ROWING AFFAIRS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 63, 8 December 1936, Page 3

ROWING AFFAIRS

Meeting of Wellington Club HEALTHY FINANCES Over 40 members attended the halfyearly meeting of the Wellington Rowing Club, held in the clubhouse last night. Mr. 11. J. Luke, the club captain, was in the chair, the president being unavoidably absent. In his report for the half-year the secretary, Mr. W. T. Jury, said that at the close of last season the membership stood at 101, and for the present season 41 new active members had been elected, nine had resigned, and four had been transferred to the honorary and associate list, leaving the . active membership at a total of 12!). “It should be pointed out here that the membership at the half-yearly meeting is not really an accurate one,” continued the report, “as in past years it has been found that a number of members do not observe club rule 10 and just drop out without bothering to notify the secretary. These are not discovered till the final check of accounts at the end of the year. However, the committee is confident that the increase will be maintained all the season.” After referring to the successful opening of the new season by the GovernorGeneral, Viscount Galway, the secretary said the club plant and gear was nt present in good condition, and with the acquisition of the new practice fours compared more than favourably with the majority of rowing clubs in New Zealand. Four sets of practice sculls had been bought and together with the sculls on hand were considered to be sufficient for the remainder of the season. “Club races have not progressed as well as in previous seasons due to the bad weather,” added Mr. Jury, “but every effort will be made to get them off as the weather improves. A special cup will be given to the member scoring most points in club races this year. One point will be awarded for an entry, two for a second place, and three for a win.” t Because of his absence from Wellington at the beginning of the season, Mr R. McNair resigned from the general committee, Mr. R. Nicholson being appointed in his stead. Mr. G. Riley resigned because of pressure of other duties, and last night Mr. McNair, who has now returned to Wellington, was appointed in his place. . . The treasurer. Mr. J. Millett, reported that the financial position of the club was very satisfactory. About half the subscriptions were to hand. The club started the year with a bank overdraft of £3O am had received about £250, of which £-00 had been spent and the bank overdraft had been paid, leaving a credit, of about £•’o There were, however, still two instalments, totalling £B2. to be paid off the new boats, but the treasurer felt sure that if members came to light with their subscriptions that debt could soon be wiped out* . . “We are in a better position now than we have been for some time,” said the chairman. “If we keep on in the same way we should come out well on the right side at the end of the year.” In reply to a question, the treasurer said that £45 of the debentures had been paid, but as they hud £-“>s in the bank for I the purpose, the dub funds had suffered 1 ‘o the extent of only £.lO. One debenture

of £5O was still outstanding, due in £25 iustalments in October, 1937 and 1938. Congratulating the committee on the financial position, Mr. J. E. Scanlon said he thought it was the first time the club had come out with a credit at a half-year-ly meeting. The treasurer pointed out that despite the present credit, accounts amounting to approximately £l2O were outstanding, but as the yearly income was usually in the vicinity of £5OO, careful handling of the finances should see the club with a credit at the end of the year, provided the estimated income was received. Building Fulfil. Mr. G. Haydon suggested the setting up of a building fund in case the club had to face the necessity of vacating its present “home.” The chairman said he could not see the necessity for such a fund, and, further, was at a loss to see where the money was to come from. He doubted if the occasion for leaving their present building or being ousted from it would ever arise. The secretary suggested that the debenture fund be carried on after (he debentures had been paid nff, and in this way a building fund established. Lengthy discussion followed, members generally agreeing With the chairman. It was pointed out that as there was very little likelihood of the club having to leave its premises better use should be made of available funds in building up the club’s position. It was resolved that the matter be dropped until occasion arose for it to be seriously considered. Mr. Scanlon -said he had gone into the question of erecting a records board in the social hall. He had gone through the records and taken out the races won by the club from 1898 to 1919, “and they made a formidable list.” The chairman said it was a sound scheme, and it was resolved that the committee go into the matter fully and report to the next annual meeting. Authority was given for the purchase of q piano, up to £2O, to replace the present one, which is in a very bad condition. The annual “smoko” is to be held on the first Saturday before the opening of the Rugby season, instead of in June as previously. PETONE MEETING Crews For Wanganui Regatta The half-yearly meeting of the Petone Rowing Club was held at the clubhouse last night, the club captain, Mr. A. E. Jones, presiding. Fifty members were present. The half-yearly report stated that there were 16 new members, making the total membership 103 —69 active, 17 honorary and 17 life members. A sound financial position was disclosed. Crews selected for the annual regatta at Wanganui on Boxing Day are as follows :— Senior fours: O. Clayton (str.), I’. Abbott (3), K. Boswell (2), and C. Gimblett (how). Maiden fours: J. Howe fstr.), H. Barraclough (3), IV. Watson (2), and W. Clewer (bow). Junior fours: D. Boswell (str.), G. Leopard (3), I. Carter (2), and O. Anderson (bow). This is the same crew that won at Wanganui last year. Youths’ fours: J. Tegg (str.), R. Scott (3), A. Linney (2), and J. Boswell (bow). Maiden double sculls: T. Watson and G. Calvert. An eight-oared crew to be entered is yet to be selected. Championship crews are to be entered j for the New Zealand championships at Akaroa in February. Details of arrangements for the season were completed.