KAIAPOI REGATTA.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 241, 18 March 1875, Page 2

KAIAPOI REGATTA.

Commodore, Dr Dudley; judge, Mr Robert Macfarlane; starter, Mr G. Sims; committee, Messrs Beharrell, C. Sims, G. H. Wearing, Beswick, Shaw, Manning, Balch, Fraser, and Dawson. Yesterday the principal regatta of the province, so far as outrigger rowing is concerned, was held under favorable auspices as regards liberal patronage, the number of entries, the river, the weather, and attendance of visitors. No previous regatta has been better supported, judging from the fact that on a short notice about £l4O had been collected. Although the total entries were up to the average of former seasons, there was a slight falling off in the leading events. Usually half a dozen has been the minimum number for the four-oared race, and four for the pair-oars. If, however, there was a lack of entries in the senior races, the juniors made up the deficiency, and it is truly encouraging to note the interest which the youth of the province are at present taking in boating, in coming forward to supply the place of the seniors who have done their work, and who must needs, as age creeps on, retire from the struggling contests. With respect to the river it was in capital order. Hitherto the Waimakariri on regatta days had been a source of anxiety, but the local committee have changed- the time for holding the event to a season of the year when they escape freshets in the river or prevailing winds, also having arranged the courses so that the smooth water is obtained with tolerably certainty. At the Interprovincial Regatta the river redeemed its character, for there never was a finer race pulled off than that of March 27th, twelvemonth. Although the weather early looked threatening, the sky cleared, the sun shone out, and a gentle breeze left nothing further to be desired. The pleasant excursion, twelve miles inland through the country to Kaiapoi, which the railway affords, was taken advantage of by a large number of persona from the city and suburbs who availed themselves of St Patrick’s halfholiday to inhale a lung full of fresh air, as well as witness the half-score of events for which the regatta committee offered liberal prizes. The town was gaily decorated with flags, presenting the appearance of high holiday being kept. The swing bridge and wharves were the centre of attraction, where the ladies congregated in numbers, although the assemblage extended for a considerable distance down both sides of the river. From these points excellent views of the regatta were obtained, inasmuch as the committee wisely made it a regatta for the million, the start and races throughout to the finish of all events, being within view. It is true this necessitated two turns, probably, but with a wide sheet of water this presented no difficulty—and no accidents occurring being a conclusive proof. Along the banks were a number of conveyances of all descriptions. Hard by were confection stalls, and the amusements which follow up public concourses of a like character. Between Mr Beharrell’s Northern store wharf and Mr Revell’s wharf, on opposite sides of the river, was the winning line. On the former was stationed Mr Button’s brass band, which played enlivening airs during the proceedings.

In addition to the boats competing, the river was gay with private boats and miniature yachts decked out with codes of flags. A body of police under Inspector Barsham, were present. No end of preparation had been made by the sub-committee for the events, and great care had been exercised in laying out the courses for the boats. When it was found the lower part of the course for the fouroared races was rougher than they would have liked, another was quickly laid off, and the managing committee, with our wellknown friend the starter, are to be commended for the punctuality with which each event was started.

Coming to the programme: the senior four-oared race, it was to be regretted, only brought forth two entries, viz, representative crews from the Canterbury Rowing Club and Cure Boating Club. Although this event was smartly contested, it ended in a protest against the latter for having bored the former when approaching the upper buoy. It was, however, looked upon as a “ moral" that the Kaiaqoi Club would pull it off; but if this infringement of the rules is sustained, it can only be said it serves the crew right. For the junior four-oared race a trio came to

