ROWING NOTES.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 211, 20 October 1888, Page 3

ROWING NOTES.

FORMAL OPENING OF THE SEASON. Tn® Gisborne rowing season opened on Thursday afternoon under very favorable auspices. The weather was beautiful, and the river looked quite gay with the number of boats out, and the smart little launch Snark (upon which there was a large number of ladies and others) looked quite a giant among the frail craft by which she was surrounded. The services of the Band would have greatly enlivened the proceedings, but as it was everything passed off satisfactorily. The procession went up the Turanganui as far as Mr Harris’. On returning to the wharf Miss Effie Pollen (the President’s daughter) performed the ceremony of christening the Gisborne Club’s two new pair-oars, one being called “ Minerva ” and the other “ Petrolea.” Cheers were then given for the Rowing Clubs, for the ladies, for Mr Dougherty, and for the captains, the popular President being thoughtlessly omitted. The Snark then steamed our in tbe bay and round the black buoy. The following crews took part in the procession— Bourn (stroke), Miller, Young, and Drummond. Barnes (stroke), Sage, Collins, and Morgan. Ratcliffe (stroke), Tucker, Trimmer, and Parnell. O’Meara (stroke), McLean, Clayton, and Evans Walters (stroke), Smaill, Barry, and Martin. Kennedy (stroke), Sandlant, Hoare, and Lewis. Pair Oars—Adair and O’Meara, and. Lunn and Woodward. SMOKE CONCERT. In the evening a smoke concert took place in the Masonic Hotel. There was a good attendance. Dr Pollen (the President) occupied the chair, and Captain Tucker viee-chair. Some light refreshments having been partaken of, the Chairman proposed the toast of the “ The Queen.” Captain Tucker proposed, “ The Gisborne Rowing Club.” He eaid they would all no doubt join with him in wishing very hearty success to the Club. The Club, be considered was the backbone of athletics, and rowing the pick of athletic sports. The Gisborne Club was always noted for its perseverance and energy—even outside of Gisborne their antagonists had always held them in high esteem. When the Club had been. successful in matches they had always borne it with moderation, and the same could be said when they lost a race. Hu hoped the members would this season keep up their reputation, and when contesting matches, continue to do so in a gentlemanly way and not exhibit any undue warmth.

Mr Bourn, in responding, said he was very pleased to have the honor to respond to the toast of the Club, but be thought itcould have been placed in better hands. He conld only wish that all the members would give their assistance, and so make the season a very successful one. He was also pleased to see the Poverty Bay Rowing Club represented there that evening. Mr F. Arthur, in proposing kindred sports, said it had always been his wish to support all manner of athletic sports, especially those in which any energy was shown. He considered all young men should go in forspors, as it would prove beneficial to them in after life. He fully endorsed the remarks of tbe Mayor on the necessity of having all contests characterised by a spirit of gentlemanly deference, whether the events were lost or woo. Mr Bourn had much pleasure in proposing success to the Napier Rowing Club, coupled with the name of Mr Wilson. The Gisborne Club had always looked forward with great interest to their race with Napier, as it was the only outside race they had. The representative erew had always been splendidly treated at Napier, especially last year. Mr Wilson responded, speaking in warm terms of the annual matches. Mr Woodward proposed the health oi the ladies, in terms which would have been felt flattering had they been heard by those to whom they were applied. At least, it was evident that Mr Woodward is a champion of women’s rights, and some skinflint bachelors would say more than their rights. Mr Young responded, with becoming modesty. Mr Ratcliffe proposed the toast of the host and hostess, which was drunk with much enthusiasm. During the evening, songs were sung by Messrs Aislabie, Arthur, Ratcliffe, Woodward, Langford, Mann, O’Meara, and Sags. Mr Harvy presided at the piano, and a most enjoyable evening was spent.

The boating season was formally opened at Napier on last Saturday afternoon,) when the members of the Napier Rowing Club mustered in full force on the Tutaekuri river. The attendance of spectators was large, the majority of whom were ladies, and there is no doubt there would have been a still larger attendance if there had not been such a strong gale, which not only made it unpleasant for all, but rendered the water very choppy indeed. the rowers having to contend with miniature waves. A four-oar, occupied by a crew of ladies, also took part in the procession. Some good racing was witnessed in the scratch fours. In the first heat Buoholz’s crew was beaten by S. Kennedy's crew, the club captain (Mr J. Rochefort) being beaten by Childs’ crew in the second heat. The final heat proved a win for S. Kennedy’s crew, there being a good race to the finish. Tbe tug of war was won by Childs’ crew. Great amusement was caused by the winners pulling the losing team into the water, and upsetting a man who was paddling about in a canoe. On the 24th November next, the Napier Rowing Club’s trial fours will be rowed, for which the following entries have been received : —J. Rochfort, Hutchings, Anderson, and Tyler; Childs, W, Newton, Chapman, and Hughes; J. Crowley, Hawkins, K. Newton,and Black ; Provis, Fleming, Woledge, and F. Williams ; J. Smith, A. D. Newton, N. Kennedy, and Lyndon ; Buchclz, Peacock, H, Liddle, and Goodall.