ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 80, 5 April 1939, Page 24

ROWING.

COLLEGE CREWS.

WANGANUI SUPERIOR.

INTERPROVINCIAL EIGHTS

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' CONTEST. The prin •iji.il event during the last week-end was the. third annual four-oar race between the YYanganui Technical College and the Mount Albeit Grammar School. The fe.ituie of the contest was the splendid display by the Wunganui boys. They were not only stylists, but thoi' lowing possessed a powerful lift and lug dlive that was lacking with the local boys. Their oars worked with a rhythm that was mechanical. Erom the start they jumped out at a great pace, gaining a lead that gave them command throughout The Mount Albert crew certainly got a setback through breaking an oar and having to take a strange one, uml also in meeting tiouble with a seat, but these happening* had no bearing on the race, the local boys being beaten by a superior crew. The Mount Albert boys must be commended for the pluck and determination they displayed in rowing the race a. stern chase from start to "finish. Never once did the crew let up. and the spirit displayed by the boys was in keeping with all the traditions of the sport. Wanganui's appearance came at a most opportune time and served a valuable leeson to all the crews that will be taking part in the "head of the harbour" regatta to be held about April 22. The various crews are putting in a lot of practice work. The Takapuna Grammar now possesses its own boat and the bins operate from the Xorth Shore Club. The old boys—comprising well-known regatta oars from town clubs—are due to give the crew a try out this week. The "head of the harbour" regatta will close the Auckland rowing season. The closing functions of both the Auckland and West End Clubs attracted a large attendance of old members, and it was pleasing to note their intimate knowledge of present-day club affairs. Jn view of the centennial celebrations next year, it is to be hoped that not only will the advice of the old members regarding preparations be acted upon, but their offer of assistance will be accepted. A little more of the "atmosphere ' that prevailed to lay the foundations of the clubs is required at the present time. Interprovincial Eights. The annual interprovincial eight-oar race for the Hallyburton Johnstone Cup is timed to start at 10 a.m. on Easter Saturday at Dunedin. Owing to being unable to secure a boat, Auckland will not be represented. Unless the South Island possesses an exceptional crew—and some Otago enthusiasts consider they do — Wanganui, present holders of the cup and the New Zealand champions, must, with conditions all right, retain the trophy. University Eights. With the annual university tournament at Dunedin this year, the Auckland University College has sent a strong crew to take part in the annual eight-oar race. The crew is a heavy one, averaging 12 stone each, but seems a little short of worlt to reach the form to meet success. There have been several factors that have interfered with the club's operations this season, .but it is generally regarded that the crew will make a creditable showing. Judging by reports, Victoria College, present holders of the shield, will be hard to' beat. This year each university will have 'its own boat. Otago's new racer was built in Wanganui, while Auckland's boat that has plensed the crew was recently landed from Australia. St. George's, Auckland and West End have trial races to decide, and the week after Easter should see the programmes finished. Pleasure rowing will be the order over the holiday period. Despite the closing of North .Shore a week ago, the desire to keep going across the water is very keen. Another set of trials as rowed last Saturday, and it is understood racing; will be continued for several weeks.