ROWING

Evening Star, Issue 20311, 21 October 1929, Page 3

ROWING

NORTH END BOATING CLUB At tho. North End Boating Club’s shed on Saturday afternoon this old and well-established club hold its opening for tho coming season. There was a large attendance of past and present members, while representatives from other clubs were numerous. The shed revealed a fine appearance, and the plant and equipment were _in .good order. Altogether five racing skiffs, looking spic and span, were on the racks. All of the boats are practically new, while two of them are this season’s goods. Many complimentary remarks were to be heard concerning the fine workmanship of Mr J. M’Pherson, who built the new boats. The opening took tho form of a social function. Mr J, M‘Grnth, in proposing the toast of “Tho North End Club,” said that during the past ten years the club had had a very bad spin. However, the members had stuck to their posts, and the club had managed to pull through. Tho greatest catastrophe to tho chib happened when the boat shed had been blown down and completely destroyed. Again the members did not give up hope, and an appeal through tho daily newspapers brought forward a wonderful response from tho public and sister clubs. Rowers had many difficulties to contend with, and ft was often wondered whether the game was worth while. But as an old member he could safely say that tho sport of rowing was well worth while. _ In replying, Mr W. J. Rennick (president) extended a hearty welcome to tho visitors, and said ho was pleased to see so many of the old members rallying round tho club. He apologised for tho absence of their old president, Mr S. S. Myers, and for Mr R. AA 7 . Hall, Mayor of St. Hilda. Mr Myers, he stated, had been laid aside through illness, and a vote of sympathy would be sent to their old and esteemed friend.

Mr F. Foster also replied, and in thanking Mr M'Grath lor his remarks in regard to the club stated that most of the club’s support in the erection of its new shed came from the general public and other clubs. Through the appeal in tho papers they had raised £7OO. The Mayor (Mr R. S. Black) was then called upon to officially open the season. In his remarks ho referred to the fine sport of boating, and congratulated tho club on its pluck in getting over its troubles. Mr M. Higgins referred to the useful work of the governing body in proposing the toast of “ Tho Otago Row ing Association.” On behalf of the association, Mr E. J. Priest apologised for the absence of other members, who. he said, were attending other functions, including the opening of the Port Chalmers Club Fie was very pleased to see so many of tho old members present. There was no doubt that the younger members welcomed them, because their as sistance was vital if the club was to prosper. In conclusion, ho comp 1 ! mooted the club on the appearance of its shed. Tho toast of “Sister Clubs” was proposed by Mr A. Allan, who said that but for the assistance of the other clubs the North End Club would not be in the position it was in to-day. The following from other clubs replied:—Messrs N. N. Kirkcaldy (Otago Club), A. T. Timms (Maeandrew Bay), N. Thompson (Queen's Drive), and W. Marr (Burkes and St. Leonards!. When the toast list was completed various boats were tried out, and a feature of the afternoon was a spin out by a crew of veterans, consisting of Messrs J. M'Grath, M. Higgins, E •T. Priest, and A. Allan. PORT CHALMERS CLUB The Port Chalmers Rowing Club held its opening-of-the-season function on

Saturday afternoon at the club’s shed. The president of the club (Mr J. Y. Love) rvas the principal speaker, and he congratulated the club on its sound position and good' prospects for the present rowing season. On behalf of the 0 R A., Mr S. G. Stycho also congratulated the club on its promising oarsmen, specially mentioning Mr H. Hill, who was shaping exceptionally well. The club prestige for good rowing was upheld by Messrs J. Solomon and T. Cramond in the interprovineial eight-oar races. Mr W. Robinson conveyed the good wishes of the Macandrew Bay Chib, and Mr I). Clark, of tho Queen’s Drive Club. Mr AA 7 . Lysagbt was another speaker who regarded tlie chib’s prospects as very promising this season.

NORTH-EAST HARBOUR CLUB

The annual meeting of tho Northeast Harbour Rowing Club was held in the boat shed, when there, were present Mr M. Budcl (in the chair) and a full attendance of members. The annual report and balance-sheet disclosed the club to be in quite a satisfactory position, an I reflected great credit on tho members for the keen interest shown. The plant was in good condition, and. with the addition of tho new four-oar skiff, now under construction by Mr James M'Pherson, everything augurs well for a very successful season. The election of officers resulted ns follows:—President, Mr M. Budd (reelected) ; vice-presidents—Messrs AV. Howlands, J. Viviaii, A. Stewart, A. M'Hutchon, J. M'Pbersou, AA 7 . Brookman, J. AVoodhouse, A. Gibson, L. Frude; club captain, AA 7 . B. Robinson ; deputy-captain, R. U. Hellyer; secretary. A. T. Timms; General Committee —Messrs AV. H. Timms, R. 11. Hellyer, A. Ledgerwood, J. AA 7 . Hook, C. Hook, H. Riddell, C. Marrett, A. E. Timms; auditor, Mr C. J. Hook, sen.; delegates to- Otago Rowing Association— Messrs AA 7 . Robinson, M. Budd, A. T. Timms. it was resolved to change the name of the club to that of the Macandrew Bay Rowing Club. The card tournaments in connection with the Rowing Club continue to attract large attendances, and on that account it has been decided to continue them for another four nights, it being decided also to give a series of prizes for the best aggregates obtained during the next four sessions’ play.