AQUATICS.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 551, 24 March 1876, Page 3

AQUATICS.

KAIAPOI REGATTA.

This annual fixture, all things considered, came off very successfully on Thursday so far as the entries, state of the tide, and competitors were concerned ; but the public had cause still to complain of delay in getting off the events. The committee did its best, no doubt, to remedy this, but its rule in regard to disqualifying boats not at the starting post at proper time is hardly stringent enough, Every other arrangement having been completed for this regatta on Thursday, the committee, the boating men, and the public watched with not a small degree of interest as well as anxiety, to see whether the weather, at this season always fickle and changeable, would bs’favorablc or against the success of the event. Early in the week the nor’westers threatened to send down a fresh; but on this score there has been nothing to militate against the boat races. On the previous evening the weather looked very threatening; but next morning, as high noon wore on, although the wind was bracing, the aky was clear of vapors. It may be stated that the river was in perfect condition for rowing on, albeit a little rough in the earlier races, but smooth as a mill pond towards the close of the day. Owing to the rapid growth of the willows planted by the Borough Council, the view of the events to horsemen riding along the river was seriously interfered with along the most important portion—viz, the finish. While the attendance of visitors was large, it was not so numerous as has been the case on previous occasions. The trains and private vehicles brought in the principal portion. On Mr Isaac Wilson’s wharf the committee and officers of the regatta had a roped enclosure. In addition to the list of officers given, we ought to say that each of them discharged his duty in a manner which showed that in the committee the greatest harmony existed. A word of praise is due to the com*

