Rowers take to the streets

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33521, 30 April 1974, Page 24

Rowers take to the streets

An attempt to raise some of the $50,000 needed tor New Zealand’s lastest rowing excursion to Europe will be made in Christchurch on Friday.

The national president (Mr D. D. Row lands) says that the association ha* little money available • send a team to the wortchampionships in Lucerr. Switzerland, in September.

But a mystery envelope appeal in the city on Friday will endeavour to raise up to 515.000 to help pay the costs of the association’s sixth tour to Europe.

The appeal is organised by the Canterbury association. The New Zealand women’s coxed four is training at Kerr’s Reach at present, prior to its departure, and after the aopeal, the male members will assemble in Christchurch for eight weeks training.

The women rowers — Misses E. Cato, L. Keys, R. Matheson, and M. Hornell — will be among the ticketsellers.

Pres ious appeals in Auckland, Wanganui, Wellington, Timaru, and Oamaru raised about $.">0,000, but most of this was used to pay oft last sear’s tours to England, Russia, and Australia. BIGGEST TOUR Another appeal was held tn Blenheim and Nelson last Frida), and Wellington is planning a second venture. The money from these activities will go towards the costs of t'lis year’s 53-day tour — the largest European trip so far.

The president of the Canterbury association (Mr J. O. Renaut) said they hoped to raise $15,000 for the tour. Some money would also be retained for individual Canterbury clubs.

About 400 people will trv to sell 110,000 tickets, but an area organiser, D. E. Lindstrom, said: “U'e need almost double the sellers to make sure all the tickets are sold.” The top prize is a trip for two to Singapore.

Lindstrom, who is a member of the .New Zealand team, said this year was the hardest time for finances. "The tour next year will probably be subsidised, and then we have the Olympic Games in 1976.”

The association had previously limed the appeal for December, but it gave way to the Commonwealth flames Organising Committee.