WITH THE OARSMEN

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12282, 30 October 1925, Page 8

WITH THE OARSMEN

N.Z. ASSOCIATION MEETS VISIT TO AUSTRALIA DISCUSSED CHAMPIONSHIP ALLOTTED TO OTAGO At the annual meeting of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association, held last evening, Major H. A. Lomax (Wanghnui) presided. Messrs E. S. lnnes, D. R. Menzies (Auckland), G. S. Bright?, A, Whitaker (Wellington), B. H. Morris, C. F. Turner, A. D. Bayfield (Canterbury), W. A. M. Hale (Marlborough), H. Paton (Otago), G. Lauchlan, A. Gray (Wanganui), C. S. Eastwood (Southland), and J. P. D. Johnson (East Coast) were also present. C, J. Fearon, of Auckland, was reinstated to amateur status. The presentation of the annual report and balance-sheet disclosed the financial position and activities of the association during the last year to have been most satisfactory. No fewer than 49 clubs from all parts of the Dominion were affiliated with teh association. BRIGHT FUTURE PREDICTED The season just closed had been an eventful one, marking as it did a distiiict advance in the sport <Jf amateur rowing in the Dominion, the full benefit of which would doubtless show during the coming season. At the same time, however, while the support given the council had been most marked in one or two cases, it appeared evident that the majority of associaitions had some difficulty in obtaining the loca lsupport necessary to enable them to make progress. The success of the Dominion representatives in Australia, it was hoped, would inspire increased energy throughout all clubs, both in active and non-active members, as well as officials generally, and if this be forthcoming a very bright future for the sport of amateur rowing was assured.

ENCOURAGING YOUTHFUL OARSMEN Mr Lauchlan, in reporting upon the New Zealand crew’s visit to Australia, drew attention to the recognition given to coaches of championship crows in Australia. The procuring or such coaches had proved a wonderful asset towards cn* oouraging and improving young oarsmen. If New Zealand gave conchessthe same recognition for their services, then a great improvement would manifest itself. Throughout Australia, and especially in Sydney, college and schoolboy rowing was especially developed and catered for, each college having its own special coach. The result was that inter-collegiate contests were recognised as one of the most popular rowing events in Sydney. Regarding eight-oared contests, Mr Lauchlan stated that ho was particularly impressed with the spectacular nature of these races, which had proved a wonderful attraction to the Australian public. RECOGNITION OF COACHES Mr Lauchlan’s proposal, "That; with a view to encouraging and recognising coaohing, clubs and regatta committees be recommended to include in regatta en-, tries the name of the coach of each crew competing; that certificates be issued to each, winning coach; that at each championship regatta a conference of coaches be helcf if possible, and that the council be authorised to bring down a rule to provide for the above, was seconded by Mr Menzies, and carried unanmously. OFFICE-BEARERS The following officers were elected 'for the ensuing year President, Mr M. IT. Priest (Otago); vice-presidents, Messrs A. H. Courtis (Southland), anft E. J. Widdop (Wellington); council, Messrs E. S. Innes, D. R. Menzies (Auckland), B. H. Morris, C. F. Turner (Canterbury), H. Paton (Otago), G Laughlin (Wanganui), and C. S. Eastwood (Southland); hon, secretary and treasurer, Mr A. D. Bayfield (re-elected); auditor, Mr G. C. Fache. It was unanimously decided that the New Zealand Towing championship be this season allotted to Otago. After discussion, the motion of the Wanganui Association, "That the annual levy on active members of rowing clubs be increased to Is per active member, 1 such increase to provide a fund for intercolonial visits, etc./’ was finally adopted, as from October Ist/next. Mr A. D. Bayfield stated that' a request had been received from ,the newlyformed Australian Rowing Council that a New Zealand team visit Australia either in 1927 or 1928. It was decided that the meeting authorise the New Zealand council- to enter into negotiations regarding the proposed visit.