ROWING

Evening Star, Issue 23174, 25 January 1939, Page 5

ROWING

» ■ ... WAIHOLA REGATTA PRIZE MOHEY GOES SOUTH [By Rigger.] Those who supported the proposal to switch the venue of the Dunedin Regatta Club’s annual fixture to Lake Waihola have every reason to be satisfied. The outing, last Saturday was probably the most successful financially the club has yet conducted, the attendance was heartening, and the only cause for complaint lay m the weather, for the elements beat the club. Nevertheless, the regatta provided some good racing, and if bad water ruled for some of the earlier events, perfect conditions operated for the feature race.

It was pleasing that the southern visitors—Awarua, Invercargill, and Riverton—should have met with success. In fact, it was Awarua which topped the prize list, with a total of £2l, followed closely by Otago with £l9, Riverton, £8 10s; Port, £8; and Invercargill, £7 10s. An analysis of the various placings shows:—

Firsts: Otago 4, Awarua 4, Port 2, Invercargill 3, Riverton 2, and Drive 1. Seconds: Otago 5, Port 4, Awarua 2, Invercargill 2. Thirds: Port 4, Awarua 3, Otago 1, Drive 1.

Awarua provided a much-needed object lesson to local oarsmen in its maintenance of the schedule. It was consistently up to time, in marked contrast to Port Chalmers. The latter club delayed - matters and held up several events; it was a pity that the starter did not exercise his prerogative and disqualify latecomers. Otherwise the work of J. Worges was beyond criticism. Lessons learnt from this regatta will materially assist the success of the 1940 fixture. That the club will benefit financially seems to be unquestioned, and any surplus funds will help in the drawing up of an attractive programme next year. The aim of the (Regatta Club is commendable, and the success of this year’s venture, it is hoped, will continue. Single sculling has come to stay, judging by the enthusiasm of tho spectators when the three events were staged. This type of race is the only one on the rowing programme which allows for individuality, and those on the bank are quick to pick favourites. Southland criticism that as there were no single sculling boats in any of its clubs’ sheds, and that it was therefore handicapped, was nullified by the observation made by an Otago supporter that two years ago only one local chib possessed a single sculler. The Regatta Club is to be congratulated on having “ picked a winner,” as it did in this instance, for the inclusion of single sculling events proved deservedly popular.

Championship Arrangements. Arrangements for the 1939 New Zealand championship regatta at Picton on February 11 are reported to be well in hand. ’ A special sub-committee under the guidance of Mr W. Patterson, ex-member of the New Zealand Army crew, will attend to the unloading "and reloading of all racing skiffs on arrival at the Picton wharf. A committee of experienced oarsmen will see all racing skiffs transported free of charge from the wharf to the rowing sheds. Propcrlv trued and squared racks will be allotted each visiting club for their racing shells. Ah experienced craftsman has been engaged and will be on the spot to carry out any repairs that may be necessary during training operations. No charge will be made for minor repairs, such as tingles and broken riggers.