NEW YEAR’S DAY.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1521, 2 January 1879, Page 3

NEW YEAR’S DAY.

LYTTELTON REGATTA. The New Year’s festivities at the Port were an unqualified success. The weather was magnificent and the attendance largo. Not less than 16,000 spectators witnessed the regatta. Yet so perfect were the arrangements made for their accommodation that no inconvenience was experienced by the visitors, and no accident occurred to mar the enjoyment of tho day. A largo number of .guests were entertained on hoard the Hydaspea—a vessel that served admirably as a flagship for tho occasion—and a ■till larger number found rest and refreshment at the different hotels, and restaurants specially erected for tho occasion. Pressure upon our space prevents a detailed account of anything save tho actual contests, but it is but justice to say tho management reflects great credit upon the committee. Tho following is an account of the various races. Commodore —H. N. Nalder, Esq. ViceCommodore —H. All vv right, Esq. Hon, Treasurer—J. C. Boddington, Esq. Hon. Secretary—H. C. Jacobson, Esq. Judgea— Captains Babot, Gibson, and Milman, 11. E. Webb, Esq. ; H. Thompson, Esq. Time keepers—W. H. Lance, Esq.; Goo. Tayler, Esq. Starters—J. 0. Boddington, Esq.; W. Packard, Esq. Committee Messrs Murray-Ayneley, P. Cunningham, W. Cameron, W. D’Authrcau, W. H. Eyes, It. Forbes, H. Hawkins, H. MeLollun, T. McClatchie, if,. Macdonald, T. A. VV. Parsons, J. T. Rouse, C. A. Rich, A. Reid, E. Ward, W. Whitby, J. S. Willcox, VV. Young, J, Yule, Turpin, D. Mills, Kingsford, G. W. White, and Neville. Stewards Mayors of Christchurch, Kaiapoi, Lyttelton, Akatoa, and Sydenham, Hon. J. T. Peacock, Messrs 0. VV. Turner, J. li. Macpherson, A. Oariqck, IT. iienimb,’J. H. Wny, Saunders, PalmeJ L. Cosier, Dr. Donald, J. Conyers, G. L. Mellish, A 0. Wilson, W. M. Maukcll, E A. liargre.ives. G. G.,Stead, George Gould, J. .Anderson, J. Marsh man, I). Davis, a. Hose, r! Cotton, R. J. S, Harman, Vi. Montgomery, Jjk-.IL- Brwv, H. Haw tell, D Craig, T. ■ Jnglis, F. Jenkins, P. Laurie, J Cunnell, W. Day, 8. Re'vai.s, I'. M iJufSi.il, Capt. Mill ton, W. Reeves, G, Thornton, J. D. Garwood, U. 8. Smith, F. if. M. Walker, T. Cass, C. E. Briggs, A. Cull', E G. Wright, T. H. Putts, VV. I). Means, K. V alter, J. Oflivier, F Graham, Charles Clark, J. T. Warnn, R. D. Ttiuma-i, Ju Jolnsion, C H Williams, T. R. Fisher, jun,, R. P. Crosbii*, Cuptuii s Babul, ! Duviee, Milman, Hodder, Fusion, Lewis, . Duiishup, Hon. J. Hall, and VV. Kollerton. i a.m. the committee held their usual r Cunningham's store. Tuere iw much bmineas as usual |,y transact,

