ROWING.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 256, 28 October 1931, Page 11

ROWING.

Association Reduces Levy on Clubs. The annual rnEeting of the Canterbury Rowing Association last night was attended by Messrs F. D. Kesteven (president), R. E. Nightingale, D. Lee, A. T. Evans, M. I-lullett, W. G. Atack, W. L. Whittington, G. H. Hobbs. F. L. Booth, E. S. Velvin and R. J. Hobbs (honorary secretary). ThE president, in commenting on the year’s work, stated that the association was unfortunate in having had only two regattas, at Akaroa and Christchurch. The present funds were not sufficient to carry on the association. Mr W. G. Atack said that the reduction of the New Zealand Association’s levy from 2s to 6d for this season would hElp the Canterbury funds, but the association would never be in a really financial position owing to having to finance a Cantex*bury eight-oar crew for the interprovincial championship. Mr Velvin moved that Rule 14 be amended to read as follows: “In thE event, of the New Zealand Association’s levy being reduced, each club shall pay to the association an annual subscription of one guinea and a lEvy of not more than Is fid per active member on the club's roll at the time of its last balance.” The motion was carried unanimously, and the club’s levy per member was fixed at Is 6d for this season. Officers were elected as follow: President, Mr F. D. Kesteven; vice-pre-sidents: Messrs R. E. Nightingale, W. H. Evans and D. Lee; delegates to New Zealand Rowing Association, Messrs A. D. Bayfield, B. A. Marris and C. F. Turner; honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr R. J. Hobbs; honorary auditor, Mr G. L. Berry.

REINSTATEMENT REFUSED.

Rowers Criticise New Zealand Association. Criticism of the action of thE New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association in declining to reinstate G. Whelch (Aka»oa); who some thirty years ago rowed professional matches on the Akaroa Harbour against Fogwell and Dick Arnst and then went to Australia, was voiced at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Rowing Association last night. Welch, who defeated Fogwell, but was beaten by Arnst. has been appointed captain of the Akaroa Amateur Rowing Club, and much of that club’s success of recent seasons has been due to his coaching. “It will be a great blow to the Akaroa Club,” stated the chairman (Mr F. D. Kesteven). Mr W. G. Atack said that if it wEre to the advantage of amateur rowing that a professional rower whose active days were over should be reinstated, that course should be adopted. The speaker could ,not see how the sport would bE harmed, or the amateur definition be jeopardised, by Whelch becoming an amateur. No action was talcEn in the matter, the association deciding to wait for a copy of the minutes of the New Zealand association’s annual meeting.