ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 27, 2 February 1932, Page 13

ROWING.

REGATTA CREWS REST.

INTER-CLUB RACES

THE NEW SCULLING CHAMPION,

After the strenuous racing at Hamilton oarsmen generally took matters very quietly over the week-end. The main event billed was the inter-club fours for the Nixon Cup at the Tamaki Yacht Club's regatta, but the sou'-west wind raised a rough sea that caused a postponement of the event. Some of the crews attempted to make the journey to the starting line, but were forced to abandon it. Although next Saturday has been suggested as the day to decide the trophy, at the time of writing it was doubtful, owing to the throe inter-club races arranged for the day. Ideal water offered on Sunday, and nonregatta men made the best of' the opportunity. Long quiet rows were engaged in. as there was no demand on the boats. The Hamilton regatta showed clearly the necessity for more definite instructions to the coxswains. Some of the steering was very bad, and clubs were lucky to escape damage to the boats. It can safely be said that the boys are not altogether responsible, owing to the multiplicity of orders given to them. Crews disregarding their course with the risk of taking another boat's water, came off very well, but too much repetition of such tactics will not prove advisable. Not only crews, but coaches, require to look up the rule regarding a boat's course, and also the duties of the umpire. Two incidents proved in subsequent discussions that a very wrong idea is held as to a boat's course and the impire's duties. Entries for the Smith Shield close with the Waitemata Boating Club's secretary on Wednesday night. The race promise's a good field and a hard contest. The course alongside the waterfront roadway will be used if conditions are suitable. The other two trophies, the Powley Cup and Hislop Cup, are under the control of the North Shore Club and will probably be vowed over the same course.

R. Smith, champion amateur sculler o£ New Zealand; is an Aucklander and. was introduced to the spovt of rowing four years ago, when he joined the Waitemata Boating Club. From the outset he displayed much keenness and was quickly marked as a promising oar. Always willing to take advice and most diligent in training, he won a seat in the club's light maiden regatta lour, but for two seasons failed to meet with success. The reverses showed his quality by increasing his enthusiasm and determination to gain regatta honours. These came in 1930 at Ngaruawahia, with J. H. Beesley in the maiden double sculls. The corner was turned and as a member of the light maiden fours he won at Ngaruawahia, the Auckland Rowing Association's championship and the Whau regatta. In 1931, again partnered by J. H. Beesley, the maiden pair oars were won at Tauranga, Whangarci, Mercer, Hamilton, Auckland Association's championships, Hamilton, and the junior double sculls at the Auckland provincial championships. That season he gained interprovincial honours as No. 3 in the Auckland eight crew that contested the interprovincial championship at Duncdin. His wins in club trial racing make a formidable list, and well club mates know the difficult man Bob is to beat. A month ago he turned his thoughts seriously to sculling and surprised his club mates by expressing his intention to compete in the single sculls championship at Hamilton. Typical of the traits he displayed in his early career, he went to Hamilton three weeks before the big event and started to train with his usual thoroughness. Riverside critics at last became impressed with the "novice," but by the eventful day regarded him as the "dark horse" of the race. At last the starter's gun turned all eyes on the river. After the first few strokes the excitement began, for Smith took the lead. It increased to lengths, till an excited crowd of spectators saw a gap opened that none of the other scullers could dispute. One obstacle lay between Smith and victory. The crowd saw it and they shouted anxiously to watch the buoy ahead. He turned, but struck it. The incident might have upset many scullers, but not Smith, he was cool, and rattled in a few more strokes to get the gun, and become in his first attempt, after a month's training, New Zealand's new champion sculler.

It was a clear-cut victory, for he won the race from the start. Never has a winner stepped out of his boat and received such a reception. It tan safely be said that with him the title is in safe keeping. Like his clubmates, D. Hadfield and W. Stevenson, who have also held the title, he is a tighter who never knows defeat until the line is crossed. R. Smith's ambitions will undoubtedly be to equal, if not excel, his clubmates' fine record with the title. The West End Club's trial fours on Saturday produced some splendid racing, and once again M. Conway stroked the winning crew. MERCER REGATTA. This week the regatta crews will start training tor the Mercer regatta on March 27. -At this portion of the VVaikato River much rowing history has been made, for the stalwarts who founded Auckland provincial rowing quickly realised the splen : did course. The spectators can travel from one end of the course to the other in comfort and watch the progress of the racing. It is still a debatable point with many oarsmen, for Mercer has long been regarded as a most suitable permanent course for the New Zealand championship regatta. The programme this year is an exceptionally fine one, and the prize-money amounts to £170. Two Auckland provincial championship titles will be decided, and, as the crews are so keen, some exciting racing seems assured. Motor bout .racing, canoe racing, horse swimming contests, and a host of numerous other attractions offer plenty to entertain. The committee, piloted by Mr. Mercer, secretary, have arrangements well in hand, and indications are that this season's efforts will completely eclipse all others. A special train service will be run, and every facility offered the general public to visit thin beautiful historical township of the Waikato.