Aquatic.

Southern Cross, Volume 8, Issue 35, 22 December 1900, Page 11

Aquatic.

(By “ Yokeline.”)

ROWING OTES.

The splendid weather with which we have lately beeri favoured has been taken full advantage of by rowing men and by the regatta crews especially, who seem to take a keen interest in getting into form, and crews are to be seen nearly every evening either going up or coming down stream ; this is a very healthy sign for the coming regattas. It is also a pleasure to people who take a stroll down to the wharf on fine evenings to watch the skiffs gliding 1 along under skilful oarsmanship and to hear the healthy “ grip ” from the coxswain as the boat goes skimming past. yellow and white). ' Thomson’s junior crew —Pratt (3), Rodie (2), and Sandford (bow) this crew will also compete in senior races) —is getting in more training than any other crew on the river, both on and off the 1 water, and are putting in a lot of useful work, and with Mr W. Johnson’s coaching are getting on very well; being a moderately heavy crew they get along equally well in any kind of water. Stroke is inclined to over-reach, while bow roils clean out of the boat, and they do not all swing together. All the same I expect to see this crew and the Railway seniors have a big go. Maiden Crew. —Stroked by Morton, Basstian (3), Oliver (2), and Carter (bow). This is the same maiden crew as last year, and having had the advantage of Mr Stock’s valuable coaching last year as well at the present time, they ought to give a good account of themselves. I think they are superior to their junior crew in speed, although not pulling so neat a stroke; still they get a nice lift together. Stroke and two should not double up so much, and bow should not jerk at the end of the stroke. Still, keep it up. Railway Rowing Club (Club colours, red, white, and green). This club’s seniors, stroked by Rodie. Taylor (3), Perry (2), and Cameron (bow), are in fairly good form, but are unable to get out much together owing to the nature of their work. I understand they are being coached by a Sydney gentleman, and they now pull a very fast stroke compared to what they djd last year (rather a disadvantage, I think), but no doubt the coach knows what he’s doing; but although they have the combination, the boat appears to 101 l rather much, which must considerably reduce the speed. Junior Crew —McPherson (stroke), Dick (3), Robertson (2), and McKenzie (bow). It is easy to distinguish this crew, as all the members train in white sweaters. They have been out very seldom together, and the consequence is that they lack combination, otherwise they go very steadily, but the dash that characterised them last season is entirely absent; neither do they grip nor swing together. You’ve no time to improve before Riverton, boys, or to repeat last season’s brilliant performance Stroke and two swing out of the boat and three dips far too deep. Stroke pulls to slow. Copy the senior crew and pull nearer 35 than 25. Two and three should hold their slides more. Awarua Boating Club, Bluff (Club colours, blue and white). This club have made several attempts to get crews going, but have been very unsuccessful. Lately a junior four started and are now busy training. Grood luck to you, Bluff. On dit that the Bluff Regatta Committee have decided to have a regatta supper on the evening of the regatta (whether its held on 2nd January or some later date) and will give free invitations to members of all the crews competing. Oh, what a time ! That close finishes are expected at the forthcoming regattas. That Mr L. Broad will be unable

to row this season owing to a severe injury to his knee. That some crews do too much talking: in the boat. That Clark, the Christchurch ped. (now in town) has taken to the oar. That the Railway Juniors are known as ‘ the ladies’ crew ’ this year, as they often have young ladies out steering for them on their pleasure excursions. That good coxswains are wanted by both Invercargill and Railway clubs. That one four appears .to go out for fun instead of for training. That McPherson’s crew will not be in form for Riverton. That the Riverton stake is worth rowing for —£20 first prize. That rowing men are looking forward to Riverton Regatta next. W -d------nesda y—magnificent entries.