AND IN ROWING TOO !

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 2, 3 January 1940, Page 2

AND IN ROWING TOO !

ALL BLACK AND SPRINGBOK t 'WTH AFRICA AND OVERSEAS REGATTAS

It is possible that All Black and Springbok will become rivals in rowing as well as in Rugby football. The visit of a Cambridge crew to South Africa has stimulated interest in .owing and South Africa is endeavouring io build towards the day when that country will have a South African ;rew competing overseas. Mr. W. G. Marsh, who has been reflected president, told the annual neeting of the Transvaal Rowing Association that as a consequence of the successful tour of this country by the Cambridge oarsmen, “the next step obviously is to have a South African crew compete in a recognised overseas .egatta.” It was up to the Transvaal Rowing Association to initiate such a move. Of the Cambridge rowing visit he jaid; ‘They have left us with happy memories and friendly associations, and most of all a new mould for our rowing technique. Let us all agree that the fullest advantage be taken of all we have learnt. If the war ends -.oon, as I hope it shall, let us work 'or the future of rowing.” New Type of Members. The tour had proved financially satisfactory. Every penny subscribed by the clubs to make the project possible was still intact.

In referring to the necessity for a new constitution, he asked the incoming for membership by a large number of rowing enthusiasts, who v ad expressed a desire to support the association rather than ny individual club. In the course of the com rehensive annual report, regret was expressed that the South African Amateur Rowing Union had not yet taken any steps to institute a national regatta. It was pointed out also that although more and more Transvaal oarsmen competed in coastal regattas year by year, there still appeared to be some hesitance in the support given by certain coastal clubs to the Transvaal regatta on the Vaal. The Leading Centre. “One reads of claims by centres to the honour of being the leading rowing centre of the union; and while the Transvaal does not seek to promote any feeling of jealousy, the Transvaal does boast the following: (1) The Transvaal Rowing Association has five affiliated clubs. (2) There are more active rowing members of clubs in the Transvaal than ir. any other centre. (3) More crews are sent from the Transvaal to other centres, than crews of other centres compete in the Vaal Regatta.'*