ROWING

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19763, 19 December 1935, Page 12

ROWING

THE NEW MEMBERS. INTER-ISLAND RACING. * QUESTION OF AMATEUR STATUS. (By “Naiad.”) The importance of the new members of a club should not be overlooked, but should be given every opportunity and encouragement. It is in this direction that trial fours serve their best purpose. Casual rows with assorted crews will not give the best impression of rowing and the rhythm and the easy movement that is acquired after even a few rows together will give a much greater appreciation of the sport. Where possible a coach should go out with the crews after the elementary stages have been •passed, for this is the time that faulty movements are adopted, faults that in later years are troublesome and difficult to eradicate. A southern club recently held u “learn-to-row” week, with very good results, more than a score of the participants deciding to join up immediately. An innovation such as this is worth the consideration of every club executive.

The Amateur Status. Conditions in New Zealand make the existing rules of the British Amateur Rowing Association, which are supposed to govern the whole of the British rowing world almost impossible in some respects, as regards the amateur status. For instance one stipulation is that no person shall he considered an amateur oarsman, sculler, or coxwain who has been by trade or employment for wages, a mechanic, artisan, or labourer, or who has been engaged in any other menial duty. Another debars any who have been employed in or about boats, or any other form of manual labour. These to us are ridiculous, and introduce a sentiment which is unwelcome in New Zealand. The ruling regarding the amateur rights disqualifies any who have ever rowed or steered in any race for stake, money, or entrance fee, who has ever knowingly rowed or steered with or against a professional for any prize, or who has taught, pursued or assisted in the practice of athletic exercises of any kind for profit. The latter rule is probably as rigid in all other branches of sport, hut fortunately the constitution of the New Zealand Rowing Association has a different viewpoint in the matter of the oarsman’s vocation. Eight-oar Rowing. The abolition of the Inter-Island Eight-oar Race was advocated by the Canterbury Association at the last annual meeting of the New Zealand Rowing Association. The association, however, was not supported in its effort. It is understood that the Wanganui Association, which will control the inter-provincial race has a suggestion in view which should meet with the approval of delegates and visitors. Dunedin's Regatta. At the first annual meeting of the Dunedin Regatta Club it was decided to hold"the second fixture on the Upper Harbour on Saturday, February 1. The president (Mr S. G. Styche) said that the club had a fine membership, and that despite the loss of revenue on the first regatta, due to adverse weather the financial position, after the payment of all preliminary expenses in connection with the formation of the' club, was very creditable. It was contended that it must have been a record performance to form a club and hold a regatta just two months later. Grand Challenge Eights. The Grand Challenge Eights at the Henley-on-'Yarra regatta at Melbourne was won by the Sydney Police Club, whose representative, Turner, also won the senior challenge sculls. As Mosman won the Stewards’ Cup for senior fours, New South Wales oarsmen took the cream of the titles between local and inter-state oarsmen at the big Melbourne fixture. If their form at Melbourne was maintained, it was anticipated that the Sydney Police crew would, in all probability, be sent to the Olympic Games at Berlin next year. This club possesses a magnificent boat house which cost well over £7OOO, and in addition has a tennis court, howling green, and running track attached to same. Blind Oarsmen. Blind people are at a considerable disadvantage, more «o at sports than at any other occupation, and now that a rowing dub has been formed by the Blind Insliliilc, it is anticipated I hat members will lake every advantage of I lie new recreation that is being offered them. A- club.- Roush and boats have

•been provided,' and the Waitemata clubs are awaiting the time when they will be sufficiently strong to be met In open competition. The official opening of the Jubilee Rowing Club ( as it will be called took place last Saturday, by Mr Burnett, other speakers being Sir Clutha McKenzie, and Mr Norden, president of the Auckland Rowing Association. TRIAL FOURS. A trial four contest for non-regatta members is to be conducted by the Hamilton Club on Saturday. The crews were selected some time previously and have had the benefit 1 of a few weeks’ training together. From appearances they have been chosen fairly, and some close finishes are expected. Miniature trophies provided by the club will be presented to the winners. The draw for the day is as follows: —First heat: P. Hewlett, N. Rowe, N. Kirby and D. McGregor v. \V. Walker, A. Joyce, 11. Cross, R. Jerrome. Second heat: R. Rawle, 11. Delaney, F. Pickup, St. Paul v. B. Peart, N. Delaney, L. Mayes and F. Stott. Third heat: F. Jackson, D. J. Paterson, D’Arcy, and 11. Fitzgerald v. G. Paterson, E. Latham, G. Bowling and J. Cusack. Bye: D. Gough, 11. Holloway, It. Russell and C. Dick.