CREW FAREWELLED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 44, 22 February 1940, Page 9

CREW FAREWELLED

VISITING OARSMEN FIRST IN CENTURY WELLINGTON, Feb. 21. New Zealand had had to wait 100 years for a visit from a representative Australian rowing crew, said Mr. W. J. Gaudin, president of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association, .speaking at a farewell dinnei given in honour of the visiting New South vvaies oarsmen. They had been looking forward ta the visit for some montns, said Mr. Gaudin, and they were glad that tney had managed to provide the oarsmen with competition and hospitality, invy could appreciate the spirit winch had brought the crew across the lasman in this time of stress, and it was Utting that on the occasion 01 *\e\v Zealand’s Centennial a New boutn Wales crew should compete at tne cnampionships, because lUU years ago xsew zealanu formed, as it were, a province of Sydney. “in my opinion these two countries should be very cioseiy bounu together,” said Mr. Gauclm. “v.e stalled our existence aoout the same nine, and we have grown up side oy side, endeavouring to create new nations ill this part of the world. 1 IhniK up to a point we have succeeded, out it will be necessary ror Australia and New Zealand to come nuiu cioseiy together in order to protect, not omy their irauc ini.ej.esua, dul tncir lives, from preuatory nations. ’ Mr, F. M, cionin, manager ot the visaing team, said mat it almost incredible that they had tu wan luu years beiore a New South vvaies crew would visit New Zeaianu. nad not come over in a spirit of great nvalry, but had come over to return the vigils paid to Australia by r\ew Zealand crews, ana to rurtnci tne nicnasnip already existing between the two countries. Winning or losing aid not mane tn( umeteiice. Mr. Ciuiun paid a tribute to the warm hospitality extended to inc crew uurxiig its Stay m New Zeaianu. ile presented tne cnairmun of the K.Z.A.it.A. (Mr. A. D. rjayneid) with a photogiapn ol the eignt, with insets of tne scuileii; <®na manager, as a gesture of appreciation oi unut ne nau done to make the tour a success. ine toast of the New Zealand Olympic ana British Empire Games Association was proposed by Mr. C. G. Heruman, cnairman oi tne Auckland Rowing Association, and responded to oy Mi. 11, McCoimicx. 'Amured oports was proposed by Mr. baiiield, and responded to by Messrs. 11. Mayer vbowling;, and H. i. Auslaa (athletics), j. D. Willis (wrestling;, and C. E. Bridge (swimming;.