ROWING

Evening Star, Issue 22275, 28 February 1936, Page 5

ROWING

RACE OF VALUABLE PURPOSE OTAGO’SOUTHLAND EIGHTS TO-MORROW [By Coxswain.] Enthusiasm has never waned within the past three seasons in respect of proposals to stage the initial eight-oar race between the old rival provinces of Otago and Southland, and it hovers at a high pitch at the present time in view of the clash ot representative crews at Bluff to-morrow, it is the sixth attempt made to conduct the race, again, as always, due to the admirable initiative of the Southland Association, and it is the earnest wish of all concerned with the sport in these parts that it will not suffer because of unfavourable weather, the cause of abandoning the only two races previously arranged. So far as Southland is concerned it will be only the second eight-oar race in the history of the province, and on its success depends much. Primarily it is proposed to make a gala day of the event, and excursions from all over the Southland district are to head for Bluff, where a crowd of around 17,000 is expected. Funds thus ready for the picking, if the race pleases, should dispel any worry that confronts the association clown there in regard to financing its crew’s trip to Wanganui for the interprovincial eight-oar championship on Easter Saturday. Moreover, the Southlanders will see their provincial eight in action, and may judge from its performance whether it might be improved or given their full support toward its trip north in quest of the interprovincial championship. True, the Otago provincial eight will not be the opponent of the Awarua Club combination selected to represent Southland, hut the crew from here has proved itself a sound one in its two practice spins, and should provide a worthy standard, against which the merits of the Maroon crew might adequately be measured. Dissatisfaction as to this crew’s ability is the real reason for the proposition having heen placed for the authorities here. It is felt in the south, consideration of training difficulties admitted, that the Awarua crew is not the, best available. This may be true. The style of the Bluff oarsmen at the recent Port regatta was such as to make one shudder at the thought of boating most of them in an eight. They certainly had a winning way with them, but this was due to sheer strength and what one is tempted to term stupidity. Finesse and polish are necessities Tn an eight; “Coxswain” has never seen either quality among Awarua crews. Therefore, if only for the purpose of pointing a steady finger at such faults, or clearing doubts as to the crew’s capabilities, to-morrow’s race must serve as a decidedly useful guide, and more so than previously, when it was merely to be a race between ancient adversaries, one would he happy to see the contest crowned with success.

Furthermore, it is gratifying to find that two more keen young oarsmen are to replace in the Otago crew those members of the provincial eight unable to journey to Southland. Both W. N. Binnie and J. B. Henry, of the Otago Club, had the honour coming to them sooner or later, and this chance to recognise them is indeed encouraging. C. E. C. Johnson, late of the Invercargill Club, and only this season transferred from Southland, in whose eight he rowed at Wellington two years ago, was considered for a place in the local crew, but he was unable to obtain leave. One feels confident that the Otago eight will provide a good race, which, with the Edmond Shield attached, should be the forerunner of many keen annual contests. Permission was granted two seasons ago to make the shield competition one for eights, instead of fours, as since its inception in 1901 to 1927, when the shield was last contested on this harbour and won by Otago. Honours to date are in favour of Southland, which has been victorious on 17 occasions to Otago’s six. ST. LEONARDS SITUATION. More than a tolerable share of illluck has dogged the rowing competition at the Burkes-St. Leonards regattas in the past four seasons, in which time only one programme (1933) has been conducted. From the comments of the disappointed oarsmen last Saturday, when the fourth abandonment was necessary because of a stiff nor’-easterly blow, it would appear that they are beginning to comprehend the wisdom of the association’s oftrepeated assertion that the small regattas are not in any way profitable to the clubs. Even though better prize money for the latest fixture indicated that the officials, who cannot order the weather, wanted to compensate the rowers for previous postponements, and while this was appreciated, it would be surprising if it were decided to allocate races for future regattas at St. Leonards.

