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Rowing

Victoria's high hopes for Tournament success in rowing were not entirely fulfilled as we had no wins, but, since we were only able to start in three races, two seconds was a creditable performance.

The regatta, held at Corsair Baiy in Lyttelton, was marred by continual delays. The eights race, scheduled for 8.40 a.m., did not start until well after 9 a.m., then, after two false starts, had to be further postponed. The water at this stage was too rough even for fours. Later on it calmed sufficiently for the fours and doubles to be rowed, although still rough in the middle part of the course. Both men's fours and double sculls were won by Lincoln. V.U.W.'s four, partly composed of members of the eight, was ineligible and after going into second place at the start of the double sculls, an unfortunate misunderstanding with the umpire resulted in their finishing last. In the women's fours the Victoria and Auckland crews soon drew away from the inexperienced Canterbury crew, with Vic. in the lead for the first quarter mile. Then the fitter Auckland crew drew ahead and finished with a lead of about two lengths.

The eights race was finally rowed at 4 p.m. and was most exciting, with a fight at the finish between Canterbury and Auckland for third place not far behind the two leading crews. After taking the lead at first Victoria was gradually overtaken by the strong Otago crew, but finished well with barely a length of clear water between the boats. Shortly after this race an N.Z.U. eight was selected to row against the Canterbury Provincial Colts Crew, and Victoria was gratified to find three of their members included, with P. Preston-Thomas chosen to stroke the eight. Others in the N.Z.U. eight were: Macdonald (O.U.), H. Calder (A.U.), Irwin (O.U.), Hurring (O.U.), Stokes (C.U.), M. Winter (V.U.W.), and F. Crotty (C.U.W.).

Greatest success for the V.U.W. team came, however on Tuesday night when N.Z.U. Blues were announced. Only four were rewarded for rowing, but of these three were received by Vic. representatives: M. Winter, P. Preston-Thomas, and F. Crotty; only one went to A.U.: C. Hurring. This was an outstanding success, particularly compared with our achievements in other sports.

After their three years' trial women rowers knew that their status in Tournament would be decided this Easter. It was: women's rowing is not yet admitted as an official part of Tournament. This decision was due almost entirely to the opposition of Otago University, who are understandably reluctant to admit, and thus give points to, a sport in which they feel they have good reasons for not participating. But it is surprising that other Universities, in one of which this sport is flourishing, should feel compelled to vote against women's rowing because Otago won't countenance it—that they can was shown by their producing two crews last year. After three years' trial this sport has shown no signs of dying in the other universities, although acceptance had to be fought for. However, nothing daunted, women rowers decided to make renewed efforts to strengthen their sport and overcome Otago's opposition; fortunately the nevt two Easter Tournaments will be held in Auckland and Wellington, so a race for the women will almost certainly be held, although unofficial competition outside the university is also increasing, so opportunities will remain for races during the season.

	AU	VUW	CU	OU	CAC
Basketball	2	0	13	—
Athletics	82	25	75	79	0
Yachting	183.34	130	190	266.77	—
Rowing	1/2	3	0	6½	—
Shooting	1118	1098	1128	1145	1045
Tennis	28	5	13	9	—
Swimming	33	6	59	68	—
Cricket
Totals	24	10	18	42	7