GISBORNE ROWING CLUB.

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6142, 28 July 1921, Page 7

GISBORNE ROWING CLUB.

HALF-YEARLY MEETING

The half-yearly meeting of the Gisborne rowing club was held last night in the Cosmopolitan Club. There were present Messrs I. J. Quigley, C. W. Horne, H. C. Fraser, It. O. Sweet, G. Kelly, 1». Albrecht, A. Lentil, A. Roddick, L. Grace, M. Quigley, V. Kay, A. Hankey, C. O. Sommerville, F. Jones, G. C. Jones, L, Brosnahau. The half-yearly report was as follows :

.1 would point out that this is not. an annual report, and therefore docs not contain a full digest of the searson’s activities. The object in presenting it is to draw the attention of members ,to the present position of the club, and to the necessities which wo must at this stage face. First, I may say that the plant is now in better condition than at the commencement of the season, due to the efforts of the, members and to the addition of certain purchases such as oars and sculls. We are, I think, assured of a sufficient number of these to complete the coming season, and thus many confine our attention to the question of boats. During the season, all the boats were put to constant use, and in the main are still in good condition. The double sculls, however, are in need of replacement, if the money can be found. On the other hand, we must also consider the purchase of a representative single scull, or abstain from competition in the single sculling inter-club events for which trophies have generously been donated by Messrs A. M. Lewis and G. Neill Other small replacements and new purchases are held in mind, but these are the important and urgent considerations. In common with other institutions, the club is, as will be revealed by the treasurer’s report, in need of money, to suhe an extent that the prospect of new purchases is not to be lightly contemplated The club is thus faced with three possible courses; first, to go in Tot a new single scull, estimated to cost about £33, and to make the present doubles meet the requirements of the members through another sea son ; second, to abandon the prospect of participation in the interclub single events, and renew the doubles; and third, to defer the two aforementioned decisions until next season, and endeavour, during the coming year, to bring the finances to a position that will better justify their consideration. While these steps are under consideration, it. is meet that we should keep in mind certain contingencies which we have to deal with in other directions. With regard to the remainder of the plant, the “A” grade boats now require outfitting with outriggers, and repairs must be done to the hull of the “Taumota.” The “B” grades are in fine order, as are also the singles purchased last season. The old singles are of no further use, practically speaking. The pleasure boats require oars and rowlocks, and one rudder, to replace one stolen or lost. The season has. it might be said, been a most successful one from a rowing point of view, and the two local •clubs have worked harmoniously as usual for the good of the sport. This meeting will require to consider the ■ form which the annual prize-giving celebrations will take. The usual procedure has been to arrange a smoke concert, but it is felt by some that a dance this year would form a more suitable func tion. The report and balance sheet were read and adopted. Expenditui’e included : advertising, stationery, etc.. £2O 12s sd, repairs to buildings, etc, £74 9s lid, purchase of oars £4B 6s. Receipts included: Subscriptions £ll4 19s 6d, donations £IS 15s 7d; locker rents, sale o? keys, ets., £lB 6s 6d. The overdraft at the opening of the season was £lO9 6s. Mr Quigley said that the principal item in the expenditure was repairs to the shed and plant, but in consideration of the age of the building and plant it was not excessive. There was about £75 to collect in outstanding subscriptions, about £SO of which was considered to be recoverable. Speaking of the renewal of plant Mr Quigley stated that the policy of the club was to keep expenditure down to bedrock and if anything was done he favored the purchase of double sculls rather than singles. On the motion of Mr Kay, seconded by Mr Albrecht, it was decided to purchase no new boats this season. Mr Jones moved and Mr Albrecht seconded, that the prize giving funcetion take the form of a dance, and after brief discussion this was carried. A dance committee was set up consisting of Messrs Grace, Albrecht, Sweet, Lentil, Hennessey. Horne, Buscke, Kay. It was left in the hands of the committee to decide the form and date of the dance.