No compromise will be forthcoming on this occasion, according to the secretary, who told association members last Saturday that the oarsmen would have to row and not expect to be reimbursed, along with a refund of entry fees, as was the case last season. The explanation offered was that funds were difficult enough to find to maintain an annual regatta, which fact must be admitted, but it will be diffisult to fix another suitable date. Eightmen are going to Southland to-morrow, and this will upset too many crews to make it possible to row the regatta events in their absence. Next week there is the Dunedin Regatta Club’s fixture, and after that the members of the provincial eight will not wish to concentrate on anything but their training for the Easter championship. WELLINGTON WATERS MISBEHAVE. Whatever derogatory comment was voiced from Wellington concerning Otago officials’ action in permitting last year's eight-oar championship to be rowed in rough water, the sting of that somewhat amusing argument loses any significance it may have had in .the north, since last Saturday’s national championship regatta was conducted on water much worse than that complained of here. It is a curious feature that the Postponement Committee consisted of Messrs C. .). Mac Gibbon and A. E. White, who were the leaders in the criticism of the Otago Harbour “farce,” as they called it. The course they permitted to be used for the championships was open to all the weather, while the alternative stretch was reported to be calm throughout the day. It was regrettable that such an unfavourable experience awaited the visiting crews from all _over the Dominion, numbering over 50, and including many noted oarsmen. The visitors comprised representatives from the following clubs; —Wanganui Union 12 crews, Aramoho 7, Wanganui 6. Wairau and Picton 4. Arawapawa, Clifton, and Hamilton 3, Blenheim. Napier, and Canterbury 2, Otago and Waitemata ’P. A. Abbott and C. R. Gimblett, of the Petone Club, Wellington, were the only holders to retain their titles. This was in the double sculls, which they won at Auckland last year, when it ivas their first win in a championship, and also the first time any Petone representatives had won any championship event. Briefly, - the other new champions are as follow, last year’s being given in parentheses:— Single Sculls. —R. B. Smith, Waitemata Club (A. K. Jackson, Wanganui Union Club). Smith previously won tlic title in 1932 at Hamilton, and it is the eighth time ifchas been secured by Waitemata oarsmen. Pairs.—B. Sandos and J. Flynn, Hamilton Club (G. C. Cooke and B. H. Mullins, Star Club). Sanders was twice previously stroke of champion pairs, at Wanganui in 1928 and at Picton in 1930. This title has been held four times by Hamilton. Fours. —L. Jackson. G. Charters, E. Smith, and A. Cornish, Picton Club (P. Stowers), F. Jones, J. Stokes, and C. Harirson, Aramoho Club, Wanganui). This was Picton's sixth victory, the previous ones being in 1898, 1899, 1900, 1912, and 1930. EIGHT-OAR BOATS WEARING. It is claimed by the ‘ Auckland Star ' that the Wanganui Association’s action in lending the Auckland Association a boat for the interprovincial eights lias made all the difference between Auckland being represented or absent. The hard wear that the Auckland Association’s boats have had puts them beyond racing in this class _ of event, it is added, and as the New Zealand Association’s rule states that the association’s boats must be used fo- the race it is well that Wanganui has como to the rescue. Just what Auckland’s position will be if the rule regarding boats is to stand for long is somewhat difficult to say, but in view of the class of boats several of the local clubs now possess if the N.Z.A.11.A. is to keep the interprovincial race a classic then a change in boats must be made. Some of the other associations’ boats in the south are also showing signs of wear, and it must be in the best interests of the sport for the rule to be altered so that associations can secure the best boat possible, the same as clubs do with the fours for the championship. The standardisation of eights is under consideration, but it appears that much valuable time is being lost on the question. The delay is somewhat hampering Auckland clubs, for the expense is too great to invest in a boat that may be debarred from racing. There is a marked difference between the West End and University boats and the association eights, and no crew would take the latter in preference to thg former in a big race. CLUBHOUSE CHATTER. Reports to date on the selection of Otago’s piovincial eight-oar representatives have inadvertently omitted mention that “ Mick ” Brough was unavailable for selection. To the writer he expressed the opinion that the crew would be lucky to beat Wanganui on its own water, and his opinion deserves respect in view of his long experience as a successful eight-oar stroke. Canterbury’s eight to compete at Wanganui will be selected from the following 15 oarsmen:—G. E. East, J. B. Taylor, S. M. Gray, M. Hullett, T. R. Evans, F. H. Thompson, F. H. Duggan, L. Paterson, C. S. Sutherland, R O. Neville. M. Cullen, J. Cullen, E. Smith, W. Richards, D. M. Wright. They are now training on the Avon under the coach, Mr C. A. Stiles, former New Zealand representative, who rowed here with the Otago Club for a time last season. Several Varsity Club crews—more than have ever appeared at any previous local regatta—will be among the contestants at the Dunedin Regatta Club’s gala on the Upper Harbour tomorrow week. There will also be Southland and Oamaru representatives, in addition to those of the four local clubs. Entries will probably exceed last year’s 50, but the programme of nine races will be unchanged. “ Rowing in Southland is definitely on the up grade,” said a Southland Association official recently. “ The success at the Port Chalmers regatta of our crews shows that the young men of the province are again giving earnest attention to the sport.”

