AKAROA REGATTA.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 671, 19 December 1882, Page 2

AKAROA REGATTA.

PRELIMINARY. Friday night promised but ill for the Regatta. The glass was very low, showers of nor'-west heat drops kept falling, and the sky when the sun set had a strange coppery look, that promised ill luck for the Regatta. It was then, a pleasant surprise when Saturday morning broke clear and beautiful, promising a pleasant day after all. Many were the speculations as to what the wind would be, the general opinion being that it would come in from tho sea, and so it proved, a light sou-west breeze allowing the yachts to start in a way to delight the on-lookers, a little'"after noon.

The preparations on shore for the reception of the guests from Ly.ttelton, Timtu'ii, and the Buys were on even a larger scale than usual. Beginning at the upper end of the town, our reporter found that Mr Chamberlain had capital luncheons prepared in several rooms, all o£ which were nicely decorated with flowers and ferns. An additional bar was also opened under the able management of Mr Alick' Wright, v under the loquat trees," and a number of Chinese lanterns were suspended from the branches, which give quite a fniry like effect to the beautiful grounis whnn the evening came, and they were lighted. At Bruce's Hotel too, everything had been done for the comfort of the guests. The big billiard room bad been most tastefully laid out with a grand luncheon, the arrangement of the decorations in this, and other parts of the house, reflecting the greatest credit on Mrs Grange and her daughters" Mrs Grange's idea of having nil the poultry ready dissected, and the joints carved, in order that the viands might not be at ths mercy of the un&kiilcd. was an excellent idea, and no doubt was fully appreciated by their very numerous visitors. Bruoo's Hotel, however, in addition to the Regatta guests, had to provide , i'or art auction of certain properties belonging to Messrs G. W. and EL N. Niildor... On the Reserve opposite the hotel and Mr Q-arwood'a score, were the t!>n:e L-ooths of Messrs Bayley, Rodriguez, and Rich. All were well stocked with an inviting - array of barrels and buttles, and we hope and believe that ail their enterprising proprietors reaped the rich harvest they so thoroughly deserved. Wo are sure their energies must h.v/e been i'uiiy taxed during a portion of the day. There were two or three con--fectionerd' booths on the vacant spaces of; land, and these commenced doing a very hig trade in fruit and confectionary at a. very early periotl ol : the' day. At, the corner opposite ihe wharf, in Armstrong's Buildings, Mr Campbell Brown had a luncheon st;ill, the scroll containing the invitation to "walk up" being evidently the work of a negro brother. The jolly face of this merriest of our councillors showed to great advantage amid the fronds of the iem trees with which the building w.ia decorated. Mrs Hahn bad the French lug flying on one of Mr Watkins' vacant lots. ■: little further down, ami the summit of Councillor Black's warehouse (as the Americans call it) was bright whh a number of charming little llagsmost tastefully arranged. Mrs Xoonan'a »hop, always beautifully clean and tastefully arranged,

looked even brighter and more epot'esa than usual, if that is possible, and Mr Noonan had a stall of toys that w mid have gladdened the heart of his old friend Mr Robert Ridley. The other end of the town was not, of course, co gay, but the signals of rejoicing in honor of Akaroa'a great festival were by no means few or far between.