r beyond distributing the stewards’ ribbons and ) giving a few final directions, the only thing ■ done was to refuse to allow a boat to enter - for tho youths’ whale boat race. Tho com- > mittee regretted to refuse, but came to the r conclusion that it was absolutely necessary for . the sake of future regattas, to keep to the i rules, which distinctly state that no boats for the rowing races should bo allowed to enter . after the time fixed by the regatta committee. An early start was made for the committee ship, and tho first races wont very punctually. Unfortunately one of the gentlemen pulling i.i the double sculling race made a mistake about the time at which the race was to bo off, so it had to bo put off until 3.45 p.m. All the other races went according to advertised time, and were capitally competed fur, as the number of crews in tho various races show. Wo are happy to state no protest was lodged, except about the duck race. Tho weather iu the morning was most propitious, a fresh north-easter sotting in, bilt later the wind died away, and light variable airs prevailed, rendering it alow work for the sailing races, and the committee’s job of waiting till they were finished most tedious. The model yacht rad6' was the first event on tho card, and called together no less than a dozen competitors, eleven of whom started. Keen interest was felt, and there were a large number of spectators, and no doubt next year there will bo even a larger field and probably two events. For the ships’ bouts sailing race there were three entries. The Rangitiki, so well known here as a fast boat and the winner of many races, was the favourite, and pleased her admirers by winning easily, though Captain Hughes’ boat showed capital weatherly qualities, and ran a really good second. For tho next event on the card there were no entries, though, as already stated, a Lyttelton crew were prepared to hold their own against all comers. The Champion Yacht race was the next event. The Dove was the favourite, and justified her admirer’s confidence by winning easily. The Lira (late L.Y.C.’s Eleetwing), had, however, many friends, as it was thought that she was able to go, when in her present trim, some six inches lighter than on previous occasions. She made a good show at the start, but after rounding the Camp Bay buoy she never showed in tho race. The Fairy, the only other yacht entered, was not started. The great event of the day was the next . started —the champion sailing race for trading vessels. There were six entries, but the O wake ; and Jessie Nichol did not start. Of tho other four the Torea was the favorite from her last year’s performance ; the Alert, however, won, but only by a few yards, the Torca, Herald, and winner terminating a magnificent 1 race by coming in within a few lengths of ■ each other. The other competitor—the Croy- * don Lass —went to leeward from the first, 1 and retired early in the race. For the four- 1 oared whaleboat race, for youths under eigh- 1 teen, there were four starters. The Ava- 1 lanche won a very well competed race; the 1 Rangitoto and Hero, also manned by Lyttelton s crews, being second and third. A Christ- * church crew, who also competed, came in ‘ last, but they labored under the disadvantage 1 of pulling in a heavy boat. They showed f great pluck, and would have been in the race 1 with a lighter craft. There was a great deal of interest shown in * the next race, the open boat sailing race. H There were five entries, viz., the Toy (a beautifully finished Auckland vessel), two 8 ship’s boats, the dredge Erskine’s boat, and the Blanche (a waterman’s boat). The " Rangitiki and the Erekine were most fancied, a but the stranger had it all her own way, and 1 won easily, tho Rangitiki a fair second, and the Blanche third. Jj Of the seven who entered for tho canoe ' race there were but four starters, R, J. a Lanauze in the Petrel, and J. O. Jones in the 0 Kathleen at once went away from tho others. After a hard struggle Lanauze took the lead, ’ 9 and kept it to the finish, in spite of several 8 very game efforts on the part of Jones. For 8 the ships’ boats pulling race, all four that en- y tored came to the scratch. The Hurunni I kept the lead from the first, and the Eangi- 7 tiki would Lave come in a pretty easy second, f but they mistook the course, going outside 7 instead of inside the committee ship. Tho e mistake was perceived too late, and the Mallowdale, who