ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 87, 14 April 1931, Page 16

ROWING.

INTER-CLUB TROPHIES. HONOURS WEIX DIVIDED. AUCKLAND'S AT HOME. "That finishes the inter-club races." ■was the remark heard on Sunday forenoon, when Eaddy crossed the line winner of the Marshall Cup handicap sculls, and quite a number ol oarsmen were satisfied that the five races formed a fitting conclusion for the season. In cold sou'-westerly weather the racing started late. Two trophies new to local sport offered the competition. The weather conditions compelled the North Shore officials controlling the racing to change to the course on the southern shore, an action that was considerably delayed. It was a -striking illustration of the necessity for better arrangements being made to notify the city clubs. The racing, although interesti/jg, did not produce the contests anticipated, owing to the weather, as the draw for positions played a big part in the finishes. That, however, was all in the game, and any crew next to the city shore would have enjoyed the advantage, but it was a pity in these contests such conditions prevailed. The outside crews had a gruelling through the rough water and up against the wind until the shelter of the Parnell cliffs was reached, and with much energy expended had not the reserve to fight out a hard fhii»h in the smooth stretch along the roadway wall. The novice fours, carrying the John Hislop Cup, drew five crews, one from each of the clubs. The early stages saw Auckland and North Shore having a great fight, although West End was in a handy position. Off the gap West End came through, and, once clear of the bend, could watch the other crews. Shore and Auckland had a great go, and it was a splendid effort that enabled Auckland to pass its rivals and gain second place. Auckland, Shore and St. George's were the most fancied crews for the Alfred J. Powley Memorial Cup. Shore caused a long delay in getting to the starting line, and the other crews and spectators there did a freeze. Starter K. Pooley had an unenviable task, as when he was getting the crews in good line several nasty squalls came down. At last he got them away to a good start. The race was a repetition of the previous one, and St. George's heavy crew got the worst of the deal. The three races controlled by the Auckland Rowing Association were rowed on Sunday morning and each event only attracted three starters. In the Mason fours North Shore and Waitemata were absentees. The water conditions were much better than on Saturday. West End took the lead from the start, setting a very hot pace, and raised their supporters' hopes by opening over a length's lead. St. George's lay second, while Auckland went much easier than usual and at the start wete last. The leaders found the pace telling j and gradually fell back. Once Auckland got the lead the result was never in doubt. St. George's had a battle for second place with West End and ' managed to. do the trick.

Shore were claimed to hold an advantage in the junior double sculls, but ttie race proved that two good' men not .well trained in a good boat could not stand the strain put on by two good men, well trained. From the word go Waitemata took the lead and for a while St. pressed. The Parnell crew was rather too ambitious by starting *i\e two men who had just raced for the Mason Cup and then stepped into the double sculls. As could be imagined they soon faded out of the picture. Waitemata and Shore had a ding dong go to the point, then condition told its tale. The Waitemata crew challenged strongly and, sculling in great style, outrowed their opponents and gained a fine win.

It was hard to realise that, with the number of aspirants to sculling on the harbour, only three men completed in the Marshall Cup single sculls. Dean and Eaddy were placed on scratch and Biss enjoyed a handicap of 455. He was in a clinker stump. Dean's chances we'e killed in the previous race and all Eaddy had to do was to remain afloat. This he did and won the trophy. The week-end racing has clearly shown that if the sport is to maintain the public interest it deserves, more -attention must be given in drawing up the programmes. There should be no necessity to extend the final races over two days. Two trophies were certainly additional to those at first arranged, but the three association trophies should not have been left so late.

Final At Home. It will be president's day at the Auckland Clubhouse next Saturday, when an At Home will be held, and a big attendance of old members and friends is expected. An interesting programme includes trial four racing for the trophies donated by Mr. Geo. Hoganj president. ■!? Waitemata will hold pair-oar trials on Saturday for Messrs. Fearon's trophies. Clubhouse Gossip. Auckland Club's prize night will probably be held about May 12. S. McDuff, of'the Shore, intends devoting much time to coaching-a new coxswain. Generally considered that in, future an official starter for the season should be appointed. It's worth a trial. Auckland Club proposes purchasing new boats. A racing four and convertible double sculler is badly needed. The men are there, as proved this season. They require the boats for success at regattas. V. Hargreaves, now of Wellington, was recently on a visit to Auckland. The trophies were well shared during the week-end. Auckland, Wes</End and Shore gained in fours, while Waitemata got both the single and double sculls. Will any action be taken durin°- the winter months to raise funds for the cSt'crewf thG