The successful accomplishment of the scheme of getting a boat laid on from Timaru ia certainly a great feather in the Regatta Committee's cap, and we have no doubt will become an annual affair. The U.S.S. Co. decided to run the trip if Sfty were promised, but we hear that some ninety tickets were taken, and we were ' informed that at least another twenty or thirty would have been present had it not been that the Supreme Courtis now sitting ' at Timaru. The Waitaki, with our South em friends, got to the wharf about 7.15 a.m. on Saturday, after a very pleasant smooth wnter trip from Timaru, and her passengers soon spread themselves over the town and appeared to thoroughly enjoy the change from their own bustling little town, engaging in all sorts of amusing •remarks regarding the absence of gas and the want of asphalted footpaths, which seemed to strike them as being exceedingly funny. The Hawea was telegraphed as having left Lyttleton with 400 passengers aboard at 8.30 o'clock, and many t were the fears , that wore expressed that she would not* get here until half-past twelve, and so make the starting of the yacht race very late. It was therefore a very pleasant sight indeed to see her round Green's Point at a quarter to twelve, and Captain Kennedy tiad her moored alongside the wharf within three hours and a half of the time of her leaving Lyttelton wharf, a really good trip. Aboard the steamer was that true friend of the Akaroa Regatta, Mr Puflett, who has kindly interested himself in our behalf in procuring a band arid other matters, and we are glad to be able to take this opportunity of thanking him, on behalf of the people of Akaroa, for his reedy and generous aid. Another familiar face (that-of our member Mr Montgomery) was prominent amongst the visitors. The band, which is that known; as Pooler's, c6neisted of eighteen mem--' bers, and they played indefatigably during the day in several places, a merry dance to their good music taking place on thegreen sward under the pleasant shade of host Chamberlain's trees. The Hawea also brought the Kaiapoi, Christchurch, and Lyttelton boats, kindly carrying them free of all charge, and on her arrival the crews at once hurried themselves in getting them afloat. Two special correspondents from Christchurch, and one from Timaru were present aboard the committee ship. We were sorry that the Hawea had to leave us at 5 o'clock sharp to nif'et the special train for the Kaiapoi excursionists. Her stay here was altogether too short, and we hope next year it will be arranged that she can arrive at half-past eleven, and we see no difficulty at all about this being done, and not leave again till 6.30 p.m., so as to catch the 10.30 train from Lytteiton to Christchurch, which is surely quite early enough for anything. If the train with the excursionists were to leave Christchurch in the morning at 7 a.m., surely that would not be too early? They could then start the steamer at 7 45, and get here even with a slower boat thin the Hawea at 11.30 a.m., so that the races might begin at noon punctually. What a pity it is that we have not a wharf tunning into deep water, so that one of the co;npany's big ste tuners would come. What a crowd she would bring? The steamer going at five o'clock, as she did, prevented those in,the committee ship, who had friends aboard, from going on the wharf to bay goodbye, ac they had to get off the last race. However, if they couldn't speak to their friends aboard they could cheer them, and very heartily they did it, as the Hawea swept out into the fairway on her road home.

The visitors from the Bays were very numerous, Mr S. Lee's co&ch, so nicely decorated that Mr Bob Mayne, our wellknown Jehu, appeared to be sitting in a very bower of greenery, seemed to be bringing in load after load. The steam launch and every available boat brought friends from the Wainui side, nnd from French Farm and Barry's Bay, and every available vehicle in the county must, we believe, have been in Akaroa, with the exception of Mr Coop's timber waggons and the bullock drays. The Domain and the various pretty spots round the town were crowded with picnic parties, and all seemed to enjoy themselves heartily. It is rarely indeed that you see such a welldressed, prosperous-looking crowd as that which assembled in Akaroa and its environslast Saturday. Healthy, good-humored, and evidently well-to-do, they bore the stamp of ready successful colonists, and would be a credit to any locality in the world. Judging from their appearance, they look about the leaet likely people to be wiped out, even by the establishment of cheese factories elsewhere on a purely scientific basis.

The Regatta Committee met early on Saturday morning. The secretary reported, that Capt. Hoist, of the ketch Blackwall, had kindly placed her at the service of the committee as a committee phip, from which to work the Regatta. He also reported no further entries had been made, and the places in the various races were then drawn foi. It was mentioned that the sailing boat from Lyttelton, theFuugh-a-Ballagh, centre-board boat, was entered forbpth the open boat sailing race, No. 3, and also the sailing race for boats 20ft keel and under, No. 7. It was stated that Mr Veal, the owner of the Faugh-a-ball igh, understood that in the No. 7 race he would havo to get his ceutre-board sealed up, and tint he had had a false keel .nade, that could be clapped on tho boat in five minutes. The question of having to wait for this boat to come in from the first race, and so cause delay, was thought of, and it was definitely agreed that if she did not gut in by the two hours' interval between the ijaces, the others should , be started without her. No. 3 race was marked on the cards to start at 1 p.m., and No. 7 at 3 p.m.,and it was agreed that the two hours should be allowed between the starts in any case, that is, that if No. 3 did not start till 1.30 p.m., No. 7 should not start till 3.30 p.m. or two hours later, it being distinctly un-. derstood that if the first race was not finished by that lime, the other boats should be sent without her, as it would not be fair to keep them waiting. The reason of this discussion was, that it was known the steamer could hardly be in till past noon, and that for that reason the yacht race could not be st rted till half an hour late, which would make all the other races late also. Tho badges were distrl- .

