ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 172, 22 July 1936, Page 16

ROWING.

AUCKLAND CLUB. A GREAT RECOVERY. The report and balance-sheet to be presented at the 07th annual general meeting of the Auckland Rowing Olub on Thursday night contains very clear evidence of the wonderful success enjoyed last season. Thanks to the strict training, the thorough keenness and happy spirit that prevailed among the members, the regatta winnings showed a great improvement on those of the last three years. The club, as a whole, feels that this is due to the inspiring leadership of the captain, Mr. George Oxspring. It has been very gratifying to find the renewed interest old members have taken in the affairs and activities of the club. The season opened with an overdraft of £23 at the bank, but the balance-sheet shows convincingly the advancement made during the few months of activities. In addition to the many heavy current expenses a deposit of £20 has been paid on two new practice boats now under construction and there remains a credit of £12.

Donations toward the proposed best-and-best eight have been mounting steadily, the sum of £11 10/ being donated on prize night. This sum was gained only through the work of the president of the Old Members and Associates' Club, Mr. H. O. Wiles, who proved himself a great opportunist. A further amount was acquired by other donations, the total of nearly £37 being received. The membership was maintained, but the prospects for next season are much brighter, as a large number of applications for membership have already been received.

i'lie plant has been well maintained. Two old practice fours were sold to the newly-formed Raglan Club, and an order placed for two new practice boats from N. M. Miller, of Port Chalmers. The racing pair was overhauled and the best-and-best four will also be done in time for the coming season. A new best-and-best eight has ben ordered and this will give members a fine up-to-date set of boats. The pair oar tub, donated by Mr. F. C. Mappin in 1928, has proved of the greatest value for the coaching of new members. Ten sets of trial racing were held and with full entries maintained throughout the competition proved keen.