EIGHT-OAR ROWING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20519, 21 March 1930, Page 15

EIGHT-OAR ROWING.

INTERPROVINCIAL CONTEST.

RACE ON THE WHAU RIVER.

PERSONNEL OF THE CREWS. Supporters of rowing in Auckland are promised a treat to-morrow afternoon when the third annual interprovincial eight-oar championship will be rowed on the Whau River. The course has beon surveyed and buoyed by Captain H. H. Sergeant, and during the progress of the racing no other craft other than the officials' launch will be allowed on the course.

This year's race has drawn four crows, Otago (present holders of the trophy), Marlborough, Wellington and Auckland. Much surprise has been expressed owing to Canterbury not being represented. The race carries the handsome cup presented by Mr. Hallyburton-Johnston. Interest in the event was greatly increased yesterday when the Otago crew went for a trial. Tho crew is very fit and indulged in steady work, making a most favourable impression on oarsmen generally. The Marlborough crew anticipated a try-out, but its boat was only unloaded late in the afternoon.

Crews All Tit. From all reports the crews qro very fit, but it is impossible to offer a forecast on their chances. A hard and closely-con-tested race must result, with the crows trained to such a pitch, and it will easily bo the most spectaqular boat race ever witnessed in Auckland. The Otago crew average 11 stone 31b., Wellington and Otago about 11 stone 111b., and Auckland about 12 stone. Previous contests have been won as follows:—1928, Canterbury j 1929, Otago.

The crews for to-morrow's race arc as follows-

Marlborough (colours, cardinal). —C. Saunders (stroke), J. Adams (7), B. Wilson (6), J. McDonald (5), M. McDonald (4), V. Glennie (3), O. Gibbons (2), A. Gridley (1), E. Gosling (cox), A. M. Halo (coach). Wellington (colours, black, yellow W. on chest). —G. Cook (stroke), F. Mullions (7), F. Bell (6), P. Field (5), J. Beesley (4), C. Gimblett (3), W. Kennedy (2), H. Luke (1), G. Cairns (cox), A. White (coach). Otago (colours, royal blue). F. Brough (stroke), J, D. Solomon (7), F. W. Eggers (6), G. B. Johnson (5), L. Fountain (4), J. C. Mitchell (3), F. J. Wilson (2), L. H. Pritchard (1), C. Crammond (cox and coach). Auckland (colours, blue and white). — G. W. St. Clair (stroke), B. Sandos (7), W. Bayly (6), G. W. Waters (5), I. W. St. Clair (4), W. Brockett (3), N. Pope (2), C. D. Molesworth (1). Reserves: J. C. Baker, J. Partridge. Coach: S. H. Buchanan.

The visitors will be tendered a reception in the Royal Hotel this morning at 10 o'clock by the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon. At 11 o'clock the crews and officials will inspect the course, Mr. A. Brett having placed his launch at the Auckland Rowing Association's disposal for the purpose.

Possibles and Probables. The big race will start at 2 p.m., and half an hour later will be followed by the light-weight maiden fours for special trophies donated by Mr. John Clark. The Possibles v. Probables eight-oar race will take place at 3.15 p.m. This event is for the purpose of assisting the selectors in their ehoice of the Dominion crew to visit the Empire Games at Hamilton, Ontario, next August. The eight-oar races should be particularly interesting, as it is the first occasion on which the leading Dominion oarsmen will be seen at their best in Auckland. The New Zealand selectors, Messrs. E. Innes, H. Ayres, A. M. Hale and A. D. Bayfield, will be present to watch the races with a view to selecting the New Zealand crew for the Empire Games. The officials for the day are:—Starter, Mr. H. Pooley; umpire, Mr. C. C. Cairns; judges, Messrs. J. Clark, W. G. Mason, G. H. Reston.

A social will be tendered the visiting oarsmen in the Waitemata Club's boathouse to-morrow night, and on Sunday motor-car trips will be arranged round the city and suburbs.