buted to the executive officers, and a black board (kindly lent by Mr Pre.ssey E. Granger) was placed on tlie wharf for public information, showing how the races were to be worked from the committee ship. The plan waa as follows:—The number oi the race was hoisted at the tnizen of the committee ship half an hour before each race started, as a signal to-i prepare, and five minutes before each race i was started a warning gun was fired. When the race was started another gun was fired, and the flag was hauled down. Another gun was fired when tho winning vessel or boat came in. We think it would be a great advantage another year if the committ c could afford to erect a signal- post in some central place on shore, and employ some one to ffepeat the signals from the committee ship with another set of flags, and explain them for general information. The real difficulty in our Regatta is, that tne members of the committee are so many of tliem interested in the vessels competing, and therefore employed in sailing or pulling their respective crafts, that . but few are left all the time to actually work the Regatta. There was one warm friend of the Regatta to whom the Committee owe a great debt, not only for his kindness in lending them his office for their meetings, in selling the sites of the booths, but in giying a very hearty general support. Hβ was precluded this year from .helping as much as he. wished Jay , the fact'ofi his having to hold a sate on the day, but 1 it is unlikely this will occur again,and.no doubt another year his geninl face will be seen aboard the Committee : ship, giving that hearty help which in the years that are past has tended so much to the success of Akaroa Regattas, of course we allude to Mr A. I. McGregor. Our worthy Commodore had been deputed to get the yachts ready for action before the. arrival of the steamer, and he fulfi led his task in excellent time. Captain Malcolmsonand the master of the Gipsy kindly shifted their vessels for the convenience of tlie committee, and Mr LaCoste was round early to see the flag ship placed Mr Henry Aylmer was at work from a very early hour doing everything that was needed. All day long his boat was in gre.it request and when night came he must have been very tired indeed. The. judges were at their posts, and the signal fitjngvwas.well managed by Mr V. Mase'field. . In fact, all the officers want a word of praise for the energetic way in which they fulfilled their duties. There were refreshments aboard the Committee ship for the use of the officers and others helping in working the Regatta, and the honors were done by Mr J. D. Garwood, in that graceful and thoroughly genial way which is peculiar to him. From first to last he looked after the comfort of every one, and made all feel comfortable and at home When one thinks of this, and also that he had to do a hard night's work as stage manager of the dramatic amateurs entertainment, we must all agree his post of committeeman was no sinecure. Wβ have already referred to the kind aid of Mr Pufleet, and now have to record our thanks to some other gentlemen -from Christchurch who, for the pure love o£ sport, and at great inconvenience to themselves, came hero to do a hard day's work on Regatta D.iy, Mr Packard has now for two years filled, the starter's position, and we all know that his interest never flags, and that he endeavors to make the starts as equal as it is in the power of man 16. arrange; and to tint gentleman and his crew (who were Messrs F- Fuller, W. E Igar, Sconlar, and J. Rattray) the best thanks of the Regatta Committee are certainly due. There was not so much wind, perhaps*, as some of the sailing vessels wanted, but it was a splendid day tor the rowing events, and also for the visitors, who siw our picturesque town and harbor to very great advantage. Last, but not least, there was no tinge of sadness thrown over the gaiety of the day by any untoward event. We all remember how last year a miserable acci lent threw quite a gloom over tha close of tho Regatta, but this year not a single cloud marred the enjoyment of the spectators from the beginning to the end of the day. / THE REGATTA. Commodore : Mr W. B. Tosswill. Judges : Messrs J. Ayimer, J. Welch, W. Masefield, W. Wiikins, and W. H. Hargreaves. Starter : Mi W. Packard. Timekeeper: Mr La Coste. Signalman : Mr V. Masefield. Honorary Secretary and Treasurer: Mr H. C. i Jacobson. Committee : Messrs Tosswill, Bl ick, Adams, G. Armstrong. • jun., M. Daly, W. H. Hargreaves, E. S Latter, H. Aylmer. Li Coste, J. D. Garwood, W. H. Henning, Rich, Welch, and Jacobson. As we before said, the wind was very light at noon, so much so that it was thought there would be a job to get the yachts away. Luckily, however, a nice sou-westerly air came in in time, and they got away well. There was no doubt it was the Zephyr's day, as the smooth sea and light wind were both in her favor. The Dove, last year's winner, looked very well, and commanded much admiration, but the breeze was not enough for her. The Chance was well manned, and her .crew, with their tidy uniform rig, were quite a treat to see. She waa admirably sailed, and no doubt went over far less water than either of ' the other vessels. Her second prize was most deservedly won, and her plucky owner (Mr Black) well deserved the cheers that greeted him. It is a great pity that there were not more yachts competing, and we should iike to see the committee offering a £50 prize next year for this race if their funds at all warrant it. Mr Baker's win was very popular, as it is known he has gone to great expense to get a really good yacht, and spared no pains in fitting her out properly. Tho Double Sculling Race was a magnificent sight. It is rarely indeed one has a chance of seeing six outriggera representing five different boroughs, pulling on such;a,splendid sheet of water. Children's Bay was like a sea of glass, and the race could not have been held under more favorable circumstances. The Canterbury Rowing Club pulled the race off in grand style, Lyttelton, however, being an excellent second, and the Cure well up. There was a great deal of interest in the race, from tho fact that some of the boats were of colonial make. Mr E. D. Reos, of Christchurch, is the builder of tho winning boat, and must be congratulated, for she is undoubtedly the best boat of her class in Canterbury. The heavy boats of the Akaroa und Timaru men quite put them out of it, though* both were really good crews. There -was a protest against Kaiapoi, for/the bpw was covered in wih :jcafivas, disallowed.

