AQUATICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13081, 22 January 1906, Page 3

AQUATICS.

WEST END TRIAL FOURS.

PRESENTATION .-TO, MR. MURDOCH "M CLEANS' " " ; "

THE West End Rowing Club held trial fours ■on Saturday last (president's day) for trophies presented by Sir. Murdoch McLean. Thirteen crews were, engaged, there being four races in the first round, all the four winners competing in a fifth race for possession of the coveted trophies. There,was a largo attendance of visitors, the ladies being present in large numbers. Music was provided by the Hungarian Band. The Ladies' Committee of the club dispensed the club's hospitality, and the tea and light refreshments were greatly appreciated. Mr. Murdoch McLean (president) acted as judge, and Mr. John Clark as startor, and the club is indebted to Mr. H. Hayr (vice-presi-dent) for the use of his fine oil launch for the starter. The first race was won by S. Smith's four, the second by A. Bailey's crew (only by a epiarter of a length), J. Carder won the third go. while A. Quin was successful in the fourth race.

la the interval before the final race, a presentation of an illuminated address was made, by Mr. T. Peacock (patron of the club) to Mr. McLean. In a happy speech Mr. Peacock expressed the pleasure i: gave him to take part in the. day's proceedings, and eulogised tho many good qualities of Mr. McLean, and all that he had clone- for West End. The text of the address is as follows: —" On the occasion of the 21st year of the ■establishment of the West. End Rowing Club, tho members, past and present, desire to convey to you their sincere thank:* for the valuable services you have rendered the club during your connection with it, almost from its formation, as (1) a working member, representing it in many races successfully; (2) as captain of the club for two years; 13) a- president for many years. The interest you have always shown in tho club and its welfare, the financial assistance you have given, and your greatly valued advice, have all (ended to put the club ill the forefront of rowing, and we beg respectfully to express the hope that the harmonious relations at present existing between you and the VWt End Rowing Club may long continue.'' .Mr. McLean, in reply, was received with rousing elvers, and musical honours. He expressed the pleasure it gave him to receive from Mr. Peacock the expression of goodwill of (he members of West End (past and present), and it would ho greatly valued and appreciated by him as long as life would last. Anything that lie had done for West. End had been a pleasure, and the committee of the club wore doing a good work in the district by providing a clean and healthy spurt for the young men of Ponsonby. He concluded a telling speech by calling for hearty cheers for the patron (Mr. Peacock), which were given with a will.

The four winners crows stroked by .Messrs. 8. Smith, A. R. Bailey, J. Carder, and A. H. Quin went out to contest the final, which proved one of the finest, races ever seen in West End, not 20ft separating the four crews when the gun fired, the race being won by »S. Smith (stroke), K. Coghlan, W. Ross, L. Mark, and Svendsen (cox), by only 2ft from Carder's four.

PONSONBY CRUISING CLUB. The Ponsonby Cruising Club held a very enjoyable social evening last Friday, to celebrate the opening of tlio new clubhouse at .St. Mary's Bay, Ponsonby. Mr. T. T. Masoifield, vice-president, presided. A choice, musical programme was rendered by Messrs. Staekpolo, Deacon, Surman, bush, I'etiii, Payne, Hewson, Murphy, and others, Mr. Laiiigan's string band providing music for th„ evening. Outing the evening light refreshments were passed round, and all had an enjoyable time. The officers received many congratulations from those present on the opening of their commodious clubroom, which was tastefully decorated with bunting and photographic shields, abo four large pictures of Shamrock 1., 11.. and 111., and 1 * Frill which the club received from Sir Thomas Lipton. a vice-president of the Ponsonby Cruising Club.

A meetin of the committee 0 the Hamilton Rowing Club was held on Thursday evening. Thirteen new members were elected V letter was read from Mr. Norton, of Wellington, to whom has been, entrusted ,hr building of a new racing gig for the club.