BOATING ITEMS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3721, 20 October 1906, Page 2

BOATING ITEMS.

[By Waterfowl.] “ Coach ” McDonald’s crew are putting in very good work. Bow needs to catch the water just a little sharper ; stroke, doing very nicely only for hanging to the water a little too long at finish. However, pleased to say improving very fast with practice. Was pleased to see “Coach” Petersen had his crew out this morning, but cannot quite understand his tactics. 1 fancy he must have something very good as he is saving his stroke, pulling home quietly himself; must do their fast sprinting round the bend. Will keep a wary eye on this crew on opening day. Skipper Gordon with his crew is pandling away nicely and quietly doing fairly long and steady work in the morning and sprinting in the evenings. Now ! Dast year’s champions, keep your weather eye on this crew as I feel sure they will cause you trouble at the winning post on Wednesday next. Is there anything more refreshing than a morning’s row on the river ? The opening clay of th ? Manawatu Rowing Club is on Wednesday next, 24th inst., and I have not seen above half-a-dozen of the sterner sex out in the boats yet. “Men, poor men,” have ye not yet risen from your long winter sleep ? Surely the committee must have made a very gross mistake iu drawing up the programme, viz., 4 gents races and only one lady’s. It really should have been the other way about, as morning, noon or night, rain or shine, on arrival at the boat shed one is met with the merry peals of laughter from the enthusiastic ladies of the club. What a contrast to the lazy male members. While such apathy exists amongst a sport loving people, is it possible to even entertain the thought of competing at other regattas, when with such excellent river facilities we should have the premier regatta of the colony and boast a champion crew. We have the river, boats and men, but the latter lack enthusiasm.

Secretary Gardner is a real live officer and although a busy man during the day, can find time to devote to the club’s welfare. A thousand pities the club does not possess half-a-dozen such enthusiasts. Why not hand over the affairs of the club to the lady members as their enthusiasm puts the male members to shame. A correspondent to your Palmerston contemporary mentions that the “ regatta opens next Wednesday!” Whose lemonade has he been imbibing ? The procession takes place at 2 p.m. next Wednesday and the the first race starts at 2.30 sharp. All events are post entry. Afternoon tea will be supplied.