The Encyclopaedia of Sport and Games

Every sport and game of the Edwardian world in four volumes — from angling and ballooning to yachting — written by the people who did them, Theodore Roosevelt on big game among them.

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The University Boat Club

On February 20th, 1829, it was resolved, "That Mr. Snow, St. John's, be requested to write immediately to Mr. Staniforth, Christ Church, Oxford, proposing to make up a university match." The challenge was accepted, and thus was the first race between the two universities brought about, and, as a natural consequence, the C.U.B.C. sprang into existence. At first it was decided that the representatives of university rowing should pay their own expenses. But gradually the increased cost of materials ROWING called," and for neglecting to wear his proper uniform." A touch of humour was added to this Draconian code by a clause enacting "that the treasurer be chastised twice a week for not keeping his books in proper order." In 1827 we find that there were six boats on the river-a ten oar and an eight oar from Trinity, an eight UNDOUBTEDLY A BUMP. are and the more elaborate training rendered it necessary for the colleges to be called upon for financial assistance. Each college now pays to the common fund annually a certain percentage of its expenditure of the previous year. A meeting is annually held in the university boat house, at which the captains of the various college boat clubs present. At this meeting the president and secretary for the ensuing year are elected, the accounts are passed, the dates of the various races are decided and all matters connected with university rowing as whole are discussed. The selection of the university crew is entirely in the hands of the president thus elected, though, of course, he will probably seek advice from the coach of the eight when he is himself in any doubt. a

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