had also gone astray, and was astern, managed to get inside tho 8 committee ship first. Tho Double Sculling ( " race in stump outriggers, which had to be C postponed owing to the absence of one of tho 1 men, now came off. The Moa took and kept 3 the lead, and when within a short distance of 8 the finish, the other competitor, the Una, a gave in, much to the surprise of the specta- -* tors, who favored her with many groans and t other signs of disapprobation. The tub race r and duck hunt wore both well contested, and a caused much merriment. The following is a detailed account of the n various races : Model Yacht Race. Entrance, ss. Ist prize, £3 15s ; 2nd, £2 15s; 3rd, £1 15s : 4th, £1 5s Course —Prom Peacock’s “j Wharf to the Watermen’s Steps. ° Falcon, schooner, 5 Sin. long (H. Hutchinson) 1 « Lottie, cutter, 40in. long ... (A. ■ eccole) 2 f; Dido, cutter, 40in. long ... (J. Davis) 3 t: Sumner, cutter, 31 in. long ... (J. Day) 4 si Dart, schooner, 51in long (P. Cunningham) 5 h Rival, cutter, 30in. long ... (A. McDonald) 0 $ Bessie, cutter, 38in. long ... ( —Rigg) 0 p Fly, schooner, 24in. long ... (H. Webb) 0 Alberta, cutter, 30in. long ... ( Tester) 0 Arrow, cutter, 39in. long ... (Milman) 0 Mistral, cutter, s!in. long ... (C. A. Rich) 0 Nardoo, cutter, 44in. long (L. C. Cuff) 0 A very good start was effected. All but one went, and the great interest taken in this I novel feature of the regatta was shown Ly the number of people who went to witness the start, which was from a buoy off Peacock’s I Wharf. Owners of boats wero allowed to turn them with sticks, and, as a whole, the race, considering that it is the first of its kind * ever run at Lyttelton, was very well managed, and was an extremely pretty sight. The q schooners Falcon and Dart and the cutter Lottie were the first to get away, and soon distanced tho others. Captain Milman’s Arrow, which has taken several prizes at home, was overweighted with sail, and soon 1 after starting was swamped, and withdrawn t from tho contest. The two schooners held tl their own until near the finish, when the t' Dart standing too close to the Breakwater v last the wind, and the Lottie, which was well b up, took second place, and tho Dido third, t The Dido and Falcon, when on different r tacks, collided, without serious damage to ti either. Tho Falcon came in first, Lottie t second, Dido third, Sumner fourth, the Dart, c which showed great sailing capabilities, being p fifth, owing to her being unfortunately be- t calmed during a portion of tho race, The t committee state that next year it will be C necessary to classify the models and have two v races, as boats under 30 inches stood no t chance whatever with the longer vessels. a Ships’ Boats Sailing Race. Entrance, 10s. g Ist prize, £lO ; 2 id prize, £5. Course Start from committee ship, round buoy off Parson’s rock, round boat or buoy, off reef, and round reef, and win between committee ship and wbarf. Rangitiki, Captain Milman 1 M. A. Annison, Captain Hughes 2 q Florence, Captain Houston ... ... 3 j The race started at lib. 3min, 20sec. All j three wont away to a good start, the Mary J Ann Annison showing most life, uud ’"'Uuering on the Thcy had 'h ar( ]ly g cleared the Breakwater when it became evi- t dent that tho Florence was going fast to lee- v ward and would speedily be out of the race, b Tho Rangitiki showed moat sail, but the t Mary Ann Annison kept well to windward for s some time. The wind, which was light when f they started, rapidly increased, and the llungi- j tiki being by far tiie most powerful boat, b drew ahead, vv s first round both buoy and 1 reel, and came ia a winner at 12-22-45. The k Mary Ann Annison pissing the winning point fc as 12 28 ; Flofvr.co distanced, £ Champion Yacht Race. Open to all comers. No cenii-'-boa d vosels allo-ed to compete. i < ntr,.n e, 635. Ist prize, New Zealand Skipping Company’s cup. v due 25 guineas, and 50 sovereigns : 2nd prize, £2 ». Cour-e —Start outside committee ship. 1 round buoy or boat off Camp Bay, round J boat, or buoy off reef, ard round re-f. 1 wico round Course, and win at starting t point. Dover, cutter, 24 tons, John Robinson ... 1 t Uira, cutter, JO tons, 11. Alwright 2 g i bis race oturlod at 12 22 p m. Three wero s entered, but the Fairy was w ithdrawn, leaving j r it a match between the Dove and ULm (late I Fleet wing). An excellent start was 1 effectvd, i the broeza was fresh, anci tho Lira, though r

