WELLINGTON ROWING CLUB

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11294, 21 August 1922, Page 10

WELLINGTON ROWING CLUB

THE ANNUAL SMOKER. The annual “smoker” of the Wellington Rowing Club was hold on Saturday night. There was a good attendance, including several guests from kindred bodies. Mr F. Wilson presided. The toast of the “Wellington Rowing Club" was proposed by Mr G. Norton, one of the founders of the club, who spoke interestingly of the early days or rowing in Wellington. The toast was responded to by Mr C. J. Symonds, club captain. He said that after the war there were only five or six men to start things going again. It was almost a case of throwing in the sponge, but it was decided to carry on. A few successes came their way, , and now the olub was regaining its position. The lads of his own shea won the youths’ fours at Wanganui last year, and Hadfield said that the race was one of the finest he had ever seen. The olub must look to its younger members for its future successes, and he was pleased to say that the Wellington Olub possessed some remarkably promising material. Some of the club’s boats had got rather old and needed renewing, but. the cost of boats and oars was considerable. The club had an art union in train, and he trusted all would turn-to to make it a success. He hoped the membership would be increased this year, and he extended an invitation to all interested to visit the sheds at any convenient time. Rowing was one of the finest of sports, ana it was well worth while making an effort to improve its standing ana increase the number of its followers. The toast of “Kindred Clubs” was proposed by Mr Toms, who said that m the rival rowing bodies they had clubs who were always willing to assist them. It was an exoellemt thing there should be such good feeling among fellows following tho one pastime. Responding, Mr Fenton, of the Star Club, said that what rowing enthusiasts ought to do was to advance the sport of rowing and put it at the head of all other sports. This year he #ould like to see the association make a determined effort to advance this excellent pastime, and bring it right to the fore in Wellington. _Mr HaUiwell, of the Berhnimjporc Football Club, also responded. During the evening representative caps were handed out, and a presentation was made to those who won the veterans' fours last season—Messrs H MoKmlcy bow; S. Standen, two* J Spencer, three; and W. Hinchcliff stroke. 3 Solos and choruses were sung during the evening, and a very pleasant time was spent.