REVIVAL OF INTEREST IN PATEA ROWING CLUB

Wanganui Chronicle, 22 January 1947, Page 3

REVIVAL OF INTEREST IN PATEA ROWING CLUB

ACTIVE ROWING TO START IN NEAR FUTURE Since the inaugural meeting of the Patea Boating Club, held just over two years ago, tne members of th e club have not been idle, a great deal of preliminary work having been carried out silently and unostentatiously. It will be of interest to rowing enthusiasts in New Plymouth, Waitaia, Wanganui, to say nothing of those in the Patea district, to learn that the large clubhouse on th e bank of the Patea river, at the Patea Beach is now almost completed. To have erected a building of the size of the commodious clubhouse from various kinds of timber, including that from the old Alton school-house, speaks volumes for the enthusiasm of members. The value the building as it stands, is set down at approximately £7OO. This will be available for the peaple as a whole, fo.? is is the aim of the members of th e Club to create an interest in boating and other aquatic sports, including swimming and lifesaving. The Club is also making provision for the Patea Sea Scout. Troop, members of which, it is anticipated, will be Club members later on. In view of the fact that the Ciub has a boat on order from Australia, there should be a revival of interest in rowing in the district, the Sea Scouts in particular should make good coxswains for the Club’s rowing crews. Many people in the past have wondered why Patea, with all its natural advantages in the shape of its central position between Wajiganul and New Plymouth, together with its river, did ncL have a rowing duh. The present Boating Chib hopes to fill th s long fel< want and i.n have a firstelass regatta with motor and roving boa s, an annual fixture for Palea.

As the Patea Boating Club is affilialcl with the Rowing Association which watches over the interests of tiie Aramoho. Union. Wanganui, New Plymouth, WaiLara and Palea rowing clubs the latter club is assured of every support when a regatta is being held. At the p. esent time the rowing clubs in Wanganui are holding gear for the Palea Club, and it is hoped that towards the end of the month a couple of boats will have arrived, and members will then be enabled to got on the water. The membership of the Club is at present 38, and the following are the officials:— Patron. Mr. E. F. Hemingway; President, Capt. W. E. Barnes; Vice-President, Mr. IL J. Peacocke; Club Captain, Mr. F. Leach; Vice Capt. Mr. O. Redfern: Treasurer. Mr. G. VV. Corbett; Hon. Secretary, Mr. 11. Bayley.