NEW ROWING SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19469, 27 October 1926, Page 18

NEW ROWING SEASON.

REVIEW OF THE CLUBS. TOWN AND COUNTRY ITEMS. HEAVY REGATTA PROGRAMME. Activity round the various boathouses marks the coming of another season. The majority of last year's officers have been re-elected, and the sprinkling of new officers is just of sufficient strength to initiate them into their duties without upsetting the fine working standard of last season. Many crews have been afloat, and it seems almost certain that the season will open in the same casual manner as for a number-of years past; many club officials favour an opening function under the control of the Auckland Rowing Association, but others consider that, with the prospective regatta programme and the great amount of club trial racing ahead, the time cannot be spared. The weather conditions must also bo considered, and it requires very few rough days to upset calculations. It is surmised that the regatta season will be a heavy one, and the galas pencilled include Tauranga, Russell, Whangarei, Hamilton, Mercer, Rangiriri, Ngaruawahia, Dargavilk;, and a suggested function by the Auckland Rowing Association. In addition, the crews seeking the highest honours have the New Zealand championship regatta. The location of the big gala will be made known at the New Zealand Rowing Association's annual meeting at Wellington to-day. An application has been made by Picton, but several other ceil (res favour Wanganui. The Auckland Rowing Assoication's meeting has been fixed for November 3, when several items of special interest will be discussed. As a slight change has been made in the personnel of club delegates to the parent body, no doubt somo new blood will find a place oil the management.

Larger Memberships. From all quarters the clubs report an increase in membership. The average increase locally is about ten members, which augurs well for so early in the season. The Whangarei Club is well under way. Mercer has made an exceptionally early start, and already club trial fours have been held. Hamilton reports a large increase in new members. Weak numerically for several seasons, the standard of rowing has, nevertheless, been exceptionally high. A jump from 24 to almost 100 members is a big one, and it is to be hoped that the officials will be able to cop'b with the increase. Situated on the riv-sr-side, the club enjoys exceptional facilities, in fact, the best in the province*. The inter-house race among the soft goods houses of the city was introduced last season and proved a success. The committee has suggested December 18 as the date for this season's event, but many questions must be considered before this date can be confirmed. Eight-oar rowing will make its appearance in earnest, but the location of the new eight-oar boats ffom England to arrive in February has not been decided. If, as suggested, the boats are bftsl and best ones, then only seasoned oarsmen will use them. The Auckland Club has already introduced this class of racing and the enthusiasm it has aroused promises well for the movement made by the New Zealand Rowing Association. "Round the Auckland Clubs. A review of the clubs shows Waitemata at exceptional strength. All last season's men are available and among the new members are some very promising men. The holders of the New Zealand title for the single and double sculls are determined to make every effort to retain their laurels. The captaincy this season has fallen upon Mr. A. M. Mackay, who, as an officer and regatta oar, has rendered the club valuable service. The hononr is justly deserved. Mr. T. Marshall, another well-tried officer, is again vicecaptain. Mr. C. H. Hunt is again secretary, and Mr. Kenrick is treasnrer. The new boats will bo a best and best racing four, by George Towns, of Sydney, a racing clinker single and a racing clinker double-scalier, by Jefrom and Son, of Melbourne. These boats will arrive early next month. St. Ceorge's has made a change in tho captaincy, Mr. K. D. Pago taking the office, with Mr. V. Hargreaves as deputy. Once more Mr. V. Morton is secretary, while the valuable services of Mr. V. Dunne are retained as treasurer. The plant was only new last season, so tha expense of boats will not have to be faced. Oars and sculls will call for attention. Mr. A. C. Norden again captains West End and Mr. 0. Felton remains vicecaptain. A new secretary in Mr. J. Baylock takes office and the new treasnrer is Mr. P.. Macey. The only new boat is a convertible dcrable-sculler, by H. Davis, of Hamilton, but oars and sculls will be replenished. Auckland give promise of much advancement this season and will again bo led by Mr. R. Staeey, with Mr. G. A. Jonson as vice-captain. Mr. A. Doull is still secretary and Mr. R. Leabonrn treasurer. The plant will not be increased beyond a few sets of oars. The club opened tho season on Labour Day with a set of trial fours. The North Shore Club will make a big bid to bring rowing back to its old standard. Mr. P. R. Graham is again captain, with a new deputy-captain in Mr. S. Butland. Two other new officers are Mr. G. Cameron and Mr. P. Eraser, treasurer. The season will be opened next Saturday with an "At Home" and trial fours.

CONTEOL OF ROWING. NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION. The annual meeting of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association will be held to-day. Several items of interest to rowing enthusiasts are on the order paper. The first one of importance is the allocation of this year's championship regatta. Ro far, only one application is in,, and that is from the Marlborough Rowing Association for the championship regatta, to be held at Picton. It is probable ■ that other nominations will be received at the meeting. The Wellington Rowing Association has given notice of motion as follows: "That » permanent course be decided on for the holding of the championship regatta." It is possible that this motion will be carried, especially as the system by which the championship regatta has been held all over the country has not proved a success. Another item on the order paper which will be of interest to rowing men is the one 'brought forward by the New Zealand Council to arrange conditions far an eightoared provincial chamtpdonshrp.