STRONG CRITICISM

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22335, 24 February 1938, Page 10

STRONG CRITICISM

ROWING IN NEW ZEALAND VIEW OF EMPIRE GAMES TEAM MANAGER I THE PRESS Special Service.] BLENHEIM, February 23. “The standard of rowing in New Zealand is either at a low ebb dr bur method of selecting crews for overseas competition is at fault,” said Mr A. M. Hale (manager of the rowing team at the Empire Games) in discussing the forfn displayed by the New Zealand eight-oared crew. He was inclined, he said, to think the explanation lay in the latter cause. During training operations carried out on the Nepean river before the big race, he had been at considerable pains to observe not only the riielhod of preparing thfe crews, but also the different riggings of the English and Australian eight-oared boats, wpich differed in rnirior detail from those used ih the Dominion. Thfese points, although small matters in themselves, were things which should amply repay thorough invfestigalioh, but hfe felt that the staftihg point towards the solution of the problems would ultimately be found to lie at the very bfeglririing—ln thfe sfelectiori of individual oarsmen for respective positions in the boat. In the past the facilities offered the selectors had riot giVeri opportunity for them to acquit their task as capably as was required. Their chances of seeing oarsmen in actual training were meagrfc. On this occasion they had to ffety SOlely oh observatiofis they were able to make, at Akaroa and at Wellington, which did not afford a true indication of the material offering. It was his intention to combine such points and suggestions in a report which be would be called on to present lu the New Zealand Olympic ahd Empire Games Council. The importance of allowing the selectors full scope was obviously realised in Australia, so much so that a sole selector had visited all the states for the purpose of reviewing possible candidates, and his choice had been made Only after he had thoroughly summed up the capabilities of the oarsmen from cvefy tingle. The Rcrforfhance of thfe English crew in the eights eVefit clearly proved their knowledge of what wag called for in the 2000 fiietres race. Thfeir high fate of stroking \fras rhairitaihfed frOfn stdft to finish. Never did it fall bfcldw 36, and oyer the latter stages it was maintained at 36-40, The Australians also adopted a fast rate of stroking. dOiiig fhdrfe thah 40 lot thfe first mipute, which ehabled thferri to lead the' Eriglish Crfeiv for fully half the journey.

New Zealand’s effort, on the other hand, was in direct contrast to these crews. They slatted Off at a solid 36, robbing themselves of any possibility Of beihg. pace-makers, and Of thus keeping their opponents under observation. When deprived of the lead they slowly went to the rear, and gave an impression of being defeated before the race h'ad really started. Instead of increasing thfeir stroking in art attempt to retrieve the ground lost, they went from bad to. Wotsfe and were content to strike at a lifeless 32. This could only mean one thing—defeat, and they eventually finished two and three-quar-ter lengths to thfe Baa,.