N.Z. OARSMEN

Evening Star, Issue 22889, 22 February 1938, Page 8

N.Z. OARSMEN

GOOD SHOWING BY THE EIGHT WRONG METHOD OF SELECTION (Pkr United Press Association.} CHRISTCHURCH, February 22. Since 1925 rowing has improved considerably in Australia, and actually deteriorated in New Zealand and England, according to Mr H. F. Ayres, of Christchurch, who was in charge of the New Zealand rowing team at the Empire Games, “ I don’t want to be boastful, but with decent representation New Zealand need fear nothing from the rest of the world in rowing,” declared Mr Ayres, who has over 40 years’ experience to back up his opinions. “ There is not a great deal wrong with our rowing,” he said, “ but there is room for considerable improvement in New Zealand’s method of selection. Five selectors, as at present, to select 10 men is all wrong. Each of the five selectors is out to get his own man into the team. What is wanted is a sole selector, who could visit the various provinces. It would not cost a great deal, and would be a far more effective method of selection.” ~ , , New Zealand was particularly unfortunate in having C. A. Stiles (Christchurch ) taken seriously ill with gastric trouble at 2 o’clock on the morning of the eight-oar race, said Mr Ayres. The other crews had been affected with similar illnesses, but'they had managed to overcome their gastric troubles before the race. “ I do hot want it to appear that I am making excuses for New, Zealand not winning the event.” said Mr Ayres. ‘‘Actually the .crew put up an excellent performance in being only two lengths away from the Australians at the finish, especially when, at the end, they were rowing practically a man short.”