Sparse matrix row/column access (SparseM)?

Hello list,

I am creating sparse matrices using the SparseM package. These sparse
structures are to be used as a basis for (a number of) distance
matrices. But in order to create thoses, I must be able to read the
elements/rows/columns of the sparse structures in order to operate on
them.

Thus, how to go from sparse matrix to (sparse) rows, columns? Must I
create the functions myself or am I not reading the obvious in the
documentation?

Thanks in advance,

Renald