AMATEUR ROWING

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 84, 6 October 1941, Page 10

AMATEUR ROWING

SEASON OPENED

"We as an island people owe our existence IS fhf w'Vii Sf ld £ Ir> ,W' J- Gau("n, president of the Wellington Rowing Association, speaking from the Star shed's balcony at the official opening of the rowing season in Wellington on Saturday.

Like Great Britain, our future ls on the sea and our lines of defence are on the sea, too. If we develop an efficient naval force and an efficient air force we can be quite sure that our national solidarity will never be challenged." .

Mr. Gaudin said that the Empire, during the past year, had been in the tightest corner she had ever faced, and a numher of rowing men had gone to help her. The rowing fraternity, in common with other sporting bodies, had done much to claim for New Zealand's Army fresh laurels In the field. Some of them had fallen tn the service of their country, and to them they paid tribute

Mr. Gaudin appealed lo the older members of the clubs to rally round and see that the organisation was kept going, so thai when the soldiers returned from overseas they would be able to take up their sporl and find thing? in the same condition in which they left them

That could be done. It might mean a little sacrifice nnd possibly money, too. but all had to make sacrifices In time of war.

Mr. Gaudin. ln declaring the season open, asked all oarsmen to put all their enthusiasm into the sport and help to keep it going during the absence of their clubmates overseas.

Several friendly races were held between crews from the various clubs.