ROWING SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20242, 30 April 1929, Page 15

ROWING SEASON.

REVIEW OF THE EVENTS.

COACHING THE NEW MEMBERS.

HIGH STANDARD AT REGATTAS.

The closing stages of the Auckland rowing reason wero marked by the eneVgy the various club offi ciu 1 sdisplayedin completing the trial racing programmes. Early in the season, recognising the' necessity and value of the new members, the club officers quickly embarked upon an instructional campaign. Although much rough water was experienced at that critical stage perseverance by tlio coaches, and a keen desire to master oarsmanship on the part of the new members, quickly brought tho desired results. In the coaching of both new men and regatta crews much valuable work was done from tlio shore. This was rendered possible bv the advanced state of the new waterfront roadway. The principal object of all clubs is naturally regatta racing but this cannot be allowed to overcome the desire of members who join up for tho social side and pleasure of rowing. The last-named typo of member, however, often finds that ho becomes a keen racing enthusiast. This has been caused by tho club trial racing for which supporters of tho clubs donate trophies. In this class of racing several very fine oarsmen havo been discovered with the result that certain regatta crews were unexpectedly strengthened. Club Trophies. 'lhrough tho liberal donation of trophies by supporters the clubs havo all had very long trial programmes. This necessitated racing almost every week-end and in some cases, to keep to time, many races were rowed during the week. All tho boats have had a long and hard use and it was remarkable bow somo craft stood up to the strain. It was always possible at any timo during the season to see one or more boats under repair in some sheds. Fortihiately no boats wero damaged in collision, which was gather remarkable during so -long a season. The only clubs to purchase new boats were Hamilton, a best-and-best racing four, and a clinker racing four, and North Shore, a best-and-best racing four. Kl. George's lato in the season added two clinker scullers. Tauranga also bought from Hamilton a best-and-best four for the senior crew. Several of tho clubs anticipated ordering new boats of various types, but the question will ho given full consideration during (he winter months.

Tho membership of all clubs has been well maintained, but tho number of active members did not in some cases como up to anticipations. However, with (bo prospect of new boathouses in several cases, and betfer means of transport, many men who wero content to support a club with a subscription will turn attentions to the boats. Inter-Club Events.

Ten inter-club races, including pair oars, double sculls, fours and ciglils, were rowed, and it. was rather rcnnwkablo that each of (ho five city clubs captured an event. The country clubs, except in ono instance, did not send crews. This was disappointing, for the more crews in nonclass events the greater the- competition. In fact, non-class crews' often give men unable (o secure a regatta seaf a chance of a big race. One other trophy, the Somerville Shield, for <?ight-oars, failed to attract a, challenger. The trophy was won by the Hamilton Club last year, and it was then predicted that unless some other arrangements could be made regarding the use. of (he eight-oar boats the race would drop out

.Tlie record of (lie intcr-clul) trophies vends as follows:—Barrett. Cup, West End; Smith Shield, Auckland; Mcllraith Cup, North. Shore; Maurice Caro Cup, Auckland; Taniaki Yacht Club (.'up, St. George's; Mason Cup Fours. North Shore; Brett Memorial Cup, St. George's; junior double sculls, Auckland; Mason Cup pair oars, Auckland; Dr. Stuart Rcid Cup, eight oars Waitemata. '['lie five regattas were held at Taurnnga, Whangarei, HannUon, Wfiau River and Ngaruawahia. The Rangiriri gala that has figured on the programme, for many years was dropped. Tin's was not surprising, owing to the small amount allocated previously to the winning donat ions. Hamilton Club's Success. The rowing reached a very high standard, and while some crews put up sterling performances, none went through (lie whole series of regattas with an unbroken record. The nearest approach was that of the Auckland Club's maiden double scullers, and the Hamilton junior fours, with only one.defeat each. Another crew that performed well was Tauranga's junior pair oar, with three starts and a win each time.,

The place of honour at the top of the list again goes to the Hamilton Rowing Club, and the Waikato oarsmen deserve the highest praise for the success gained. They admit holding a decided advantage with water conditions over the harbour dubs, but nevertheless training is indulged in solidly. To the club's credit the crews always went to the starting line well conditioned and trained. The opening test at Tauranga did not prove too profitable. The next venture at Whangarei was more disastrous, but the lessons gained were heeded to such an extent that at the Hamilton regatta all but. two events fell to the clult's representatives.

Going further afield to Wellington the senior members won the bulk of (lie, donations at the Wellington rowing regatta. This was followed up when at the Dominion championships a week later the championship fours were won, while two second places in the double sculls and pair-oar championships were gained. Second place was gained by another country club, Tauranga, and tho East Coast oarsmen proved very hard opponents to defeat. The crews could always be depended upon to race a desperate finish, and no more striking example was needed than tho junior pair oars at tho Whau regatta. For the first time a Dominion title was gained for the club by W. Fanner in tho singlo sculls championship. A crew has entered the senior flight, and as splendid material stands at the club's demands Tauranga should prove formidable opponents for some years to come.