ROWING.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1372, 24 February 1912, Page 11

ROWING.

OUR WELL-ORDERED REGATTA. [Bt "Mehcubt."] February 24—Christchurch Regatta, March 2—Auckland Regatta. April C—Napier Regatta. Its Broader Features. Last Saturday's regatta stands an ono of tho most successful gatherings ever held in New Zealand. Tho entries constituted a record, and the management was all that could bo desired. Tho day was iino with a light southerly breeze, and at times, this caused a slight side jobblo which was somewhat troublesome to river crews. Towards evening, howover, tho wind dropped, and the harbour became like a mill pond, Tho senior events were all captured by present championship holders with tho exception of tho senior sculls. This event was won by Sharpo (Wanganui Union) who sculled strongly throughout, winning comfortably by some four lengths. Stono (St. George's) informed tho writer that ho would probably not compete again next season, and ono fancies that Sharpo will then make a big bid for tho title.

Steamer's Wash Swamps Boats. The only hitch in the day's arrangement occurred during tho senior fours' race. When about half the distanco had been oovered Picton's boat was swamped by the waßh of the Ferry Company's steamer Karaka, which was supposed to be "following" tho race. This was much, commented on. After the skiffs had been beached and .emptied tho race was rerowed, Picton's exhibition was not an attrnctivo one.' Time and body-swing were frequently at fault; but they are undoubtedly a powerful crew, and in the calm water at tho finish they drew well ahead in a final spurt. The junior, maiden, and youths' events all brought forth splendid lots, these comprising oarsmen from Canterbury, Avon, Wanganui Union, Wanganui, Blenheim, Picton, Wairau, Nelson, Kawatiri, and tho three local clubs. Some excellent finishes were witnessed, and generally sjienlihij* tho day's work should arouse in the public of Wellington a greater interest in our finest summer pastime.

The Strong Marlborough Contingent. Marlborough sent over a strong contingent, and a large portion of the prizemoney went to the Picton and Blenheim Clubs. The Wairau men also put up a very creditable performance, and this club will be heard of in a few seasons. At present, liko many other country clubs, they suffer from lack of conches^ The Nelson crews.only arrived per s.s. Nikau at U. 30 on the morning of tho regatta, after a very rough passage. Consequently they did not show the form which was freely expected of them. Kawatiri (Westport) had hard hick in being beaten for second place in the Maiden Pours. With a inoro finished oarsman as stroke, (hey would bo a tough proposition. "All Black" Bligh is in No. 2 seat, and should mako a good oar if ho sticks to tho gome. They have entered for the Wanganui Regatta (the results of which will now be known) and one should like to hear of their success.

Our Own Men Figure Poorly, Local oarsmen figured very poorly in the day's results, tho only win secured being by Star (maiden pairs), whilst Petone got a second in the .1 union Pours. Tho unsatisfactory weather throughout the season has had much lo do with it. However, the clubs must show more enterprise if they are to win any of next year's championships, which are likely to be decided at Wellington. Wellington Club hoped to win tho Maiden Fours, but had the worst of luck. Their stroke was seriously indisposed during the week, and then, early in tho race, .a. foul-finally settled their 'cllancM.'- .■' "*'■■ '•' "'-■'

Ths.Ladies, The Tea, and the Organiser. Much of the success of the. .meeting was due to the organisation, of' the hon, secretary (Mr. B. A.' Marris) who was well backed up by a hard-working committee. Starter Widdop got his crews away splendidly and, notwithstanding the hitch in the Senior Pours, the last event was started almost up to programme time. Competing oarsmen much appreciated the aiternoon tea which was served to them at the Star Beating Club-house by n committee comprising Mesuumes Bayiield and Bridge, and Miss' Wallace. The tables were prettily decorated with cornflowers and, the club-plate. Even when besieged, after tho Maiden Fours, by some SO men and 12 coxswains (tho latter here each equal to two men) Mrs. Bayfield and party were never found wanting.

Christchurch Regatta, At this regatta,-which, takes place (his afternoon, the Star Boating Club will be represented by the following crews:— Senior Pairs.—l'. Alexander and W. H. Brewer. Junior Fours.—R. J\ Bird, C. .13. Holmes, F. Turnbull, F. Aborcrombie. Junior Double Sculls.—F. Turnbull and F. Aborcrombie. Youths Fours and Maiden Fours.—P. V. Haekworth, E. Dingle, T. Mitchell, R. M'Kay. Maiden Double Sculls.—F. Craig and T. Tomlinson. Little Kiver is reported to be in fine order this season. Current expectation is that tho local men will annex the Maiden Double Sculls and perhaps tho Youths' Fours.

