Rowing INTER-PROVINCIAL EIGHTS

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28414, 22 October 1957, Page 8

Rowing INTER-PROVINCIAL EIGHTS

Future Of Fixture | Discussed (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. October 21. Modification of the rules and concern for the future of the interprovincial eight-oar event were points for discussion at the annual conference of the New Zealand Rowing Association in Wellington. New Zealand’s rules, which are based on the English rules, have gone one step ahead. An umpire how may order a crew back on course. Previously, if an overtaking crew collided with an off-course boat in front, that boat was disi qualified. The cost of sending away eightoar crews was becoming prohibitive, delegates said. Last year the cost of sending eight men and their boat, a coxswain, and coach from Auckland to Dunedin would have been in the region of £350. I Mr C. E. Saunders (Marlborough) said interest in the inter-provincial eights seemed to be dying. He thought the even?: should be put on the same basis afc Rugby’s Ranfurly Shield. It was New Zealand's premier race. Mr D. S. Jones (West Coast) suggested that the event be rowed at an eight-oar regatta with crews from every class competing. Wellington. Canterbury. Otago, and Auckland delegates all expressed hopes that the event would not be dropped. Messrs C. A. Healey (Wanganui). R. B. Smith (Auckland), and G Thorn (Dunedin) were chosen as national selectors by the annual conference of the New Zealand Rowing Association in Wellington on SaturMr T. M. Hinkley (Wellington)' was nominated for a position on the national Olympic selection panel of three. Subject to Mr Hinkley s acceptance of the nomination, his name, with others, will go before the New Zealand Olympic and British Empire Games Association.