■' 11 "■ the start from the Cure Boat Club, Canter ■ bury Rowing Club, and Heathcote Rowing Club a second boat on the card entered by the ocond club not puttingin an appearance. Here it must be admitted the regatta rule which allowed boys up to the age of twenty-one to enter, placed the first club at a disadvantage, the crew of that boat being considerably younger than than the others, and it has been suggested that eighteen ought to be the maximum age in future. It was a race which excited considerable interest, and was well rowed by the Heathcote men, the Canterbury youths being a few seconds late, and the Kaiapoi boys quite out of time ; they, however, in the early portion of the race making keen efforts to keep the pace with which they started. A sailing race is all very well, but it only seemed to be cared for by a few ; the course being six miles, the boats were fully an hour and a quarter oul of view of the spectators. Four entered; three came to the start, and the skippers enjoyed a thorough good sail, with a clipping five-knot north-east wind, Dudley, Russell, and Mathews only started; Eisvell at the last minute being disappointed by his mate or one of the crew. The Alarm shipped too much water, and returned from Harris’ Island. Ariel and Lotus made a good race, the former eventually winning to the satisfaction of all, who were pleased to see its enthusiastic owner’s colors to the fore. For the Sculling race and Mr Oram’s prize, four were down on the, card, but the Cure Boating Club’s representative, Winterhouse, was allowed to row over; the other boats entered by Canterbury and Heathcote clubs being of a different class, their owners would not compete. To meet this hitch, the committee came forward with a special race, offering a first and second prize, for which five boats were entered, and a fair race, won by R. Nankerville, was the result. The Senior Pair-oared race was somewhat tame, with only a brace of entries, and the Canterbury Bowing Club men had it all their own way, Dudson, of the Cure Boating Club bout,being overtaken with a slight illness. Next came the junior pair-oared race, in which the Heathcote colours were again brought to the front by the two Nankerville’s; the Canterbury Rowing Club, represented by Martin and Holt, pulling home a game second, the local club again being in the rear. The Champion Scullers’ race resolved into a match between Wearing and Barron, or rather a procession round the course, in which the latter was the leader. A Rob Roy Canoe race concluded the programme, which was won by Bowron, Rees being second, Davis, who entered to fill up the race, coming in last. The usual duck hunt did not take place for want of a drake. No remarks have been made as to the style of pulling adopted by different crews, as it is well known that several of them have not been in regular practice, therefore style was hardly to be expected. It was gratifying to note the good feeling which existed among the crews. No accidents happened, and it would have been pleasing to have been able to add, no protests. The committee met at the Borough Council im mediately after the regatta to hear evidence and consider the protest lodged. The first race started at 12.15 the last one was over at 5.15.

The following are the events : Senior Four-oared Race; distance, two miles ; open to all clubs in the colony ; course up stream, round buoy above suspension bridge, return round starting buoy at Lock’s and win off Northern store wharf. |First prize, £2O ; 2nd, £5 ; entrance, £2. Cam, Cure Boating Club —Length, 42ft; beam, 20in ; depth, 9in ; sliding seats ; Salter, builder ; purple caps. Bow— T, Dudson, lOst; 2, G. W. Wearing, 9st lOlbs ; 3, G. Wright, lOst 51bs ; stroke, J. Winterbourne, lOst 61bs ; cox,

0. Wright, sst lOlbs 11l yssus,Canterbury RowingOlub—Length, 41ft 9in; beam, 19fin ; depth, llir, Clasper, builder. White uniform. Bow, J. O Jones, lOst 61b ; 2, J. W. Gray, list 21b; 3, H. E, Templar, list 71b; stroke, J. Knox, lOst 101 b ; cox, E.

