NELSON ROWING CLUB.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13412, 9 May 1912, Page 1 (Supplement)

NELSON ROWING CLUB.

ANNUAL SOCIAL AND PRESENTA-

TION OF TROPHIES

There wa-s a large attendance of members of the Nelson Rowing Club at tho Masonic social hall last evening on th,© occasion of the annual social and presentation of trophies won during the season just closed.

Mr. Frank McCabe, Club captain, presided at the function, and premised hi.s review of the season by expressing regret that Dr Andrew, president of the Club, could not be present at the gathering, but had come to the decision that he must retire from the poa'no-i of president, an office h^ had occupied for two seasons. Mr. McCabe road a letter from '~. Mildred, in .. ... ... i ,-,-../..■■..... that the calls of his profession and tho distance of his residence from town, had led him to the .decision that he must retiro i'rom active participation in the management of all athletic and sports bodies. Dr. Andrew, however, made it clear that his interest in sports generally would be maintained and he gavpi-a special word of commendation to rowing as"a manly sport.

There was a general expression of regret on Dr. Andrew's decision being made known, as h-g-had -.proved a president who took a live interest in the Club.

'Referring to the position of the Club generally and the season's working. Mr McCabo congratulated the Club on having had a successful season in every respect, and the entire absence of any friction or unpleasantness. There had been increased entries for the Club competitions, the membership had considerably increased, and there had been a marked advance in the enthusiasm of members'. One and all had worked in the best interests of the Club and he was specially pleased at the great care that had bean taken of'th© Club's plant, the expenditure on repairs, etc., being much lessthan usual. He referred with pardonable prida to the Club's success at Westport at Christmas, when three wins for three starts were recorded, the Club crew, being the first winners ot the Kawatiri Challenge Cup, presented by a Westport resident to be rowed foi alternately at Westport and Nelson. The crew sent to Wellington had been seriously handicapped by a rough'trip, which ended only an hour or so beforp they were called upon to row. The Club competitions had been very keenly contested and 'the best of spirit had been manifested by the competitors. Mr. McCabe took occasion to introduce to tho company present Mr. Bridge, a prominent Star Boating Club oarsman, and in conclusion thanked the members of the Club for the invariable courtesy shown and assistance rendered him in carrying out his duties. Ho had been Club captain for three years, and he felt that the time was at hand for him ito make way for another man. (This i called .forth expressions of. dissent.)

The further proceedings were of an informal nature, a pleasant social hour or two"being spent. At a ]&ter stage, Mr. R. P. Giblin (vice-president), presented trophios won durir.g the sea-Sow, the successful competitors being as follows :—> '

President's Fours: G. Chapman (str) H. McConchie. C. Topjiss, T. Ellis (bow) W. Reid (oox).

Levien Fours: S. Harris (str), W. Watson, H. McConchio; H. Parmenter ;bow), R. Kid-son (cox).

Kcrr Fours: C. Rout (str), G. Mondon, F. Hun-tor, H. Parmenter (bow).

Sclandr.rs Four: G. Chapman (str)",' G. Monson, F.-Rout/H. Kid-son (bow). Youths' Fours: E. Batchelor (str), A. Webber, G. Chapman, G. Mills (bow). Westport regatta: Maiden Four: B. Bird (str), W. Watson, P. Westrapp, A. Webber (bow). Youths Fours: 11. Batchelor (str), A. Webber, G. Chapman, G. Mills (bow). Inter-club crew (for Kawatiri challenge cup): B.^ Bird (str), R. Batchelor, G. Chapman, P, Westrupp (bow). W. llckl was cox for all the crews. ■

Those who contributed to the harmony of the evrenincj-1 wera, Messrs. G. Mills, C. Wob'.ey, N. Kerr, W. .-Cooko, and F. McCabe.

.Mr. F; R. .'.Bethwaite (vioc-captaiu) endorsed the earlier i-emarks-of theClulv captain ; Mr.- C. Bridge -Ray« an instrnetivo and interesting address on training ; and Mr. Q. Chapman, secretary, referred to the working oi: the Club, and financial matters.

Tho health <>f the president wns dn:nk witli musical honours, and ak'o t'Jwso of the donors of trophies, Mr G. 11. Levien. ono of the latter, acknowledging same.