The Open Boat Sailing Race was won by Me Henning's Pinafore. Thi& boat is undoubtedly the best we have in light winds— wme think in any wind—but tho Dreiirf is a grand bo-it too, and should hold her' own in anything like heavy feather. It will thus be seen that the two principal sailing races went to Akaroa.

The Junior Double Sculls was a spoilt race, for only one of the three crews kept the right course,- the Comet and Petrel both going wrong, and Kaiapoi winning as she liked.

The Pair-Oar Dingy Race was very well contested indeed, the Akaroa lade showing they had really good stuff in them by the way they pulled.

The Canoe Race was won pretty easily by that veteran performer Mr Jones, who has so often piloted the Kathleen to victory.

[ The Sailing, Race in Open Boats 20ft keel and under, fell through. The Faugh-a-Ballagh was in the Open Boat Sailing Race, and, as before stated; the Committee had arranged that two hours should elapse between the starting of the two races, thai is, that if the Ist was half fin hour late, the other should be sent away half an hour late also. The three other boats entered, however, came off to the committee ship at 3 p.m., just as the Canoe Rice was going, and before the flag had been hoisted for their race at All- They sajd the. time on the card was three b'cfo;ck, and they were going then, or riot' at;all. They were told the committee would not start the race till the pioper time had elapsed, and that as all the other races hail been half an hour late this one would have to bo also, as was only fair, and they then went ashore. It wae a most pitiable exhibition, and it is to be hoped will not be seen in Akaroa again. The Faugh-a-Ballagh was back and ready to start folly ten minutes within the two hours from which the first race started. There was little wind, and had the boats gone, it is probable the race would have had to be put off for another day, but of course by the action taken, the persons entering have lost their entrance fees by refusing to obey the committee, besides showing what is at least a great want of courtesy to a stranger who came down all the way from Lyttelton to compete fairly in the race. No. 8 th • Pahvoar Race, was won in splendid style by the .Lyttelton crew. The Canterbury and Kaiapoi crews fouled at the first buoy, and Canterbury lodged a protest, saying that when going round the buoy they (the Canterbury) having inside place, the Kaiapoi men would not give them room to get round, and so forced them against the buoy and fouled them. This protest will be considered to day, the occupants of tlie steam launch, which followed the boats round for safety's sake, being witnesses of the foul. The Dingy Sculling Race was a gift to Stewart. The following is a detailed account of the races:— Yacht Race, open to all comers. Entrance, £2 2s. First prize, £30 and Ladies' Champion Flag; second prize, i £5. Also, silver medal given-by Mr G. T. White to winning , helmsman. In the event of two yachts irom other Provincial Districts competing, the first prize will be increased to £40. ZepbyfcrrJUX S. : Rak'r, 7 tons;... ... 1Dove—Captain Deinpsey, 24 tons ... 2 Chance—Messrs Black and Brown, 7 tons ..; ... ~; ..i 3 the yachfe art Wetit oft on the port tack at 12h 49m 45a, the Zephyr going fastest, but not holding so good a wind as the Chance or Dove. The la ter vessel shortly passed to windward of the Chance, which was carrying a large squaie-headed topsail. The Zephyr'was first to break tacks, tlie Dove next, and .Chance soon after All close hauled stool up for the Red House buoy, where they got pretty close together. The Chance having gained on this tack, we.illiered on the Dove and Zephyr. Standing over towards the Wainui buoy, the breeze freshened a little, The Zephyr was observed to be in trouble, her gunter backstay and bobstay shackle plate having carried away. Her sail was lowered, and repairs quickly executed ; she was once more on the track, having lost about 10 minutes through the accident. The Dove rounded the Wainui buoy about a minute ahead of the Chtnce, and the Zephyr 8 minutes later. AH quickly getting their spinakers set ran towards tho Tekau Bay buoy, the Chance holding her own with the Dove and the Zephyr, bringing up a fresh breeze with her, quickly overhauling both. Gybing round the buoy, it was a reach to the flag ship, and the wind dying away at tin's point all three were again on close terms. The Dove was first past the flag ship, Chance and Zephyr together in a dead calm. The Dove and Zephyr getting the first of a light S.W. wind, stood across the harbor, the Chance following. Ihe Zephyr gained on the Dove as the wind fell lighter. Both rounded the Rdd Honse buoy almost together, the Chance 4 minutes later. All I stood over to the Wainui buoy, the Zephyr and Chance fetching it without tacking, whilst the Dove had to make a sboit board to weather it, and got round about 1 minute ahead of the Zephyr, the Chance 3 minutes later. This order was continued up to the Tikau buoy, all gybing smartly round stood over for the Ikg ship, the Zephyr gaining on the Dove, and the Chance coming upon both close to the flag ship. A drifting match ensued, the Zspnyr showing past first, time 4h 42min 20sec ; the Dove next at 4h 43min 20sec j and Ctiance last at 4h 46tnin 40aec. The Dove being 24 tons, has to allow the uthers 7 minutes 5 seconds, the Chance therefore takes second prize with 4 mm utea to spare. Double Sculling Race, in stump outriggers. First prize £15 ; second £5. j Petrel, Canterbury Rowing Club— Crew, E. M. Bolton (bow), J. Grierdon (stroke) 1 No Name, Lyttelton Rjwin<r Club— Crew, W. Fitzairmnons (bow), W. T. Taylor (stroke) ... 2 Huia, Cure Boating Club—Crew,R. D.iy (bow) J. Perrin (stroke) 3 Tiinaru, Tiinaru Boating Club—Crew, P. Bradley (bow) H. Bradley (stroke) 0 Onuka, Akaroa Rowing Club—Crew, A. L. Stuart (bow); W. btuart (stroke) 0 Comet, Trades' Rowing Ciub—Grew J, ' Alyeis (how),-W.-Lamb (stroke), A. Wells (cox) 0 . The starter sent them away in good style at 1.4 p.m. Lyttelton had the best of the start, but the C.11.C. pulled on them and got round the buoy first, Kaiapoi then came up and a splendid contest ensued. The Petrel led by a length round the second buoy, Lyttelton being second, but hero Kaiapoi put on a spurt and took second place, but the Lyttelton was not to '

