BOATING ITEMS.

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

BOATING ITEMS.

[By Waterfowl.]

The opening day of the Manawatu Rowing Club has come and gone. I was exceedingly gratified at the enthusiasm displayed by the general public and competitors who took part in what might salely be said to be one of the most successful openings that the Club has had lor a number of years. It would hardly be fair to individualise any of the Committee, for they one and all worked hard to bring event to a successful issue. However special mention may be given tp Messrs Gower, Frew (judge), Neville (starter) A. Fraser, and Messrs Levin and Co, (through Mr Morgan and staff) for the services of the steam launch Planet and assistance to the Club. And last but not least to the Ladies Committee, organised by Mrs Stewart, for the plenteous repast which was partaken of during the afternoon. , McKegney who was unheard of until recently, on his form and style of rowing, should make a most worthy representative tosfend away with any crew to regattas. Bert Shadbolt only requires practice and careful coaching to become a most prominent oarsman. I was sadly , disappointed at the form shown by Gardner, however from information received I find, he has been under the doctor’s care for the last month hence the above. Littlejohn though only a colt is shaping gamely. The ladies events were absolutely the charm of the day, all of the crews rowing in their favourite colours and all having a large contingent of followers. The scene was all excitement. ' ’ ( . The enthusiasm showtf fiy the juveniles was remarkable. It is, with great expectation,? I look forward to ouf representative crew for Wanganui, and our regatta to be held about January or February next, I feel sure thatthe public can rest content that that the Club in the hands of its capable committee who will use its best endeavours to lift the healthful sport out of its comotose state, ' A hint to the Committee. A suggestion was made to me by some of the most prominent townspeople to canvass the town for subscriptions for an annual regatta. One enthusiastic citizen has promised a donation of/5, and yet I hear rumours that the Club is about to mortgage its boats in order to procure new ones. Surely; this is rather a healthy aspect, being a long way from the blue side. However Job’s comforters we always find in all kinds of Sport, What was a committeeman doing in the steam launch when his services were badly needed in the shed ? There is no room for drones il the Club is to go forward.