modore, judge, gunner, and the secretary, on whose exertions most of the success of the regatta mainly depended. The programme for the day opened with the punt race, the three first of which were not punts, but inriggers built for the occasion, and Day, if te did not get the prize, merited it for the manner in which he pulled his heavy punt round the course. Winterbourne, it is presumed, saved himself for the other race. The Swimming race for boys was a hollow affair, and the wonder was in such a throng of boys as watched the race only a triplet should compete. The Four-oared Sweepstakes race in outriggers, although a slow affair, was looked on as satisfactory in its results. The Heathcote boys did well, but it is only fair to say the Kaiapoi crews were got up on the spur of the moment, and Without training. The champion four-oared race, as at last annual regatta, was a match between the Cam and Illyssus again, as on that occasion. This time the race was a game affair, and if the latter crew had gone in for the same practice as the others the conclusion would have been different, The race was creditable to both. It is to be regretted that the time was not kept in any race, for the champion competitors must have covered the three miles in less time than it has been rowed over previously. The tug race went to J. Petersen, in consequence of his superior strength to the others who entered the list. The juniorfours were determined to make a good race of it, and the Heathcote won, as everyone, judging from the size of the boys, expected it would ; nevertheless the Illyssus lads showed they had some pluck in them, and, but for an unlucky stake in their course, might have been in a better position. The Cam crew may be looked on as a scratch team, as J. Keetley and G. Gulliver, who had been practising, were not able to compete, and their seats had to be filled on the spur of the moment. The Senior pair-oar race was deservedly won by the Illyssus, whose crew from first to last pulled in a way that was sure to carry them through; this is no disparagement to the Sylph and Cam, though the latter ought to have kept its position better. The juniors in the pair-oars rowed an exciting race, but it finished in a one, two, three fashion. The Kiwi, which was entered, had been that day damaged by a person who claimed ownership and whose monetary interest had not been arranged for. So far as known the impression was that he might have taken other means to seek redress, and not have deprived the race of its fourth boat and probably a winning crew. The double sculls was gamely rowed for between the Heathcote and the local men, resulting in a win to the latter. Though four en tered in the Canoe race only two showed up, and J. 0. Jones, Rip Rap, scored the prize. It was a matter for remark that there were not a greater number of entries from the Pilgrims’ Club. In the Mens’ Swimming race, J. Branston —an assumed name—is evidently a champion at his work, and could leave the company he had as he liked. The Duck Hunt, and amusing item, concluded the day’s sport. The following is the programme : Punt race, distance 2 miles (pulling or sailing, or both) ; only one man allowed in each boat ; oval course. First prize, £3 ; second prize, model of ship ; third prize, £1 ; entrance, 7s 6d. Third prize will only be awarded if six boats start. Skedaddle (J. Perrin) 1 Alarm (R. H. Mathews) 2 Vixen (R. Day) > ... 0 Flying Fish (J. Winterbourne) 0 An even start was effected. In the first chain the punts got into the following order —Skedaddle, Flying Fish, Alarm, and Vixen, the three former being lighter craft compared with the Vixen. This order was kept till rounding the buoy at Lock’s, and on the return up stream, at the judge’s chair, the Alarm and Flying Fish were abreast, the Vixen hopelessly in rear. Here Matthews’ rowlock gave way, but after a slight delay he started again. The Skedaddle was from this quietly rowed through the suspension bridge back to Lock’s and in to the winning post, coming in ten minutes ahead of the Alarm, the latter two minutes in advance of the Vixen. The Plying Fish was rowed in shore after the first time round, Swimming race, for boys (under eighteen years) ; distance, 220 yards. First prize, £3 ; second prize, £1 10s ; third prize, 10s, if six compete; entrance, 2s (id These prizes have been given by Mr T. H. Harrison, late of Kaiapoi. Post entries. James Preece 1 James Hudson .. 2 Joseph Dudson 0 This race was from the lower wharf to the winning post. Preece took the lead and held it, the younger Dudson, who came in second, pushing him hard on one or two occasions. The elder Dudson gave in about a chain from the judge’s chair. Four - oared Sweepstakes race of £1 each boat, with £8 added; distance about 3 miles. For crews who have not entered in the Champion Four-oared race. Heithcote (Heathcote Rowing Club) Bow, F, J, Keaney, Bst 101 b ; 2, J. Rule, lOstGlb ; 3, R. Nankerville, lOst 91b ; stroke, H. Nankerville, lOst 71b ; cox, J. T. Smith, Bst 71b 1 Tui (Cure Boating Club) —Bow, G. H. Wearing ; 2, T. Scott ; 3, W. Hollier ; stroke, B. Ellis ; cox, T. Hills 0 Pere (Kaiapoi Boating Club)—Bow, T. Dudson ; 2, R. H. Mathews ; 3, J. C. Rovell ; stroke, 0. E. Dudley ; cox, G. Whittaker 0

The Pere was late in coining to its station, and as the race had started it took it up on the Way home. At the start the Heathcote went off with a steady lead, and held its own to the finish, the crew pulling a swinging stroke throughout. The Tui crew pulled a game race, at the finish an exciting contest taking place between it and the Pere, which seemed to be evenly matched, resulting in favor of the former by about half a boat’s length, amid intense excitement between partisans of the two local clubs. Champion Four - oared race ; distance about 3 miles ; open to all clubs in the Colony ; course, up stream. First prize, £2O ; second prize, £5 ; entrance, £2. Cam (Cure Boating Club) —Length, 42ft ; beam, 20in ; depth, 9in ; sliding seats, Salter, builder ; white and purple caps; bow, 6. W. Wearing, Bst; 2, G. Wright, uOst 81b; 3, J. Perrin, 12st; stroke, J. Winterbourne, list 1 Illyssus (Canterbury Rowing Club) — Length, 41ft 9in; beam, 19Jin; depth, Ilin; Clasper, builder; white caps; bow, H. P. Harrison, 9st 81b; 2, B. J, Grierson, list 71b ; 3, L. Ollivier, 12st 21b; stroke, J. O. Jones, 10st 61b; cox, R. McDcugal, 6st Tib 2

