"ALL THE ELEMENTS"

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 81, 3 October 1938, Page 16

"ALL THE ELEMENTS"

SPORT OF ROWING

SEASON OPENED

The clubhouses of the Star Boating Club and the Wellington Rowing Club were gaily decorated with bunting for the official opening of the 1938-39 rowing season, which ceremony was performed on Saturday afternoon by the president of the Wellington Rowing Association, Mr. W. J. Gaudin. Mr. Gaudin, who spoke from the balcony of the Star Club's shed, addressed a good gathering of oarsmen and friends. "Rowing has all the elements necessary to sport and recreation. There is nothing more delightful than to run over the water in a fast boat, and if the weather should come up rough, well, that is all in the game, too." said Mr. Gaudin. "The sport also,plays no small part in developing the character and endurance of those taking part in it," said Mr. Gaudin. "You have in Wellington three very fine clubs, all well equipped with good plant and appliances, and I would like to congratulate them on the excellent spirit that is between them. They work together in a fine way for the benefit of the whole sport, and those who witness the little local regattas that are held every, year will appreciate that. These regattas are not only good sport, but they provide also very excellent training for the more serious events which take place in the interprovincial regattas. "We have also this fine harbour as a playground, providing an almost unlimited area to practise the sport—an advantage which many sporting clubs do not possess." Mr. Gaudin concluded by wishing the oarsmen a successful season, plenty of calm water, and enough rough weather to develop that watermanship so essential to the complete oarsman. A series of scratch races was conducted, and dancing was held in the clubhouse during the afternoon.