IS IT SNOBBERY?

Taranaki Daily News, 19 May 1922, Page 5

IS IT SNOBBERY?

RULES OF HENLEY REGATTA. LABORERS CANNOT COMPETE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn —Copyright. Received May 18, 9.30 p.m. London, May 17. The newspapers quote an Australian House official, who insists that manual workers in Australia are regarded as socially equal with anyone, and who points out that they can compete on equal terms at Henley-on-Yarra, which is patronised by all classes. The official adds that if the people who are the backbone of Australia are debarred by social reasons from competing here the effect on Australian public opinion would be bad. The rowing authorities emphasise that the rule against mechanics and artisans is not based on snobbishness, but simply upon the advantage a manual worker has over a sedentary worker. The feeling among racing clubs is that relaxation of the rule in favor of the Australians will be the thin edge of the wedge, resulting in Henley and other meetings losing their present status.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

The controversy concerns an application of the Melbourne champion eight to compete at the Henley regatta, and it is pointed out that the rules of the Amateur Rowing Association bar membership of mechanics, artisans, laborers and all persons employed in menial duties. One Henley steward explained that the regatta committee is not bound by the rules of the association, and the Australians’ application will receive most just consideration. The association’s rules were framed only because those who earn a livelihood by muscular effort have an unfair advantage over the ordinary amateur.