ROWING.

Observer, Volume XL, Issue 11, 15 November 1919, Page 15

ROWING.

There is an air of briskness around all the club houses, and it is many years since a season opened with so much enthusiasm. The young members of all clubs are being put through their facings by club officers and old supporters, and it is safe to predict a real revival in the local rowing world.

During a visit to the various club houses the need to impress upon many of the young members in "the care of the plant" was only too apparent. Boats and oarß are not only difficult to obtain, but very expensive. Damage is more easily brought about than replaced. The various officers have much to do in looking after the club's welfare, and by more careful handling of the.boats in and out of the sheds many of the "youngsters" will save a strafeing.

West End. Always well off the mark with the club's official opening. West End set operations in progress last Saturday with the opening at home. A series of Trial Fours for trophies presented by the patron, Mr. Thos. Peacock, were competed for. The club-house, tastefully decorated with flags arfcl bunting, was packed with lady friends and supporters in response to the invitations, and presented a most picturesque scene. IJh c day was remindful of the palijiy times before the war. members, just back from active service, were strongly in evidence, and shifnyed a keen interest in the proceedings/ The ladies, under the supervision of Mrs. A. Fairs, dispensed afternoon tea, while a string orchestra enlivened with bright music. The club president, Mr. J. Clark, had control at the starting post, while Mr. J. Lowry was at the judge's post. The racing for an opening day produced close finishes, while the rowing was of a standard to enthuse much spirit into the officials. Both Secretary Bigelow and Club Captain J. Dawes worked in an untiring manner, and left nothing to be desired. , *• , • Among the many members of Sister Clubs present was the World's Amateur Sculling Champion, Mr. D'Arcy Hadfield (Waitemata). In welcoming the champion home and to the West End shed, the club's patron, Mr. Peacock, paid a tribute to Hadfield for the manner in which he had furthered the interests of New Zealand in sculling and rowing. Mr. J. Clark, president, and one of the strongest supporters of rowing in the Dominion, outlined the champion'e career both in New Zealand and the Old World. Hβ paid a great compliment to Hadfield for the truly sportsmanlike manner in which he enters . into the sport. * * * The champion was received with ringing cheers when called upon to respond, and in returning thanks for the reception accorded him, gave a very interesting resume of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force's carreer in the various regattas *in France and England. * * » The "Welcome Home" Social. to the returned Soldier members of the West End Club is set down for the 29th inst.

Auckland C'iub. Saturday next is .set aside for the opening "At Home" and Trial Fours of the Auckland Cluh. The club pmsident, Mr. A. J. Farmer, has kindly donated a set of trophies. The Club .extends a hearty invitation to all friends and supporters, and with the comfortable new clubhouse a big crowd can be expected. The membership is rapidly increasing, and record entries are anticipated. Although the Club plant was considerably knocked about during rewoval everything is now in capital order. More plant is required for the Club, and a series of entertainments a ix> being arranged with the object of augmenting the funds. The Club has received substantial donations from three mombers towards another eight-oar, and at no distant date this class of racing should be witnessed in the harbour. On Thursday, the 13th, the Club held a succossiul Social in the clubhouse. * * * St. George's Club. The 36th Annual General Meeting of the above club took place at the Boathouse, Judge's. Bay, Parnell, on Thursday evening last. Mr. H. C. Tewsley, Esq., presided over a good attendance of members. The Annual Report and Balance Sheet were duly received and adopted. A good number of new members were elected. Opening dny was fixed for November 15, when an "At Home" and trials will bo held. The event set down for competition being the Bankart Fours. A. S. Bankart, Esq., again having donated medals. It was also decided to hold a Harbour Excursion on the evening of December 3. Details of which would be announced at an early date.