ROWING.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 73, 27 March 1909, Page 14

ROWING.

(By "Scull.") In one important — all-importanfc particular — the 6eason 1903-9, which, in a few days will slip by. fell short of its predecessors. There was no lack of enthusiasm on the part of the rowers or the public, nor any abatement in the general enjoyment of the popular pastime. Indeed, local interest in the sport was probably greater than ever, and for several of the races in which Star. Wellington, and Petone were engaged the spectators were numerous. However, the truth compels me to again dwell upon an important question — the quality of our rowing. Although I must confess that I have seen some good samples, the rowing was, generally-speaking, not quite up to the standard of some former years. Why? "Find the cause, and then remove it" is, of course, the remedy for poor health. There is no_ space here for detailing causes, but in my opinion the one great negative cause of indifferent rowing is the absence of intelligent coaching, indeed, of coaching at all. Coming to actual regatta results, records show that Stars took pride of place. They thoroughly deserved the honour. Wellington finished a fair second, and Petone third. The magnitude of tho entry for ■ the Wellington Club's double sculls, combined with some bad weather and the shortening days, taxed the ingenuity and energy of the race committee to the full. The race was finally disposed of this week. Results: — First heat — S. Shilling (stroke), and Kiernan (bow) defeated H. Redding (stroke) and S. Barry (bow) by half a length. The race furnished a prolonged and exciting struggle, but the sculling exhibited was at times scrappy. Second heat — Lampriere # (stroke) and M'Kinley (bow) rowed Knowlcs and Fur ness in rough water. Although the former crew gained a big victory, tlie race was anything but satisfactory, owing to the choppy sea militating against free sculling. Third heat — Standon and Hodgson defeated W. Shilling and Maslin. This race was not so much a triumph of skill as of grit and perseverance. Standon, rowing his usual watchful and judicious race, won by a length. Fourth heat — Hulberfc (stroke) and Meek (bow), and Dayey and A. Bodley celebrated their meeting in this heat by equalising a few yards from home. The judge's .jlecieion was a dead heat. Hulbert's crew mado some smart runs, and Meek co-operated well. Davey and Bodley were energetic to the last stroke, and distributed their usefulness with impartiality over the full courso. Fifth heat — There being little wrong with Gray (stroke) and Shaw's (bow) rowing 6tood them in good stead against Morris and Deans, whom they defeated i comfortably. Although their efforts were untiring, the men of the losing crew did not appear to blend- well. Semi-final — (1) Lempriere and M'Kinley accounted for Perry and Sullivan to the tune of two lengths. The winnii.j crew opened with more spirit than did Perry and Sullivan, and soon led the attack by a splendid pace. Perry's crew kept hovering near Lempriere's, but they could do no good. J2) Being splendidly served by Bodley, Davey succeeded in disposing of Hulbert's crew in his second match. In the early stages of the race tho latter crew were placed at a disadvantage, which they were never able to thoroughly overcome. (3) Lempriere's crew^had another bright beginning, and, forcing the pace, left ample room in which_ to work in front of 3. Shilling and Kiernan. Shilling was not so prominent as he often is, and did not feed his bow so judiciously. Most of Davey and Bodley's sculling against Gray and Shaw wa3 amazingly good. Davey'6 headlong rush to the front was a fine one ; thereafter he gave no chances, and won by three lengths. Standon and Hodson, who had from the outset been pressing Lempriero and M'Kinley for < the lead, did not appear to over-exert themselves in tho later stages of the race, and for this apparent diminution in power suffered defeat by two lengths. t The winning crew exhibited courage in abundance. Final heat — The qualifying of Lempriere and M'Kinley, and Davey and Bodley, for the last heat led to a rare tussle between crews of- equal dash; grit, and pciaistenco. Up to half way Davey's crew was always in charge of the situation, but the other crew rallied desparately at the right moment with much success. * The committee of the Star Boating Club dealt with the M'Lean Fours this week. The weather aided their efforts in the best possible manner. Results : — First heat — Turner (stroke), H. Lawson (3), Harrington (2), and E. Armit (bow) finished dead level with Barron (stroke), Abercrombie (3), Ritchie (2), and Mack (bow). Robertson (stroke), Holmes (3), Wardrop (2). and Robinson (bow) also started. The pace, on water in splendid order, was made a cracker from the very start. The race opnned and finished in a fair and square, go with breakneck movemonts. Robertson's crew were a close second. Second heat— Thomson (stroke), Stansell (3), Butt (2) and Nathan (bow) defeated W. H. Brewer (stroke), G. Wil-' kinson (3), Lewis (2), and Hunt (bow), and Pye-Smith, Perks, Fife, and R. Armit by two lengths. Brewer's crew were dangerous at times, but Thomson* crew required more watching than, either the second or third placed could give them. Thomson was well supported by his comrades; they all revelled in their task, and rowed with a gusto that deserved success. Third heat— D. Brewer (stroke), Olive (3), Moorehouse (2), and Raploy (bow) defeated Turner, Lawson, . Harrington, and Armit by a length. Johnston, M'Donnell (3), Robieson (2), and A. La\\ ; son rowed a close third. I question if any other stroke oarsVnan serves his men with better tactici than does Brewer. He is still _ a master and a mystery. Time aftei time he had Turner's crew on his "heels," as he scudded along home, but the crew, the boat, and the position were too efficiently controlled. Olive, Moorehouse, and Rapley rowed splendidly. Turner had a crew that could always put up a hard fight. At a social gathering held m Christchurch, R. Arnst was presented with a guarantee of £500 conditional upon hit* rowing Durnan. of Canada, in August next, and £200 towards his expenses in connection with a match with Barry for £1000 a-side to be rowed in September. Arnst thanked those who had contributed towards the presentation fund, and said he could assure them that he would always remember the way he had been treated by the residents of Christchurch. Mr. R. Heaton Rhodes and Mr. Parker wtere present. Arnsfc will leave next month for Canada, accompanied by his brother James. It has not been settled as to whether Floyd.-, will join them or not. Wht:lch is exhibiting good form in his training operations, and Webb, his pacer, announces that he is well pleased with the Akaroa sculler's chances in the big race, which takes place on Easter Monday. Whelch will celebrate the occasion by rowing in a now boat built locally by Norton. Fogwell is keener than ever, and feels very confident of success. He is froing to row the race in a new boat built by Towns. Of late he has been making: himself thoroughly acquainted with it 3 peculiarities. If Fogwell succeeds in his heart's desire, it is more than probable that he will challenge W. Webb.

Amongst other provisions sought for by the Auckland Butchers' Union, according to its demands now filed with the registrar, are the following : — A week's work is not to exceed 48 hours, .bor ordinary butchers a weekly wage of £2 ISs is demanded, while if the claims of the union are acceded to first shopmen will be paid £3 15s, and second shopmen £3 per week. Queen Margherita, mother of King Victor Emmanuel, is going to Japan next August, and will remain in the islands for three months. She will take with her an automobile for excursions through the country. The Emperor and Empress of Japan will meet her when she arrives at the Tokio railroad station. This will be the first time the Empress has ever welcomed a visitor.