last away, laid well up, and weathered on the Dove, many thinking she had tho race in hand. The Dove was tho first, to tack, being so far to leeward that she could not weather Stoddart’s Feint. Tho Uira continued on the same tack much longer, but, keeping close to tho land, lost the breeze, and when she passed the Dove on the other tack was astern, hut only a short distance. Tho wind continued to freshen, and both yachts kept well together, and made a very pretty race, Tho Dove, however, was round the buoy first, and, running towards the reef, set an immense spread of canvas, and fairly distanced her c ampotitor, rounding the reef the first time at 2.10 p.m,, the [lira passing the same point at 2 37 p m., tho yachts crossing each other when opposite tho opening at tho breakwater. The north caster died away, and for some time there wore only a few westerly puffs, tho Dove however, had altogether the best of it, and rapidly increased her lead, the Uira lying

like a log in tho water between Baker’s Bay end the breakwater. From this time the race was never in doubt, the Dove, in spite of the light and variable winds, passing tho reef tho second time at 5,37 p.m., and coming in a winner at 5.39 p.m., long before tho Uira hove in sight for the second time. She was persevered with, however, to the last, and about 7.30 came round the reef behind the coasting vessels that were startid sometime after. No doubt she was peculiarly unlucky, as she showed very great sailing capabilities

whilst the fresh breeze lasted, and would no doubt have run the Dove bard for first honors had it not been for the unlucky weather. Passing the winning buoy, Mr Robinson, the spirited owner of tho Dove, was warmly cheered by those aboard tho committee and flag ships. Champion Sailing Race, for trading vessels under 150 tons register. Cutters and centre-board vessels not allowed to compete. Open to allcomers. Entrance, 635. Ist prize, Messrs Shaw, Saville and Co.’s cup, valued at 25 guineas, with 75 sovereigns added ; 2nd prize, £25. Course —Start outside committee ship, round buoy or boat off Camp Bay, round boat or buoy off reef, and round reef. Twice round course, and win at starting point. Alert, schooner, 45 tons, Cuff and Graham 1 Herald, schooner, 53 tons, D. McKay ... 2 Torea, schooner, 78 tons, J. Gundry 3 Croydon Lass, schooner, 51 tons, P. Curran 0

Mr Packard effected a capital start at 12h, 41min. 3sec. Tho Alert was the first to

fhow in front, Herald second, Torea third. The Croydon Lass going to leeward. There was a nice breeze, and the Torea, which was to windward, soon gained on the other vessels, but was obliged to keep away to pass under tho Especulador’s stern. Tho Alert and Herald, both admirably sailed, made the most of this. The Croydon Lass being far to leeward didn’t look as if she had much chance even at this early period of tho race, and she never neared the three leaders at any time, and dropped out of tho race after the first round. As the vessels passed out of sight of tho committee ship they pre sented a very beautiful appearance tho three being in a line. Tho Herald kept well to windward, the Alert second, and the Torea third. They rounded at Diamond Harbor, the Alert first, Herald second, and Torea third. All tacked in nearly the same place iu the order named. When they again bore in sight the Alert was first, Torea second, Herald third. Just at the reef tho Torea camo up abreast of Cuff and Graham’s schooner, but the latter kept tho weather-gauge, and passed the reef at 3.4 p.m. The Torea passed at 35, and the Herald, which was uow gaining rapidly on tho others, at 3,7. Nothing could have been more beautiful to lovers of aquatics than to see the Alert and Torea sail past the breakwater abreast, each alternately forging a few inches ahead of the other, and the Herald barely a couple of lengths astern. After passing tho breakwater the Torea drew ahead, which position she held till nearing tho other shore, when a sudden shift of wind gave the Alert the advantage, putting her half a mile ahead, the Herald leading well up. The wind was now very variable, and the spectators witnessed the strange sight of two vessels within a few yards of each other, one with a southeast and tho other with a north-east wind, Owing to these sudden shifts the Torca and Alert led alternately. The Alert was out of sight first, but the Torea gained on her going down the harbor, and passed the buoy at Camp Bay first. Coming towards the reef the second time the Torea kept the lead, Herald second, and Alert third, but by good sailing tho Alert weathered on the others, and again took first position, Herald second, and Torea third, and all within a very short distance of each other. The Alert rounded the reef for the last time at 7.22 p.m., the Herald at 7.23-30, and the Torea at 7-24 30. They maintained this order to the finish, tho three being a magnificent sight, and never more than a few yards from each other. The Alert winning one of the best contested races ever run at 7.27 40, He!a l d coming in second at 7.36, and the Torea 15 seconds later, being barely half a length behind the Herald at the finish. Captain Whitby, who sailed the .Alert tor Caff and Graham, was warmly cheered by those aboard the committee ship, and well deserved tho applause, for no one could have handled the winning schooner better than he did.

