CLUB ROWING FIRST

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20044, 16 September 1939, Page 8

CLUB ROWING FIRST

RACING AT REGATTAS CREW PGR BEST AND BEST GISBORNE OARSMEN'S VIEW Affirming strongly the principle that club rowing should be the first care of the executive officers, members of the Gisborne Rowing Club last evening ratified the committee’s suggestion for training a centennial regatta crew at some expense of time and attention to the normal programme of the season.

The discussion was a lengthy one, the suggestion 'from the committee being explained by the club captain, Mr A F. Allen, and several members, including two veteran oarsmen, taking part.

It was cxolaihcd that the purchase of a Best and Best boat which had been delivered late last season had put the club in a position to send crews to the national regattas on a par, so far as craft was concerned, with the crews of metropolitan cluos. The personnel for a first-class crew was available,,-and it was suggested by the committee that this crew should be put into training from the beginning of the season, and should not take part in the club programme. Various members raised a question as to what would happen to the novice oarsmen if the more experienced men, and the best exponents of rowing, were withdrawn from clue events. It was pointed out that the club had thriven for 64 years on almost purely local competition, and that it would not profit by a changeover to the status of a regatta club, devoting its attention to the preparation of regatta entries.

No Change of General Policy

The caotain explained further that it was not the intention of the committee to change the general policy and make the Gisborne club a regatta club.” The participation of all members in a good series of events throughout the season was still the main objective, but for this season at least, with the centennial championships in view, it should be possible to train one crew from the start of the season, and do it without harm to the club programme. . One member, Mr. P. A. Gavin, suggested that the club should aim at developing a first-class crew by entering in the less formidable evems at the national regatta, and working up to the junior and senior events. The captain’s reply to this was that the personnel of the crew which the committee had in mind would not be eligible for the minor events. The club now had several oarsmen of junior and senior status, a Best and Best Boat, and a chance to send a crew to the centennial. He felt that the occasion should not be missed. 6'n. the motion of Mr. M. Burridge, the meeting approved the project of the committee, the captain giving an undertaking that there was no intention of allowing representative men to train exclusively for regatta events.

Social Committee’s Work

The meeting was well attended, and was presided over by Mr. C. W. Muir, who complimented the committee and members on the creditable financial position of the club as shown in the statement of accounts. He noted the marked decrease in the active membership, occasioned by t’ne transfer of oarsmen from the district; and suggested that every effort should be made to build up the numbers to their normal level. He also recommended members in general to be prompt in the payment of their subscriptions, in view of the purchase of yet another new boat, a clinker regatta four, which would have to be financed this season. The president congratulated the social committee warmly upon the result of its efforts for the building funds, which had benefited to the extent of £6O through social committee functions. The fund was now' a sizable one, said Mr. Muir, and its proportions were largely due to the work of members on the special committee.

Return of Former Members

The club captain, commenting on the report, also emphasised the need for recruiting the strength of the club, ■and it was mentioned in the discussion that several oarsmen who had not rowed last season were returning to active participation, while a number of newcomers to the district, with experience on other waters, also would help to re-establish the strength. The election of officers was largely formal, the principal posts being filled by the re-election of their present holders, and the only changes being caused by losses through transfers. Officers for the new season are: President, Mr. C. W. Muir; vicepresidents, Messrs. J. S. Wauchop, C. 0. Hansen, G. A. Holmes, Jas. McKee, G. H. Sceats, and C. C. Somervell; club captain, Mr. A. F. Allen; vicecaptain, Mr. L. Winstanley; hon. secretary, Mr. K. G. Monk; hon. treasurer, Mr. R. Ogilvie; hon. solicitor, Mr. K. A. Woodward; hon. auditors, Messrs. R. B. Dobson and A. R. Gardiner; committee, Messrs. R. Coleman. A. Terry, R. Mahon, T. Bright, W. Hoy, and T. Alexander. A vote of thanks was recorded in respect of the work of executive members who did not seek reelection.