Mountfort, 6st 71b ... ... ... 2 Both got away to an indifferent start. The Illyssus had advantage of place, as well as a nose ahead, and her crew appeared to be first to catch the water. As Hie Cam crew got into .swing they soon made it apparent that they intended to take the race. Running up the river to Hutchinson’s wharf the Illyssus was nearly a quarter of a length in advance, when the Cara coxswain began to bore the Illyssus towards the bank, and caused the coxswain of the latter to sheer out of the way, so as to force him into a course through a different arch of the swing bridge to that intended. This proceeding, in the opinion of several close to the river who were narrowly watching the race, causing the Illyssus to lose one or two lengths, but it may be remarked, the Illyssus’ crew at the time did not complain of being pressed for room. In shaping for the buoy above the suspension bridge the cox of the Illyssus was also taking his crew away from their water. They turned close on each other, when the Cam shot ahead and hd by about five lengths to the buoy at Lock’s. Returning up stream the other crew rather lagged at first, but in answer to repeated calls put on a splendid spurt without being able, however, to catch the others. The difference of time between the boats at the winning post was 15secs. Time, 15min lOsec. Junior Four-oared Race; under twentyone ; open to all comers ; course same as previous race. First prize, £8 ; 2nd, £2 ; entrance, 15s. Tamesis (Canterbury Rowing Club) — white uniforms ; bow, W. Callendar, 9st 51bs ; 2 P. Duncan, list 71bs; B, J. C. Martin, 10st41bs; stroke, J. W. Holt, lOst 81bs ; cox, A. Mountfort, 6st 51bs 1 Eeathcote (Heathcote Rowing Club) — red, white, and blue caps ; bow, W. Hartland, list; 2, R. Nankerville, lOst 71bs; 3, H. Nankerville,‘.lOst 91bs;stroke, E A. Pavitt, list 51bs ; cox, J. Smith, 7st v- - 2 pere (Cure Boating Club) —purple caps ; bow, R. Hayman, 9st; 2, W. Neville, 9st 71bs; 3, K. McKenna, 9st; stroke, C. Hayman, lOst; cox, J. Ayres,

4st 6£lbs .. ••• ••• ••• ••• The lllyssus was also entered, but did not compete. There was some waiting for this race, as the Heathcote boat was late in reaching the town. That crew were the first to catch the water, then the Canterbury crew, the last to get off being the Cure crew. In the first fifty yards the Tamesis gained a decided lead, which was held throughout, although pressed by the Heathcote on one or two occasions. The Pere was out of the race Tamesis passed the post 10 secs ahead of the Heathcote!! Time, 15 min 30 sec.

Sailing RACE; open to all comers; distance. about six miles. Course from bridge round boat at bar and win in the town. First prize, £lO ; 2nd, £2 ; entrance, 15s. Ariel, length, 25ft 4in; beam, sft 4in; 3

tons, C. E. Dudley ... Lotus, length, 18ft; beam, sft 6in; l^tons,

G. Russell Alarm, R. H. Mathews 0 The Daphne, E. Revell, was also entered. At Ih 30min lOsec a good start was effected from the weather bank, the Lotus, Alarm, and Ariel having relative advantage of positions. The Lotus was first to make tracks, followed by the Alarm, the Ariel meeting with a slight delay. To Lock s Point the Lotus held her own, the three boats scudding away on the starboard tack, when the Ariel came up and challenged her for places, obtaining and holding a lead for two or three boards. The Lotus, however, again assumed the leading position, and maintained it, increasing the distance all the way to the buoy at the bar. At the end of Harris Island the Alarm dropped out of the race. Turning the buoy too quickly the Lotus missed stays, which delayed her. The Ariel rounded it in better style, and creeping up, passed the Lotus, gaining in each successive half-mile to the finish. The time of the boats was

h min sec Ariel 2 45 16 Lotus 2 47 20 It may be added that the breeze through this race was a most favorable one, the run home being done in less time than usual. Sculling Race, for youths under twentyone years of age at the commencement of the present boating season. Prize, a silver boat with fittings, given by Mr M. H. Oram. Entrance fee, 6s, to form 2nd prize. Open to Canterbury men only. Pere (Cure Boating Club)—T. Winterbourne, r.o.

