ROWING

Evening Star, Issue 20089, 1 February 1929, Page 13

ROWING

[By Coxswain.] 1 FIXTURES. February 23.—Burkes-St. Leonards Regatta. February 23.—New Zealand Championships, at Picton. February —. —lnvercargill Regatta. March 16.—Intel-provincial Eights, at Lyttelton. March 23.—Otago Rowing Association Regatta, at Port Chalmers. March 30.—Queenstown Regatta.

Bad weather unfortunately marred the success of the opening events at the Otago annual regatta at Port Chalmers last Saturday. This was particularly unfortunate, in view of the fact that the energetic chairman (Mr W. J. Wilson) and his committee had made such complete arrangements lor carrying out this fixture. During the rowing of tho youths’ fours several of the crews were swamped, and three or four fishermen’s launches, which were competing in a race at tho time, withdrew from the race and went to the assistance of the crews iu danger. The action of the fishermen was grqatly appreciated by the regatta officials, and, needless to say, by those to whom assistance was rendered. The big event on tho programme (senior fours) was won handsomely by the Queen’s Drive crew, whose blade work, swing, and watercraft were of a very high order. It was a ding-dong go lor a mile, after which tho winners’ superiority became more pronounced, and without being unduly extended they won by three lengths. I understand this crew is going to compete in the Now Zealand championships at Picton on February 23. That being so, the province can rest assured that it will be well represented, and the good washes of all oarsmen will go with the combination. Recently reconstructed, the Otago seniors were only a shadow of the championship crew of two years ago, while North End did not row up to senior form. Troublous times have recently been experienced bv the North Enders, and while it is pleasing to see them competing in all events, a better crew could ho produced from the shed. The Port Chalmers Club is fortunately possessed of a crew made up of the toughest material seen in this harbour for some time. I refer to t,h» youths’ four—Hill, Parsons, Miller, and M'Comiell. Besides winning Hie youths’ and junior fours. Hill and Miller won the vonths’ double sculls.while Miller and Parsons rowed second in tho youths’ pair-oared race. Evidently rowing has taken a new lease of life in Oamavu, and the presence of tho maiden and inniors fours and the youths’ pairs added increased interest to the Port regatta. After a particularly hard go with the Queen s Drive tho 'maiden four from the north ern town emerged victorious, and the success should he a great incentive to the club to compete on future occasions In the youths’ pair Oamnru rowed very well to get third place being beaten by only half a length liv the redoubtable Port youths. Oamaru s performance in the junior fours at Karitane was not equalled on this occasion. Last year the crew won the maiden fours, when stioked by Hjorring, and. f think, was a better combination than at present After several indifferent ■performances at the commencement of the season the Queen’s Drive Club is now producing crews filter and to better rowing form. Porter and Mathcson gave a splendid exhibition of sculling in vfie iunior sculls, and they are an excel lent second string to Clark and Pritchard. , ~ , The familiar figure of I 1 red VViU.m has been missing from senior events this year. TK< length o» time he has been rowing iov the Drive and the main excellent performances by him nave been of great assistance to his club, and

if ho has given up the active side ot rowing it is to be hoped that he w til pass on the 'leuefit of his experience to the vounger members. The ‘Otago Club is having a lean period. What is the matter? Despite bad weather for, rowing in the Upper Harbour, there aio plenty of opportunities for door and road work, even when the boats have to remain on the racks. ..... At the last meeting of the Rowing Association it was decided that the interclub eights would be rowed in the Upper Harbour on February 11. This is undoubtedly the cream of rowing, and nothing has the same thrill as a race between two good eights. When one thinks of the time-honoured contests between Oxford and Cambridge (which event, I suppose, next to the English Derby, is the greatest sporting one of the year), it is a pity that conditions in New, Zealand are not more favourable lor 'this class of rowing. Under perfect conditions the rowing of the interclub eights last year gave a wonderful thrill to the largest attendance that has ever witnessed an aquatic event from the Dunedin wharves. The general public should not miss the opportunity of seeing its own oarsmen in this class. To fill in the unavoidable intervals between heats various dubs are endeavouring to have other races, providing a night’s entertainment.

