GISBORNE ROWING CLUB.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2429, 18 February 1909, Page 6

GISBORNE ROWING CLUB.

[To the „ Editor .] Sir, —Your paper of this morning publishes a letter signed by an ‘‘Old Member,” G.R.C. On reading the same 1 was very much struck by the ungentlemanly and unsportsmanlike conduct of that individual in criticising the action of the G.R.C. Selection Committee in the choosing of the crews to represent the O.H.C. in the Shield contests. Surely he being an “Old Member” would have the interests of his Club at heart. Therefore, if he had any fault to find, or complaint to make, he would make it to the proper quarters, the iSelection Committee. Also his sarcastic remarks re his proposed senior crew, prove that, whoever he is, he is not a gentleman. Several of these members be alludes to, I knew for a fact, have been down to the boat sheds morning after morning at 5.30 till G o’clock eager for a row, and could not get one, because some of these “Old Members” in their crow did not turn up. Of course, being an “Old Member” lie was naturally a “new chum” at one time like these members are at present. 1 wonder then, if he would have liked some “ignoranccrs” to have made remarks about his mistakes at that time. Anyhow, I consider a man who makers “sport” of a “new chum's” mistakes when the “new chum” is doing his best —well he is not worthy of the name of a sportsman. True sportsmen never wow over their opponents’ Also, if “Old Member” wants his Club to prosper is he going the right way to keep the new members? Perhaps he has forgotten that the “AVorid’s -Champion Sculler”' could not sit in his boat when he started to row. Anyhow, I think if “Old Member” is a gentleman ho will apologise to the Selection Committee and each of the members of liis “proposed .senior crew” whose names he mentions. It is this sort of member that the Club would be we FI rid of, as they only breed dissatisfaction. Hoping this will meet the eye of the “Old Member,” —I am, etc., “FAIR PLAY.” Gisborne, Feb. 17. [To the Editor.] Sir. —I was considerably surprised at the tone adopted by your correspondent in this morning's issue wherein he suggested practically a crew of raw, untrained beginners as a senior representative crew. The other portion of the letter is-probably fair criticism, and to that no one can take exception; but surely an “Old Member” might have shown a little better taste than to try and make sport of members who have not had an opportunity of showing whether they will be just as useful members and just as fit in time to come to uphold the honor of the club. —I am, etc.,

“ANOTHER OLD MEMBER.”