ROWING

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 101, 29 October 1924, Page 11

ROWING

CHAMPIONSHIPS TO HAMILTON

ANNUAL MEETING OF NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL.

Matters of interest to the sport of rowing were considered at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association, held at the Star Boating Clubhouse last evening. The following delegates were present: Major H. A. Lomax (Wanganui), in the chair, and Messrs. D. R. Menzies and E. S. Inness (Auckland), A. 81. Hale (Marlborough), D. ' M'Grath and J. Bright (Wellington), H. Paton (Otago), G. Lauchlan and A. Gray (Wanganui), and A. D. Bayfeild (hon. sec). - In speaking to the report, particulars of which have been published in "The Post," Mr. Menzies said that one of the most pleasing features -in the report was the' invitation to New Zealand oarsmen to visit Australia. It would appear that apparently very go -d terms in regard. to the financial .side were being arranged. Some States were not putting on races for New Zealand oarsmen, _but others were. All rowing associations should give the proposal the greatest support. Mr. Lauchlan pointed out that relief had been obtained m the remission of duty on boats and oars. The remission had been obtained on certain conditions, and it was for the local associations to support the council and see that the local builders had sufficient orders to keep them employed. Disappointment at the failure in sending a crew to -the Olympic Games was expressed by Mr. Inness, who said.that they could not hope to get the sport on the plane they desired till they had the support of the public. The invitation to Australia was a stepping-stone. Mr. Hale explained that Marlborough would be prepared to financially assist the trip to Australia. A similar undertaking was given by Mr. Gray on behalf of Wanganui. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The secretary notified that Canterbury had withdrawn their application for the. championship regatta. Mr. Bright applied for the regatta to be held on Lake Horowhenua, on behalf of the Wellington Association. Mr. Gray asked where would the regatta be held if allocated to Auckland? Would it be at Hamilton, where the course was against the tide, and where the inside crew had a- three-lengths' advantage ? Wanganui considered that Hamilton was an unfit place to hold a championship regatta. Ho would support Lake Horowhenua, not as an experiment, but because it was central. If the course had been at Mercer, Wanganui might have supported it. Mr. Inness stressed the fact that Auckland had not had a championship regatta for 12 years. Auckland had harbour facilities, but the trouble was a j gate money. Auckland's last applicaj tion, four years ago, had been refused on account of the river course at Hamilton. He asked the delegates to strongly consider Auckland's appeal. Mr. Bayfeild said that everybody was agreed tha}, tho best course possible should be available for the classic event of rowing in the Dominion—the championship regatta. ' Tho holding of a championship regatta at Lake Horowhenua was quite a new ;thing to him. "Ho had rowed on the ;lake, and he considered it unfit for a ; championship regatta. There wero no j facilities there, and there was no buoy- ; ancy whatever in the water which was | "as dead as dead." He thought the Wellington Association would be very well advised to stick to Wellington Harbour if they desirod to hold a championship regatta. Mr. Hale applied for the regatta on behalf of He said a | championship regatta could not bo experimented with. Tho council let sentijment rule once, and sent the regatta to the South, and it was a fiasco. Tho Marlborough course at Picton was ideal, and one where everybody would get a fair deal. Mr. Bright's motion that the voting be preferential was defeated, Tho voting result: First ballot, Ancleland 8, Marlborough 6, Horowhenua 2. Second ballot, Auckland 8, Marlborough 8. Tho chairman's casting vote was in favour of Auckland. Tho election of officers for the ensuing, year resulted :—President, Major H. A. Lomax (Wanganui);'' vice-presidents, Messrs. W. Mason (Auckland) and G. A. Smith (Marlborough); council, Messrs'. C. S. Eastwood, E. S. Inness, D. R. Menzies, J. P. D. Johnsen, B. A. Marris 11. Paton, G. Lauchlan; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. A. D. Bayfeild ■ auditor, Mr. G. C. Fache. Canterbury Association's motion that lightweight maiden oarsmen or scullers shall not lose their maiden status except in lightweight maiden class, and shall be eligible to compete in the open maiden class, was carried.