Although tho North End eight has already been picked, it has not yet been on the water, and as combination is tho main essential it behoves all clubs to get their crows afloat as soon as possible. Old hands were prominent at Port Chalmers on Saturday, and it was indeed a pleasure to pass the afternoon with such veterans as Tommy Wright, Jack M'Grath, Nat Kirkcaldy, Bob Thompson, Fred Foster, Jimmy Coltherpe, Jim Smeaton, Sid. Styche, Ernie Fairbairn, and Teddy Nelson. It is to be Imped that Otago will he able to send a good crew to Lj’ttelton for the interprovincial eights. Last, year, with a hastily-constructed and very light crew, Otago rowed a meritorious second to Canterbury, and with the slightest luck they might have won. As several members of last year’s crew will again be available the experience gained will be of valuable assistance. It is unfortunate that Solomon, of the Port Club, who created such a favourable impression last year, has not been used more by his club tin’s season. Through father and son the name of Solomon has been prominent in rowing affairs in Port Chanters for over thirty years, and it should not be allowed to pass from prominence. At the Port Chalmers regatta on Saturday the Otago Rowing Club crews showed little improvement from previous regattas of this season, the senior crew (Brough, Rogers, M'Ara, S. Anderson) managing to secure second place, R Johnston and G. B. Johnson securing second place in the, junior double sculls. The youths’ pairs was won by Henderson and M‘Bnde. Tho club is a little unfortunate in that J. Werges has intimated that he will be unable to row this season. However, P. S. Anderson intends getting into training again, and it is hoped to have him out in the next regatta as bow in the senior four. The senior crew will then have three of , the members who went to Australia in 1926, and it is hoped that they will make a good showing. ... , . . Mr T. Wheelwright, last year s skipper of the Otago Club, has recently joined the ranks of the benedicts, and all rowing friends will join in wishing Tom and his wife happiness and prosperity. . As usual, the Queen s Drive was well represented at the Port Chalmers regatta, and obtained a good share of the prize money. The seniors, stroked by Clark, had little difficulty in winning their race, and in the event of their going to tho championships at Picton should, give a good account of themselves. It is a great pity that the juniors will not settle down to serious training, as there is no doubt that the Drive has a fine junior crew, which has failed to win on account of the unfitness of one or two Men must realise that if they wish to do any good for themselves and for their club in the regattas they must deny themselves The maidens, the only comparatively fit crew, ■ apart from the seniors, in the club were beaten by a short canvas by Oamaru, but showed themselves a crew with a good finish. The addition of Macdonald to the crew and the rearrangement of the positions has somewhat strengthened and balanced the crew to better effect. They did remarkably well considering they had been out together only five times, and should he hoard of in the later iegattas here. One of,the surprises was the youths’ four, which rowed third to the two Port crews. This crow is not at all well balanced, and can hardly be classed as fit, but it nevertheless “ got there.” It is a pity that the water was so rough for this race, as, with seven starters, there should have been some particularly fine finishes. In the sculling events Porter and Matheson won the juniors easily, and the No. * crew would haw done better had an unfortunate position not arisen. Another crew went off the course, sculling in comparatively smooth water, and Thorn considered himself justified, with another two races to follow, in leaving this crow out of consideration, as, he was sure that it would be disqualified. Herein he failed, which proves that individual oarsmen are not umpires, and should leave nothing to chance, but “ go for it ” from start, to finish. Apart from this, however, it could be seen that Treloar was somewhat distressed. This pair had a win later in the maiden sculls. The Macdonald Brothers did very well to scull into second place in the youths event. They are still quite young, and should be- heard of in youths’ sculling races for some time yet. These boys were, until two or three years ago, club coxswains, and received a good insight into the finer points of sculling,, which thev arc now putting into practice. The first club races of the season, the Lady Mills Memorial Fours, will be rowed on Saturday, February -, when some good races should result, most men being comparatively fit at this time of the season. . It is very gratifying to, see that tnc O.R.A. regatta will consist of twelve races. This gives each club an oppor(unity to win in that class in which it specialises. . The following will represent the Drive in the interclub eight-oar race mi February 11G. Clark (stroke). HPritchard, L. Fountain, T. Treloar, G. Thomson, T. Porter, G. Thorn, D. Matheson (bow). On the evening of February IF an inter-club bight-oar competition will be

