ROWING IN SCHOOLS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 143, 14 December 1938, Page 11

ROWING IN SCHOOLS

SCHEME CONSIDERED

BOATING CLUB'S OFFER

The question of the introduction of rowing as part of the organised sport of the Wellington and Rongotai Colleges, discussed at some length at the previous meeting, again came up for consideration at yesterday's meeting of the Board of Governors, when a letter was read from the Star Boating Club repeating its offer, made on a previous occasion, to provide all facilities.

During the discussion it was mentioned that the Petone Rowing Club had offered to train pupils in the secondary schools in the Hutt Valley, and Mr. W. H. Denton remarked that it looked as if the Wellington boys would be left behind if the present opportunity were allowed to pass. Several members suggested that if rowing was introduced quite a number of boys would become enthusiastic about it. Letters on the.subject were received from the headmasters of Rongotai and Wellington" Colleges. That from Mr. F. XNL Renner, Rongotai, said that because of the many activities of the boys at the school at present he regretted that the offer of one of the rowing clubs to give training in rowing on Saturday mornings and perhaps on certain afternoons in the week to pupils of the colleges could not be accepted.

"The full outside curriculum, particularly on Saturdays, and the fact that boys of this school live out in the eastern suburbs, make it necessary for me to refuse this generous offer," stated Mr. Renner. He added that he was quite willing to draW the attention of the boys who? were leaving school to the offer, particularly as he felt that rowing was more suited to boys of developed physique. t The headmaster of Wellington Cbllege, Mr. W. A. Armour, writing on November 28, said he had sent round a list asking for the names of boys of 16 years of age or over who did not participate regularly in games provided at the college and who would like to accept the offer of training in rowing. Fourteen boys had put their names on the list. Some of those boys would, he thought, be leaving school at the end of the year.

Mr. W. B. Fitchett said that he thought a number of boys had since then expressed enthusiasm, for rowing, and he was' quite sure that once it was started it would prove very popular.

The board decided to send a copy of the Star Boating Club's letter to Mr. Armour and Mr. Renner, asking them how tangible co-operation could best be given the scheme. It was also decided to thank the Star Club for its offer.