Enthusiastic Opening Of Whangarei Rowing

Northern Advocate, 19 December 1938, Page 9

Enthusiastic Opening Of Whangarei Rowing

There is a revival or interest in rowing in Whangarei. This was abundantly clear on Saturday afternoon, when the Whangarei Rowing Club staged its opening day for the present season. Despite boisterous conditions and a chill wind, there was a fair attendance of the general public and twenty club members competed. A strong cross wind made conditions difficult for rowing. Five crews competed for the president’s opening day trophy, a fact which speaks hopefully for the future of the club. Members gave a good performance at the oars.

i Captain P. Gardner and ViceCaptain C. Storey demonstrated that they are doing their work well, and, with the co-operation of other members, the club -is assured cf success. Mr W. Maurer, president, welcomed guests. He congratulated club members on their keenness. To old and new members alike ho wished success in their endeavours tc keep the sport alive in Whangarei. Mr Maurer offered some advice to new members. President’s Advice. “I would ask you to go into the sport wholeheartedly,” he said. “It is a game that calls for each member to pull his weight, whether he be in the boat or in the shed. He must do his share in all the work connected with rowing. I would ask you all to abide by the rulings of your captain and selector, remembering that you cannot all be strokes, but that you can do your bit in whatever seat you may have been chosen to occupy. The stroke can do very little without the co-operation of the rest of his crew. “Do your best to bring the club back to where it was a few years ago, when the Whangarei club was a force to be reckoned with by all who competed against it,” said Mr Maurer. Rowers Not Made in a Day. He reminded new members that rowers were not made in a day. The only way tc become perfect, he said, is to take the advice of sectors and use their experience. Rowing is an art, and success can be attained only by those who make themselves physically fit. He hoisted the club’s flags and declared the season officially open.

The first race resulted: P. Gardner (stroke), J. Smith (3), L. Docl (2), R. Hill (bow), beat J. Mason (stroke),

W. Brown (.3), M. Kitson (2), S. McCabe (bow), by two lengths. Don McGregor (stroke), J. Redmond (3), L. Grigg (2), R. Morgan (bow), beat C. Storey (stroke), I. Boyd (3), G. McLeod (2), H. Kitson (bow), by one length. Bindon’s Crew Unlucky. P. Gardner (stroke), J. Smith, L. Doel, R. Hill, beat O. E. Bindon (stroke), F. Mcßae (3), B. Cummings (2), W. Brown (bow). Bindon’s crew was unlucky. Bindon took the lead from the start, and, half-way over the course, was leading Gardner by half a length, when his “third man broke a marlin. Bindon carried on. but when his bow man’s rigger carried away, he was forced to retire. He had completed three-quarters of the course. The Final. In the final, Gardner’s crew beat McGregor’s Crew by two lengths. It was a good race, with Gardner’s experience standing to him well. Over the last ton lengths, he gave a good display of skilful rowing. J. Mason, senr., proved his worth as a starter, and H. Patterson officiated

as judge. During the afternoon, refreshments were served by Mr W. Saul.