GOOD YEAR

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 804, 26 October 1929, Page 16

GOOD YEAR

PROGRESS OF ROWING IN AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION’S REPORT A most successful past season is recorded in the report of the Auckland Rowing Association, which will be presented at the annual meeting of the Association on November 4. Tl } e report states inter alia.—There nas been a small decrease in club membership; still, most clubs worked at full capacity. Scarcity of plant is still a serious handicap, though several clubs were fortunately able to secure new boats, while others have orders placed but not yet fulfilled. In connection with the town clubs a further disability is arising, due to the ® ver “* ncrea sing harbour alterations, forcing three clubs to look further afield for boat-house sites, which must of necessity be well removed from the city, and in these days of competitive sport there Is a danger that this will be unattractive to new members. For the first time for a number of years the association held a provincial championship regatta on the Whau River, and thanks to the united efforts of affiliated clubs, the results exceeded expectations. Notwithstanding the many difficulties to be contended with, the regatta was a great success, and it was proved the course was an ideal one, and quite suitable for stagring any important fixture. To obtain such a property and thus secure for all time such a desirable location should be the aim of all those connected with the sport. STANDARD OF CLUB ROWING In reviewing the season, it cannot be gainsaid that, with a few exceptions, the club standard of rowing has deteriorated. This was., more apparent among the town crews, whose form suffered in comparison with the country crews. Physique was certainly not lacking, but there appeared to be an absence of that harmony in style and the determination which are so essential to good crews. In seeking for a reason, one is led to imagine that it might arise from a confliction of ideas as to the methods of coaching; but it is more possibly due to a greater admixture of new members and to the large number of inter-club and club events preventing regatta crews from having anything but spasmodic training. It is not expected that the social side of club activity should be subjugated to regatta training, but it is suggested to clubs that some regatta crews could be selected during the winter months and easy training indulged in. As recommended from last year, the executive made an early inspection oi the Whau River, to decide as to the suitability or otherwise of establishing a permanent course on the river. was seen that the prospects were distinctly favourable, for apart from tn fact that the course itself would be practically a straight three miles, an the public able to secure an unmte - rupted view of the whole race, an opportunity would be given the Association to secure a gate—hitherto almost hopeless proposition on harbour. The river, being tidal, this drawback, that, in order to acco modate large fields, regattas w * need to be held from onward, and naturally this restr the number of days on which rega . could be held. Nevertheless, the P tiofi is so desirable that the execii * is endeavouring to acquire the prop Hi for the association, and a report the progress made will be placets fore the meeting. As shown by the balance-sheet, affairs of the association are in a v satisfactory position. The season ished with a small excess of inco over expenditure, while it was expedient to write off 10 per cent, depreciation on the eights. The as ciation regatta resulted in a loss or 12s 9d, despite the fact that expose were curtailed as much as possible.