AQUATIC.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7022, 28 November 1890, Page 3

AQUATIC.

Shed and River[By Jason.] When one comes to consider the enormous disadvantage that members of our Rowing Clubs are called upon to face in not having a decent course at hand on which to do their practice spins, it is pleasing to find that we turn out so many crews equal to the task of competing against the outside Clubs, whose members have natural advantages for training, which we long for, but are unable to obtain. If the local amateurs had the time and the means at their disposal to take advantage of it, there is of course, good water to be had afe Sumner, but they are compelled to sing to the tune of "So near, but yet so far." Things are expected to improve when the river steamer gets to work, though to what extent is quite unknown. At the present time it is well-nigh impossible to do a satisfactory spin on account of the many shallows that have to be encountered. This is a serious drawback to the major ity of our crews, who row under a considerable handicap when they compete at regattas against those who have had their preparation on deep and fast water. Old hands, of course, from experience, know all about pace, but the large majority know nothing of it, and consequently cannot understand how their best spurts are unavailing against outside crews. One of these days crews will take to practising down by the New Brighton school, where a fine stretch of water can be obtained. Then I think the result will te most satisfactory. The Avon, Canterbury and Union Club 3 have Trial Double Sculls in progress. Will it not be possible to row them all on one day — at Sumner ? I noticed the other day that a writer in a contemporary mentioned something about the expense attached to taking the boats down. I fail to see where the expense comes in, when members can be obtained to row the boats down. The journey should be accomplished in about three hours. I am given to understand that the Canterbury Club have every intention of sending a crew to compete at the Championship Regatta, which I believe, will be held at Auckland, on Jan. 31. As the idea is, I am told, to hold the Chrißtchutch Regatta about the middle of February, the date fixed upou by the Aucklanders will suit all who wish to compete at both meetings. The annual meeting of the Christchurch Regatta Club is to be held on Tuesday next. If the season's regatta is to be discussed at the meeting I would suggest a return to the old course, and also that the distance o£ the Senior Fours be reduced to a mile and a half, and the Senior Pairs and Double Sculls to a mile and a quarter. Shorter races which will have the likelihood of producing better finishes than we are in the habit of witnessing, will, 1 feel sure, be very acceptable to the general public, as well as boating men. If boating men cannot find interest in watching boats strung out, how on earth can the outsiders ? The very portion of the community the Regatta Club should endeavour to study in as many ways as poasible. The crews engaged at the forthcoming regattas are doing steady work. There are some particularly warm crews this season, which is a matter for congratulation. A number of challenges have been recorded, and these will, I believe, be rowed off at Sumner on Dec. 5 and 6. I shall have something to say about these crews next week, as well as Bornething for the Christchurch Regatta Committee to think over.