ROWING

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 68, 21 March 1931, Page 22

ROWING

ay "Stroke"

THE EIGHTS RACE

TO-DAY'S CHAMPIONSHIP

FOUR CREWS COMPETING

Crews representing Auckland, Marlborough, Otago, and Canterbury aro expected to contest the inter-provincial eight-oar championship of • New Zealand to-day at Dunedin. AVellington and AVanganui arc not to be represented. Much attention to eight-oar rowing has been paid by Otago oarsmen this season, and there is no question that the Otago association's crew is a strong one. In fact, it might bo said that eight-oar rowing has received more consideration in Otago than anywhero else. Tho competing crews are:— Auckland: A Cotes (stroke), lOst 71b; L. Patterson (7), list 61b; I. C. Horton (6), list 71b; 11. F. Jackson (5), list 101b; C. G. Fearon (4, captain), list; E. Smith (3), lOst 121b; J. 1L Beasley (2), list 31b; and O. E. Felton (bow), list 71b; coxswain, N. Seagav, 9st; coach, T. Marchall. Marlborough: C. Saunders (stroke), 12st 21b; V. Glonnie (7), list 21b; G. Davis (6), 12st 111b; J. Macdonald (5), 13st 61b; C. Sutherland (4), list 101b; J. Adams (3), 12st 21b; R. Hadfield (2), list 61b, and G. Macdonald (Bow), list 31b. Average weight: 12st. Manager, A. M. Hales; coach, E. T. Hegglun; coxswain, AY. Ford. Otago: F. Brought (stroke), 12st 91b; J. Solomon (7), list; D. Clark (6), lOst 121b; G. B. Johnson (5), list 101b; L. Fountain (4), 12st; J. Mitchell (3), list 71b; P. Eggers (2), lOst 71b; H. Pritehard (bow), lOst 31b. Crew's average: list 4}lb; H. Randell (Bst 71b) will bo in charge of the tiller. Canterbury: G. Rush worth (stroke), lOst 21b; F.H. Thompson (7), 12st 81b; C. A. Stiles (6), 12st 81b; S. AY. Cox. (5), 12st 21b; J. Gilby (4), 12st 21b; A. A. Andrews (3), 12st; J. O. M'Giffen (2), 12st; G. Jordan (bow), list 121b. Average: list 9-Hb. Coach, 11. Ayers; coxswain, R. Hampton. Lending Boats. Some little time ago Southland was anxious for an eight, and urged the New Zealand Council to assist the association in endeavouring to persuade one of the local associations to lend it an eight. They wont so far as to point out that the eights wero the property of the council, and suggested that directions should be given to the local association in tho matter. Tho council's reply was that the eights were vested in tho local associations, which had the control of them. That tho eight-oar boats given to the Canterbury Rowing Association should not be lent to outside associations was tho general opinion of members of tlio association at a meeting recently. It was decided that, as there was no case in which to pack the boat for which the Marlborough Rowing Association asked for the inter-provincial eight-oar event at Dunedin on 21st March, a reply be sent that Canterbury regretted its inability to grant the request (states the "Times").' The letter from the Marlborough Association stated that it was desirous of entering a crew for the inter-pro-vincial eight-oar race at Dunediu on 21st March. A request was mado for the loan of one of the Canterbury Association's two boats, in order to save the expense and trouble of cartage from Blenheim. It was stated that MarlBorough would be pleased to lend Canterbury one of the boats from Blenheim when tho eight-oar event would be held at Picton in 1932. Tho Marlborough Association undertook to send its crew overland to Christehurch, whore they would take charge of tho boat and -return it after the race at Dunedin. Upon a motion being brought torward that tho request be granted, the president (Mr. F. D. Kesteven) said that it was ridiculous to have other associations wanting the boats. Canterbury would never think of borrowing a boat, as they would not ask a crew to row in a boat of which they knew nothing. The sooner the practice of lending the eights was stopped the better, for all knew what lending things meant, and the boats would get knocked about. The secretary (Mr. R. J. Hobbs) said that tho Canterbury College crew intended applying for use of one of the eights for the inter-university race at Dunedin a week after the inter-pro-vincial event. If Marlborough were granted use of the boat the college crew could use it at Dunedin a week later and return it. Mr. W. L. Whittington: "If we decide not to lend the boat to Marlborough we should not lend it to Canterbury College." The President: "The Canterbury College crew are our own men." "I agree with the remarks of the president," stated Mr. W. G. Atack. "AVhen the eights wore given it was not intended that they should be lent. Wo all know what lending a thing means, and if a boat is strained it will never be tho same. The principle is wrong, and Marlborough should bring their own boat down. AYe should take up a firm stand and decide that unless under exceptional circumstances, the boats be never lent." Upon the secretary stating that there was ,only one case available in which to pack an eight for travelling, it was decided to inform the Marlborough Association that it was regretted that the request could not be. granted. Ngaruawahia Regatta. Time-honoured and picturesque beyond comparison in the Dominion, tho annual regatta and aquatic carnival at Ngarnawahia was held on Saturday bofore a record attendance of the public .from many parts of the province' (states the "AVaikato Times"). For years this acmo of regattas has beou regarded as unique because of its combination of Maori and European events, its delightful location, its exemplary organisation and unrivalled charm. The site is steeped in history, the old township at the junction of the Waikato and AVaipa Rivers having long been the headquarters of tho Waikato Natives. Hundreds of Maoris from centres as far away as Rotorua, AVhakatane, Tauranga, and Gisborne, arrived hero during tho week and many were accommodated at tho model pa. They provided a. wonderful programme of hakas, pois, and trick canoe races in Nativo costume. Several paramount chiefs took an active part in proceedings, "King" Mahuta, of Huntly, was among those present. Damage estimated at nbout ;Ei>o was done to the Hamilton Rowing Club's licst and best, boat, occupied by I. AY. St. Clair, in a collision in the handicap sculls. St. Clair, F. Conway (West End), and AY. A. S|:evcnson (AV.iil.emata) nil fouled and failed to complete the course.