ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 259, 1 November 1932, Page 13

ROWING.

OPENING OF SEASON. A NEW MANAGEMENT. . 'OARSMEN ACTIVE THROUGHOUT PROVINCE. The rowing clubs throughout the province are now ready to embark upon the season's activities; and the general indications at present are that a marked revival in the sport has set in. * The opening of the season for the iaarbour: clubs takes place next Saturday, when the first inter-chib contest, the Barrett Cup, will be, rowed. <A good afternoon's sport, is anticipated, as each club will ■ row' a set of trial fours, and. the ■respective'winners meet in the grand final for the big trophy. The course will (weather permitting) \ be alongside the Tamaki Drive, from Orakei to the eastern tide deflector. This will offer spectators the opportunity of witnessing the racing from start to finish'; While the city clubs are busy, the crack Waikato club, Hamilton, will also open its season with an at hpme and trial fours for trophies donated by the president. The ..Hamilton officers have been working hard,, and through their efforts' the Ngaruawahia Club has resumed activities. Messrs. A. Sandos and H. Buchanan have made many trips to the delta township, and their efforts in coaching have placed four crews on the river. The Ngaruawahia oarsmen have been invited to tho' Hamilton club's official opening, and will take seats in the trial four crews. Such sporting actions are to be commended, and show the Hamiltouians' keen interest in the welfare of the sport.

The principal happening in rowing circles during the week-end' was the Auckland Rowing Association's annual meeting, which resulted in the overthrow of the old executive and the election of practically a new body. Allegations of overcaution against the old management have prevailed* for some time, and the " progressive party," desiring a change, organised its forces and let their actions be known. The new executive can enter its activities without any hindrances, and its 'policy should be quickly formulated, and a start made of putting the house in order. It cannot be expected that everything will be done this season, but so long as the new executive adhere to a constructive policy, staunch support will be forthcoming.

West End members rowed the second set of trial fours last Saturday, when the Thos. Peacock Shield was decided. Four good races were witnessed, the final the best of all, a fitting finish to the racing, that gave It. Stewart's crew a victory by a margin of two feet. M. Conway's four was much fancied when the selection was advanced, but, although they rowed well, they had to be content with second place. Stewart's crew swung together nicely, and looked more like one that had been together several times than a last-minute selection.

The rough water on the northern shore compelled the Shoreites to postpone the trial fours arranged. This club's crew will take part in the Barrett Cup race next Saturday.

The Waitcmata Boating Club opened its season last Saturday with " old members' day," and again the function proved successful. The veteran of the party was Mr. T. B. O'Connor, who first joined the club in 1886, and figured in the crack whaleboat crews of the early days.

Two association officers defeated had long records of service. In various ways, Mr. W. G. Mason, president,' has been connected with the sport for 33 years. Mr. A. Wilson was treasurer for 21 years, while Mr. E. H. Buckler, secretary for 17 years, did not seek re-election, nor did Mr. Mndden, vice-president, whose entry into the sport dates back 37 years. Mr. W. Oliver, vice-president, had about the same length of time with the sport.