ROWINC.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2638, 21 October 1909, Page 6

ROWINC.

ROWING NOTES. (By “Double Scull.”) The local rowing season for 1909-1910 is fairly launched. The splendid showing on opening day was a credit to both clubs, and augurs well for their success. The Poverty Bay Club has been somewhat hampered through having to build a new boat-house, but thanks to the energy displayed by the members ,the ’ initial difficulties are practicallv overcome, and their Club racing will soon be in full swing. The Gisborne Club has made an excellent start with record entries,, and the crews are showing a keenness and enthusiasm which should result in some interesting contests when • these trials are rowed off. ' In view of.the fact that both sheds have, a considerable number of new members, .perhaps,.a little advice will prove of some service. In the hrst place new members must bear m mind that combination is essential to success and that whilst their advancement in the art of rowing is to be desired, the honor and welfare of their shod must be kept in view. • Too often has it been, the case than new members unwittingly adopt a se:fish course of action, and thus hamper the efforts of their executive. In this connection members who have been put in the position or “stroke” can render valuable aid by carefully coaching their respective crews in all those details that count for success. '

Every “stroke” should see that his crew has a system “in launching,” “stepping in and out,” and housing the boat. 1 . . A. fatal fault‘with the beginner is a tendency to admire the scenery during the progress of his practice row; this may be a virtue in a tourist, but is a deadly sin in an oarsman. Beginners should pay careful attention to every order of the “stroke,” and “strokes” on their part should see that each member of the crew thoroughly grasps lus instructions. This would tend to a great improvement in trial four racing. NEW ZEALAND ROWING ASSOCIATION. At the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rowing Association held on the 2nd inst., the next championship meeting was allotted to Picton, and there seems little doubt as to this being the best course in the Dominion, and perhaps it will finally become the permanent course. It is generally thought in rowing circles that the winners of the next championship will represent the Dominion at the Hobart regatta, which takes place some four weeks after the New Zealand championship meeting. “Stroke” in the “Otago Witness” expresses a doubt if the present-day crews are as good as some of the crews of the early nineties, and particularly mentioned Queen’s Drive, Picton, Hardy Johnston’s Canterbury crew, and the Kawatiris (Westport). This is a debatable point in all branches or sport, lmt if the present holders—viz., Waitematas—can maintain their title on the Picton course they would certainly be entitled to represelit the Dominion.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA DATE. TpKit Pur.ss Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, October 20. At a meeting of the Canterbury Rowin o- Association to-night strong exception was taken to the date fixed by the Marlborough Association, January Ist, for holding the championship regatta at Pictonr It was stated that if the date is adhered to local crews would be unable to compete on account of the date clashing -with the Lyttelton regatta, held on N.ew Yeat s Day. It was resolved to protest to tliP Marlborough Association, also to the Council of the New Zealand Association.