MANAWATU ROWING CLUB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3721, 25 October 1906, Page 2

MANAWATU ROWING CLUB.

Successful Opening Day.

The opening day of the Manawatu Rowing Club took place yesterday afternoon and was an unqualified success. The afternoon was beautifully calm and warm which accounted for the large number of people present who seated themselves on the grassy banks of the river between the wharf and the shed. The recent heavy rains had brought down a considerable quantity of flood waters, and there was a strong current. Oarsmen had to keep a wary eye on floating timber, etc. which was being carried out to sea and one or two boats collided with obstructions, but nothing serious happened. The course for the races was about a half mile in length was laid out from the boat sheds to Messrs Austin Bros, wharf and was in full view of the spectators. The oarsmen rowed with the current in their favour. As was naturally expected the competitors in most of the events were ‘ ‘ green ’ ’ but withal gave great promise. The events which created the greatest excitement were the ladies races, and Foxton has proved beyond a doubt that it can boast oarswomen who, we believe, could more than hold their own with any female crews in the Colony, They bent to the oars with a willingness born of determination and & style that won general admiration from the spectators, who cheered them most heartily. Most of the officers and committee were competitors in the various events. Mr Frew officiated as judge; Mr Neville gave the utmost satisfaction in his capacity as starter; President Gower was kept extremely busy in getting off the events, while energetic secretary Gardner had everything systematically arranged thus avoiding any hitch.

The first event was the Hep’s Single Tubs, first prize Vice-Capt Marsh’s medal. This brought out four competitors, Messrs McKegney, B. Shadbolt, Macdonald and L. McCarthy. McKegney, a whaler, is at home in a boat of this description and was favourite. He won all the way. Shadbolt hung to him but lost his seat when near the flags. Pulls a gnod stroke but gave evidence of lawk of training. McCarthy didn’t finish. Won by two lengths. Double tubs. First prize trophies. This was pulled in heats. First heat: McKegney (stroke) Littlejohn (bow) i • B. Shadbolt and J. Gillespie 2. The other starters were McCarthy and Rough and McDonald and Marsh. It was the opinion that Shadbu.i —id Gillespie would pull off this heat, br.t the winners were too good—Littlejohn, a beginner, shows great promise. Rough and McDonald did not come up to expectations. Single outriggers. Prize, the President's medal. Pulled in heata. First heat: A. Shad'ocll 1, Gardner 2. The former had the best course and a better knowledge of the riv~r current. He was the first to get away and crossed Gardner’s bow, and led to the finish. Gardner was handicapped with odd oars, but despite this, and not being in the best of health, he rowed a plucky race and was beaten by about two lengths. Ladies race. Prizes, trophies. Rowed in heats. First heat: Misses A. and E. Collins i, Misses Alzdorf and Scott 2, Misses M. and N. Laing 3. The winners got the best of the start, and the three boats kept abreast of each other for half the distance, when the Misses Laing’s boat ded with a log which caused further trouble and they had to drop out. The ( cox in the winning boat appeared for all the world like an enthusiastic orchestral conductor when wielding the baton. The action of his body urged the winners to renewed energy and they won amidst great cheering by about two lengths. Second heat single outriggers.— McKegney 1, Marsh 3. A walkover. Marsa's leu. —m gave out. Second heat ladies doubles.Mrs Clemett and Miss McMillan 1, Misses A. H. Collins 2. This was one of the most exciting races of the day, the boats hugging one another from an even start. As the rowers neared the flags the cheering was tremendous, the winners getting home with something to spare. ‘ The third heat of the single outriggers was won by McCarthy. The second heat of the double tubs was won by Gordon and Gardner, with Petersen and Walker 2, Shadbolt and Grace 3. One of the most exciting races of the day and an exciting finish. Won by half a length. Shadbolt and Grace fell away at the finish. Ladies final. —E. and A. Collins 1, Mrs Clemett and McMillan 2. This was the race of the day and excitement was at fever heat. The boats got away well together. The winners were rowing in a more

favourable current, which told in the end, a very small margin separating the two boats astney passed the judge. Both crews received a great ovation on entering the shed. Final single outriggers. McKegney i, Shadbolt 2, McCarthy 3. A walk-over. Final double tubs. —McKegney and Littlejohn 1, Gordon and Gardner 2. Exciting finish, by quarter of a length. Gordon and Gardner’s spurt was put in a little too late. Final double outriggers. —Gardner and Gordon 1, McKegney and Shadbolt 2. A good race, won by a length. During the afternoon the ladies dispensed afternoon tea, which was much appreciated. A special word of praise is due to Mr Morgan, local manager for Messrs Levin and Co., for the loan of the steam launch and his kindness to the officials, also to Mr 0. Austin.