ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 268, 12 November 1935, Page 19

ROWING.

TRIAL RACING.

BARRETT CUP CONTEST. FIRST INTER-CLUB EVENT. The trial racing season of four harbour clubfi opened last Saturday afternoon and despite the wretchedly cold, in fact, wintry, weather conditions, the enthusiasm of the members and the standard of rowing augurs well for the coming season. In the four clubs, West End, Waitemata, Auckland and St. George's, 17 crews with a total of 68 men took part, and no doubt had the elements been more kindly the numbers would have been j increased. A feature of the afternoon was the number of new men engaged and tiicir efforts wove carefully watched. The majority of thi>m \vcre of a fine physique and their work most encouraging. The clubs have all been fortunate in securing 60 many men of such a fine type, and although the various regatta selectors may have a difficult task to arrive at their final decisions, the public should be treated to some splendid contests, especially in the maiden and youths' classes. With the wind hard and equally from tne west the waterfront clubs rowed the lamakx Drive course, which offered the most shelter. In each case the heate were rowed in good water, but livelier conditions prevailed for the finals. However, all events were completed without swamplngs and the various committees must also be complimented upon the fact that with tno ooate and oare all in first-clues order no irritating delays were occasioned through breakages. n T t e Waitemata Club's trials for Mr. O. J. Jillerbeck's trophies provided C. H. Uurra four with an easy win. Thie combination gained many fanciers when the selection was advanced, and little wonder for the crew rowed more like a seasoned one instead of a last-minute selection on opening day. The Rousell Cup again started the St. beorgee programme, but Biss' four completely over-matched the others and won easily. Although so many new men were rowing it was clearly evident more attention must bo given to coaching them. The Auckland Club's trials were for the ±lencerson Cup, and when it is remembered that this club has gone through such a Dig reconstruction, the performances on tlie day were most commendable More new men were engaged than in any other trials, and the determination they displayed plainly showed they are of the right type to master the art of rowing. Ilie nrst heat provided a great fighting finwh, l'ishers crew getting the verdict by a bare canvas. It was not a case of slogging along to get there any way, but a. really fine effort to row properly, and was well worth standing on the cold waterfront to watch. Marceau's four captured the final in a comfortable manner, but no doubt Fisher's crew had not completely recovered from the hard race in the firat heat. Rowing for the Peacock Shield over th» short -course in the boat harbour, West £nd enjoyed the best sheltered conditions. live crews—the largest entry of the daycompeted, and the selectors' choice produced close finishes in the three races. The final was a fine go between Cr.iies and Parnell, that ended in Craics ovcihauling his rival in the last stretch to w»u by half a length.

Next Saturday afternoon the first interclub race of the season, the Barrett Cup, will be rowed under the control of Wesi End (holders). This trophy is usually rowed on the holder's course, but West End have again adopted the policy of holding the event on the Tamaki Drive course, which is most central for all clubs and offers the public the best opportunity of viewing the race from start to finish. The various clubs will row a set of trial fours land the winners in each case will then meet in the grand final for the Barrett Cup. This is timed to start at 4 p.m., so club officials will be well advised to follow the instructions the West End Club has issued. This will be the first occasion upon which the official starter for the season in inter-club races, Mr. C. C. Cairns, will officiate. The competing cliibts and their trial trophies are:—West End (club trophies), Waitemata (Mr. 11. Wright's trophies), Auckland (Porter medals), St. George's (Thomas Cup). Aorth Shore. Although the tide is full at 11.25 a.m. on the day, it will not affect this course. On Saturday, November 23, three clubs, West End, Auckland and North Shore, will hold their official opening functions, and in each eaee an invitation is extended to all supporters and friends. It will be the patron's (Mr. A. M. Paterson) At Home at West End, and the racing programme includes fours for the patron's trophies and trial eights for club trophies. These events are bound to arouse a lot of interest. The Auckland Club has allotted the opening ,as "Old Members' Day," and it is anticipated that a big attendance of veterans will be present. Those who visic the clubhouse will get a welcome surprise to find the many improvements that have been carried out', and the function should form a fitting occasion to launch the '"Old Members and Associates' Club." The object of this club is to arouse the old members' interest, and the present officers and members feel that if the old-timers rally round, old friendships will be renewed and opportunity given the present generation to meet the veterans who built the traditions they are so keen to uphold and add to. It is not an appeal ioi financial assistance, but an earnest desire on the part of the present members to meet the old ones, for they feel much can be learned from them. The subscription has been fixed at 2/6, and this will enable old members to use the club plaut and the right to,the boathouse for all social functions. The officers have endeavoured to compile an old members' list, but some names are bound to be missed. Any who do not receive an invitation are requested to notify the captain, Mr. G. Oxspring, or secretary, Mr. J. Otway, or else appear at the boathouee on November 23. The North Shore Clud has also undergone a big revival, and it is the officers' intention to make the official opening a memorable event. Here also an appeal is made to the old members to reacquaint themselves with the club's activities. Already a number of old members have shown much activity, and the president — one of the old school —prefers his identity to be known on the opening day. The North Shore regatta takes place on December 7 and club members are showing a keen desire to gain seats in the crews. This gala, at which various inter-club trophies are competed for, offers a fine tryout for the regatta crewe prior to the Tauranga gala. Mr. W. (Bill) Brydon, best known as captajn and coach of the Hamilton Club during its record years, is now resident at Whangarei, and hopes to get a crew or two together from the northern oarsmen. His abilities as a coach are only too wcil known, and the Whangarei oarsmen are fortunate in having his services. If they get down to their job properly the rest of the provincial clubs can reckon on some pret£y tough opposition in the maiden and youth classes. ,:.;£, The Mercer Club has taken a,fresh lease and now totals about 40 members. They are a keen set. puttiiig in plenty of practice, and can also be relied upon to provide tough opposition. On the river they can get very steady work, and town clubs will have to be on their mettle. Mercer has of recent years under struggling conditions provided some good crews, but with [■ the material now available no chances ca.; be taken. It is reported a good coach has been secured. The Auckland Rowing Association meet on Thursday night and it is anticipated that one or more of the Reason's regalia programmes will then be advanced.