LYTTELTON AFTER REGATTA DAY.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 178, 4 January 1875, Page 3

LYTTELTON AFTER REGATTA DAY.

All sorts of fun was carried on in Lyttelton on Saturday, and so little inclination for work was shown that the merchants’ offices were all closed at noon. Some slight difference of opinion existing in the minds of the Banshee’s crew as to individual strength, they determined to settle the difference by dividing and pulling a pairoared race in the sister boats, Venus and Akaroa Belle. Scott and Arkis pulling in the Venus and O’Neill and Banford in the Akaroa Belle. The course was from the buoy off Waterman’s steps, round the barque Syren, and back, winning at the buoy, Ihe distance being about one and a half miles. They were started by one of the Mr Wrights, of Akaroa. They got away on very even terms, aad about the fifth the stroke oar of the Venus, .Scott, caught a crab, and was deposited in the bottom of the boat, which accident enabled the Akaroa Belle to gain half a length, and gradually increased the distance to a length and a half up to the Syren, and maintained this position to the end of the race, winning by about twelve strokes, both boats’ crews pulling well and evenly, the defeat being no disgrace to the losing boat. The stakes were £2 10s each, and we hear the race is to be rowed again in a fortnight’s time for £lO a-sido, the stakes being already deposited. There was a great crowd on the wharves to witness the race, which appeared to excite great interest. Several races were run on Norwich Quay, and other games went on. The Catholic Bazaar was kept open all day, in spite of the wet. We give Dr Rouse’s speech at the opening, which runs as follows ; Rev sir, ladies and gentlemen—lt is with the greatest pleasure that I have accepted your kind invitation to open this bazaar in the capacity of Mayor of Lyttelton. I can only wish that all my official duties may be equally pleasant. I feel the compliment the more as being paid to one belonging to a different communion, I have observed with much pleasure since I have resided here that on occasions like this, when the building or renovation of a place for the worship of God has been the object, members of other denominations have put aside differences of creed, and cheerfully assisted in making the undertaking a success; and I believe that this interchange of friendly feeling is bound to grow and prosper wherever the English flag flies. No one can look upon the advances made in the cause of religious freedom within the last quarter of a century without feeling that England and her dependencies have led the van in heralding the time when “ Peace on earth and good will towards men” shall be the motto not only in word but in deed, of every religious denomination, I trust that the labor of love under taken by the ladies around me will be amply rewarded, and that by to-morrow evening the stalls now so handsomely funrshed will show only bare boards, the best proof of the success of your bazaar, which I have now the pleasure to declare open, and to which Mrs Rouse ami myself heartily wish God speed, and a happy new year to all taking part in it. The first day’s receipts were about £l2O, and Saturday’s were about the same, and the fun was kept up till a late hour, the ladies being indefatigable in their efforts to induce purchases from their various stalls. There was also some music in the evening. The bazaar will be kept open till to-night, and of course the usual auction, See, will take place.