FIFTY YEARS AGO

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 99, 21 January 1935, Page 4

FIFTY YEARS AGO

Anniversary Day of 1884 REGATTA INCIDENTS On Anniversary Day, 18S4, in Wellington it rained heavily until 10 a.m. (after a heavy downpour the previous day). The day commenced with a strong southerly wind, but toward midday. and “for about an hour, the harbour looked as if there would not be sufficient wind to move a cockle shell.” as one chronicler put it. At noon, however, the southerly wind resumed, ami Wellington breathed again. Fifty years ago this matter of wind was of the first consideration, as the chief event of the day was the yachting regatta, and Wellington citizens gathered on the foreshore and wharves in great, numbers, some equipped with spy glasses, to watch the progress of the yachts. - It is quite interesting to read that the flagship on that occasion was that line old ship the Lady Jocelyn, a seasonal visitor to this port. Jt was, however, from the Margaret Galbraith that two guns were fired to apprise the general public that the committee had decided to go forward with the regatta and aquatic sports. Comprehensive Programme. ’There was quite a comprehensive programme of events. In the Volunteer Boat Race (for boats manned by military volunteers), Lieutenant Cruickshanks’ Villalta and Westland filled first and second places, while Lieutenant Fitzherbert’s Martini and Colonist also started. Mr. 'Whitaker’s Greyhound won the third-class yacht race. 'The chief event of the day was the first-class yacht race for LIO and a cup. This was won by Mr. Martin Chapman’s Thetis, with Mr. Scott’s Isca second, Mr. E. C. Mills’s Narifa third, and Mr. 15. C. Batkin’s Camnm fourth. The race was finished after dark. There were also a canoe race (paddling only), a handicap sailing race and ships’ boat race, and one for ten-oared cutters. The commodore on that occasion was the late Mr. W. 11. Quick: the vicecommodore, .Mr. Chas. Hill; treasurer, Mr. S. S. Downes; committee, Messrs. P. Coffey, J. E. Hayes, C. Hill, A. G. Johnson, W. C. .McDermott, M. C. Mills, J. 'Thomson, W. R. Waters, R. B. Wallace. L. C. Roskruge. T. Pope. L. Holland, Scott, C. T. Simpson, W. Hake, W. Widdop and M. Chapman. Mr. W. H. Levin was president. There were no horse races-no Wellington Cup on Anniversary Day, ISS4— so the aquatic enthusiasts had it all their own way. The annual picnic of the Druid’s Lodge, to have been held at Lower Hutt, was postponed cu account of the rain early in the day, hut in the evening these hardies donned their white robes and whiskers, and with torches flaming smokily marched through the city to the Arcade in .Manners Street, where the annual plain and fancy dress ball was held. “Almost Innumerable.'’ They were funny old days, in the “Times” account of the procession it was stated that:— “There was an almost unlimited number of torches, and the flashes of blue light and red tire were almost innumerable. Having reached the Arcade a halt was made, those who did not desire to attend the plain and fancy dress ball dispersing to their homes.” Something infinitely sad about the be-whiskered Druids, who, after tramping the muddy streets with torches, simply “dispersed to their homes.” Not all of consequential Wellington attended the ball. No, indeed! 'There was 'll gathering of pioneer settlers to celebrate the -14th anniversary of the foundation of the colony by holding a social dinner. Only those who had settled here prior to the constitutional epoch of 1853 were eligible to attend. There were eighty present, ranged at three large tables. Sir 'William Fitzherbert presided, "and spoke out with an eloquent manliness characteristic of heroes of the old stock.” Ou his right was Bishop Hadfield, and on his left the Premier, Major (after Sir) Harry Atkinson. Other “heads” to tables were Messrs. T. IV. McKenzie, J. H. IVallace and J. Coutts Crawford (then farming the whole of Miramar and Lyall Bay). There was quite a long toast list. The Premier proposed, “The Army, Navy, and Volunteers,” to which Mr. Crawford responded. Bishop Hadfield proposed the toast of “His Excellency the Governor”; and Mr. J. H. Wallace, “The Anniversary of the Colony and prosperity to New Zealand.” in the course of his remarks Mr. 'Wallace, in emphasising the true birthday of the colony, said that Captain Hobson came to New Zealand as Consul-General, and not as Governor, and that the arrival of the first ten ships of the New Zealand Company marked the real foundation of the colony. When the Aurora reached Wellington the only British official on the spot was Colonel William Wakefield, who was then living in a raupo hut among a litter of stores. Mr. T. McKenzie proposed “The Early Founders of New Zealand,” and in so doing, paid a tribute to Edward Gibbon Wakefield and Dr. Evans (after whom Evans Bay is named) and Sir George Grey. Mr. George Allen responded. “The sons and daughters of the Early Settlers” was heartily proposed by Mr. John Pliminer, who also composed a special anniversary song for the occasion. This was sung in good style by Mr. A. G. Johnson. Mr. W. Seed responded. “The Press of New Zealand” was proposed by Mr. W. T. L. Travers, and replied to by Messrs. E. T. Gillon and T McKenzie.