ROWING.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1557, 28 September 1912, Page 12

ROWING.

[Bt "llebodet."] THE CHAOS OF AMATEURISM. October 14—Barry v. Durnan for World's Championship, Thames. Definite Move to Reduce Chaos to Order. Rowing enthusiasts who have been talcing an interest in tho controversy that lias arisen around tho question of tho desirability of amending tho amateur codo under which New Zealand oarsmen compete— and they are many—will bo glad to learn that the matter has been taken up seriously by tho N.Z.A.R.A. Nature of the Attack on Chaos. Prompted by its honorary secretary, Mr. A. D. Bayfield, who, by tho way, is a keen believer in the necessity of altering our present definition so as to bring it into lino with that in force in tho Australian States and in England, the governing body lias put into force a suggestion emanating in this column, and has issued tho following circular to the secretaries of the rowing clubs throughout the Dominion Wellington, September. 19, 1912. • Sir,—l have been approached by several local oar6m'on'wlio|ask, in view of the statement which was made at tho special meeting of delegates held in June last, viz., that should our present amateur definition bo altered to excludo professionals in other branches of athletic sports, a _ lot of good men would bo lost to rowing, and a number of tho smaller clubs would suffer a considerable decrease in membership, that a return be obtained from all affiliated clubs as to the number of members in each club that would be affected. I should therefore be glad if you would kindly advise mo (1) The total active memborshjp of vour club. (2) How many of such members aro, or have been, professionals in any branch of athletic sport. (3) Tho respective ages of such, members. I should bo greatly obliged if you would kindly let me have your reply by the first week in next month. Yours faithfully, A. D. BAYFIELD, Hon. Seoretary. Now Who Will Help or Hinder? It is to be hoped that club secretaries will realise the importance of tho matter, and send in the desired returns by tho time named, as it is tile intention of tho council to discuss the whole question at its annual general meeting on October 12. The information asked for will prove of t'flo greatest value in assisting our legislators to arrive at some decision in tho matter, and, although the council will not be able to effect any alteration at the present juncture, it will be'able, should tho delegates so desire, to affirm tho principle that the time has arrived for tho amendment to be made, and then tho question can bo submitted to tho centres again for their further consideration.

A Case in Point. During the week, "Mercury". had a timely conversation with "Reg' Andrews, stroke of last year's champion crew from the Picton Club, and of the previous year's champions from the Blenheim Club, who was in town for a day or two, on the matter. The champion oar stated that there was a strong feeling in his club that the alteration was necessary. He told "Mercury" furthor that ho had actual proof of tho disability under which a New Zealand oarsman laboured in Australia, in the shape of a letter recently received from Charles Hegglun, a member of his champion Blenheim four, now in Melbourne. Hegglun wrote bitterly bewailing his fate at being debarred from competing in inter-State racing owing to his New Zealand status. He said that both in . Sydney and Melbourne, despite tho fact that ho was required to sign affidavits before a J.P., as to his non-acceptance of monetary remuneration, etc., beforo he.oould join a : club, he found that althou-'h he was eligible to row in club and inter-club racing, tho higher honours of State representation wero absolutely closed to him for all time. In short, his rowing career may be considered closed. He has attained tho highest rowing honours possible in New Zealand, and is debarred from even attempting to seek them elsewhere. 'Although tho formal opening of the Towing season, with Its customary pomp and ceremony, is not to eventuate until Otcober 12—a late date for which tho Territorial daylight parades are responsible— tho local clubs are showing a desire to bo up and doing. Tho Star Club already has its entrance lists up,for the first of the season's races, and is inviting nominations for the Club Senior and Junior Fours and Novico Pairs.