OARSMEN KEEN

Southland Times, Issue 24249, 5 October 1940, Page 11

OARSMEN KEEN

Rowing Activities Discussed Now that the work of overhauling the plant in most of the rowing clubs in Southland is finished, oarsmen are looking forward with keen anticipation to the time when club activities will be in full swing. Without exception, all clubs have suffered severely in membership because of enlistments. In some cases with the active membership considerably depleted, the older club members are giving yeoman service. The Invercargill Club has lost 16 members if those in the territorial ballot are included and the minds of those who have been connected with this club in the past go back 25 years to the time when every one of the active members taking part in regattas had enlisted for service in the last war. In this respect the club had a great record, since its membership before the outbreak of the last war was very large. Then in March 1915 only two were left. They were H. R. Willcox, now of Invercargill, and S. Cowan, now of Christchurch. These two oarsmen rowed a pair oar at Avenal in the maiden pairs at what was called the Trentham Patriotic Regatta. They rowed back to the club house, put the boat away and locked up. The club did not start operations again until 1919. BLUFF CLUB’S OPENING The situation, however, is not nearly so desperate now as then. All clubs expect to Lave enough enthusiasts at least to keep things going. With a view to assisting clubs with depleted memberships at regattas, the proposal has been put forward that races for crews made up from oarsmen of all classes, including light and heavy maidens, juniors and seniors, be held. In cases where clubs could not put crews from separate classes on the water, this proposal should meet with favour. The Southland Rowing Association has approved the 1 scheme and it expects to receive word before the end of the month whether the New Zealand council will sanction it.

The Invercargill Railway Club has been open for two weeks and members have exhibited considerable enthusiasm. It may take a little time for members to get used to swivels in place of poppets. The Awarua Boating Club opens the season tomorrow. For some weeks now members have been overhauling the

plant and it is now all in readiness. If the weather is fine, sprint races will be held in the basin. Otherwise, the time will be occupied in presenting awards won by crews at regattas last season. Visitors are expected Riverton, Railway and Invercargill.