THE CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 734, 5 February 1910, Page 13

THE CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA.

.-•■ Sir,—lt", was; with mixed pleasure, and regret that I-read your notes in Satur- . day's Dominion-on the Championship.Eegatta. 1 It was pleasant to note, that you criticised the .responsible officials, but I : regretted '.'. thatVthe result of one of the ' events was by.no means a; criterion that the winners represented the best men of the. pair-oared crews competing, and I also. regretted to note "the sad; state of ' enmity existing between the Picton and' Blenheim ■ clubs.' It: was evident that Picton again: proved its unsuitability for outrigger; regattas',, it- .being ..the sixth consecutive rough water regatta held in that harbour.'.-. "With regard, to the extraordinary action of the starter in starting'the "pair-oared race -while so many competitors were still rowing up to the starting point, all I ■ can say .is that it a pity the N.Z.A.R.A. had "no representative, with the starter to prevent that'official from what wo might mildly call exceeding his duties." It appears to; me .the-N.Z.A.R.A. should ■insist upon a thoroughly qualified, unbiassed, aud experienced .officer-such i as Mr. James, of Wanganui,; for instance—who 'undertakes the duties of starter most'capably, and without fear or favour. It would , pay the association, to have 'such ■an ;omcer for each championship regatta, as it would stop friction and give all crews an,equal chance. With regard, to the bitter feeling existing between Blenheim and Picton,.all one can say is that it is a disgrace jto amateur oarsmen, and the sooner the association inquires into the matter .the better. In conclusion, I hope that Mr. Galbraith : and others are now thoroughly convincod that there arc better .places than- Picton for .outrigger regattas. Wanganui, for instance, is more accessible, and at neap tides the current oh .' tho. river • is no more than obtains in tho Picton Harbour on certain parts oi the course, and, as for smooth water, I can only quote the'wire which a prominent oarsman sent to. tho Pictou offi. cials- after the frequent postponements, Mid which read; "Send men and boats to u anganui. Row bhampionships there. Wood water guaranteed on river 3G5 days annually."—l am, cto., . AQUATIC.