WHANGAREI ROWING CLUB

Northern Advocate, 18 October 1920, Page 1

WHANGAREI ROWING CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING

A NOTABLE REVIVAL,

Over fifty past and present members of the Whangarei Rowing Club attended the adjourned annual general meeting in de Tourret's Buildings last Friday evening and the vim and general interest displayed was reminiscent of pre-war days, when the control of sport was, generally speaking, more keenly participated in by members than is the case nowadays. Mr A. D. Jack was in the chai*. ENCOURAGING REPORT. In the past season, following as it did on the peace celebrations, rowing enthusiasts throughout the Dominion had looked forward to a splendid year for fho popular and healthy sport. In this expectation they were not disap-j pointed; It was a matter'for conn gratulation that the chib was again able to take its part in furthering the interests of the nationally, at the same time eontwtftnrig to hold its high position among the victorious clubs of the North Island. Therm had been a growing tendency, however, on the part 'of members to allow the greater part of the work of the club to fall on the shoulders of a f&w willing horses. The result was that these few had had to work very hard, and in consequence it had been found each season that there was an increasing difficulty iv persuading officers to accept their responsibilities for a further period.The club felt the need, keenly of the earnest well-directed support of every member, and it was for individual members to sec that that help was afforded.' Given.that, there would be no fear for the future of the sport locally, nor that the club would discontinue it's very creditable performances in the wider field of regatta row-

The report' continued that the club had been represented at three regattas during the season, namely Onerahi, Hamilton and Ngaruawah.ia. On each occasion the northern rowers proved their mettle, "winning i'or their club th e gratifying sum of £38 for the year. The club had started its financial operations on a debit balance, a practice which should'not be allowed ; to continue. "The committee would like to sec each year self-supporting and each new season opening ■ without the mishap of an overdraft. At the commencement of the 1919-20 period the account 'at the bank was" 1 overdrawn" £28 10s 2d, above which sum a considerable amount had to be expended to get the plant into working "order for the season. However, at the end of the year a -further sum of £20* was placed to the club's credit as. a fixed deposit at the P.O. Savings Bank in addition to £20 already held by the Bank of Australasia. Both deposits were lodged with the object of being utilised later, when- the building scheme should have been decided upon.

The committee had arranged a carnival Queen and art uu'ibn to be run in conjunction with the Cricket and Hockey Associations. The carnival would take place in Whangarei in December and January, the committee's aim being to provide funds for the new rowing Shed, which was urgently required, and as a great deal would depend upon the success of this campaign, the committee desired to take this opportunity of appealing to each member for his personal support, financial and otherwise, in the scheme. Owing to the high prices ruling p very where and now affecting the club in common with the rest of the community, the* executive recommended to the incoming committee that membership fees be increased for the 'coming year. Running expenses and the cost of necessary additions to plant were still rising and it was being found impossible to carry on at the present low subscription. The supply of ready money was very limited, being at the same time badly needed for the proBecution of important work in the inferests of the plub. Members ' were therefore asked to render timely assistance by the prompt payment of their subscriptions.

The harbour excursions had again proved very popular and should be (u----rano;ed for the coming - summer, the sum of £25 14s 0d having been realised through these trips.

The committee on behalf of the club to thank all those who donated trophies for competitions at the various'trials, also the local Press for its generous support of the club. It was hoped that the present happy relations between the townspeople and the club would continue to exist to their mutual advantage.

It now rested with the members to get busy with efforts to make the forthcoming season a successful one. ft. was a matter for regret that during the season the club had lost through transfer a.number of prominent members. *

In conclusion the pommittee desired fo congratulate the club on its very sound financial position, and expressed the hope that all rowing men would pull together to make the 1920-21 season a record one in every respect.

The balance sheet showed a turnover of £162 11s sd, and the assets were £410 as against liabilities of £30.

OFFICERS. The election of officers, etc., was keenly competed, and resulted in the following appointments: —Patron, Mr F. Mander, M.P.; president, Mr A. D. Jack; vice presidents, Messrs A. R. Pickmcre and T. H. Steadman; secretary ,Mr A. E. Ross; assistant secretary, Mr T. Ewan; ' treasurer, Mr A. Maxwell; club captain, Mr Harold' Menzies; vice-captain, Mr Norman Munro; committee, Messrs W. N. Jack, J. Birch, H. Beehrc, F. Simpson, R. Cutforth and W. Maurer. * RAISING REVENUE. Owing to the cost of maintenance having risen so much, the annual membership fee was raised to 30s.- In that connection it was pointed out .that a set of oars which could be got'fqr £4 or £5-before the'war now cost £22, and sculls were £18 v set: The members endorsed the committee 's action in promoting the Queen Carnival and earnest support was promised an furthering its success. 81-WEEKLY CONTESTS. After considerable discussion it was decided to hold trials on both Thursday and Saturday afternoons.

A vote of thanks t6 the chair concluded a very %uccessful meeting.