The crews paddled down to their respective stations, but were both behind the time given in the programme. After a slight delay the affirmative answer to Mr Sim’s “ Are you ready ?” being given, the pair were sent away at a swinging pace. The Illyssus drew in front of its rival for some distance, which was the signal for the Cam to put it on. In response to Winterbourne his men answered his call, and the Cam was within the first half mile placed in front of its rival. As the two came on with a steady pull, the Illyssus at 34 to 36, and the Cam a little faster, it was evident the result was to be gamely fought for. Nearing Whitefoord’s the boats seemed to be abreast, and the calls to Jones and Winterbourne to put it on were both loud as well as earnest. Certainly both crews did put it on, the racing for half a mile being about the prettiest ever witnessed in the province, Nearing the junction of the South branch, the Cam crew, having a knowledge of the cross current, judiciously threaded its |way into slack water, the Illyssus getting more into the stream, and inch by inch the Cam crept ahead, gaining about a boat’s length. Another fine spurt by Jones’s men shortened that distance by half, and nearing the crowds on the bank, the excitement became intense, one party calling “ Cam has it,” and another “ Illyssus, pull it off.” The steady stroke of the Cam crew, who had been in longer practice than their opponents, told however in the end, for as each boat came on to the judge’s chair at a swifter speed than has been seen in any race for some time, it was apparent the practised men had the advantage. As on they shot the public took up the cheering and returned it ; the Illyssus was tempted to again spurt, and although it had been losing to the extent of nearly a length and half, the effort brought that boat to within half and three quarters of a length from the post when the Cam’s nose was up to the line, and now the cheering was taken up very lustily on all sides. It ought to be stated that a boat crossed the course of the Illyssus near the finish, but it was agreed on all hands that it did not influence it in any way. The person in the boat was severely censured by the judge. Tug race, to be rowed in heats ; men enter boats supplied by the committee. Prize — £2 ; entrance, 2s 6d. J. Peterson 1 T. Scott .. 0 W. Woods 0 B. Brown 0 This race was productive of considerable fun. Heat one, between Woods and Petersen, was won by the latter ; the heat between Scott and Brown was placed to the credit of Brown. Petersen and Brown in the final heat struggled hard for the prize. Petersen, however, in ten minutes succeeded in bringing his rival to land. Junior Four-oared race (under twenty-one years) ; distance, about 2 miles; open to all comers; course, up stream. First prize, £6 ; second prize, £2 ; entrance, 15s. Heathcote (Heathcote Bowing Club)— Bow, T, J. Keaney ; 2, J. Buie ; 3, B.

Nankerville ; stroke, H. Nankerville ; cox, J. T. Smith 1 Illyssus (Canterbury Rowing Club) — Bow, A. C. Lean, 9st 61bs ; 2, H. G. Tancred, 9st 51bs ; 3, J. R. Lanauze, 9st lOlbs ; stroke, A. A. Fooks, 9st 81ba ; cox, R. McDougal, 6st 71b ... ... 2 Cam (Cure Boating Club) —Bow, J. Ogden; 2, C, Hayman; 3, R; Day; stroke, F. Smith ; cox, T. Hills ... 0 The three got well away, Heathcote leading, the Cam in its wake from the south bank, When half a boat’s length in front of the Cam, the Heathcote crew went over into the water of the former. At the end of Huria Island the Heathcote was still leading. Here the Cam crew began to row unevenly, when the Illyssus came up, and the result was a sort of foul, which, however, was not in favor of that boat. A smart race ensued between second and third for second position, the Illyssus spurting well to the fore. The Heathcote was still increasing its lead, and won easily, with five lengths to spare, the distance between Illyssus and Cam being two lengths. Senior Pair-oared race ; distance H miles ; open to all members of Clubs. First prize, £6 ; second prize, £2 ; entrance, 15s. Illyssus (Canterbury Rowing Club) — Bow, E. J. Grierson ; stroke, J. O. Jones ; cox, R. McDougal ... ... 1 Sylph fUnion Bowing Club)—Bow, H. Willcox; stroke, T. Searell; cox, C, H. Dixon 2 Cam (Cure Boating Club) —Bow, G, Wright; stroke, J. Perrin; cox, T. Hills 0

