ROWING EVENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23202, 23 November 1938, Page 24

ROWING EVENTS

INTER-BUSINESS RACE THE JOHN THOMSON CUP SUCCESS ATTENDS CONTEST NO SURPRISES IN RESULT Another milestone in the history of Auckland rowing was passed with the John Thomson Memorial Cup competition for inter-business crews last Saturday. That it has served the sport well is evident, and thanks are due to Mrs. Thomson, the captain of the St. George's Rowing Club, Mr. W. L. Carr, and his officers for their organisation of the event. The starter, Mr. L. E. Breaker, had a difficult task holding seven crews in line with the water conditions not the best, and credit must be given to him for his work. The rough water was trying, not only to -the novices, but "also to some of the more experienced oarsmen. The crews in the shelter of the road had a definite advantage once the reef was reached, although competitors on the outside were able to get away smarter. These were no surprises in the placings, and the crews that had pleased critics justified their form. The winner, Westfield No. 2, undoubtedly had the best swing, while Auckland Meat Company, which finished second, struck best form in the second half of the first beat. Sargood, Son and Ewen performed well, but should not have allowed M.K. Manufacturers to pass on tho run to t£e judge. With two novices, this crew put up, probably the most meritorious performances of the day, finishing third in its heat. M.K. Manufacturers was lying fourth at the reef in the final, but with a great effort crossed third, moving up. The event will need to be rowed earlier next year, so that club crews can get into training for the various regattas. It is probable that the contest will develop into tho recognised opening of the rowing season. NORTH SHORE REGATTA WEST END CREWS SELECTED BENNETT SHIELD PROGRAMME Crews to compete at the North Shore regatta have not yet settled down to solid training. The Waitemata senior crew has been together for some weeks, but the Auckland senior four, a new combination, had its first row last Mon•day night, th: New Zealand champion sculler, It. B. Smith, stroking his crew well. The Waitemata No. 2 junior crew, stroked by J. Jones, looks a sound combination and should give a good account of itself. The West End Club has selected tho following crews: —Novice fours: R. Smith, B. Alexander, G. Carder, I. Rvlarfd. Open fours: No. 1, H. M. Macdonald, W. Goodwin, T. Chester, F. Jennings; No. 2, E. F. Raper, L. I. Skinner, R. Osborn, J. G. Howe. Junior fours: W. C. Parnell, J. H. Barton, H. Dobbie, J. T. Langham. Junior pair: R. Osborn, J. G. Howe. Light maiden four: N. J. Conway, J. Rasmussen, J. Kelly, L. Fisher. Heavy maiden four: G. S. Bigelow, G. Howlinson, R. C. Bigelow, A. 0. Poison. West End has postponed its trials next week to allow regatta crews additional time to train. The North Shore Club has decided upon the following programme for the Bennett Memorial Shield regatta on Saturday week:— 2.20 p .m.—Heavy maiden fours. 2.40 p.m. —Novice fours, practice boats only. 3 p.m.—Open fours. 3.40 p.m. —Light maiden fours;, practice boats only. 4 p.m.—Junior pairs. 4.15 p.m. —Junior foul's. 4.30 p.m.—Double sculls. Entries will close next Tuesday. It is emphasised that crews must be on time at the starting post. The starter has been instructed not to wait for any crews. WAITEMATA OFFICERS THREE RECENT APPOINTMENTS Owing to the death of its commodore, Mr. C. J. Ellerbeck, the Waitemata Club held an election when the following officers were appointed: — Commodore, Mr. G. H. Reston; vicecommodore, Mr. W. Denison; president, Mr. W. Madden. Waitemata has always been fortunate 'in the interest taken in the' club by old members. Messrs. Reston, Denison and Madden have outstanding associations and records with the club. Mr. Reston commenced rowing in 1893, stroking a maiden gig crew to victory. In the following year he won in the junior and senior classes, in 1896-97 he won whaleboat races, and in 1899 sculled himself into second place in tho New Zealand championships held for the first time in Auckland. He has held almost every executive position. Mr. Denison stroked whaleboat crews in 1891 and won gig races in 1892. He represented the Dominion at the last Empire Games in Sydney as a bowler while his son,' O. W. Denison, rowed in New Zealand's eight-oar crew. Mr. Madden is noted for his executive ability and held the office of secretary no less than eleven times. Mr. Restoij and Mr. Madden are life members of the Auckland Rowing Association.