ROWING

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11253, 4 July 1922, Page 8

ROWING

THE WELLINGTON CLUB ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Wellington Rowing Club was held, last evening in the club's boat-houee, when a satisfactory attendance of members was present. ANNUAL REPORT. The following are some extracts from the club'6 annual report:— * MEMBERSHIP. During the year forty members were elected, and it is pleasing to note, judging ty ih,& rapid strides the majority have, made, that there is a splendid recruiting ground for future regatta crews. Twenty-three members have resigned, or were written-off the books, leaving an active membership of 6ixty-seven. It is with deep regret taa,t we record the death of Mr Hyde, father of Mr H. S. Hyde, who was keenly interested in this club; also of Mr G. P. Player, one ol our old members. All members extend their deepest sympathy to Mr Hyde and Mrs Player.

OPENING DAY.—REDDING SHIELD. The season was officially opened by His Excellency the Governor-General, although, owing to the inclement weather, no races were got off until several weeks later. Mr H. Redding, one of ou/r vicepresidents, kindly donated a shield for inter-club competition on opening day, which resulted in keen racing between the representatives of the three local clubs. Honours were almost even between this club and Petone until our crew of vel|irans came along with a tine win, and put matters beyond doubt, with the result that we are to-day the proud holders of the Bedding Shield, and it is to be hoped that every member will do his best to help retain it on next opening day. In presenting this shield, Mi Redding has done a lot in the interests of rowing in this centre, and opening day now finds members keener and more advanced in their training than in the past. The afternoon tea dispensed by an energetic committee of ladies was greatly appreciated by members and friends. ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE. During the season the club agreed to allow up to twenty boys from St. Patrick's College the uee of our plant, and our coaches kindly undertook to endeavour to teach them to row. Unfortunately, the bad weather, combined with the fact that the boys were on vacation for a large part of the season, prevented much work being done, and the results obtained could hardly he called satisfactory; but it is hoped that more will be achieved next season. If collegiate rowing were established in Wellington it would go a long way in creating further interest in the sport in this centre. ART UNION. The club will require a lot of money Curing next season for the purpose of paying for new plant and for building new skids. It is also hoped to improve the eocial side if funds will allow. It, therefore, behove© every member to do his utmost to endeavour to make the art union, which is at present being run by the club, a huge success. The results so far are very gratifying, but # many more members could cooperate in this movement, the success of which means the provision of more plant and better aport for all. FINANCE. The club may be regarded as being in a sound financial position. During the year we expended in repairs to plant the sum of <£ll6, while new plant was purchased to the value of JBBS. This was only made possible by the receipt from the dance committee of <£B7, the resulting proceeds from last year's dance. The City Council was good enough to relieve the club from payment of arrears of rent and rates, amounting to <£92, which was incurred during the war period. In this respect the club is deeply indebted to our president, Mr W. J. Gaudin, for representations made by him on our behalf. CLUB IN GOOD POSITION. The committee has to thank membere for their support during the past 6eaeon, and expresses a hope that the same will be forthcoming next season, which promises to be very successful. The club now stands in a better position than it has done for a number of years, and management wishes to remind every member this coming season to support the officials and committeemen, also to train earnestly for the various regattas set down during the season so as to bring the club once again to the high and proud position it has enjoyed in the past. The committee would like to point out to members the necessity of helping the committee with the work of looking afteT the plant and shed. No committee, no matter how energetic, can hope to keep things in tip-top order without the cooperation of members, and if members would only take off their coats and turn to, the club and plant would be in a far better condition than what it is to-day. Members should remember that the plant belongs to them ae a whole, and that it is onlv fair that every member of the olub should, for his own benefit, bear a fair share of the work. Mention was made of th© fine showing made by the club ait regattas held during the season, the donations won being the largest on record for a number of years, and the prospects for the approaching season were particularly bright. • _ Many thanks were extended to Mr Gaudin for hi& action in presenting his debentures to the club. The report and balance-sheet were adopted after favourable oomment. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: —President, Mr W. J. Gaudin; vice-presidents, Messrs A. Bognuda, E. A. Odlin, C. Odlin, T. W. Leslie, W. Shilling, H. HoKinley, L. S. West, A. Duncan, J. S win son, H. Redding, F. J. Wilson; captain, Mr C. J. Symonds; deputy captain, Mr G. Wilson; committee, Messrs W. Power, W. -Moves, E. A. Toomath. W. Signal, G. Grace, P. Maw son, W. J. Thorn; hon. secreary, Mr G. S. Bright; hon. treasurer, Mr J. P. I>. Johnson; trustees, Messrs W. J. Gaudin and A. Duncan; hon. auditors, Messrs L. Williams, and A. A. Donaldson; selection committee, Messrs W. J. Thom* G. Wilson, C. J. Symonds; race committee, Messrs W. Moyes, E. A. Toomath, G. Wilson; delegates to Wellington Rowing Association, Messrs W. J. Thom, G. S. Bright, F. Lacey.