ROWING

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 8, 5 October 1926, Page 3

ROWING

OTAGO CREW LEAVES TO-DAY FOR MELBOURNE.

The Otago Rowing Club’s senior four, which is the present champion tour-oare<l crew of New Zealand, will leave by the Manuka to-day to take part in the race for the Stewards’ Challenge Cup at the Henley-on-the-Yarra Regatta, Melbourne. Yesterday, the oarsmen were faiewelled at a luncheon given by the council of the New Zealand Rowing Association. Mr. E. S. Innes, chairman of the council of the N.Z.A.R.A., presided, and besides other members of the council, Messrs. J. W. Heenan and P. S. Rundle were present, representing the Olympic Council.

In wishing the crew tmcccHß, Mr. Innes emphasised that they would bo competing against the champion club crews of all tha Australian States. It was onlv a mile race, hut when it came to be considered that the winning crew would have to row three times in one afternoon, it was apparent that they would have to be fit. Mr. Innes said that although the Otago crew was a club crew, it was the New Zealand champion crew, and would be representing the New Zealand Rowing Association. “From what I know of you, I am quite satisfied that you will uphold the honour of the New Zealand Rowing Association,’’ said Mr. Innes. "I wish you, on Behalf of the Rew Zealand Council, the very best of good luck on the day, and a pleasant trip.’’ The crew was farewelled by Mr. Heenan, who, speaking on behalf cf the Olympic Council, emphasised the importance of the trip, in that the crew was going as a New Zealand representative combination. The Olympic Council had a warm spot in its heart for rowing, and o«ie of the council s best hopes for the next Olympic Games was a strong rowing crew. The council wanted to get an eiqht away, but this would cost about Jfsooo. and a great deal of enthusiasm would, need to be worked u.p in the next -18 months io make the trip possible. He wished the crew a successful trip, and presented them with a mascot. Replying, Mr. Anderson, manager nt the crew,' said he considered the crew had improved since Ihcv beat Hamilton, and the members of the council could rest assured that they would co their The crew comprises: F. Brough /'di’A J. Werges (3), C. .1. McArn (2). P. S(bow). It. Hook (cox); trainer, T. 'Wheelwright.