The Kiwi with its crew, G. W. Wearing and J. Winterbourne, was entered, but for reasons given could not compete. Mr Sims effected a splendid start, the Cam gaining the advantage of the course, and keeping a lesd to the end of the sandhills, the Illyssus and Sylph lying in the order named. No alteration of moment occurred till nearing the south branch junction, when the Sylph spurted up to the Hlj ssus, overhauling it, and went on past the Cam, the Illyssus following suit, and passing both its rivals. These positions now obtained were held to the finish, the Illyssus winning by four lengths, two lengths being the distance between the Sylph and Cam.

Junior Pair-oared race (under twentyone years'*; distance 1J miles, open to all members of clubs. First piize, £3; second prize, £1 ; entrance, 7s 6d. Cam (Canterbury Rowing Club) —Bow, J. A. Lanauze ; stroke, A. A. Fookes ; cox, 0. H. Dixon 1 Heathcote (Heathcote Rowing Club)— Bow, R. Nankerville; stroke, H. Nankerville ; cos, J, T, Smith 2 Sylph —Bow, W, Noble Campbell, Bst 91b ; A, H. Noble Campbell, 9st 21b ; cox, R. Mountford, 6st 61b ... ... 3 In this race the Kiwi (Cure Boating Club) was unable to compete. The trio were despatched on good terms, but in the wider part of the river it was difficult to judge which had the leading position, as the boats took courses so far away from each other. Nearing the narrow part the Cam came to the fore by some lengths, and the boats came in in order as above. Double Sculls, in stump outriggers; distance 2 miles, oval course, open to all comers. First prize, £5 ; second prize, £2 ; third prize, £1; entrance 10s. Third prise will be awarded if six boats compete. Heathcote Rowing Club—H. Nankerville and R. Nankerville 1 Cure Boating Club—CK Wright and J. Perrin 2 Canterbury Rowing Club 0 The Heathcote went away from the start with a strong lead, the Kaiapoi boat keeping close company. When half over the course the Christchurch boat surrendered,

and although a close contest ensued b-lwccn the Heathcote and Eaiapoi, and although the latter did 1 are a slight lead on a part of the course, it had to give in to Heathcote, which came in winner by four lengths. Rob Roy Ganoe race, distance I mile. First prize, £5 ; second prize, £3; third prize, £2; fourth prize, £1; entrance 10s. Third prize will be awarded if six, and fourth if eight boats compete. Rip Rap—J. O, Jones 1 Peep o’ Day—M. Bowron 0 W. H. Oveuden’s Rip Rap and R. Macfarlane’s Black Witch were entered, but did not compete. Peep o’ Day led the van from the start, but was headed by Rip Rap, the latter winning by about six lengths. Swimming race for men, distance 440 yards. First prize, £3 ; second prize, £1; third prize, 10s; third prize will be awarded if six compete; entrance 2s 6d; post entries. J. Branston 1 J. Gahagan ... ... ... 2 G. Whitaker ... 0 W. Perrin 0

The four were staited at the Suspension bridge, to win at the Lower wharf. Branston on the side stroke, won easily ; Gahagan second, and Whitaker third throughout. Duck Hunt, Prize £1 ; entrance 2s 6d. G. Whitaker (drake) 1 T. Scott (duck) 0 Great fun was created at the efforts of the duck to escape the drake gig, but at the end of twelve minutes, after some dodging under Birch and Go’s wharf and the bridge, Whitaker caught Scott by leaving his gig. After the regatta a meeting of the committee was held at the Borough Council Chambers, when the protest of the Cure crew against the Heathcote, for fouling it in the junior four oarod race, was considered. Evidence pro and eon. was taken, when the committee decided to disallow the protest, as no foaling was proved to have taken place. In the evening a public ball was held at Monk’s Kaikainui Concert Hall, which was generally well patronised.