ROWING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16625, 6 January 1922, Page 3

ROWING.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. (By “ RIPPLE.”) The Akaroa. regatta was long in coming, but when it came it was good. That, I think, fairly represents the opinion of most rowers who took part in it. It was a. thoroughly good day s rowing, and will do much to> dispel the somewhat gioomv views that were expressed during the first part of the season. The indications of the chances of crews at Akaroa. which were given by Ripple ' 5 last week proved a. fairly reliable guide, for eight winners of the twelve were picked, and a fair hint was given as to who would win the junior four races. The forecast was made comparatively easy bv the fact that .conditions were excellent at Akaroa, and fiukv wins were eliminated. Avon, again come away heavily laden with honours. The club is doing consistently well in the training of rowers, and should have little difficulty in retaining the D.C.L. Gup this year.

Tt was pleasant to see the old C.R.C. regaining its prestige. Last year the club’s representatives gained only 7 points. On Monday last they tied with Union for second place on the day’s racing, each having 28 points. One feels confident that every rowing sportsman will gladly join in congratulating them upon the fine races rowed by the winning crews.

The C.R.A. would have to go far to find a more competent representative at regattas than Mr R. E. Nightingale, and it is gratifying that he is to carry out the duties of the position at Kaiapoi on February 11. Mr Nightingale never attends a regatta but he has something useful to say afterwards.

Last night Mr Nightingale told the C.R.A. executive that although there had been a satisfactory day’s sport at Akaroa, he thought the length of the course should be considered. He had been told by officials that it was shortened to one-tenth of a mile for the benefit of the public, but he considered the public would have been just a© well catered for if the full mile course had been used. Short courses were not in the best interests of rowing. If it bo granted that a, mile is the host length, then Mr Nightmgale r s remarks appear quite reesatiable. So far a-s one could see the finishes a t the end ol a, mile could easily have been seen from the shore, particularly as there are some handy eminences. However, credit must he given to the regatta committee for considering the convenience of the public, whatever the result of their deliberations, for this matter is not infrequently, aparently, overlooked .

The New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association is to hold a, special meeting to consider applications for reinstatement from the following:— W. Patterson, rail wav employee, Pieton R.C. G. Washington, farmer. Wairau R.C. E. Luke, farmer, Wairau R .C. C. T. Smith, solicitor, Blenheim R.C. J. Gleeson, law clerk, Blenheim R.C. Gallop, mechanic, Blenheim R.O. R. Wilson, blacksmith, Blenheim R.C. Particulars of applications will be forwarded shortly for consideration. The applicants, it is understood, competed at an athletic meeting this year for cash prizes, and, being advised that they were therefore ineligible as amateur oarsmen, applied for reinstatement, pleading ignorance of the rule. The right spirit is being shown by the Auckland Rowing Association in regard to the interprovincial race. In a letter to the -C.R.A. last night- the northern body stated: <v Ab regards the date, w© have regattas on March 17 and probably at Easter, but do not intend to let these prevent us sending a crew to represent this association. We are now considering the ways and means of meeting the ex pen so of the trip, but you can rely on our making a big attempt to have our crew among tbe starters.” The sensation of the hpur is provid ed by the Amst-Hadfield race. This is dealt with at length elsewhere in the lt Star.” Arnst had a host of sup porters, but it seems that he trained down once too often, and that youth will be served. Tbe Riverton Regatta Committee has everv reason to feel satisfied with the way the fixture passed off, saya* 4 ’ Cox” in the “ Southland Times.” The day could not have been surpassed from the weather aspect, the tide was splendid and thousands of people flocked to the resort to watch the events. Additional interest was lent by the presence of two crews from the North Dunedin Club which, however, failed to secure more than a second place. Congratulations to the J.R.C on the success that fell iq it at Riverton ! For the past year or two Invercargill has been a back number, being deserted by senior men and lacking coaches to shape the promising material of the younger class. But this season some of the club’s old aud valued supporters, notably i\lr B. Basstian, made a determined effort to bring the white and gold into prominence again. . In consequence there were two firsts and two seconds secured at Riverton. With more training it is possible that some of the other evens will follow the example, thus giving a. keener interest to the regattas rerri uning. What is reckoned to he one of the best maiden fours seen down this way for a long time is Tnvercargill’s, comprising Boyd. Barrett, Laugh cm and Haaeldene, says “Cox.” These lads, v.bo won well at Riverton, pull finely together,, and it will come as something of a surprise if they meet their Waterloo this season, barring accidents. The Bluff Regatta w as held under ail round conditions impossible to better, says the “ Southland Times.” For those particularly interested in rowing, there were some splendid races. Indeed, ii is questionable if as good finishes have ever previously characterised such u large proportion of the events. The Broad Bar regatta also ’‘as favoured bv a splendid day. The winners of the rowing events, were Youths’ Fo urh — P or t CUahuer s Row-

in*: Club (H. Glengarry, ,T. Brennan, f IS. Miller. G. Pritchard). i M aiden Fours.—Queen*s "Drive No* .1 j (J. Clark, S. Rusbatch, A. Carrington, i H. Campbell). j Junior Fours— Drive (H. j Watson. W. M/Lean, F. Jones, F j Wilson).