ROWING.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLI, Issue 18, 28 October 1908, Page 12

ROWING.

It is now eleven years since the regatta to decide the championship rowing events of New Zealand has been allotted, to Auckland, and it is very gratifying that the claims of Auckland in this respect have been again recognised, after all these years. It is all the more gratifying because of the unanimity of delegates to the N.Z.A.R.A. on the subject, 18 voting for it and only 7 against. The most important point to b? considered is, of course, where it is to be held. At the first meeting of the Auckland Rowing Association Executive, held on Monday night, the matter was thoroughly gone into, and eventually it was decided to hold it on the Auckland Harbour.

Mr. B. S. Finn urged that Mercer would be more suitable. Mercer, he said, was a place where we could row all our races with the greatest of ease. There was easy transit, the course was absolutely certain; no matter what the tide or weather, the races could be started punctually, and there was not the slightest doubt there was absolutely no favour as regards the course; everyone had an equal course.

Mr. Marriner said that most of those who came from the South would want to come up and train in the water they were going to row in. and it was their intention to be here a week or ten days. The difficulty that he foresaw as regards Mercer was the lack of accommodation. Of course, they could make a tent camp, but that would mean an expense of at least £25. Then, again, he urged, the Southern rowers did not like a fast stream like there was in the Waikato. Another point was that they could, not get two clear miles. As regards a “gate,” he thought it quite probable that at any of tire country places they would get a good “gate.” No doubt they would get a “gate” of £ 100 at Mercer.

Mr. Huddleston suggested that the course selected should be Huntly, where, he explained, they could get a better course. The majority of the Southern men, he argued, were accustomed to race in fresh water, and it would not be fair to ask them to row in the harbour, where the wind was never in the same quarter. Mr. Benjamin thought that if they were to go to the public for money, it was only a right thing to afford those people who subscribed to the funds the opportunity and pleasure of seeing the races rowed, and they could do that, best by holding the regatta somewhere in the Auckland Harbour.

Eventually, it was decided to hold the regatta in the Auckland Harbour, and the date was left open until Monday next. There is a strong probability that the middle of February will the the date decided upon. I am very doubtful indeed as to the wisdom of holding the regatta on the so very uncertain waters of the Waibemata. Of course, we can always get a course, if not on the southern side, on the northern side of the harbour; but that is by no means the only tiling. The boats have to be housed at the various sheds of clubs, and experience has shown us over and over again that it is the rule rather titan the exception for quite a number of boats to get swamped in going to the starling post, laist year was, of course, a remarkably favourable season as regards weatlier, yet not one single regatta was held on the harbour without one or nioee boats swamping either during the races or going up to the starting point. However, as it has l»een definitely decided to row the races in the harbour, no good object can be served tvy growling, though I certainly think that Mower would have been far and away the better course, and would

have given greater satisfaction to visitors, local competitors, aaid spectator alike. It behoves everyone now to get to work right away to ensure a successful function. I was very pleased the other night to hear the argument so strongly advocated that the rowing men should themselves help in the matter 1 of finance. They are undoubtedly the men who derive the benefit from the regatta, and surely it would be no hardship for each member of each club to donate 2/6 or even 1/ a week from now until the end of January. If that were done there would be no necessity whatever to go to the public for funds at all. No sport has more excellent support from their honorary officers than rowing, and I am quite sure that on such an occasion all would come to the rescue. Huntly Rowing Club. HUNTLY, Saturday. A special general meeting of the members of the Huntly Rowing Club was held In the boat shed on Wednesday evening, when a Bet of by-laws were discussed and adopted, and four boys elected as coxswains. The treasurer's statement showed that after meeting an expenditure of over £GO there remained a credit balance of some £5, a satisfactory position, as the accounts Included the purchase of two boats, the erection of a shed, and the fencing of a large tract of ground on the river bank suitable as a stand for spectators, and granted to the olub by the Tauplrl Coal Mines Co. It was resolved to affiliate with the Auckland Rowing Association, the secretary being instructed to take the necessary steps forthwith. It was also decided to open the season on Saturday, 31st Inst., with races for club fours, the prizes for which will be a Bet of medals presented by Mr C. Rainger, Auckland. The captain (Mr F. Llttleproud), the viee-captain (Mr J. Hinchco), and Mr Hinchco senior were appointed a selection and handicapping committee, with Mr L. B. Barris as judge, and Mr J. Elliot as starter. A number of ladles had volunteered to provide afternoon tea for the members of the club and their guests. A letter was read from Mr W. J. Ralph, accepting the office of patron, and enclosing a cheque for two guineas, and promising a trophy for competition, and from Mr J. H. Niceolls promising a donation. As the membership is large gad enthusiastic, the 31st should prove highly Interesting, as the match will be keenly contested, though, from lack of training and experience, regatta form may not be shown.