A CHANGE IN OUR CLUB SYSTEM.

IT is known that a change has been suggested in our club system, and that a canvass is now being carried on to ascertain what probability of success it may have. A full and explicit statement of the matter may not, however, be superfluous.

In the first place, it seems to some of the officers of the clubs that the present system is not a success, and that no amount of energy on their part can keep it going; the original contract with Blakey provides that each of the four clubs shall contain fifty-five members, all paid up, at the rate of fifteen dollars per annum. This has by no means been the case at any time since the starting of the system. The boat-house and boats have not proved to be attractive enough to induce many to make use of them except just before the races; nor have the prizes offered been of a sufficiently high grade to induce men to train any length of time for them. Consequently the races are more or less uninteresting, and the general interest in rowing is lessened. Mr. Blakey has offered to sell the boats and oars and lease of the house for twenty-five hundred dollars, and this can be paid in two years' time, one instalment of about three fifths of the whole amount, or fifteen hundred dollars, payable on taking possession of the boats and house, and the second instalment at the opening of next spring. A canvass is now being carried on to see if fifty members can be insured to each club, - the annual fee being lowered from fifteen to ten dollars "payable strictly in advance."

We can see no reason why this plan should not meet with complete success. Members pay their fees directly to their officers, and are not allowed to use any boat before payment; the yearly fee will possibly be lowered still further, after the boats are entirely paid for, only enough money being required each year to pay running expenses. These are rent, taxes, and insurance on the house, a man's attendance, and repairs of the boats. Further a sinking fund is desirable, with which to buy new boats and oars.

We hope that all persons who have the least interest in our boating will join the clubs; it is a great mistake that many make in thinking that because they may be too light or weak to row for the crews, this should hinder them from joining their club. It is hoped to make the house and boats attractive enough to induce men who are not able or disposed to train for the races to join for the sake of the pleasure derived from sculling around the river watching the crews, and using the six and four oars when the crews are not using them. For those who wish to train the attractions are greatly increased, the prizes are to be quite valuable, worth possibly between eight or ten dollars apiece, one for each man of the first winning crew. There is a likelihood of our spring races occurring in conjunction with those of the Union Boat Club; having one or more races in common, and others distinct. If, as it has been suggested, we invite the Union Boat Club to race with us, as formerly, for the cup, we shall have to make a greater effort to turn out good crews, in order to retain possession of the cup. One other item that will add to the comfort of those who row is that a passage-way is to be cut from the club-house into the University house, and thus members coming in from rowing can easily get to the bath-rooms without being obliged, as heretofore, to go around on the outside.