Fouk-oaked Whaleboat Race, for youths under 18 years. Entrance, 10s. Ist prize, £10; 2nd prize, £3. Four to start or no second prize Course —Start from buoy at Gladstone Pier, round boat or buoy in Dampier’s Bay, round starting buoy, and win inside committee ship. Avalanche, J. Messiter. Crew Bow, J. Beverley; 2, A. Arnold; 3, C. Fitzsimmons ; stroke, J. Messiter; cox., J. Walsh 1 Rangitoto, Beasley. Crew —Bow, H. Street ; 2, J. Gallagher; 3, A, Taylor ; stroke, J. Beasley ; cox ,J. Green ... ... ... 2 Hero, T. Newton. Crew—Bow, W. Cohen ; 2, A. Westlake; 3, J. Salt; stroke, T. Newton ; cox., J. Bnehanau ... ... 3 Canterbury, J. F. Grierson. Crew —Bow, R. McDougall; 2, A. C. Nottingham ; 3, E. M. Bolton; stroke, J. F. Grierson;

cox., ... ... ... ... ... 0 Tho boys wero well started at Ih. Omiu. 15sec. Tho Avalanche soon took the lead, the Rangitoto second place, as they neared the committee ship. Tho Avalanche still had the lead round tho hulk, Rangitoto second, well up, Hero third, and tho Christchurch boat some distance in tho rear. The Rangitoto kept spurting, but the Avalanche was well rowed, and kent her place pretty easily, maintaining har position as she passed the Hag ship, the second time, and from that point increasing the lead. No change took place passing the buoys at tho Gladstone Pier, and the Avalanche came in an easy winner by twenty lengths at 1,13.30 p.m,, Hero third. The Christchurch boat was far astern, but this was owing to her being far heavier to pull than the others. Her crew pulled admirably and gamely from start to finish. Sailing Race, in open boats. Open to all comers. Entrance, 21s. Ist prize, £25; 2nd prize, £5. Course-—Start from committee ship, round buoy off Parson’s Rock, round boat or buoy off reef, and round reef, and win between committee ship and Wbarf. Toy, C. Bailey 1 Rangitikei, Milman ... 2 Blanche, T. Smc-aton 3

J’-Uhme, Turpin _ A The race started at 3.3* p.m. Tho Toy gob away first, Rangitiki second, but none of the ? t pt Lad any great advantage. They kept well together 'for some time, the Auckland boat Toy being much admired. She rounded tho reef first at 3 21, tho Rangitiki being second at 3.40, Blanche third, and Emkine fourlb. The Toy won tho race at ~40 p.m.,

•just, it us tlio second boat parsed the ted, that «trial 1 craft coming in twelve minutes later, 'i'ho jJlanchc arrived at 4 p.m , mid the ifirskino two minutes afterwards. The Florence’s boat was entered, but did not start. Canoe Face. Three to start or no v eo. Entrance, 10s 6d. Prize Ma'or’s cup. ( our. e, start from committee ship, round boat or buoy in Dm.pier’s Bay, round buoys at Gladstone pier, aud win inside committee ship. Petr 1— K. ,1. L mauzc 1 Kathleen —J. <». Jones ... ... ... ... 2 Piui.baballngli—J. Perrin ... ... ... 3 Scud — t’aylor ... ... ... ... ... 1 Though seven entered, only four came to the start, which took place at 2 36 10. They got away well together, but, Jones ami Lcnauze goon drew away from the others and paddled neck and neck for nearly all round, the coin be, Len iuz ’, last year’s winner, eventually coining in first, 3 mes close up j Perrin pulled very pluokily throughout, aud jV.st at the iiuiaa

