EMPIRE GAMES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 49, 26 January 1938, Page 9

EMPIRE GAMES.

OARSMEN PREPARE. SYDNEY, Jan. 25. All ‘ tlio Empire Games oarsmen are in camp at Hotel Lapstone, six miles from the course on the Nepean River, where they are conveyed in buses. The New Zealand manager, coach, and coxes were taken over the course, with which they are completely satisfied. The balance of the crew have rigged tlicir boats. The rowing managers of each team have met and approved the course that had been surveyed.

The draw for positions in the events resulted:—

Eights.—(l) England, (2) Australia, (3) New Zealand. Fours: (1) New Zealand, (2) Australia, (3) Canada. Single sculls: (1) England, (2) Australia, (3) New Zealand. An additional event, the invitation double sculls, lias been added to the programme. This is intended primarily to give the English emergencies a race. The New Zealanders, Jackson and Smith, will participate if they are able to secure a boat. NEW ZEALANDERS OUT.

The New Zealand crews had their first rows to-day in fine weather, but are still suffering from the effects of a rough voyage. The eight rowed five miles, rating mostly at 16 to 22 with short bursts to 26. The four carried out similar work an<l the emergencies rowed in a pairoared boat, lent by Nepean rowing clubs.

Both crews rowed a good length with smoothness and steady recovery, which impressed other crews. Only New Zealand crews are using poppet riggers. All others are using swivel riggers. Smith, whose boat is being repaired at Sydney, sculled on the Parramatta River.

England’s eiglit rowed a steady 16 miles and the Australian eight five and a-half miles, principally paddling with short bursts. Their work was the best yet. Canada’s lour is much improved and their work in the boat more polished.