ROWING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 290, 7 December 1928, Page 4

ROWING

DOMINION AMATEUR CHAMPION DEPARTS JACKSON, OF WANGANUI, H.AS LEFT FOR SYDNEY AFTER HIGH HONOURS. An enthusiastic send-off was accorded A. K. G. Jackson, at the Wanganui railway station at noon yesterday, when tho New Zealand amateur sculling champion left for Wellington to catch the Marama, which leaves for Sydney to-day. Accompanied by Mr W. Webb, formerly world’s champion sculler, Jackson’s mission is a meeting with Pearce, the winner of the championship honours at tho Olympic Games of 1928. Judging by the form displayed by Jackson in his recent appearance on th.e river, it would appear that the Wanganui oarsman will give a good account of himself across the Tasman, and even if he does not win against such a redoubtable opponent as Pearce, he may bo depended upon to put up a creditable fight. Jackson appeared to be as fit as the proverbial fiddle, cer'ainly having a good foundation on which to build in the couple, of wcek s that lie between his departure and the eventful day, December 22, on which tho New South Wales Regatta takes place. Yesterday morning Jackson was entertained by a number of enthusiasts at Foster’s Hotel, the occasion be‘o»g taken advantage of to wish the departing oarsman tho b(st of luck. The president of the Union Boat Club, Mr J. R. Foster, proposed the health of tho champion, and stated that the good wishes of the rowing public of Now Zealand would be extended to Jackson, while members of the Union Boat Club would bilow hig movements W'ith eager and hopeful interest. Expressing confidence in Jackson’s, chances, Mr Foster assured Jackson that, win or lose, they would all have reason to be proud of him and would be pleased to welcome him on hi 8 return.

Mr W. L. Young also expressed confidence in Jackson’.- chances and said that he thought there were jeven greater things ahead of him. A guest at the gathering was Mr C. James, president of tho Avon (Christchurch Club), and he, on behalf of his club, extended his best wishes to Jackson. Stressing the fact that Jackson would be representing New Zealand, and not solely Wanganui, Mr James expressed the opinion that -he departing oarsman would worthily uphold the reputation for good sportsmanship won by New Zealand oarsmen in the past. A word of thanks to the generous contributors to the fund established for the purpose of paying Jackson’s expenses was voiced by Mr C. Aitkin, honorary secretary and treasurer of the fund, who said that the spl.endid response, coming so soon after the appeal to send tho Champion Four to the Henlcy-ou-Yarra regatta, was striking testimony to tho spirit of the Wanganui rowing supporters.

Stating that Le would do his best to uphold the honour of his club, of Wanganui, and of New Zealand, Jackson expressed his appreciation of the good wishes that had been extended him, and assured his hearers that he would do his best. Cheers greeted his closing assurance that it would not bo for want of trying if failure should result from his efforts.