ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 48, 26 February 1935, Page 13

ROWING.

CLUB RACING.

DOMINION CHAMPIONSHIPS. VISITING COMPETITORS ARRIVE. The ecene along the waterfront course last Saturday afternoon recalled the bygono days of Auckland rowing when the sport commanded such great public interest and the spectators so closely watched tho various crews' activities. The New Zealand Championship Regatta to be held on the Whau Estuary nest Saturday has aroused a lot of interest, and it was in anticipation of seeing some of the southern crews in action, that so many enthusiasts took up vantage points along the railings. To an extent they were disappointed, as the only stranger to Auckland afloat was the Wairau senior fours, present holders of the title. However, the visitors were fully compensated by the display of rowing witnessed in tho Waitemata. Club's trial fours for Air. \V. Denison's (president) tropin 2S. The three races produced a high standard of rowing, and seldom are such closely-contested events witnessed. The ultimate winners had a stern chase for over half the journey, and their condition was mainly responsible for the victory. West End also provided a series of keen, races in the novice fours for Mr. C. G. Herdman's Caps, that provided a win for Farreil's crew by a canvas from Gerrard, with Macdouald only two l'eet away. The keenness shown in both the standard of rowing and racing was most encouraging. The New Zealand championships at the Whau Estuary next Saturday are now the sole topic in rowing circles, and the many questions being asked about the regatta is a pleasing sign of the public interest being taken in it.

The work of preparing the lauding place at the course is proceeding steadily. A working boo of West End members on Sunday shifted the silt oil the steps that were put in some years ago. Tho rolling of the ground overlooking the course will be completed about Thursday next, and from this area the spectators will have a splendid view of the whole course. A loud-speaker system is being conveniently placed, and will enable the spectators to be informed of the progress of each race. Aβ will be 6een by the advertisements in the "Star" this week, a feeder bus service connecting with the Avondale and Point Chevalier trams will be maintained at frequent intervals to the course. Later in the week eome of the crews will house their boats in the big marquees on the grounds, and with Mr. "Charlie" Robinson as caretaker absolute security should be felt. The firet of the visiting oarsmen to arrive last Saturday were Wairau fours, Alexander (Gisbome), sculler, and six from Tauranga, Hamilton's first batch of seven came up last night, and three more are due on Wednesday. Thursday will be a busy day for the regatta officials, ae Fetone (6), Star (12), Aramoho (5), Tauranga (4), and Gisborne (9) are due, and on Friday Union (20), Hamilton 16) and Opotiki (5). The remaining crews, Napier, Avon, Ngaruawahia and New Plymouth are expected any day. The secretary of the regatta, Mr. C. Or. Herdman, ie having a huey time, but has all details well in hand. All communications to the secretary should be sent to b °n l was hoped that at the Wanganui regatta, arranged for last Saturday, some idea of Ae southern crews' form would be gained, but the eudden flooding of the river caused a postponement of the fixture. The Wellington regatta oE the previous week ifl the only guide, but this is not too satisfactory, as a fairly stiff southerly wind prevailed. The senior fours was reduced to about one mile and a quarter, ae againet two milee the crews will row next Saturday. Once Star took tho lead they were never headed, ami enjoyed a win by one length and a naif, with Aramoho second, and Union third. Petone, of whom so much was expected, broke a seat when leading after a hundred vards. These crews will meet next Saturday, when a true guide of their ability should be given. Whether the conditions made the aitterence, Jackson of Union (Wangamii) defeated P. Abbot (Petone) in the single sculls, while the Aramoho representative, Campbell, although level with the other two at the mile mark, was well not of the race at the finish. Launch and boat ownera should note that the Auckland Harbour Board has civen the regatta club authority to stop all pleasure bor.te being on the course from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. The notice will be published this week. The public are requested to refrain from encroaching on the area roped oft for the racing boat*. Those boate are very lightly built, and very thin, and it requires but little damage to debar a crew from starting in a race. The oarsmen have all undergone a long steady course of training, and it would be tragic to find a crew unable to start owing lo a spectators carolreenoes. . , , The difficult office of umpire for the races has been allotted to Mr. R. Porter, who was bow of the Auckland Club s champion senior four in the 1033-34 season. Mr A. D. Bayfield, secretary of the >T Z A.P..A. was originally appointed, but was unable to accept the position, an there is a likelihood of his being unable to make the trip from Wellington. Competing crews should note that the first race is timed to start at 1 p.m., and there will be no waiting. . Several of the visiting crews will tr.-un from the Auckland, Waitemata, and St. George's eheds upon arrival. Later in the week the boats will be taken to the Whau course, and crews will then get an opportunity of putting the finishing touches on their work.