HELENSVILLE REGATTA

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 15 April 1920, Page 3

HELENSVILLE REGATTA

AT SHELLEY BEACH ON EASTER MONDAY

The decision of the Helensville Regatta Club to revive the annual regatta proved, to be a very happy idea, and the gathering held on Easter Monday at Shelley Beach was most successful from all points of view. The weather was in an unusually good mood, and the day which resulted proved a perfect one, both from the competitors' and spectators' point of view. The result was that a very large crowd of local people and visitors were present, the majority of whom were conveyed to the IWfach by the Kaipara S. S. Co.'s '■^"Ruawai," which, it is estimated, JPe#£ried about 500 people. A l^rge number of launches also ■ conveyed parties, and about a , dozen motor car owners were "a^nturesome enough to use the road which runs from Helensville to the Beach. The entries received for the various ev&nts were -very good, and some keen finishes resulted in several of the launch races. Owing to the late start made, the projgpiinine could not be com-pleted'.trp-to time, and the consolation launch race was cut out. The two rowing races resulted in good contests and the compet- .. ing oarsmen spoke in high terms of the rowiog course. The 10 stone and under maiden fours was won by the-Waitemata representatives from the West End by a clear length. The Waite-~-*<mata crew comprised W. Ghent (st.), A. Bryant (3), C. Thompson (2), G. Peace (1), Green (cox). In the open maiden fours a West End crew comprising W. Bright (st), J. Skinner, E. Williams, D. Graham, Whitcome (cox). Won by % feet. The rowing events evoked keen interest, and it is certain more crews will compete in future events. A number of shore events were held, but experience proved that the events on the programme were too numerous, and that in ' future an adjustment will have to take place. Children's events proved the most popular, and entries for these were fairly numerous, but the grown-ups were not in the running mood, and very few competitors were in evidence. The aquatic events were apparently'sufficient attraction for the majority of those who attended the Regatta. Considermg-the comparatively short period that was available g~Mjg> s -osg&nise the Regatta credit S^must be given the officials for the success which attended their efforts. Of course, improvements in several, directions are obvious, both irf; regard to the transport facilities and the running of the programme. But teaches, and with more time next year the Club hope to have every- ; thing running smoothly. The bulk of the work, ot course, fell on the secretary, who nevertheless carried out the duties in his usual efficient manner. Messrs V. and A. McLeod, assisted by Messrs Simcock (2) were responsible for the booth supplying soft drinks, milk and tea, and experienced a very busy time. The shore events were mainly looked after by Messrs Sproston, Wallace, West and Garry, the latter filling the position of handicapper. The financial result of the gathering is most gratifying, and, in spite of the fact that the prize money was considerably increas- I ed, the Club anticipate a surplus | of about £30. ! Following is a list of the aquatic events ;—- ---1. SEALED HANDICAP, ALLCOMERS : All competitors in other motor launch events roust start in this race. Distance 5 miles, over a given course. First prize £6, 2nd £2, 3rd trophy. • i~ Kavalli's Nancy (scr), 1; H f Mar- £^£ Wairere (2rn,), 2; W. Johnson's (3m.), 3, Ten started, ' 2. FISHERMEN'S PUNT RACE: For bona fide fishermen only, in ordinary filing punts. First prize £1 10s, 2nd trophy. „ S, Kostovich 1, M, McDonald 2 ? Four started. 3. WORKING BOAT RACE; For bona fide working boats and launches with a speed of & knots and under. g# B t prize £6, 2nd £2, 3rd trophy. G. Constable's Hauraki (4m. 465.) 1, J. Paul's No Name (9m. 75,) 2, H, Bargraves' Wairere (2m. 525.) 3. Six started. 4, FISHERMEN'S PUNT RACE; For others thm fishermen in ordinary punts. First prize £1 10s, 2nd : trophy. F. Jackson 1, C. Jackson I. 6 MAIDEN FOURS, open weights — Distance 1 mile. First prize £7, 2nd £2. Entrance fee Bs. West End 1, Waitemata 2. Only starters, won by two feet after a hard r^ce.f

M4IDEN FOURS, 10 stone and under. Distance 1 mile. First prize £7, 2nd £2 Ent. feeßs.° Waitemata 1, West End %. ■ Only starters, won by a clear length. 7. HELENSVILLE REGATTA CUP : Open to all handicap motor launch race. First prize £8, 2nd £2, 3rd trophy. O. Sandin's Won't Split (7m. 205.) 1, J. Paul's No Name (9m. 75.), 2; G. Andrews' Eagle (6m. 225.), 3; J. Kavalli's Nancy scr. 4. Six started. A close finish between first and second. 8. HANDICAP FISHING- BOAT RACE: For bona fide Kaipara registered fishing boats (engine only). First prize £6, 2nd prize £2. W. Johnson's Victory 3m. 1; G. Constable's Hauraki 4m. 465. 2. Owing to late hour, the Consolation Motor Launch Race was not run.