ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 2, 3 January 1934, Page 11

ROWING.

WEST] END REGATTA. HAMILTON HEADS XIST. ROTORUA ENTRIES EXTENDED. The decision of the West .End Rowing Club to stage a regatta on New Year's Day as part of its jubilee celebrations was viewed with considerable doubt by many oarsmen, it being considered that the many other attractions during the holidays would prove too strong. However, the West End officials, having launched the project, were determined to see it through, and, putting all their energy into the preliminary stages, had everything up to the mark on New Year s Day. Another incentive was that the Whangarei regatta had always been held on the first of the New Year, and since that gala finished in 1031 no competitions have offered the racing crews fresh from their exploits at Tauranga. West End's first encouragement came when the entries closed with such a splendid response, and it was only the weather conditions that remained to ensure success. The eventful day broke "an oarsman's delight," the water conditions wore ideal and little wonder the excursionists crowded to the steamer for the pleasant run to Tine Island.

The West End officials must be congratulated upon the fine regatta they put on. As only to be expected in their initial effort, several points arose that could be improved upon, and the main one was the position of the finishing line. In laying out the course the officials went to a lot of trouble, and the contestants had no complaints to make, but as events turned out it would have been better for the many people on Pine Island if the crews hail passed, or even finished, at the wharf, instead of just below the island. However, this is a matter that experience improves upon, and there were, no doubt, many reasons weighed by the officials when they decided upon their finishing lino. It was a good move in taking the crews across the river to Greenhithe, as bettor facilities offered there for changing and launching the boats, and this showed that considerable thought had been given to detail. Another good move was the hoisting of the winning crew's club colours after each race, and this kept everybody interested. The judges, Messrs. A. M. 'Patterson, A. M. Wilson, J. A. Mackenzie, all old members whose active days date back to the club's record years, knew their job and were quick with their decisions. The starter's gun was in the capable hands of Mr. S. H. Buchanan and he got the crews away splendidly. Umpire A. C. Norden gave the crews instructions very clearly.

There were many willing workers, but the lion's share of the day's labours were borne bv the energetic secretary, Mr. O. G. Herdman. He was here, there and everywhere, and the success of the gala can 'be attributed to his efforts. In such an important season the club must be considered fortunate in having an officer of his ability, and he thoroughly deserves the congratulations of all West Enders for the time and energy he expended in making the regatta such a success. The first question that arises in dealing with the racing was the atrocious steering of practically all the coxswains. It was easily the worst display seen at a regatta for a long time. Why, it was impossible to understand. A plan of the course iu the programme showed everything plainly, and on the run up the harbour the course was discussed enough. Several races were thrown away through the steering, and crews came broadside on to view of the starter's boat following the races. This shows how erratic the coxswains were. Attention was called to steering in these columns several weeks ago, and unless a drastic change is made crews will meet trouble in future regattas where big lields are met. Coaches must centre more attention on starting, some of the crews were lamentably weak, and gave the impression of having an old barge under them instead of a racing craft. A few lengths lost at the start takes a lot of making up.

An improvement in the programme was the inclusion in every race of the crews colours. This was appreciated, and simplified matters for strangers. In the review of the Tauranga regatta mention was made that crews gave the impression of room for improvement, and it was borne out on this occasion. Hamilton showed to greater advantage in this respect, and given such water conditions at future regattas will prove more difficult propositions to overcome.

In the youths' fours North Shore made a fine start, but quickly faded, whilst West End also promised well. It was at the aerodrome wharf where Hamilton got going properly, and swinging into a nice stroke left the other crews looking like novices, and went away to win by five lengths. It will be a good crew to upset this combination in the future.

When Waitemata appeared with a maiden oarsman in G. W. Ross, owing to Oorbett's absence, in the junior pair oar, then- chances did not seem bright. West End carried a lot of supporters, but Hamilton were not so sanguine. With R. B. Smith as stroke for Waitemata the crew flew away on the gun, quickly followed by Hamilton, while West End fumbled badly. The leaders were soon out with a splendid swinging stroke in marked contrast to West End's short chop. Smith's experience stood to him, and he led the opposition a "dance." Hamilton was allowed to close up, and with that burst of energy raising the crew's hopes, Waitemata would again spurt away. Hamilton rowed a game race, but Waitemata outclassed the others to win by a big margin. West End can never hope for success under good water conditions with such a short choppy stroke.

Waitemata's heavy maiden four also gave a fine display, going along with a. splendid swinging stroke, but through bad steering covered a lot more course than necessary. Auckland kept the best course, but rowed a jumpy, plugging stroke and were fortunate in getting so close to the winners. St. George's will take a lot of reckoning With when an improvement is made in the rudder strings. The junior fours was a disappointment for West End, a great win for Hamilton, although St. George's should have been closer up, but for the course steered. St. George's went away in great style and settled to a fine stroke quickly, while Hamilton were not so impressive at first, but picked up well after the first halfmile. West End were badly left and rowed a stern chase throughout. Of the Auckland clubs St. George's will prove Hamilton's most serious rival in the future. West End, winners at Tauranga, have a lot to make up to retrieve their position, but cannot hope to do it with such a short stroke and no combination. The maiden pair oar was one of the best races of the day. Waitemata led until near the finish, where Hamilton, full of going, came through and gained a fine win. The steering of Waitemata in this race calls for adverse comment; there was no occasion to force Hamilton so far over. The West End crew made a plucky showing and if looked after should be heard of at later regattas. Orsulich, who replaced Newcombe as stroke, rowed a fine stroke in contrast to the other crews of the cluo —and the crew struck a good B\\ :ng under the circumstances. ' , In the maiden fours under lOst West End won. and although rowing such a short stroke, the crew had good combination. Hamilton's stroke caught a crab just after the start, and although the crew rowed well it made no difference to the result. However, the Waikajto combination cannot be treated lightly and should prove serious rivals in the future. The junior eight provided a fine finish to the programme, and throughout the full journey it was a great go. St. Georges were first out, to be displaced by Hamilton, with West End very handy. Again St. George's rudder was freely used to disadvantage. Hamilton kept a good course HP il it came to a battle royal with West End over the last .stretch. The West End eox kept the best course throughout and contributed materially to the victory, but i even in the last stages drew away to the

right. Hamilton at this stage came broadside on to the starter's boat. West End christened their new boat in the first junior eights, securing the honours with a bare length's lead. The three clubs will be seen in an eight-oar contest at the Hamilton regatta. The winning donations gained were: Hamilton £18, West End £16, Waitemata £10, St. George's £2, Auckland £1. North j Shore was the only club to miss, but it must be mentioned that unfortunately several men were away and improvised crews fulfilled the engagements. The Shoreites showed a fine sporting spirit in racing against such odds. Rotorua Reoatta. The closing of entries for the Rotorua regatta has been extended until January 0, owing to the holidays. Already all the Auckland clubs have signified then- intentions of competing, the entries of Aramoho are in anil there is every likelihood of Wanganui Union being represented. F. Jackson, New Zealand sculling champion, has also been mentioned. Competing oarsmen should note that the big meeting house at Ohinemutu has been placed at their disposal, and no doubt some men will camp there. Another large shed at Ohinemutu has also been placed at the clubs' disposal for housing their boats.