ROWING.

Observer, Volume XL, Issue 12, 22 November 1919, Page 14

ROWING.

St. George's Club. The official opening of the St. George's Rowing Club took place at the Club House, Judge's Bay, last Saturday afternoon. The club house was prettily decorated'with bunting,'and the varied coloured dresses of the many hundred visitors lent much beauty to the scene. A ladies' committee under the supervision of the Misses Gilniour, dispensed afternoon tea while the Italian Orchestra enlivened proceedings

.with, bright music. The trial fours racing were for trophies presented by Mr. A. S. Bankart, vice-presi-dent. r Mr. A. B. Roscoe acted as Btarter, and Mr. H. C. Tewsley, as judge. The racing was keenly contested throughout, and judging from the keenness of the members, St. George's have the type of men so necessary for a successful season. The three crews left in the final were:—Birch, Taylor, Gilmour ? R. T. Goulding; Bird, Bews, Wright, Johnstone; Cousins, Harland, Ainsley, Clapham. Good water prevailed for the final. The crews got away well' together and a great race promised until half the course was covered. Bad steering by Birch's coxswain interferred with Bird's four and left Cousins' four the winners by about one and a-half lengths. * * * Auckland Club. The Auckland Rowing Club opened the season with an "At Home" and Trial Fours. Despite the counterattractions, there was a good attendance of visitors, also representatives of other clubs. The trophies were presented by Mr. A. I. Farmer, and a good closely-contested series of races resulted before the winners became known. From the clubhouse balcony a,splendid view of the races was gained, and lent much towards the enjoyable afternoon the visitors and members had. Afternoon tea was served under the direction of Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. Fleming. Three heats were rowed, and the following crews left in the final: — Fleming, Cleaver, Brodie, Andrews, Stevenson, Lock, Morgan, West, Collinson, Kirk, Mills, Dodwell. The final produced the best race of the day, and after a hard-rowed race all the way, Fleming's four gained the verdict by inches. The Social held in the Auckland Club last week provided a most successful and enjoyable entertainment. The committee anticipate another such evening in about three weeks' time. * * * North Shore. The North Shore Rowing Club intend opening the "Victory Season" with an "At Home" and Trial Fours on Saturday, December 6th. Entries for all events close on the 29th November. This will enable the crews to be selected and engage in a little training. Mr. D. W. McLean has kindly donated the trophies for the opening day. A strong ladies' committee has been formed, and the Executive extend an invitation to all old members and supporters. If the date will meet with the approval of the Auckland Rowing Association the North Shore Club suggest December 20th for Inter-Club Fours for the Mcllwraith Cup. F. Bennett is Club Captain, G. B. Rutledge Deputy-Captain, and A. A rmstron g Secretary. The Club plant comprises four practice fours and one racing four, all in good order. Some thirty odd new members have already joined, and it is hoped to raise the number to the half hundred before Christmas. * * • Auckland Rowing Association. At a recent meeting of the Auckland Rowing Association permits for regattas were allotted:— Whangarei, January 1, 1920. Hamilton, January 29, 1920. The programme submitted by the Whangarei Association was approved, with the exception of the Novice Fours, to be substituted by Senior Double Sculls. Over £80 in prize money has been allotted, and the prospects are for large entries and keen competition in every event. The officials appointed are: Judge, Mr. W. H. Qonway; starter, Mr. C. Cairns; clerk of scales, Mr. E. H. Bunker.

' ' '" V* " Tauranga Rowing Club was accepted a. member of the Association subject to their acceptance, of the Auckland Rowing Association Rules. An application for the reinstatement of B. Harris was referred to the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association for consideration.