ROWING AT HIGH SCHOOL

Taranaki Daily News, 28 September 1940, Page 8

ROWING AT HIGH SCHOOL

MOYE AT NEW PLYMOUTH ANNUAL MEETING OF CLUB The opinion that rowing might.be introduced as a sport for the New Plymouth Boys' High School was expressed by Mr. H. C. Collier, president of the New Plymouth Rowing Club. at the annual meeting on Thursday night. Mr. Collier said that certain slight difficulties had to be overcome, but he had spoken to the principal, Mr. W. H. Moyes, and had received a promise of his support. Mr. Moyes intimated that he would like to see rowing instituted as a regular spoi»t at the school but explained that the difficulty was in securing a coach. It was pointed out however, that should the scheme eventuate, this obstacle could be overcome by the appointment of Mr. R. H. Layton, himself an ex-college oarsman and an active member of the "lub. Although no decision had been reached on the matter, it was proposed that rowing be included in the sports curriculum of the school and that if possible an annual fixture be arranged with Wanganui Collegiate School. Strong, Heavy Boys. "There is no doubt about it, the sport should be there," said Mr. A. A. Burgess, "and there should definitely be a rowing interest in the school, along with cricket, football etc. I do not look on some of the pupils there as mere boys but rather as young men. They are big, heavy and strong and there should be no trouble in finding a suitable crew or crews. Our membership has never been particularly strong and now with the war in progress it is likely to be depleted still further. The club should get its back into this movement and endeavoui to replace those members from the great reservoir ' of young men from the school." It is believed that if the sport can be taken up the boys will be offered the club's facilities and trained at the Break- : water. Moving the adoption of the annnal j ; report and balance sheet. Mr. Collier ; complimented the club on the largest membership for years, with every mem- : ber financial. The plant was kept in fairly good con- ;

dition and the general overhaul before the start of the , season' was .of-, great valug, stated' the report. Except for the rusted condition of some of the riggers, the boats would be in good order for Ihe new season. Six racing oars,. one pair of sculls, one set of oar swivels : had recently arrived from Australia. Thanks were extended to Mr. R. H. Layton for arrangirig the dispatch of these and also to Mr. . Les. Hill for his donation of a pair of sculls. The boat house was in fairly good condition, the roof had been painted, thanks being due to Mr. J. Beesley, and a new building • fund had been opened. Promise of New Members. The club_ was , again fortunate in getting a perfect day for the annual •' regatta but had little success in the rowing. The weather was. not of the best during the season, particularly in the first half, and the training of crews was interfered with. However, great promise and keenness was shown by new members. The club. was well represented at the Waitara and Wanganui regattas and also for the first time in its history at the Auckland association regatta at Mercer. No outstanding success was achieved. At Waitara the Burgess Shield was lost to Clifton, but the club's youths' crew was successful in wresting from Clifton the Harris cup. The club had lost, due to their joining the fighting forces, J. Durdle, J. Martin, W. Hickman. M. Byers and C. Dennis. Before the new season commenced a few more would be going into camp. Seven club trophy races were rowed during the season and some keen and , good rowing was displayed. j The finances of the club were in a | sound and healthy position and a good | profit was shown on a number of social j events. Subscriptions had been prompt- j ly paid by members and no subscriptions were outstanding. A number of old members and friends had joined as honorary members, thanks being due to them and also for donations from Messrs H. C. Collier, R. Vile and S. Fearon. Opening day was fixed for October 12. Officers were elected as follows: Patron. Mr. J. R. Cruickshank; commodore, Mr. H. C. Collier: vice-commodcre, Mr. T. Petty; vice-presidents, Messrs. C. E. Bellringer. G. Roper. H. Hughes, L. C. Frewin, E. R. Gilmour, E. Pentecost, S. Fearon. Capt. O. F. Mclntyre. Capt. Hay, Dr. G. E. Walker. Mr. R. Vile; life members, Capt. L. W. Andrews, V.C.,

Mr. ■ T Campbell; executive committee, Messrs. A. A. Burgess, J. King, D. Killalea, P.. McKay,'F. G. Barlow, D. Ayson; club captain, Mr. J. Beesley; vicecaptain, Mr. J. King; auditor, Mr. E. R. McKeon; secretary, Mr. ■ J. L. Lowe; treasurer, Mr. R. H. ; Layton; selectors, Messrs. A. - A. • Burgess, J. Beesley, J. King; coaches,.- Messrs. H. C. Collier, A. A. Burgess,1 J. tKing, ;F. G. Barlow.