Rowing.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 41, 18 February 1911, Page 14

Rowing.

(By "Scull.") To-day, the Wellington Regatta is in full swing. There at© more than sixty entries, which is well over the average. The openness of all the races is the outstanding feature of the meeting. Practically all bristle with uncertainty, and eorne very close racing ehould be witneseed. Unfortunately only two entriea were received for the senior sculls. This is to be regretted, as eingle sculling, to my mind, v the only racing in which a thorough test of an oarsman's skill, pluck, dash, and strength is afforded. Probably there is no race absolutely so engrossing to watch as single sculiin^ lor hero one gete a splendid exhibition— of individuality. Followers ot sculling will rejoice to hear of G. Whelchs return to boat craft. At first the announcement of his acceptance of I'ogwoll's challenge was not tak©D seriously, but now the persistency with which he is striving to cwnch matters shows that he means businees. If Fogwell fails to come- forward Whelch expresses a wish to meet either Pearce or Hagney. Involved in the proposed FogwellWhelch match is the title of "Champion of New Zealand." The position of affairs as regards this phase of the contest is not quite clear. Whelch has apparently appropriated the title, but has he any real claim to it? There is nothing on record to show that it has been handed over to him by W. Webb, and it is clear also he has not sculled for it. The position is striking, and I call the attention of Whelch to it. One of the most successful swimming meetings held in connection with the Wellington Rowing Club was brought to a successful conclusion last Saturday. The weather was in such a happy mood, and the water so perfect throughout, that the end was viewed with general ' feelings of regret. The social charm of such gatherings is invariably sufficient to attract large attendances, no matter what counter-attractions may be on at the same time. Afternoon tea was provided, and there were signs everywhero of comfort and contentment. The following officials managed the sports : — Judges, Messrs. W. J. Nidd, J. Hutcheson W. J. Gaudin, A. J. Bishop ; starters, Messrs. J. R. Crawford and C. R. Furness ; committee, Messrs. W. J. Shilling, H. M'Kinley, and A. Butler; secretary, Mr. A. N. Mathieson; treasurers, Mr. G. W. Cairne. All deserve high praise for making such a success of the races. P. J. Kivell swam well and with judgment during the afternoon, and he was the man who was^ always dang-erous. He performed in the Club Handicap as though he were going to sweep the board — and so it turned out. In addition to the Club Handicap (50yds) he annexed the Club Handicap (100 yds) and the 440 yds ChampionshiD. Mr. C. A. Cornish, who, in 1881-82 and 1883-84, sculled some rattling fine races for the Star Boating Club, has been out coaching the youths' fouroar crew. There has been pleasing improvement ; the crew now put spirit and energy into all the movements, and complete them in workmanlike style. At the Christchurch regatta, held last week, the Canterbmy maiden crew had a very difficult task, but proved themselves a .very merry team, and simply worried Union into desperation. Defeat of the latter came in the last few strokes. In the Youths' Double Sculls, Brown and Cooksley registered another win for Cure. _ This clever partnership brushed aside all opposition early in the race, and was thereafter never extended. Cure- has seldom been seen to such advantage. The men's work was strong and harmoniously undertaken. Newton and Haycock (Akaroa). keep ing up a splendid length, soon demonstrated the use of lengthy blade work by going to the front over the head of Union (Christchurch) in the Junior Double Sculls. To the surprise of many, the latter crew gave up. The Sumner men, who were sculling cleverly and effectively, tackled Akaroa with great power, but the rally was only shortlived. ' Weeds were very troublesome to the rowers who competed at Lake Forsyth last week. Wellington men returned very disappointed .with the 'neglected condition of the water. The outstanding feature of the Senior Double Sculls, in which O'Brien and Fry (Union) were successful, was the dash and cleverness of both Akaroa and Union. Neither crew has been seen to better advantago this season. Both were reliable, and gave a capital exhibition of sculling. Union won, but only after a strenuous struggle. In the championship regatta at Wanganui on 25th February the Union Club (Christchurch) will be represented as under: Champion Four — H. R. Mansfield. W. Duggan, J. Fry. E. O'Brien (stroke) ; Champion Pair — H. R. Mansfield and W. Duggan; Champion Double Sculls — E. O'Brien and J. Fry; Junior Four (in best and best and clinker boats — C. Pugh. S. Mitchell, H. Dallison. W. Beaumont; Senior Four (consolation) — H. R. Mansfield, W. Duggan, J. Fry, E. O'Brien (stroke). P. Westenra (Akaroa) will probably be a starter in the Champion Sculls.