ROWING.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2156, 23 May 1914, Page 12

ROWING.

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NOTES IN GENERAL,

"Paddy" Hannon Conies Home. The return to his native land of "Paddy" Hannon, an ' interview with whom appeared in our issue of AA rednesday last, should ho a good thing for the sport of sculling in New Zealandtins is, of course, it his mission of arranging a match for the Dominion Championship proves successful. At this juncture thero is apparently no reason to anticipate,failure. Hannon's presence in Wellington to-day is earnest of his intentions, while reports from Wanganui go to show that Webb lias dono sufficient work on tho river of late to justify him in taking on a "come-back" preparation. It is understood, too, that his old supporter, Mr. W. TuCk, is still on the spot ready to assume his old role of'backcr-in-chicf. Festina Lenie. -, In any caso-there can bo no question of a race for some months. Even if all the preliminaries could he arranged in time there would bo no method at all in conducting .such an event in midwinter. It would be taking too many chances with health and' gate-money. So matters can now progress slowly— but none the less surely—towards an event that will create much interest throughout the Dominion, and not a littlo in Australia.

A Refusal and a Possible Result. Tho recent refusal of the Henley-on-Thames Royal. Regatta Committee _to receive the entry" of an All-Australian Eight for the Grand Clialleugo Cup ovont at tho big regatta—the reasons for which, with comment thereon, have already been published in theso notes — has created a good deal of discussion "on the other side," and some apprehension is expressed in authoritative quarters as to the bad effect the decision of the English body is liliely to have on the Olympic Fund campaign. At a first glance the relationship between Henley and Olympic matters in their bearing on this question may not bo apparent) but it is judged in Australia that tho two matters stand very close together. There are many rowing enthusiasts . and supporters over there who still consider that the winning of the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley is as desirable an honour as any Olympic victory—many consider it even more so —and these good folic are beginning to ask questions'. They raise tho query "Is it worth while sending a crew to Germany in 1916 if there is to be Henley race as well?" They urge that the enormous expense entailed in the dispatoh of the Berlin expedition would not be justified for tho sako of ono race only. * Exclusive Henloy. t It certainly does seem a great pitythat the conditions preclude competition in the English event seeing that in all likelihood tho Australian Olympic crew would actually he in England at Henley time, and thoro certainly is a good deal of force in the above argu-. ment. But it should bo remembered that the Australian Eight that won at Henley in 1912 was raised for Olympic purposes only. Its Henley appoarance, with its happy termination, was quite an afterthought. Moreover, when tho crew left Sydney, and for quite some time after its arrival in England, it was doubtful wliether the Henley authorities would alio* it to row— tho points of objection : being, firstly, as to the standing of tho men as a club crow—this notwithstanding the fact that tho two Victorians had joined the Sydney Rowing Club, to which the other six belonged, boforo leaving—and also, tho question of the amateur status of the oarsmen. However, influence was brought to bear and after many assurances and explanations, and much negotiation generally, tho Australian entry was generously accepted. As is now known the crew beat Leander in the final and by so doing apparently seated tho fate of future entries.

Whether the adverse decision of tin Henloy executive will effect the prospects of getting a crew away for the 191G Games is now a vital problem for the- Australian Olympic authorities, and it is one that, time and experience only can supply the answer to. Making His Mark. A cable message published during the week advised that Gould, a Now Zealaiuler, and E. Oldham (Eton) had won the Lowe Double Sculls at Cambridge University. Tho former oarsman is It. Gould, a sou of llr. George Gould, of Christchurch. Earlier in the present' season ho won the Colqulioun Sculls at Gam In'id lie. Social. The annual dinner and prizo-giving of the Star Boutin:; Club is lo be held next Friday, and the club's annual ball on Thursday, July 30.