AID TO ROWERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23034, 11 May 1938, Page 22

AID TO ROWERS

SI'ORT IN ENGLAND GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE NEW APPOINTMENT MADE In view of the New Zealand Government's decision to aid sport in the Dominion it is interesting,to note that the British Government has appointed an honorary secretary for the National Amateur Bowing Association to take charge of rowing activities in England, Mr. C. Tugwell has been chosen for the position.

The appointment is revolutionary, says Sir Max Pemberton, writing in an English paper, and it is to bo doubted if anything so significant has ever been done iu the interests of any sport which the people favour. After nearly two centuries of chiefly amateur effort, .after long years when rowing was the preserve of a few enthusiasts, this magnificent sport has become the concern of Cabinets, and its value to the nation is affirmed.

Bowing is not a cheap sport as it stands and money is the answer to the riddle as to why tbero are so few boat clubs in England. Previously the vast majority of the proletariat had not been able to indulge in competitive rowing and enthusiasm had been checked by expense. All this will be altered now. Also it is pointed out that there need be no misapprehension that the appointment of a national rowing coach will commercialise the sport. Evidently the Government has decided to carry out its scheme on a large scale. Expense will not be spared. Mr. Tugwell is to encourage the foundation of rowing clubs and help associations which are struggling in financial matters. He will buy boats if boats are lacking, and he will build boathouses.

The scheme is to be commended and it is one which may even be adopted in New Zealand. However, the opinion has been expressed that, if a similar aid is extended to rowing clubs in New Zealand, access to finance should not be made too easy. It has been demonstrated that clubs which experience lean times can work their way up to a state of independence and by the efforts of members put the organisation on a sound footing. The general feeling is that if money was too easy to obtain clubs would tend to rely too much on Government support.