn trophies last Saturday, most members still being away for the Christmas holidays. However, although the entry was small, the rowing was the best witnessed this season, the final between McFarlane and Haylock being a neck and neck go. The course from the timber mills to the baths was used. McFarlane got the better of the start and was a length in front when they settled down. Haylock drew level off the clubhouse, and from then on it was even plugging. McFarlane just having e'nough in hand to get the verdict by a canvas. The heats were won fairly comfortably. McFarlane defeating G. Conway by* a length and a half, and Haylock F. Conway by a length and a quarter. A pleasing feature was the manner the first year members sat up and rowed, McFarlane's bow especially creating a very favour- 1 able impression. The club's pair-oar rowing machine has been assembled, and is causing a lot of interest among members. All crews arc now getting in to solid training for the Hamilton Regatta. Alterations will probably be made in the open maiden four although nothing definite has yet been decided upon. The lights, who were second, will stay as selected. The junior four is Mow, G. Conway, F. McFarlane, R. Stewart and F. Conway. Coinvay and McFarlane, who notched a win at Whangarei, will again be the pair. A new youths' four has been selected and will be: A. Dalton, L. Kirk, R Parsons and R, Browne.