AMATEUR ROWING

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 65, 14 September 1926, Page 9

AMATEUR ROWING

PURCHASE OF "EIGHTS"

NINE BEING BUILT FOR NEW

ZEALAND

Important matters dealing with the sport of rowing in the Dominion were dealt with at a meeting of the council of the New Zealand Amateur Bowing Association at which Mr. B. S. Innes presided. There were also present:— Messrs. C. F. Turner, B. A. Man-is, G. Lauchlan, D. E. Menzies, H. Paton, and A D. Bayfeild fhon. sec). In regard to the eight-oared 'boats, which the New Zealand Council is ordering from England, the secretary read a letter to Messrs. Sims and Sons, provisionally ordering ten eights, and one special eight as agreed on at the last meeting. In a cable, the builders stated that the building of the boats was being started at once. After discussion, it was resolved that the order be amended to eight eights, and ono special eight. They are due hero about February next. The question of having a representative in. London to look after the interests of the council was raised by Mr, Menziea, and the secretary was instructed to write to Mr. C. J. Wray asking him if he would act as representative. One the motion of Mr. Innes, the council voted £25 towards the expenses of the Otago crew, which leaves Wellington on 2nd October to compete in the Stewards' Challenge race at the Melbourne Henley next month. It was decided to invite local associations to contribute.

The secretary notified that the annual meeting of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association would be held at Wellington on 27th October. The following nominations had been received:—President, Major H. A. Lomax (Wanganui); vice-president; Mr. J. E. Widdop (Wellington); council, Messrs. E. S. Innes, D. R. Menzies (Auckland); W. J. Fraser, H. Whitaker, B. G. Duncau (Wellington) j G. Lauchlan (Wanganui); C. S. Eastwood (Southland); H. Paton (Otago); B. A. Man-is, C. F. Turner (Canterbury); secretary, A. D. Eayfeild (Auckland). .- •

An invitation has been received fi;om the New South Wales Rowing Association suggesting that on their way home from Melbourne the Otago crew should compete at the North Shore Regatta, to be held in Sydney on 30th October.

The secretary has received an application from the Marlborough Association for this season's championship regatta to be held at Pictoii.

A letter has been received from Mr. Thomson, of Napier, stating that an attempt is being made to resuscitate the Napier Bowing Club, and asking if the council could assist by way of a donation, or by influencing clubs to give plant. The council decided to defer the matter in the meantime .till it was seen what success' the club had with its appeal to other clubs.

THE OLYMPIC GAMES.

The secretary of the Olympic Council wrote asking for the names of rowing representatives considered to be of Olympic standard at the time, or representatives who would develop that standard by 1928. On the motion of Mr. Menzies, it was decided to reply aa follows: "That it is the considered opinion of the council of the N.Z.A.R.A. that at any time an eight-oared crew could be picked that would bj fully up to the standard required for Olympic comptition. This had already been proved by past competitions in which New Zealand has beea represented." A letter was received from the New South Wales Association regretting that on account of the race for the King's Cup being rowed at Hobart next May, they could not visit the Dominion this season, but hoped to make the trip in 1928, if the invitation would be open. In regard to the status of Rugby League footballers, the New South Wales Association wrote: "Although the Rugby Union authorities here class League players as professionals, my association takes the same view as yours, i.e., so long as a League player plays the game for the game's sake, and the amateur definition is in no way violated, he is eligible as an amateur oarsman."