FUTURE OF ROWING

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 102, 27 October 1944, Page 3

FUTURE OF ROWING

CLOSE ATTENTION NEEDED

The rehabilitation of : rbWiiig was something that would have to-have the close attention of the new council, said Mr. A. D. Bayfeild at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Associatian last night. He referred to the problem o£. obtaining oars, but said-that since the report had been prepared the situation had improved and it would be possible to get supplies in the future. Boat-building however, would provide a possible difficulty. There were no builders in New Zealand at present, though there was room for one,, and possibly more than one, for orders would be coming along. Mr. A. G. Cockcroft expressed pleasure* at the manner in, which older members had kept the sport alive. It was encouraging also to see increased memberships of the clubs.'.—' ■* Mr. A. A. Whiting pointed out that the younger men were the ones for whom they had to cater. It ."might be found that men returned frpm overseas had lost interest in the sport. The new council should "take .their coats off" and get down among'the boys. Visits to the various associations by members of the council were deeply appreciated and helped rowing considerably. \Mr. A. M. Hale'agreed, but he felt there was no need-to worry about the continued success 'of rowing in New Zealand. It depended on the encouragement given to the young men coming on. He had every" confidence in the youth of today, and he said the council could hope for the best. After some discussion on the best way to recognise the appreciation of New Zealand rowers for the-courtesy shown by the Cairo Club- to men overseas, a motion was passed that-the incoming council consider the, question of a suitably inscribed plaque and that local associations be asked to subscribe.- If necessary, a subsidy would be made by the New Zealand association.

A remit submitted by the council, "that the capitation: for the coming year be not called up," v/as carried after some discussion. It was, decided that local associations should be warned, however, that a levy might be made in future.

The retiring president, Mr.' A. Kirk (East Coast), the chairman of the meeting, withdrew his nomination for president, and Mr. A. A. Whiting (Marlborough) was declared elected. Other officers elected were:—Vice-presidents, Messrs. W. J. Gaudin (Wellington) and A. Kirk (East Coast); council, Messrs. A. D. Bayfeild, C. E. Bridge, A. G. Cockroft, T. M. Hinkley, D.R. Menzies. A. Ross, M. A. Turner, and-1. T. Watson; secretary-treasurer, Mr. S. I. Kidd.