rowed over a course of 1 J ni , finishing in the basin. The race will--be commenced at 6 o'clock. The first heat will bo Otago v. North End ; second heat, Port Chalmers v. Queen s Drive. Between heats four-oared and donum sculling races amongst Macandrew Bav, Otago, and North End will bo held. The Port Chalmers and Queen s Drive Clubs’ boats will probably be housed in the North End shod. Should the weather conditions be more favourable in the Upper Harbour between now and the next two regattas (Burkes-St. Leonards and the Association’s), the two clubs, North End and Otago should show , a decided improrement. , In tho junior double sculls at the Port Chalmers regatta, Queen’s Drive steered a straight course and won fairly easily whereas Ota'go did the course in a half-circle and then managed to secure secdud place. smooth water course Otago should turn the tables; its boat does not nde well in heavy weather. Had the Port Chalmers Committee laid out a second course—say, from Bonner’s—the races could all have been rowed in practically calm water, and with less trouble from the tide. The course set for Saturday was by no means a goodone. Queen’s Drive did not have the easy win that was expected in tho senior fours, and had tho, Otago crew been able, to get in more training, the result might have been different. It was pleasing to see Oamaru secure another win, and they thoroughly deserved the maiden fours. The Port Chalmers Club has a good assist in the youths’ class, as has been proved at all regattas held so far. The club is apparently not satisfied in leaving Hill’s crew in youths’ fours only, as" they stepped out last Saturday and won the junior fours. Tho selector has appointed the following to represent the North End Club at the next regattas Senior Fours': F. Eggcrs (st.), _ Mitchell, Mahson. Deans (bow). Junior Fours: Vallis '(st.), M'Queen, Livingston, Hnrrell (bow). Maiden Fours (No. 1) . Johnston (st.), Wilson, Titchener, Blagdon (bow). Maiden Fours (No. 2) Thomson (st.), Mayne, \irngreen, Marriner (bow). Youths’ Fours (No. 1): Barton (st.), Deans, Clarke, Rodgers (bow). Youths’ Fours: Davidson (st.), Walker, P. O’Reilly, Parker (bow). "w The following will represent the North End Club in the interclub eightoar race, to be held at Dunedin on Fibrunry 11:—F. Eggers (st.), Mitchell, Manson, Deans, Vallis, M'Queen, Livingston, Wilson (bow). The North End Club Juniors, maidens, and youths are requested to train for the Burkes-St. Leonards regatta (February 26). SHIELD AND CUP' POINTS. The following shows the positions tor the Premiership Shield and Challenge Cups, including Macandrew Bay, Kantane, Broad Bay, and Port Chalmers regattas;—Premiership Shield : Port Chalmers 96 points, Queen’s Drive 80, North End 48, Otago 24. Senior Cup l : Queen’s Drive 12, Otago 5, North End 5, Port Chalmers 2. Junior Cup: Port Chalmers 10, Queen’s Drive 9, Otago 4, North End 4, _ Oamaru 3. Maiden Cup: Queen’s Drive •), Port Chalmers 9, North End 8, Otago 5, Or. m arn 3, North-east Harbour 1. Souths’ Cup. Port Chalmers 21, Otago 8, Queen’s Drive 3, North End 2, Oamaru 1. Tlr.) amounts won in prize money to date are as follow:—Queen’s Drive £43 l(;a Port Chalmers £33 10s, North End £l7 10s, Otago £l4 10s, Oamaru £ll. An inspection of the Whau River course was made by otticials of the Aucklano Rowing Association •,states an exchange), and data were colleited to enable the governing body to arrange a programme for the provincial championships in March. The coarse is ideal, with an almost straight stretch for two miles from tho mouth of the river. Another course with a bend in it for shorter races can be had by rowing downstream. Under the circumstances, tho association is most fortunate, as a very long programme could easily be completed in an afternoon. The river is reached by a pleasant harbour trip, or, easier still, by road from town. This leads to the paddock at the finishing line, where there is unlimited accommodation for spectators, with an uninterrupted view of the whole course. Many rowing men now wonder why the course has not been used before. Surveying the form of tho senior fours likely to attend the championship regatta, one cannot but realise that there appears to be nothing offering to heat the Wanganui crew this season (says the Auckland 'Sun ). Wairau is the only combination likely to come within striking distance, and though they will no doubt be keen to turn the tables on Wanganui, having been runners-up last season, their chances are not particularly bright. Hamilton’s crew does , not impress, though, as is HamiltoiJs way, it may spring a surprise. None ol the Wellington chibs were able to put a senior four on the water at the Picton icgatta, and the race was between Wairau and Blenheim. The former crew won by nine lengths, paddling homo as it wished. In Christchurch the senior fours seen in action so lar are not likely to daunt the Wanganui men. The Canterbury Club crew did not take part in tho holiday fixtures, but though there are four members of the provincial eight, two Olympic oarsmen, on the club's active list, great things are not expected of the crew, which may not visit the big fixture. Otago was one of the three favourites last season, but little has been beard of the Southerners so lar. When Akaroa won the senior four event last season it was thought that that would quicken interest in the sport in Akaroa, but such hopes have been proved groundless (says the Lyttelton ‘ Times ’i. The Akaroa Club, which has a fine shed, up-to-date plant, and an idea! stretch of water, has been steadily going back in tho last twelve months. Interest, among active oarsmen has waned, and there has been practically no training done this season. Much of tho plant is fairly new, including some best and best boats; yet they have scarcely been used. The administration of the club has been carried on by a few of the old-time rowers, whose strenuous efforts to interest the younger men in the sport have failed almost entirely. In view of the declining interest in the sport at Akaroa, it is doubtful whether the,