[By “Gybe.”] (Secretaries of clubs are requested to forward brief notes of general interest before Tuesday of each week to ensure insertion.) ’ YACHTSMAN’S CALENDAR. March 7.—Ravensbourne regatta. March 14. —Raveusbourne Club; Ross JVlarch 21.—Vanxball Club; Wakefield Cup, Sell Memorial Shield, Vauxhall April 4. —Ravensbourne Club ; Cuthbert Cup. , April 11.—Broad Bay Club; yacht and motor boat races. - April 18.—North-east Harbour Club ; all-comers’ yacht and motor boat races. RAVENSBOURNE ANNUAL REGATTA. Over a period of years the annual Ravensbourne Regatta has established itself as one of the most popular aquatic fixtures on the harbour. s regatta is to be held on March t, and the committee has drawn up a programme that should ensure its success and attract the usual large crowd, The opening event is the race for tne

13-footer yacht class »nd ,under, commencing at 3. At 3.15 the 18ft an over 13ft yachts will compete and this event will be followed at 3.30 by the allcomers’ yacht race. For these three races last year an aggregate of -3yachts entered. ~ As usual, the motor boats will constitute an important phase of the regatta. The first race, timed to commence at 3.45, will be for the 8 m.p.h. and under class! The event for the craft over 8 m.p.h. is scheduled to start at 4.10. These two races together drew about 24 entrants at the'last regatta. Owners of competing boats are reminded that entries for the fixture close to-morrow with all club secretaries, oi with the regatta secretary (Mr N. W. Lamond, Main road, Ravensbourne). A dance is to he held on the_ Saturday night, when trophies won will be presented. OTAGO CLUB NEWS. An exceptionally low. tide, unsuitable weather, and the late arrival of several boats at the starting line, detracted from the success of the cruising race held during last week-end by the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Club. Nevertheless, those deficiencies were counterbalanced by the entries, 11 yachts and five motor boats competing. The yacht race, which was notable for the grounding of three keelers in the vicinity of the three-legs beacon, was won. by sunbeam, Yvonne being second, and Starlight third. The motor boat event was won by Rover, Kelvin filling second place. During the afternoon Tucana fouled a pile and sustained a broken mast. The club regrets Mr A. G. Melville’s resignation, and has appointed Mr A. Gillespie club captain and Mr W. Gourlick delegate to the association in his stead. A sub-committee has been formed to report on the advisability of converting portion of the dance floor into a club house to meet the requirements of members, especially juniors, who are still joining up. Accommodation of this description is badly wanted during winter months. Repairs to the dinghy grid and the caretaker’s house are improvements that are now under way. A new hose has been purchased for washing purposes. VAUXHALL CLUB NOTES. The Vauxhall Club has a good programme drawn up for the week-end. On Saturday evening a smoke concert will he held in the club shed. It is hoped that yacht and motor boat men from every chib in the harbour will be present. On Sunday afternoon a yacht race for all-comers will be held over tho Vauxhall Club course. Tea will be served at the conclusion of the race. PORT RACE POSTPONED The Port Chalmers Yacht Club's race, which was to have been held to-morrow, has been postponed. Yachtsmen will be advised in this column when the event is to take place.