be denied, and again got near to Canterbury', but Grierson could not bo denied, and won in 8 minutes 50 seconds, five lengths ahead, the same distance separating Lyttelton and the Cures'.

Sailing Race, in open boats, open to all comers. First prize £15 and silver cup given by Coatee &Co.; second £5. Pinafore—W. H. Henning 1 Dream—W. B. Toeawill ... ... ... 2 Faugh-a-Ballagh—R. Veal 3 Avalanche—T. S. Baker 0 This i ace started at lh 36min20sec, the Fdugh-a-Ballagh and the Dream canted off the shore, and the Pinafore and Avalanche in shore. Ihe latter boats gained by this as the wind drew off the shore, allowing the Pinafore and Avalanche to pass the buoy at Red House considerably in advance, which order was maintained round the Wainui buoy, the Pinafore having considerably increased her lead. The Pinafore kept in there more than the others, and at one time it looked as if the other boats would catch her up in consequence. Off the Maori Pah the. Dream overtook the Avalanche, but just then the wind shifted to the westward, and this helped the Pinafore materially, and from this point there was no doubt she would win. The Dream now drew away from the Avalanche, and rounded the buoy off Tikau considerably ahead. The Pinafore came in at 3h 16min, four minutes ahead. The Dream was nest, but on the passage from Tikau it looked very much as if the Faugh-a-Ballagh would take second honors, she having passed the Avalanche, and gained rapidly on the Dream. Junior Double Sculling Race, in stump oattiggers, for youths under 21. First prize £3, second £1. Huia. Cure Boating Club—Crew, A. Wihterboum (bow), C. Wright (stroke) ... ... 1 Petrel, Canterbury Rowing Club—Crew, S. E. Wright (bow), R Wynn Williams (stroke) ... 2 Comet, Trades Rowing Club—Crew— A. Range (bow), E. Wells (stroke), A. Wells (cox.) 3 The Huia was the only boat that kept the course, the others going round the wrong buoy. The C.R.C. afterwards rowed round the right course to secure second honors. Pair-oau Dingy Race, for youths under 18. First prize £3, second £1. Larrikin—Crew, J. Daly (bow), E. J. . Watkine (stroke) 1 [ Annie Wright—Crew, F. Scott (bow), J.Haylbck (stroke), A. Noonan (cox.) 2 Hesperus—Crew, E. Noonan (bow), C. Zincgr.iff (stroke) 3 ■ This was a pluckily rowed race, but the Larrikin had the best of it, though the others pulled well, and won by several lengths. Canoe Race—First prize £5 and silver cup given by Mr Lezard, second £2. Kathleen—J.O. Jones ... 1 Petrel—R. Wynn Williams ... ... 2 Kathleen won by two lengths. Sailing Race, in open boats 20ft keel and under. First prize £8, second £2. Was not started. Pair-oared Race:, in stump outriggers. first prize £15, second £5. No Name, Lyttelton Rawing Club— Crew, T. H.u-kiss (bow), 0. Fitzsimmone (stroke) ....... -~. ...- ... 1 Huia, Cuie Boating Club—Crew; j\ Winterbourji (liow). G. Wright (stroke) 2 Petrel, Canterbury Rowing Club—Crew, E. M. Bolton (bow), J. Grierson (stroke) ... 2 Tiniaru, Tiinaru Rowing Club—Crew, P Bradley (bdW), H. B*4dley (stroke) ... 