AQUATICS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20323, 3 February 1928, Page 6

AQUATICS.

EIGHT-OARED ROWING. For the first time for over 20 years eight-oared boat races were held last evening on the Upper Harbour. The novelty of” the events attracted large crowds to the waterfront, the Victoria and other wharves being thickly lined with interested spectators, who lustily cheered the competing crews when they entered the steamer basin between the Birch street and Rattray street wharves. The races were held for the purpose of selecting an eight-oared crew to represent Otago in the New Zealand championship to be rowed at Wellington on March 24. Although Otago was deprived of representation on the New Zealand Selection Committee, it is expected that several local men will be chosen for the crew which is to be nominated to participate in the Olympic Games at Antwerp this year. After several postponements owing to strong winds and a rough sea, the officials found the conditions very favourable for rowing last evening. There was a very light wind from tne north-east, and a slight jobble on the water when the eight-oared boats were launched from the Otago and North End Clubs’ sheds. The two crews rowed to a point about a quarter of a mile past the Castle Beacon, on the eastern side of the Victoria channel. They were sent away about 7 p.m., the water then being fairly smooth. Rowing steadily at 32 to the minute, North End went into the lead, and had an advantage of about two lengths at the Castle Beacon. North End maintained this lead to the steamer basin, where the Otago crew quickened its stroke and made a great recovery, gradually drawing level with North End, and, rowing splendidly, drew ahead. It was an exciting finish, Otago winning by a length. The North End crew appeared to lag when entering the basin. The No. 4 man of the North End crew caught a crab when near the finishing line, the other rows stopping until he cleared his oar. In the meantime Otago took the lead and finished strongly. North End rowed a plucky race.

The second heat was between the Port Chalmers and Queen’s Driv e Club crews. Port Chalmers went into the lead' shortly after the start. When the crews entered the basin they quickened their stroke, and Port Chalmers had a lead of half a length. Queen’s Drive made a strenuous effort and drew level, but Glengarry, stroke of the Port Chalmers crew, quickened the pace, and amidst the cheers of the onlookers Port Chalmers won by a canvas.

The final heat was contested by the Otago and Port Chalmers crews. The race was rowed in semi-darkness and perfectly smooth water. Port Chalmers led all the way, and won by a length and a-half. It was a very popular win. The course for the three heats was a mile and a-half.

The crew to represent Otago at Wellington will be selected from the crews which rowed last evening. The selection will be made at a later date. The crews were as follow: Otago.—F. Brough (str.), J. Werges (7), C. M‘Ara (6), P. S. Anderson (5), 11. A. Lawless (4), A. R. Johnstone (3), A. Waddell (2), E. W. Pickford (bow), H. Davy (cox). North End.—F. Eggers (str.), J. Mitchell (7), E. Manson (6), A. G. Johnston (5). P. Vail is (4), H. Eggers (3),' D, Sutherland (2), G. Duncan (bow).

Port Chalmers.—A. Glengarry (sir.), J. Solomon (7). L. Madigan (6), J. MTntyre (5). T. Crammond (4), D. Miller (3), C. Neilson (2), L. Lewis (bow), R. Underwood (cox).

Queen’s Drive. —F. Wilson (str.), G. Clark (7), T. Porter (6), N. Monson (5), L. Fountain (4), T. Treloar (3), G. Thorne (2), D. Matheson (bow), C. M'Donald (cox). The officials were; —Mr E. V. Fairbairn (starter), Mr M. Priest (umpire), Messrs J. W. Smeaton, C. G. Styche, C. R. Cuffin, and P. J. Priest (judges). Mr A. W. Hazelwood placed his launch Stella at the disposal of the starter and umpire, and Mr J. Potter also gave the use of his launch to the officials.

ST. LEONARDS REGATTA. The following are the handicaps for the power boat events at the St. Leonards regatta, to be held to-morrow; — Motor Boats (seven miles per hour and under) .—Coastguard llmin 15sec, Doris lOmPn 25sec, Rewi Bmin 55sec, Shirley and Tui 111 Bmin 45sec, Grade 7min 55sec, Myrtle and Vyella 7min ssec, Manuka fimin 35sec, Silver Fern 6min 15sec, Maureen smin, Ugie 3min 45sec, Carina 3min 30sec, Pakeha and Marie 25sec, ■Grace Darling scr. Motor Boats (over seven miles per hour). —Jewel 14min SOsec. Matai • 12min 30sec, Southern Star 12min lOsec, Silvocea llmin SOsec, Sylvia lOmin 15sec, Nomad and Gloaming Oinin, Muritai 6min 45sec, Laura 3inin SOsec, Stella 3min, Ngaio scr. Speed Boats. —Spitfire 15min, June 2min, Mystery 40sec, Miss Bruce scr.