MAORI REGATTA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 50, 8 March 1946, Page 5

MAORI REGATTA

SATURDAY'S RIVER PROGRAMME

The Maori Regatta last Saturday, the first of its kind for some twentyfive years in Whakatane, suffered mainly on account of the indifference of .the public, many of whom were to be seen about the main street instead of patronising and assisting the event. The Regatta was however a good start and from its initiation we can confidently expect greater things and wider public interest next year.

The programme was a ‘miscellaneous’ one and with Rev. W. Rangi at the microphone assumed the proportions almost of an international event. However it certainly entertained the crowd and gave rise to much friendly banter and gratuitous advice. The visit by a team of East Coast Maori entertainers was a highlight of the day as was the rowing competition between teams from the Whakatane Club. The swimming suffered for the general lack of competitors, while the canoe races would have been more interesting had the craft been a little more seaworthy and not gone under with all hands just as they were warming

up. Quite a good swimming performance was given by G. Farland (Te Teko) in 100yds championship, while Mrs Joe, the lady competitor aroused considerable concern in the duration dive by not coming up till long after scheduled time for the average person to be successfully drowned. Details were:— 50yds Maiden Race, Ladies: Miss F. Paul 1, Mrs Joe 2. 50yds Maiden Race, Men: G. Farland 1, C. Hill 2. 100yds Men’s Handicap: C. Hill 1, G. Farland 2. , 100yds Championship: G. Farland 1•• C. Hill 2. ; Duration Dive: Mrs Joe 1. Cano Race: T. Hotene, A. Paul, T. Tominika 1. Trophy for Maori Haka and Action Songs: East Coast Party. Dog Swimming Race: J. D. Rivett’s ‘Crusty.’ ROWING EVENTS All races were Open Fours and appeared to be keenly contested. No. 1 Event: Head, Hunt, Maxwell and Dawson beat Carey, Cutler, King and Fitzgerald by two lengths. No. 2 Event: Dines, Moore, King and Keepa beat Snowden, Dicken, Carey and Dent by one length. No. 3 Event: Dines, Moore, King and Keepa beat Head, Hunt, Maxwell and Dawson by two lengths.