0 Tlits Ly Helton crew won a splendid race by two lengths. A protest was entered by the Petrel agaipst the Huia for fouling. DiiNGY Sculling Rack, single ecull. Prize £1L. Stuart ... 1 Won easily from the only other competitor. The steamers weie both nicely, decorated, and the arrangements good. No liquors weie sold aboard, either during their stay in harbor. Mr Puflett, of* Lyttelton, took great interest in the Begatta, and deserves many thanks from us. The day was a most pleasant one throughout. THE ENTERTAINMENT. The performance in the evening at the Oddfellows' Hall, under Mr Garwood's management, was a most" unqualified success, realising a very considerable sum to the Regatta fund, atterthe payment of ! all expenses. The utage manager and the ladies and gentlemen t king part in it deserve the warm thanks not only of the Regatta committee, but the community at large, for their disinterested help. The way in which the pieces were placed on the stage was a great credit to Mr R. Noonan, who, as usual, was indefatigable. The musical portion cf the evening's entertainment wee furnished by Mr and Mias Daly, and a gentleman, who waa a passenger by the Waituki. They spared no pains, and much delighted the audience. The first piece played was the comedy of v Sink or Swim," which went most smoothly throughout. The characters of Lord Yawnly, Sir Felix Frankly, and Sterling weretaken by MessrsHomberaley, Granger, and M. Daly. Each of these gentlemen seemed to have a good conception of tho part allotted to him, and all knew both the text and the business Stunty, the character part of the piece, <vas splendidly given by Mr who showed much humor and a true knowledge of how the part should bo played. The minor parts of the Hon. Mr Scaraply, Debit, and tbe servant were nicely played by Mesars Drury, Lee, and Scott. Mrs Sterling wss played by Miss M. Parsons, and Ellen ; by her sister. Both were excellent in / their respective characters. The piece was well drossed, and the prompter's aid was but little required.

The second piece was Williams' wellknown farce of " Dandelion's Dodges." The grotesque acting of Mr Hombersley as Dandelion, helped Parsons as Midge Marjoram, was funny. Mr Granger plsyed the part of Vivian Thornbrake with much success, and Mr Turnpenny Dibbs was fairly rendered by r Mr Drury. The make-up of " Jeames " was something wonderful and beautiful to see, and he was certainly the best-dressed footman that has ever appeared oh the 'Akaroa stage. Miss Parsons, as Laura Armytage, had little to do, but what she had she did gracefully and well.

At the conclusion of the piece " Jeames " announced the manager (Mr Garwood), who, on behalf of the ladies and gentlemen performing, said that Dandelion's last dodge was to thank the audience through him for their attendance and applause. Their entrance money had been

a substantial help to tho Regatta Committee, and he wished all present, both individually and collectively "a merry Xmas and a happy New Year, and quoting Dandy's elegant phraseology, " Many on em." More than £25 were taken.