ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 289, 7 December 1931, Page 11

ROWING.

NORTH SHORE CLUB. The North Shore Rowing Club's season was officially opened on Saturday with the president's, Mr. D. W. McLean's "Jit Home" in the boathouse, King's Drive. The friends and supporters of the club assembled in strong force, being welcomed by Mr. D. W. McLean, and during his remarks he referred to the handsome memorial shield donated by Mrs. IJ. F. Bennett, in memory of her husband, who in bygone years was not only an officer of,.but a most successful regatta oar for the club. At the call of the president three hearty cheers were given for Mrs. Bennett. Mr. J. Meikle, patron, was warmly welcomed, and he outlined in an interesting manner tbe clubs record for the last six years. During that period the club came from the seventh to the second position in regatta winnings, holding the last for two years in succession. "Mr. Meikle then unfurled the new flag the gift of the commodore, Mr. C. Seagar, and declared the season open.

The ladies' committee, under the supervision of Miss G. Channan, dispensed afternoon tea, and the function was turther brightened with the wireless programme from IYM. The Auckland Rowing Association was represented by Messrs. w. Madden and B. Rutlcdgc. It was intended to row a set of trial fours for trophies donated by the president, but owing to the rough sea, after Dean had defeated Xorris in the hrst heat, the event was postponed till this evening. WEST END CLUB. Patron's Day and At Home at the West End Rowing Club this afternoon was a complete success from every point of view. The number of visitors which had accepted invitations, and the gaiety which characterised the proceedings were reminiscent ot a quarter of a century ago. Those were the davs when clubs made a practice of sending representatives to each others official opening days, and Saturday was no exception to the rule. A feature of the afternoon's entertainment was the coxswains' challenge four race between the Auckland and West End Rowing Clubs. In the first race the judge, Mr A. M. Wilson, could not separate them, and when the contest was re-rowed West End just managed to beat their opponents by a canvas. Afternoon tea was dispensed by Mrs. Mortimer Fairs and the ladies committee, and dance music and a description of the races were broadcast. In the trial'fours final three winners of heats faced the starter, Mr. I. v. Conway. This was one of the best races of the afternoon, the crews together for practically the whole length of the course. A few yards from the winning post M. Conway, calling on his crew for a dozen, just managed to win, amidst excitement, by half a length. VETERANS' EIGHT-OAR RACE. Auckland: W. Keefe, B. Turner, W. Barber, C. Hughes, W. Fleming, R. Murray, C. Murray, A. Doull, F. prrell (cox). West End: A. Bailey, ■>■ H.'Bigelow, W. H. Conway, F. Gutry, A. Hunter. T. Llonilield R. N'oton. G. Sainty, E. Carter (cox). It'was a false start, and Auckland, who got tbe lead, very sportingly back-watered to the line at the call of the starter. This had the effect of calming both crews and making theiu have all eyes on the man with the gun.' He got them away to a beautiful start on the second attempt, and the old veterans struck out like a youths' maiden crew,' yet' they rowed like a well-trained senior four. It was a pretty race and a good one. Neither crew had the advantage. There was no pointing and the coxswains taught many of the younger gcueration a lesson in straight steering. Excitcmeut was intense as the crews, which were level, neared the winning post. Here Auckland's stamina began to tell, and amidst cheers they got home by a bare half length. Auckland won the inter-club challenge eight-oar race by one length and a quarter from West End.

WAITEMATA CLUB. The Waitemata, Boating Club rowed off for trophies donated toy' Mr. Hugh Wright over the Tamaki Drive course ou Saturday. Conditions were ideal for racing, the course being sheltered by the road from the southerly wind prevailing. Mr. C. 0. Caireus was starter and iMr. A. Mackay judge. In the final Conway got the best of the start, and led to Point 'Resolution, where Bcesley took the. lead and won by a length from Conway, with Horning well back.