ROWING.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 236, 5 October 1928, Page 14

ROWING.

UNIVERSITY CLUB.

SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR.

The annnal report of the University Rowing Club, to be presented at the annual meeting of members next Thursday evening, reports a successful first season. "At the outset," says the report, "It 1s appropriate to refer to the events culminating in the clnb's foundation. It had long been apparent that the University of New Zealand, by its apathetic attitude towards rowing, afforded no' encouragement to the sport, which has not only made traditions for many universities overseas but has also given our Dominion the highest honours In international competition. Credit Is therefore due to the few enthusiasts who took advantage of the tournament In Auckland during Easter, 1927, to arrange an unofficial boat race between fours from Victoria and Auckland University Colleges. As a result of the interest evinced in that event, a number of university oarsmen met c " Uege on the 15th of November, v.. , In<i1 n<i resolved to form a rowing club, which has already Justified its existence by adding lustre to the annual inter-university tournament. After the club's inception the executive arranged with the Victoria University College Rowing Club for an eight-oar race in conjunction with the Easter Tournament at Wellington. The w C ?u place on the Koro Koro course, Wellington, before a large and enthusiastic attendance of the public, and resulted in a victory for Victoria College after a contested three miles. The dub's thanks are 5* C " G * Fear on, who devoted much time and trouble to coaching the crew f0 w e „ ra< S e * , the conclusion of the race a New Zealand University eight was selected by Messrs. C. Diehl (Wellington) and C G. Fearon (Auckland), and Messrs. Brooker, Solomon, and Rosa, of the Auckland club occupied the stroke, five, and two seats respectively. The crew rowed against the Wellington provincial eight, in a special race of one mile and a-half, but met defeat by a bare half-length. The executive cowith the Victoria College Club, invited a Sydney University crew to visit the Dominion last season, with a 'view'toparticipating in the Easter Tournament, but the date proved unsuitable to the Sydney men, and the tour had to be abandoned. "For a club just concluding the first vear of Its existence," concludes the report, '"the financial position is very ■ satisfactory, and augurs well for. the future. It will not, however, be possible to transfer the surplus to the credit of the boathouse fund in view of the fairly heavy affiliation, and other expenses which'the Incoming committee will reqhire to meet."

HAMILTON CLUB.

HAMILTON, Thursday. At the annual meeting of the Hamilton Bowing Club last evening, the report stated that last year the club secured 18 -wins and 10 seconds at various' regattas, the prizemoney won totalling £110. The outstanding triumph of the year was the winning of the Somervllle Shield, which gave the club first place in the Dominion for an eight-oar crew. One member of the club, G. St. Clair, was mlected as a member of the New Zealand eight for the Olyopic Games. ■ .£ A letter was received from Mr. Is. W. W. Brdwn intimating that 'he was prepared to present a cup for club single sculls. A trophy for competition In the maiden sculls was presented by an anonymous donor*'.. A. presentation was maae to the retiring club captain, Mr. W. Bryden, who was also elected a life member: of theclnb. The following officers fwere electedfor: the ensuing year:—Patron, Mn Hi H. Howden; president, Mr. Douglas Hay ; club-captain, ™r, s. H. Buchanan; vice-captain, Mr. W. &n S ito h Mr - F - W. Luxford; v«;f£ secretary, Mr. W. N e fcSHPSHiI?*" I Messrs. E. Cooke,