ROWING SEASON OPENS

Evening Star, Issue 22461, 5 October 1936, Page 4

ROWING SEASON OPENS

OTAGO 1 CLUB LAUNCHES FIRST SKIFF “ LEARN TO ROW " WEEK SHORTLY Gratification at the largo attendance, which, he thought, augured well for the success of the club during the season, was expressed by Mr J. F. M'Grath (president) in declaring the sixtyfourth season of the Otago Rowing Club . open on Saturday afternoon. Those present included members, representatives of the four y sister clubs of the harbour, oarsmen of former days, and other followers of the sport. When a novice joined the club, said Mr M'Grath, ho had to learn a lot about the sport. The Otago Club was catering for young members, and, with this object in view, was instituting a special “ learn to row week ” .shortly. The boats were all in excellent order. Concluding, he wished the club every success during the coming season. The patron of the club, Mr F. W. Mitchell, expressed pleasure that many youths were still eager to devote their time to this glorious sport. .Mr Mitchell (who has a record of over 50 years in the club) recalled the days when its finances were not in such good condition and when the boathouse was very poor in comparison with the splendid building the club now possessed. He appealed to members to pull together, as team work was imperative. Credit was due to the New Zealand Rowing Council, said Mr W. J. Wilson, president of the New Zealand Rowing Association. It had acted in the best interests of the sport, and there was no doubt that it had. done a lot for rowing. Appealing for more members for the Dunedin Regatta Club, Mr S. G. Styche (president of the Otago Rowing Association and representing the Dunedin Regatta' Club) said that the club had done a great deal in taking control of the regattas, but he would like to see more young members, particularly those who could take executive offices. He specially welcomed the “ oldtimers ” —Messrs T. F. Mackie, W. J. Wilson, and P. J. Priest. As an old rowing man himself, Mr J. B.' Waters (chairman of the Harbour Board) said that the large gathering of young men augured well for the future of the sport. The board was always ready to assist clubs in any way possible. He remarked that it must bo remembered that theboard was more concerned with shipping, and that clubs with slipways or sheds at the water’s edge, which might be damaged by the backwash from a fast ship, were unfortunate. Good wishes were also conveyed to the club by Messrs W. Begg (City Council and Board), P. J. Priest (Oamaru Club delegate), N. H. Wilson (University Club), C. Butterfield* (North End Club), T. F. Mackie (Port Chalmers Club), and L. R. Fountain (Queen’s Drive Boating Club). A badge of life membership was presented to Mr T. Wheelwright. An informal function followed the opening ceremony, and one crew launched a boat for the first time this season, despite a choppy sea.