ROWING EVENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22864, 20 October 1937, Page 25

ROWING EVENTS

CRITICISM OF REMIT MAIDEN CLINKER EIGHTS DETRIMENTAL TO THE SPORT V The remit introduced at the annual meeting of the Auckland Rowing Association to the effect tliat the rules which state that maiden and youths' eight-oar races are to he rowed in clinker boats should he enforced, came in for much criticism. Judging by the opinions expressed by delegates, it seems that the enforcement of the rules would clearly, put eight-oar racing on an unsound footing. , Mr. C. G. Herdman, who vigorously opposed the proposal, said that if the remit went through it would definitely kill eight-oar racing. Mr. Herdman had cause for concern, as it ivould moan the undoing of the good work ho had performed in fostoring cight-oar racing in New Zealand.

As it was pointed out, there is only one clinker eight complying with tho specifications among tho 50 clubs throughout New Zealand. If at this stage tho New Zealand Council were to revert to clinkers for maiden and youths' eights, from which classes international rowing is built up, it would be a matter of years in this country before oarsmen stepped into an eight. There is no club which can afford to purchase and maintain both a clinker and a best-and-best eight. A delegate from North Shore, Mr. C. Willetts, said that if a club could afford one eight it should be a best-and-best eight.

Mr. E. A. Waters, who has had much experience overseas and could thus speak with authority, mentioned that in other countries mqn became international oarsmen in three years. Mr. Waters was right when lie said that New Zealand representative eights when chosen had to We moulded into crows and almost taught how to row because they had not had bost-and-best boat experience. Actually, the ruling referrod to in tho remit was thrashed out two years ago by tho New Zealand Council, when it was decided to grant automatic permission to contest maiden and youths eights in best boats. Certainly it is more beneficial to let oarsmen row in best-and-best boats from the beginning of their rowing activities, although thoro are some who think it .better to wait two or three years before giving them experience in these boats.

UNIVERSITY ACTIVE ? NORTH SHORE'S PROGRESS The University Club has made great strides in its operations. Since the opening of their nsw shed toward tho end of last season, University members have been very active throughout the winter, crews being out almost every week-end. Univeiiity footballers have also made good use of tho facilities for training purposes. A new clinker four has recently been delivered, adding to the already considerable plant for such a young club. It definitely will be represented at regattas during the season and, if the enthusiasm recently shown can be taken as any criterion, the club should prove a strong contender. Owing to the annual University examinations occupying the first three weeks of November, the official opening day will not be held until November 20. During the past few years the North Shore Club has experienced a rather lean time. However, proof of its return to prosperity is provided in tho annual report oi the club, which discloses a very healthv financial position. The overhaul of" the plant is progressing satisfactorily and scratch crews have taken the water. The prospects arc definitely encouraging, but it is a disappointing fact that the club lacks an eight-oared skiff, lhis is a feature which should be remedied, especially with the popular introduction of eight-oar rowing on a Jarge scale, also in view of tho improvement in the club's' finances and activity.