ROWING LESSONS LEARNT AT PICTON CHAMPIONSHIPS

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 March 1947, Page 8

ROWING LESSONS LEARNT AT PICTON CHAMPIONSHIPS

Now that the tumult and the shouting have died down to some extent it is possible to look back on the 1947 rowing championships and -ee that some very valuable lessons should have been learned. However it should be first of all clearly understood that this is not a criticism of the Marlborough Rowing Association which was the victim of atrocious circumstances. The officials had made every effort to ensure that the 1947 championship regatta would be the best ever, and there is no doubt that with even reasonably fine weather it would have been a memorable occasion. It was no fault of the organisers' that the whole regatta developed into a longdrawn out affair that sorely taxed both the stamina and the feelings of the competitors throughout the two days. Steps must be taken now however,' by the N.Z.A.R.A., to see that there are no repetitions of Marlborough's unfortunate experience, and in the general interests of the sport in which tjie public is rapidly taking an increased interest, it is the duty of the governing body to see that the following points receive immediate attention:— (1) When an application is received for the championship regatta the council should insist that the following information accompany the application: (a) A full copy of the proposed programme showing the order of events and starting times, (b) Details of the course- Where the main course is subject to adverse weather conditions an alternative course should be insisted upon. LACK OF ACCOMMODATION. (2) The council should insist that the association which is awarded the regatta should undertake to see that meals are arranged for competitors on regatta days. At Picton those competitors who were not booked in at local hotels had nothing to eat, apart from a cup of tea and a sandwich, provided by lady supporters who travelled with the Wanganui crews, from breakfast on Sunday until they arrived in Wellington about 9 a.m. on Monday. AU hotels refused to serve meals after the races were finished and there was only one milk bar open. After two days of waiting around in a cold southerly wind, expecting to be called on at any time to race, this situation was particularly unpleasant to the competitors concerned. (3) Where a course is surveyed and buoyed the council should see that crews are compelled to keep within the bouyed course. Had this been done at Picton the great advantage gained by crews which drew the outside position would have been discounted to a large extent. (4) The council must either insist on the observance of the “Calm Water” Rule or have it removed from the rule-book. It is senseless to wait about for several days because the rule prevents the rowing of championship events and then later reverse the ruling and hold the races in water that is equally as rough if not worse than was the case originally- In this respect it has been suggested that regatta committees have the crews in championship events standing by from 8 am. so that if the water is calm then and there is a prospect of rough water later in the day, an early start could be made with the title events at least.

In April the Inter-Provincial Eightoared Championships will be rowed at Wanganui and it remains to be seen whether the Wanganui A.R.A. has learned the lesson of alternative courses from the experience gained at Picton. Approaching Wrestling Season. With the approach of the. 1947 wrestling season news is coming for l ward of overseas wrestlers likely to visit New Zealand this year. Among those mentioned is Paul Boesch, one ot the leading contenders for the world's heavyweight title. His present weight is 16.12, and since he returned from the war he is reported to have been wrestling better than ever. Probably the world’s most decorated soldier wrestler, Boesch will be remembered in New Zealand for his broadcasting of matches. Another likely visitor is Kay Bell, an American of Scottish descent, 28 years old, 6ft. 3in. in height and weighing 16st. 71b. Bell is an All American footballer and North West College wrestling champion, and plays professional football in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. During his wrestling career he has beaten such wrestlers as Ted Cox. Frank Saxton, Dean Detton, Pat Fraley and Wee Willie Davis. Also mentioned as a possible visitor is Jim Wright, one ot the leading wrestlers in the world to-da/ and considered to be equal to Earl McCready. Weighing. 17.10, Wright is 6ft. 3in. in height. He comes from Houston, Texas. Latest news of Ken Kenneth suggests that it is likely that he will be here this season. Recent reports state that he is doing well, having had 31 matches for 26 wins, two draws and three losses. The first professional bout in Wanganui is exepected to take place late in May. Frank Crotty Memorial Fours. The following crews have been drawn to race for the Union Club’s Crotty Trophy:— R. Crombie (str.). C. Rei (3), B. Crutchley (2), D. Green (bow). J. Price, R. Couchman (3), J. Lowe (2) R. Small (bow). A. Paul (str..', S. Russell (3), D. Barnes (2), V, Cook (bow). I. Cresswell (str.), D. McGregor (3), R. Payne (2), I Hope (bow). • C. Marchant' (str.), B. Dunstone (3) J. Williams (2), B. Sargent (bow). J. White (str.), K. Patterson (3), A. .oisoii (2), J. Wood (bow). C. Tasker (str.), K. Moosman (3), I. Whale (two), I. Collings (bow). • • • • Wanganui Water Polo Team The team selected to represent I Wanganui in the annual water polo match against Taranaki, which will take plx.’e in the St. George’s Gate Baths to-night is as follows:—Backs: T. Matthews, A. Reeves, MacGregor. Forwards: A. Kendall, Scott, Harrison. Emergencies: Palamountain, Haworth, Cederwell, White. The referee will be Mr. J. Heald.