ROWING.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1485, 6 July 1912, Page 12

ROWING.

[Br "Mehcubi."] PERMANENT COURSE AGAIN. July 18 and 19-Rowing Events, Fifth Olympiad, at Stockholm. .Tuly 29.—World's Championshipt Arnßt v. Barry, tho Thames. As was foreshadowed lost week, Mr. Neil Galbraith, who has been responsible for tho discussion ovor tho permanent courso for championships question, now presents his case. As will bo seen, ho quotes verso and chapter to point his arguments, and rowing men generally, even if they do not entirely agrco with Mr. Gnlhraith, will join with "Mercury" in thanking him for liis exhaustive review, and for tho great trouble ho has ovidently gono to in assembling his faots. Mr. Galbraith now takes tho floor;— Wellington, July 2, 1912. Dear "Mercury,"—At a recent gathering of rowing men, I expressed an opinion that it was quito time that the N.Z.A.R.A. fixed a permanent courso, and in my remarks I quoted tho poor entries-received for tho championship events held at Wanganui during tho season 1910-11 j the 6amo applies to Waihola last 6eason. My remarks drew o protest from "Objector. Another correspondent, in tho form of "Ancient Mariner," gave my suggestion general 'support. My contention is that if wo had a fixed location and a fixed date for oiir championship events on a course approved of by the delegates it would result in better entries and better competition. Some of the courses in tho Dominion, which may at any time under tho present 6ys-' tern become tho convincing ground of championships, havo such a bad reputation with rowing men that they arc not prepared to accept the attendant risks, after a long period of self-denial, which is imperative in a proper course of training on their part. I notice that "Objector" quotes the custom of other branches of 6ports, but if he is a .practical oarsman of regatta experience it must appeal to him, as it has to others, that tho success of these championships is to a very largo extent dependent on weather conditions. A light breezo might seriously jeopardise tho success of a regatta, whereas it has no effect on a lawn tennis ot athletic gathering.. The aim of the N.Z.A.R.A. should be to secure a courso straight, fair to all, unaffected by tide, ample accommodation for men and boats, centrally situated, and easy of access. All of these qualifications are attached to Picton. It cannot bo denied that thero havo been failures nt Picton, but from personal observations, I have no hesitation in puttiitg this down as the result of faulty management in nearly every instance. "Ancient Mariner," after going into the claims of tho respective courts, boils them down to Wellington and Picton, but he must recognise that oven with a light southeriy, Wellington is hopeless for the proper distances, and in tho event of a northerly it entails a considerable amount of labour on the part of oarsmen entraining and detraining boats almost directly before the races, which must necessarily havo a prejudicial effect on a highly trained competitor. I am personally acquainted with most of tho courses in the Dominion, having had practical experience on many, and am quite convinced that Picton' is out on its owu. As to its merits, I havo to point out that in the season 1890-1 it was decided to row all of the championship events at one regatta. Previous to this they were divided. Wanganui was tho first honoured, followed by Nelson 1891-2 (Jubilee year), Christchurch 1892-3, and Picton 1893-4, tho .last named being so much appreciated by tho various clubs that tho championships were competed for. at Picton in tho three following seasons—a great tribute to the necessary qualifications, the locality being changed to Dunedin in 1897-8 on tho occasion of tho Jubilee of tho Otago Province, the following outside clubs, even under tho special ciroumstances, voted for | retaining Picton:—Arampho. Auckland, Canterbury, Clifton, Kaivjitiri, Mniiawatu, Star, Union (Wanganui), and Wanganui. Tho regatta at Dunedin was spoiled by the weather. Auckland had the events in IS9B-9, and after a strong effort on tho part of Wanganui, Picton was again selected in 1899-1900. I'm afraid that tho local executive got a bit slack in tho conduct of their regatta, ond in this season the bad handling of affairs by tho local management disgusted the competitors and considerably prejudiced tho Picton courso. Picton undoubtedly lost their chance of\ having a permanent fixture through tho executive, unconsciously, pßrhep*, succumbing to local interests on that occasion. A strong attempt was made in 1905-C to re-establish Picton in popular favour when tho most successful regatta in tho history of tho association was held there, but unfortunately for tho sport n parochial spirit had seized other centres. To show tho popularity of Picton with rowing enthusiasts I havo to quote tho following facts:—After the first trial in 18934, the contests were continued for tho next thrco seasons. In 1894 the Union Club, Christchurch, and Lyttelten Club moved 'That Picton bo tho permanent courso," but through lack of notice this could not bo put to tho meeting. A meeting of rowing men at Picton in 1895, representativo of all parts of tho Dominion strongly recommended the proposal. In the soane year a resolution to this offect mas defeated by 29 to 19; but Picton was again chosen for that season notwithstanding a strong ' application from Otago for Lake Waihola. In November, 169G, Hie late Mr. Bothuno brought forward a resolution: "That the N.Z.A.R.A. provide tho prize money for championship ©vente," but an amendment was moved by Mr. Bisa: "i'lint Uio Management Committee consider a scheme for providing tho prize money for championship events, and, if practicable, tho scheme to apply to that season." Tho amendment was carried. Both the resolution and amendment implied Picton. Mr. Biss submitted a scheme to tho committee. I enclose a copy, and nt the present juncture consider it worthy of publication. I think that I havo encroached upon your valuable space in favour of Picton, but must say that tho further I go into tho question tho more enamoured I become towards Picton. "Objector" lays particular stress upon tho financial aspect, and suggests that double the ordinary amount of prize money is required for, a regatta with championship events, to which I answer "Why?" "Objector" should not be alarmed on that score. I quite agroo with Mr. Biss when ho states that tho whole of the prize money Jor a regatta now! not exceed .£l5O. after'providing for minor events. Tho entrance fees should V>ring in .£4O. to this add subsidies from Railway Department and shipnin.g companies, together with local contributions, and I cannot see any difficulty. I hclievo that tho Marlborough Association would willingly undertake to eivo a guarantee to shoulder financial responsibility. Fay. for three years, and give Picton a thorough te e t with it vW to esteWtehinff it permanently as the PcnJey of New Zealand. In the event of such a prono'al maturing, it would bo of the utmost importance that the council of the N.Z.A.R.A. shou'd talco a very active part in tho conduct of tho regatta. —I am, etc., NEIL GALBRAITH.