piT on a spurt which placed him within a il'i'irtei' ; ! Ids canoo's length of the second j beat -hen the winning gun was fired. The i race was won at 2 17.10. Ships’ Boats Bulling Race, Four oars. Kntrancc. AT, Ist prize, <£ls; 2nd prize, <£s; 3rd prize, <£2 Four boats to start or no third prize. To bo pulled by crews of ships. Course —Start from buoy at Gladstone Pier, round boat or buoy in Hamper's Bay, round starting buoy, and win inside committee ship. Ilumiiui (Captain Barclay) 1 Mallow-bile (Captain Donum) 2 Ramritiki (Captain Milman) 3 Hydaspcs (Cap to in Babot) 0 The start took place at 255 p.m. The Hurunui was first past the flagship, Mallowdale second, Raugitib? third; the flagship’s boat making poor work of it, and rapidly dropping astern. The same order was maintained round the hulk, but coming up the Rangitiki spurted and took the lead from the Mailowdale. Seeing there was no chance, the Hydaspes here gave in. The three boats rounded the Gladstone pier buoys in same order, but in coming home the coxswain made a mistake, all steering for the outside instead of the inside of (he committee’s ship, which was the proper winning point. After a great deal of shouting the Hurinui turned in the right direction, and came in a winner at 3.10 p.m. The other two persisted in going the wrong way till close to the committee’s ship, and when they discovered their error there was a strong argument between the two crews. The Mallowdale’s boat which, had they all pulled right, would have had to be content with third honors, got round astern of th» committee’s ship first, and won the second prize. Double t- culling Race, in stump outriggers. Entrance, 21s. Prize, <£2o, cither in plate or money as desired. Course— Start from buoy at Gladstone Pier, round \ boat or buoy in Dumpier’a Bay, round J starting buoy, and win inside committee ship.

Mon, C.R.C. Crew —Bow, A. C. Lean; stroke, J. E. Lanauzs; cox, G. Dixon ... 1 Una, T.E.C. Crew—Bow, P. H. Duncan ; stroke, J. Carter; cox, —• 0 A good start was effected at 4.3 p.m., the boats pulling very evenly for some distance. Tho Moa then put on a spurt, got a length ahead, and rounded the hulk first, increasing their distance from tho Una every stroke, passing tho flag ship, however, the Una put on a splendid spurt and got nearly level with the loading boat. Tho Moa rounded the Gladstone pier buoys first, and coming into wind increased her lead. About half way between the buoys and the committee ship the Una gave up the contest, and gently paddled away, much to tho disgust of the spectators, who expressed their disapprobation in unmeasured terms. The winning boat passed the lino at 4.14.30, the race being a very fast one —the distance being done in less time than on the previous year. Duck Hunt. Entrance, 2s 6d. Prize, ,£2. Duck, Joe Kutle.ige ; drake, John Childs. The hunt was well contested, and caused considerable merriment, the duck won not being captured by its pursuer. W. T, Taylor, who entered as duck on entrance night, lodged a protest with tho committee at not being allowed to start as duck, owing to bis being a few minutes late. This matter will of course be decided by the judges at a future date.

Tub race. Five started. Hayden kept the lead and won by ten yards, the defeated competitors finishing tho race by capsizing and swimming to the wharf. Taylor, second. When the last race was over, tho health of the gentlemen from Christchurch, who had pulled in the starters’ boats, was proposed in the most eulogistic term by Mr J. C. Boddington, the honored treasurer. Tho toast was done ample justice to, and Mr Pavitt responded on behalf of Christchurch in suitable terms, thanking Mr Allwright, the vice-com-modore, Air Boddington, and the members of the committee present for their kindness, and expressing a Imps that those present would bo spared many years to assist in the success of the Lyttelton Ecgatta.