ROWING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3353, 20 October 1911, Page 6

ROWING.

OPENING OF THE SEASON.

SPOILT BY THE WEATHER

The opening of the rowing season for 1911-12 was spoilt yesterday, owing to the wet and windy weather, and the lengthy programme of races had to be curtailed. About 2.39 a procession of boats, headed by the launch, with the Gisborne Band, who, however, were only able to play on one occasion, paraded up and down the river, re-assem-bling, later at the-rotunda, where the Mayor (Mr. IV. Pettie) declared the season open. Mr. Pettie congratulated the members of the rowing clubs, owners of motor launches, and other pleasure craft, upon the fine display of boats upon the river. It was, he said, exceedingly unfortunate that the weather had proved so unfavorable, otherwise a much larger procession would have taken place, but under the circumstances the, officials were to be congratulated upon the successful carrying out of the procession. He thought it was a matter for congratulation that the boating season had been opened so early this year, and although the day was not fine, the people of Gisborne / could depend upon many fine days / ahead. He hoped the clubs would have ( a prosperous season, and the young men take advantage of the facilities provided by the good river here, and have many exciting inter-club contests, and also "contests with outside clubs. The Mayor then formally declared the season open. The rain, which had been only very light ud to that time, then began to increase," and the small crowd of spectators began to dwindle. A piercing cold wind was blowing across the river, and the river began to ger rather rough. A start was made with the races, but after about an hour the programme had to be curtailed. The following were the results of races rowed:— Inter-Club Senior Fours.—G.R.C. (H. P. Hamilton, H. Tocker, S. T. Richards, and P. McConville), 1; P.B. R.C. (R. Kellett, J. Weston, A. Kirk, J. Stewart), 2. The course was from the bend in the wharf to the finishing point at the rotunda. The Gisborne crew had the best of the race, and leading through the bridge won by a length and a half. Inter-Club Junior Fours.—G.R.C. (W. S. Coleman, A. L. Winter, I. J. Quigley, R. Pycroft), 1 ] P.B.R.C. (J. Stuart, J. Prickett, W. Hall, W. Neil), 2

The contest proved very exciting, both crews being together at the bridge. Here Gisborne grew gradually ahead, and gained a verdict by half a length. Inter-Club Youths* Fours.—G.R.C. (R. Miller, G. Pollock, L. Bright, M. Omani, 1; P.B.R.C. (0. Hansen, E. Arnold, C. Hall, P. Stubbs), 2. Poverty Bay led till the bridge was reached, when an exciting finish saw the verdict go again to the Gisborne Club by half a length. Mr. W. F. Cederwall judged the events, Mr. E. P. Joyce, owing to indisposition, not being present, and Mr. W. Hackett sent the boats away.