The Kaka (C.R.0.), Tui (C.R.C.), and No Name (H.R.C.) were entered, but at the last minute withdrew rather than compete against an outrigged sculler. Winterbourne therefore had simply to row over and claim the prize. The matter on being referred to Mr Oram, he expressed himself satisfied, it being his intention to give the prize for outrigger boats. Sculling Race —Under similar conditions’ as foregoing. First prize, £4 ; second, £l. Moa, H.R.C., (R. Nankerville) 1 Tui, U.R.C. (H. D. Willcox) 2 Kaka, C.R.C. (M. Davie) 0 Swan, C.R.C. (W. Hartland) 0 Cygnet, C.R.C. (F. Searle) 0 The boats were placed in good line, and a pretty start was effected by Mr Sims who despatched them down stream from the buoy above the suspension bridge. Nankerville took the lead followed by Willcox. Nearing the bridge the three last boats fouled, but getting clear proceeded in the race. Towards the buoy at Lock’s Davie was decreasing the distance between Willcox and himself, when in turning Hartland, who was close up, came in contact with the Kaka, and another delay took place. Running up stream to the post the Moa’slead improved, and the boats finished as above, the Tui being well ahead of the Kaka. Senior Pair-oared Race ; distance, one and a-half miles; open to all members of clubs. First prize, £8; 2nd, £2 ; entrance, 15s. Illyssus (Canterbury Rowing Club) — bow, J. O. Jones, 10st61bs; stroke, J. W. Gray, list 31bs; cox, R. Mountfort, 6st ... ... 1 Kiwi (Cure Boating Club), length, 32ft; beam, 15in—Bow, T. Dudson, 10st 51bs; stroke, G. W. Wearing, 9st lOlbs; cox, T.‘Ayres, Ist 6£lbs ... 2 The Canterbury crew took the lead, maintaining it throughout, the Kaiapoi crew giving up the race on going down stream at the swing bridge. Junior Pair oared Race (under 21); distance, one and a-half miles ; open to all members of clubs. First prize, £4 ; 2nd, £1 ; entrance, 7s 6d, Heathcote (Heathcote Rowing Club) — Bow. R. Nankerville, lOst 71bs ; stroke,

H. Nankerville, lOst 91bs ; cox, J. S. Smith, 6st 71bs 1 Sylph (Canterbury Rowing Club)—Bow, J. C. Martin, lOst 41bs ; stroke, J. W. Holt, lOst 81bs ; cox, A. J. Mountfort, 7st 2 Kiwi (Cure Boating Club)—Bow, J. Ogden, 9st ; stroke, T. Keetley, Bst ; cox, J. Ayres, 4st Gibs 0 Ripple (Canterbury Rowing Club)—M. Davis, E. R. Pavitt Scratched. The Ripple arrived at the start as the other boats were off. The Heathcote juniors took the lead and held it. At the buoy at Lock’s the Canterbury Club juniors were five or six lengths behind, and the Cure crew out of the race. The Heathcote won by several lengths. Champion Scullers’ Race ; open to all comers ; distance, one mile. First prize, £5 ; 2nd, £2 ; entrance, 10s. Dart (Canterbury Rowing Club)—T. Bar-

ron, lOst 1 Pere (Cure Boating Club)—G. W, Wearing, 9st lOlbs 2 This was a hollow affair, the Dart taking the lead and holding it to the finish, Ban on coming in a good winner. Rob Roy Canoe Race ; distance, threequarters of a mile ; open to all comers. Ist prize, £3 ; 2nd, £1 ; entrance, ss. Hine Moa (M. Bowron) 1 Dart (B. Rees) 2 Scotia (J. W. Davis) 0 The trio got well away, and Rees led to the turning buoy, but his craft was too long to paddle round before the others were up, and Bowron assumed the load, which he increased all the way to the post, Rees coming in second, Davis a fair third. Swimming Match ; distance, 200 Yards. Ist prize, £2; 2nd, 10s; entrance, 2s 6d. G. Wright 1 H. George 2 R. Todd 0 . The two former dived from the swing bridge, the latter entered the water from the bank of the river. George got the first lead, but within sixty yards Wright drew upon him, when George bored him towards the bank; but having been cautioned, allowed Wright room, when the latter went ahead, and came in a good winner, George second, and Todd a bad third. With this the proceedings terminated. At the meeting of the committee a lot of evidence was taken, and after a long discussion it was resolved—“ That after hearing evidence for and against the Cam, in the Senior Four-oar race, the committee is of opinion that the Cam bored the Illyssus into the North bank, but it is not shown by the bulk of evidence that a foul .actually oc-

curred, or that the lllyssus had not sufficient width of water to row in. It appears the Cam was leading a clear half length when passing through the bridge, and there was nothing to prevent the lllyssus following in the course taken by the Ham, The protest will therefore be disallowed.-”