ROWING.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1271, 28 October 1911, Page 12

ROWING.

(Bx "Hercubt.") THE AMATEUR STATUS BOGEY. Some Chance of Settlement, There seems to bo a fortunato probability that tho question of status that threatened lo definitely scparato New Zealand from Australian amateur oarsmen may yet be satisluctorily settlc-d. It will bo roijiomlioretl that recently tho New South Wales liowing Association confirmed, an enactment, passed last season, that Now Zealand rowing men were ineligible as amateurs in Australia, because rowing clubs in the Dominion competed for cash prizes at regattas, notwithstanding tho fact thai Hie oarsmen themselves received no pecuniary gain. It was further decided that tho breach, was only a technical one, and that, therefore, Now Zcalandcrs would bo reinstated as amateurs in Australia on making formal application, but that no reinstated man would be permitted to compote in iuter-Stato races in Australia. This latter clause naturally caused some perturbation in rowing circles in New Zealand, ind representations wero made to tho N.S.W.A.R.A., pointing out tho hardship. "Let's Talk it Over." Tlio matter was brought up again at tho last meeting of tho Australian Association, and was discussed in a spirit of "sweet reasonableness" that promises to heal the breach. Tho "Referee's" report of the proceedings says:— "At the last meeting of the N.S.W. Rowing Association it was decided to permit three New Zealand oarsmen to row in tho amateur ranks; at the samo meeting a motion was tabled for discussion which aims at the admission of New Zealand oarsmen automatically—that is to say, provided they satisfy tho requirements of tho governing body in New Zealand, they aro to bo admitted hero without further question, always further provided thoy are amateurs in all branches of sport. The matter is one of considerable importance, and needs tho fullest nnd freest discussion. The strongest argument against a rule of tho character indicated in that we in Nov.- South Wales havo no means of checking tho destination of the cash earned by tho competitors. Tho case put forth mi behalf of tho New Zealand men is that tlfi?y are entitled to rank r.s amateurs, although they compete for a cash prize—-some-times a comparatively large one—for tho reason tnnt the prize-money goes to tho clubs and not to the individual members of the crew, who each receive a trophy only. Perhaps in tho very essence of the thing it is hard

to distinguish such a practice- from that adopted by me.ny of our local clubs. 1 menu the practice of charging for admission to the steamers following club regatta races and devoting the proceeds, if anv, to club upkeep. At any rate, tho problem is ono which should 1)0 approached with tho greatest caution. The infraction of our rulo as it frequently stands is one of tho letter of the law rather

than of the spirit of it—i.e., of course, provided, and wo havo no reason to doubt it, that the funds won for the clubs in this way aro applied to club interests in absolute good faith. Of courso, the main issuo is wrapped up in tlio question of the faithful and proper administration of theso moneys." Now Getting to the Heart of It. If, as iho Sydney writer says, tho strongest argument against tho proposed tulo is that the New South Wales executive has no means of chocking tho destination of tho prize money won, Hio question may bo looked upon as settled, becauso it is no argument at all. That is, it is not an argument that can bo applied to rowing more than to any other sport. Thus, what means has the Australasian Athletic Union of checking tho destination of tho "gate" at one of our jports mcotings, or the N.S.W. Rugby Union tho destination of the. takings _at one of our cup matches, and so on.. Yet our Amateur runne?'s and footballers,.etc.; are accepted as such in Australia. Surelv such a. matter can safely bo left iu tho bauds, and to tho honour of, our New Zealand Rowing Association, as it is left in other sports to their governing bodies.

If tho New South Wales executive considers that the "faithful and proper administration of these moneys" cannot 1m left to the integrity of those who govern rowing in New Zealand, then certainly they are right "in playing in their own back yard." However., such a supposition as this is too absurd to be worth consideration—,l fact which tho Australian body knows as well as wo do and, this boing so, wo can reasonably expect the disability under which our oarsmen are at present placed, and tho slur which it places on our administration removed at the next meeting of tho New South Wales Rowing Association. The Durnan Challenge to Arnst. Last week mention was made hero of Edward Durnan's challenge to Arnst. "Rigger," in tho Sydney "Daily Telegraph," takes tho matter further. He writes: Dick Arnst has gono to Melbourne. Ee left Sydney on Sunday night, and intends remaining in the southern capital for a week. It is not exactly known what he has gone for, but it is understood that business is tho chief reason. Just before leaving, tho proposed race between Arnst and Durnan was revived. It was reported that tho Canadian has tho opportunity of a race with a local man for tho championship of Canada, but he would prefer to havo a race with Arnst first if it could bo arranged. This was brought under Arnst's notice, and the latter cabled back asking what expenses he would bo allowed. Subsequently Arnst stated that ho would make no distinction between Barry and Durnan in tho way of expenses. It would mean just as much Joss of time to him to go to Canada, consequently the expenses would have to be substantial. In this respect, however, it is stated that little difficulty would bo experienced in Canada in raising a big stake and expenses. Sculling races there aro invariably attended by big crowds, which mean big gales, so that it is possible that Arnst may row his next race in Canada.

If the two men do meet there is very little doubt about the result so far afl Australian critics are concerned. Durnan was seen here when he vras beaten by George Towns on the Nepcnn River some four years ago. That' was not at all a hard race for Towns, consequently, if Durnan has not improved very considerably on the form ho showed us, I hold out very little hope for him if he meets Arnst. On the Toronto course smooth water is generally experienced, so that this will certainly favour Arnst. A subsequent telegram in the "Daily Telegraph" says:—"Melbourne, Tuesday. —Dick Arnst, champion scullor of the world, stated to-day that he had cabled to Eddie Durnan, the Canadian sculler, who is anxious (o meet him, agreeing to a match nl Toronto under certain conditions Up to (he present he had not received any reply, but if if was favourable, ho would pack up for Toronto." However, somehow, it does not appear likely that "Dick" will do any packing for Canada. Wellington and Weather. Since last Saturday up to the time of writing the weather has lioen giving us of its worst as regards rowing opportunities and, therefore, there is nothing to lie added to what was said then about local club affairs. Land work has been the order of tho day, and there is no "copy" for tho rowing scribe in land work.