ROWING NOTES. By PAKEHA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9343, 6 February 1892, Page 5 (Supplement)

ROWING NOTES. By PAKEHA.

The final heat for the Hyams Cup took place on Thursday evening, and resulted, after a good race, in a win for Foster's crew. Messrs James and Hunter acted as starter and timekeeper. The former is to be complimented on the commendable punctuality observed and also on the manner in which he despatched the boats. As the Hauroto steamed from the wharf a volley of cheers was accordedllr MacLaughlin, who left by her on his visit to Australia. James Foster, stroke of the winning crew, is the proud holder of an unbeaten record. Starting his .rowing with the club, and being possessed of splendid physique, by steady and intelligent practice he has risen to the front rank of our local oarsmen. His crews have won both the Trial and Hyams Fours, and he rowed No. 2 in the winning boats of the Junior Pairs and Senior Fours at the Otago Regatta. He is certainly a model stroke, being enthusiastic, trains hard, and sets his men an excellent example by rarely missing a daily row. Hoare, his No, 3, is a strong, wiry fellow, rather raw at first, but improving, and when he recognises the necessity of getting all his weight on at the beginning of the stroke, will take a lot of beating. This being his .first race he performed wonderfully. Harris, No. 2, was associated with his stroke in both club races, but was unsuccessful at Port Chalmers. He pulls well, but is rather inclined to ease up if he'finds' things too sultry. Page, bow, entered a boat for the first time about three weeks ago, and being very willing, rapidly improved under his stroke's able tuition. Every praise must be accorded the runners up for their performance. If anything, lam inclined to think they trained too hard, as I got the impression the crew seemed a trifle stale. Godward and Hanlon, the new men, are strong and energetic, and, with a little practice and coaching, must develop into very good men. Of the other crews, I certainly was astonished at the improvement one and all have made since last races. Great credit is due to the officers of the club and their honorary coach (Mr B. Provo), who have every reason to bo proud of it. I reckon the club will have some tough nuts at the regatta for the other clubs to crack. *Among the new men, mention must certainly be made of Mitchell, who is picking up rowing quickly, using his weight well,'and as stroke brought his crew along like a veteran. Bushell in this boat also trains hard, and is on the improve. In Hooper's crew Beadle shapes very well,, and being at home on the slide, his strength and weight had telling effect. In MacLaughlin's crew two more new men were unearthed — Brooks and Carr—who have the physique, but I am inclined to think they don't altogether relish hard work. Kinvig also had a couple of novices—M'Donald and Parlane: the former pulling strongly till exhausted Nature exercised her sway, the latter rowing and lasting well. Roscoe and Beck, in James' boat, have plenty of muscle, and only require to stick to their training. Balsille and Strong, iv Moloney's four, are warriors of the right stamp, the latter especially revelling in his work. As the crews to represent the club at the regatta will be selected immediately, I refrain from offering any suggestions. In congratulating the club on their selection of captains, I think they have made a very wise selection. Mr James is evidently very popular, and being very enthusiastic and energetic will keep things going ahead. In Mr Strong they have another very popular man who is also energetic, and when his experience widens will keep the club on the move. I observe their indefatigable secretary, Mr Hooper, has been appointed secretary of the Dnuedin regatta. He is, without doubt, the right man in the right place, as his experience with regattas and rowing extends over a long period. The Raveusbourne Regatta Committee have included in. their programme a race open to crews from the Duuedin Boating Club, and as trophies are offered a good finish may be expected.

The Taieri Advocate status that swamp turkeys are pretty numerous ou Waihola lake, and by the time the shooting season opens good sport should be provided for those who have a weakness for the gun. Mr 11. A. Stewart, who was at one tiiiie in charge of the Lower Harbour School, lias been recommended by the school committee for the position of head master of the Ball Hill Hat School. The efforts which have been in progress forsome time past to establish a fanners' co-operative society in the Tokomairiro, Clutha, aud adjacent districts have not, it is stated, so far been successful.