Star Boating Club. Crows are now in training for Senior and Junior Club Pairs. The first heat is set down for February 24, but will probably be postponed till after the return of crews competing at Chribtchurch regatta. Tho crows drawn are as under:— Senior Pairs.—W. 11. Brewer and Craig, Turnbull and Bedford, Alexander and Diugle, Wheeler and Abercrombio. Junior Pairs.—Carr and Young, Hackworth and Mitchell, Haughton and Mack, D. .M'Kay and Cray, li. G. M'Kay and Hale, Tomlinson and Brown, Burn anil Pollock, Smyth and Kirker, Eaves and Doviue.

Napier Regatta Programme. The programme of tho Napier regatta on Easier Saturday is just .to hand. Events comprise:— • Maiden Sculls. Double Sculls, Pairs, Fours (Open), niul Fours (light-weight), Junior Sculls, Double Sculls, Pairs and Fours, Youths' Fours and I'arndon Fours. A noticeable feature is-the" omission'of all senior events.

Novel Sort of Event. A novel race is included in the programme of the Auckland provincial championship regatta, to he hold at Helyer's Creek on Starch 2. This is a "Four Class liace," and is open to crews comprising a youth, maiden, junior, and senior oarsman, who must be starters in their respective classes on day of regatta.

Petone Rowing Club. All js (|iiiet just now in the suburban shed. Memliors srem to be resting after their exertions of last week. After a few days spell, however, I raining will again be resumed, in anticipation of (he Napier l'cgnUu on April (i next, at which it is to be hoped (he club will be more successful. II is tho present intention to scurf the following crews: Jlnidvn .Sculls— IT. Parrant; Double Sculls-.1. Haiinan and 11. K. Adamson; Light-weight Fours -(.'. P. Druminond, P. Brnnnotti, W. Hume, and J. Wilson; Junior Pairs—P. Arrowsniilh and Jf. Parrant; Double Sculls—Hannan and Adamson; Youths' Fours—P. Arrowsniilh, P. llrunuetti, W. Hume, and J. Wilson.

Swivels or Poppets? Tho following from the "Sydney Daily Telegraph" will be of interest to all rowing enthusiasts:— At a eonuuittee meeting of the association, held on Monday night, keen discussion arose on tho question of swiveJ rowlocks to bo used by the crow in their raee» against crews at Stockholm. Tho question as to tho relative advantages of the swivel rowlocks against fixed poppet heads, hns often been nskud of me, and

I will in this article describe the usages | of (ho two methods. Tho advocates of swivels, contend that by their usb tho hands nro cased on tho recovery, and tho jar that takes plnco when (ho oar turns on a fixed rowlock is absolutely abolished. Thcso advantages SDoined to bo exaggerated, for (hough 1 have carefully watched for it, I havo nover seen an eight or a four retarded in her paco for even a fraction of a second by tho supposed jar duo to the turning of tho oar on tho feather in fixed poppet heads. On the other hand, I nm convinced that tor an ordinary eight-oared crew tho fixed poppet head is best, and for tho following reasons:— The combined rattle of tho oars tia they turn constitutes a most valuable rallying point. The ears aro brought into nc'lbn as well as tho eyes. This advantage is lost in swivels. In modern 6culling boats a man must uso swivels for tho reach of the sculler extends to a point which he could not reach with fixed poppet heads, as his sculls would lock before ho got there. As ho moves forward he is constantly opening up his arms extending en either side of his body; but in rowing ono arm swings across tho body, and unless you are going to screw tho ljmlv round towards the 'rigtfor, and thus sacrifice'nil strength of beginning, you cannot fairly reach beyond a certain point, which is just as easily ond comfortably obtained with fixed poppet heads as with swivels. Moreover, ami hero'is a groat advantage, you havo in tho holo pin of a fixed poppet head an absolutoly immovable surface, and tho point of application of your power is_ always the same, throughout tho stroke. With a swivel this is not so, for the hack of the swivel against which your oar rests, is constantly moving. To put it in other words, it is far easier with a fixed rowlock to get square, firm, clean grip of tho beginning, and for the same reason to bring your oar square and olean out at tho ond of the stroke. A really good waterman can, of course, adapt himself to swivelß, as ho can to almost anything'else in the boat, but his task -will not be ronderod any easier by thctn. For averago oars, and .even for most good oara, the difficulties of rowing properly will | ;e largely increased, without any compensating ndvantag-es, so far as 1 nm able' to judge. In case of nonces I am convinced that it would bo quite disastrous to attempt to make them row with swivel rowlocks.