ROWING ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 23375, 19 September 1939, Page 4

ROWING ASSOCIATION

CARE OF THE EIGHTS MORE FINANCE REQUIRED FOR NEW SEASON Another year of progress and activity is recorded in the forty-sixth annual report of the Otago flowing Association. Stress is laid on the necessity for the strictest care and nursing that will have to be given the association’s two eights if they are to he used at the national fixture at Wellington next year, while it is noted that a drive will have to bo made to obtain finance. Both the association’s two boats are in a most precarious if not unseaworthy state, and if either are to be used at the coming exhibition competitions the strictest care and nursing will have to be given in order to preserve them. During the past season, owing to both boats swamping in the interclub eights, extensive damage was sustained, and repairs could only bo effected under high cost. In the case of the Upper Harbour eight a new set of riggers was required. Members are fully aware of the use these boats have had and the amount of travelling they have been called upon to withstand, and it is no fault of the crews that they are reduced to their present condition. During the season five regattas, were held—Oamaru, Port Chalmers, BurkesSt. Leonards, North End, Dunedin, and Queenstown. A venture was made by the North End Club in promoting ah interclub regatta, which was most successful. It is pleasing to note that single sculling races are making their way into regatta programmes, and it is hoped that this will continue with increasing vigour. The Port Chalmers Club is to be congratulated on acquiring an eight,, and other clubs would be well advised to devise means of following suit. Meetings during the year were very stormy regarding the advisability ot holding the interprovincial eights race in Dunedin at Easter, and may bo summed up in the words of a famous general: “It is not when you think 1 am right that I ask of your assistance, but when you think I am wrong.” When it was not found possible to remove the date from Easter, each and every member left nothing undone that may have reduced the success of the event, and in the difficult times ahead it is felt that this spirit of the will to succeed to the fullest extent will hold our members in good stead. The Otago crew was second to a welltrained and well-combined crew, and if one of such calibre can be produced next year and with a satisfactory boat there is every prospect of the Dominion premiership reverting to this province. . Visiting oarsmen and officials were profuse in their congratulations on the arrangements made for their reception, race arrangements, and entertainment. . Although there is a fair credit balance on hand, it is to be remembered that a considerable amount will be required during the coming season, and an early start will be necessary to raise the amount required. An application to the National Sports Art Union Trust for sufficient funds to purchase a suitable boat was not successful.