ROWING ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 6971, 26 January 1888, Page 6

ROWING ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of the Committee of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association was held at Warner's Hotel last night. Mr F. Fuller, Vice-Presideut, was voted to the chair, and explained that the meeting was called in accordance with rule 4. There were present—Messrs M. C. Barnett, A. de B. Brandon, A. S. Biss and W. Fitzgerald (captain), representing Star 8.C., Wellington ; A. G. Johnson (captain) and A. W. Brown, Wellington R.C.; M. C. Barnett, Wauganui R.C. and Union 8.C., Wanganui; E. Jackson, Nelson; W. A. Styche, Napier; and W. Fitzgerald, Blenheim. In the absence of Mr Batkin, Mr Biss acted as Secretary of the meeting. Mr Fitzgerald moved, and Mr Brown seconded —'" That the election of .officers should stand over until next meeting, which takes place on the 10th March at Wellington, aud that the present officers be requested to hold office until the return of their successors.

Mr Brown explained the reasons why he thought it was advisable that the election should be postponed. The motion was carried unanimously.

Mr W. Fitzgerald moved as per notice — "That the constitution of the Association be amended by adding the following words : ' Provided that the Committee of the Association may for good cause shewn reinstate any amateur who may have infringed the above rule.'" He, regretted the trouble which had arisen, and wished it to be understood that the Star Club was not overbearing, as some peoDle seemed to think. The Star Club wished to fall in with the views of the Clubs in New Zealand, and it was in their interests that the Association was organised. The rule as proposed was generally approved, and was the outcome of the difficulties which had cropped up. A similar rule existed in athletics, and had, as far as he knew, worked very satisfactorily. Mr' Johnson seconded the motion, which was supported and carried unanimously. Mr Fitzgerald then moved—" That the championship race for fours be held (in best and best boats) this season at the Wauganui Regatta; that for sculls at the Star Boating Club Regatta, and that no champion pairs or double sculls be rowed this season." It was suggested that the champion fours should be rowed at Wanganui, as there there was a splendid course. The question of coxswainless boats was a stumbling-block, which he hoped ere long would be settled amicably. Mr Brown seconded the motion, and asked that a provision should be made for best and-best boats.

Mr Johnson approved of the motion, and suggested that at a future meeting the Association should add a rule to the effect that the races should be in best-and-best boats.

The effect of the motion was fully explained, and the mover agreed to the alteration, after which it was carried. Mr Fitzgerald moved: —" That Mr C. N. Powell, of the Wanganui Rowing Club, be reinstated as an amateur." He asked the opinion of the meeting whether he would be at liberty to move similarly for two other gentlemen. The Chairman ruled that ifc would be better that notice respecting the two men should be sent to the Clubs affiliated to the Association.

Mr Fitzgerald elected to say nothing concerning these two, and moved the motion, which was seconded by Mr Jackson, and carried. Mr Fitzgerald pointed out that the Christchurch Regatta was not being held under the Association rules. At the same time the regatta rules did not clash with those of the Association, arid he saw no reason why the Wellington Clubs should not be permitted to compete. In accordance with rule 10 he moved —"That permission should be given them." This was seconded by Mr Johnson and carried.

The Chairman brought forward the circular from the Christchurch Regatta Club, concerning the amateur definition. Mr Brown moved —" That this Association cannot admit the right of any local Regatta Club to deal with questions affecting rowing generally; but that in order to settle all doubts the Secretary be instructed to inform the convener of the meeting for the 27th January inst., that at a meeting of the New Zealand Rowing Association the amateur rule fixing the constitution of the Association was unanimously supported and adopted by the Clubs represented at the meeting, with the' proviso re the reinstating of an amateur."

Mr Brandon seconded the motion, which was discussed, several of those present expressing the hope that it would once and for all settle the supposed difficulty which had arisen over the amateur definition.

The motion was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman, after which the meeting adIjourned.