annual regatta will be able to be continued Certainly it will have to be abandoned unless there is more interest taken in the club. It is surprising time interest should have dwindled in a club which is possessed of such natural advantages in its harbour. The decline of the Akaroa Club is another of those disappointments apparently natural to the sport of rowing. The Kawatm Club, on the West Coast, produced champions when it was at the height of its popularity. Then it sank almost into nothingness for years, only to bo revived recently. So it has been with the club at Napier, and with the Lyttelton Club. Lyttelton regattas were great events of the year in days gone by, and tlien they lapsed through lack of interest. Now the Lyttelton Club, who sent representatives to compete at Akaroa, is alive and flourishing, with some promising young material to draw upon. It is to be hoped that the stalwarts of the Akaroa Club will be able to keep at least the social side of the club going, and in time, in spite of the counter-attraction of other sjjprts which do not demand so much from their followers, the club may once again take its place amongst the leading rowing bodies of Canterbury. PEARCE UNABLE TO COME. The news from Sydney that '’eurce is unable to accept the invitation 10 visit New Zealand will be very disappointing to followers of the sport in the dominion. Possibly Pearce would have-jumped at the. chance to compete at the championship jegatta, for having to represent New South Wales in tile Australian single sculls championship, which tins year will be decided in West Australia. Seeing that New Zealand crews on quite a number of occasions have visited Australia, it may seem peculiar that oniy the Wendouree (Victoria) crew has come to New Zealand, but the annual tax on State clubs to finance crews for the Australian championships is so great that there is precious little left wherewith to pay the expenses of a crew to New Zealand. And not only is it a question of expense, but the leave of absence is another difficulty. In connection with expense it may be mentioned that Queensland in all probability will not be represented in tins year’s championship eights, as the sending of the crew to Western Australia would cost over £7OO. Possibly a thorough review of the position by the Australian and New Zealand authorities will lead to a way being found whereby at least State representation at the New Zealand championships regatta will be assured if not regularly, at least occasionally; HANNAN RETURNS. A little over twelve months ago Paddy Hannan notified his retirement from active competition, but like the old warhorse that “ scents the battle from afar ” Paddy found the lure or the game too great to avoid when prospects of a match loomed ahead. It is now announced that the exNew Zealand has agreed to row James Mason at Whangarei on February 2 for the New Zealand title. The |)dr have met previously, an Whangarei on November 27, 1926, when Hannan won easily. Hannan, who is in his forty-fifth year, commenced his professional career in 1916, and amongst the well-known men ho has met and defeated are Arnst, Felton, and Had field (all ex-world’s champions), Fogwell and M'Devitt, who rowed Major Goodscll for the championship on March 21, 1925. Hannan also rowed G-oodsell for that title on Juno 27, 1925.