Rowing MAIDEN RACE BOATS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28742, 13 November 1958, Page 7

Rowing MAIDEN RACE BOATS

Conference Move Questioned

Doubts as to whether the New Zealand Rowing Association’s annual conference had made a wise decision in revoking the specifications for boats in maiden events was made by the Canterbury delegates to the conference at a meeting of the Canterbury Rowing Association last evening. It was decided to discuss the matter further at club level with a view to bringing the matter before the next half-yearly meeting of the New Zealand association. “I think we will be very sorry that we have dispensed with specifications governing boats in maiden races,” said Mr B. R. Walker. "Instead of rowing being closely contested down all the grades, wc are going to find the sport developing into who has the best boat. It is going to be a sad state of affairs if we become like yachting.” The conference had lasted 10 hours and a half, and he was sorry that this matter had been dealt with quickly, said Mr F. R. Cullen. "Auckland put a very good case for throwing out the regulations governing boats in maiden races, and it carried the meeting. But there are several things that were overlooked.” Mr Cullen said a situation could arise where a race was being held for double maiden sculls, and unless the organising association made stipulations, some crews would arrive at the venue with coxswains and others without them. The position would be entirely unsatisfactory. Rules Compared

Under the old rule, maiden boats were limited to definite dimensions. The new rule allows any type of boat to be used in these events, providing it has a carvel (smooth) skin. In an endeavour to swell the association’s funds which at present are less than £9. it was decided to make a collection at the first regatta of the season at Kerr’s Reach. If this fails to gain sufficient response, a gate may be instituted. The present was a particularly bad time because of the huge expense involved in clubs transferring to Kerr's Reach, said the chairman (Mr W. G. Richards). The estimated expenditure for this season was .£B5. said the secretary (Mr E. R. McCalman). As far as he could assess, there would be no more than £6O in income, which lett a £25 deficit. Clubs were already being levied ' £3 for affiliation and 4s 6d a • member as a general levy. March 14 will be recommended I to the Otago and Southland asso’ciations as a date on which the annual triangular eights’ tourna- • ment could he held. Canterbury , I originally suggested December 13. J but the two other associations J wrote advising that they were . committed on that date.

83-Year-Old Climber

Mr A. H. Reed, the well-known author and publisher, recently became the oldest man ever to climb Mount Tongariro. With three companions and a camera to record the event. Mr Reed, who is 83. climbed Tongariro’s highest peak. Two years ago he became the oldest man to climb Mount Egmont. He now looks forward to climbing Ruapehu, possibly early next year.—(P.A.)