HEAD OF THE RIVER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 280, 7 March 1941, Page 8

HEAD OF THE RIVER

ARMY ENGAGES HOME GUARD VICTORY FOR TROOPS Excitement ran hjgh at the rowing shed on Wednesday evening when two skiffs look the water after a long" retirement manned by teams representing the Army and the Whakatane Home Guard, and a largei number of spectators which had gathered were treated to a closely contested race covering a three quarter mile course, as well as a good deal of skylarking and good fellowship which caused much amusement. In the Army boat were Gr. Nor-t man (stroke), Lt D. Stewart (3), Cpl, R. Stewart (2), Pte Cannell (bow) and Pte J. Hall (cox), while the stalwarts of the Home Front were Fisher (stroke), Taylor (3), Partridge (2), Noble (bow), and S. Dent (cox). As v the crews took the w r ater speculation was rife as to their respective abilities and it appeared that the Guard had the advantage in weight—unfortunately their weight proved to be in the wrong places.

After tacking up stream for threo,quarters of a mile (the spectators took their word for it) the balloon went up and the flash of oars signalled the start of the epic contest. Through the glasses the teams seemed to be evenly matched, but amid twitterings of delight from soma of the gentler sex who appeared to have a rather biassed outlook, it was noted that the Army had a fair lead when the last groin was reached. Here the Artilleryi opened up a barrage which all but blew the boats from the water, Gunner Norman ordering "rapid" and making a great bid for a complete rout was ably supported by the Infantry. However, a few nights of standing at ease etc had served the Guard well and with a valiant effort they took a pull to be barely a length behind when the line was crossed. Three hearty New Zealand Beers (pardon cheers) concluded the evening's fun. The time registered was 3 minutes 37 seconds. (Both crews claim that this could have been improved upon had they realised it was so close to »5 o'clock).