THE REGATTA.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 53, 27 January 1872, Page 6

THE REGATTA.

The "Wellington Regatta of 1872 will long be remembered for its unfortunate and unsatisfactory results. To this regatta more than to any other for many years past had there been attached an interest which could in ho way be satisfactorily allayed but by the actual test of muscle and skill. There was not only the rivalry of contesting crews involved in the issue ; the reputation of wellknown local boat-builders was at stake, and the contest was, without a doubt, one into which it was known all the efforts of heart and soul were to be thrown on both sides. Lennox's crew came to the scratch determined to win if muscle and determination would accomplish it, and of bo'.b of these, qualities the crew had plenty. There could be little doubt, when one scanned and compared the opposing crews, that nothing could prevent the Lass o' Gowrie coming home first, but, as we have just stated, the advantage was in the crew, and the result we have mentioned as the likely one would in all quarters have been attributed to the superiority of the men ; and justly so, for the Rua Lura's crew were too alight in the muscular development to row againt Lennox's with any chance of success. The Independent gig, on the other hand, had some good muscle in her crew, but the men wanted more training. The question of the merits of the boats is one that must be decided when two crews more equally matched than those of Mondiy last can be found, and looking round among our aquatic amateurs we feel bound to say the question is one that is likely to remain undecided for some length of time unless it can be settled by some other means than rowing. Of the racing of Monday there was none ; therefore there is nothing to describe. If there was enjoyment at all it might have been derived from that kind of pleasure spoken of by Goldsmith in one of his es?ays: Where everybody meets, under the guise of pleasure hunting, to scan and scandalise his or her neighbors and acquaintances. This stigma, which may or may not be truthful in its application to the habitues of the fashionable London squares, certainly does not apply to such gatherings as that of yesterday, or to any similar holiday throngs in any of the c Monies. Everybody on the wharf on Monday accepted the disappointments of the day with the greatest good nature, and in the absence of the interesting performances on which they .had set great store were content to be amused by such trifles as the ungraceful balancings on the extended pole. The Artillery Band (much improved) formed a centre of attraction in the absence of the proper business on hand, and during the afternoon some few gracefully glided round on the light fantastic toe. A gentleman from Christchurch endeavored to create a little amusement " on his own hook" by rattling a dice-box to the tune " Pop it down, gentlemen," concluding with the explanation that the game was very fashionable and was called " Over and under Seven," the throwing of the veritable seven being "the only chance the old man's got!" when the " old man" sweeps whatever money may happen to be on the fable. Sergeant Monaghan, seeing no equivalent for the money likely to be invested, informed the man, on the authority of the law, to " move on," and the old man made exit accordingly. His Excellency the Governor and Lady Bowen arrived, on the vyhavf at halfpast two, and was received by the committee. The preparation and expectations were very needless and ill-gratified, for his Excellency did just " put in an appearance," having remained only about ten minutes, when he, like the " old man," made exit. Shortly after the contretemps to the Independent boat, the crowd began visibly to decrease, and the interest being rapidly on the wane, the stewards judiciously decided on postponing the remaining events in the programme. What little there was in the way of racing is fully described below, as is also the circumstances attending the unfortunate Independent gig. The damage to the boat is such as to render her unfit for any further use. At the stern the whole of one side is torn out for about sixfeet,by theforceof the dashing waves, and forward she is divided or ripped up a distance of about eight feet from the stem, the whole of the side down to the keel being wrenched away. The loss is a very serious one as the boat was universally admitted to be the best ever turned out by Mr Crowther, and, indeed, the best harbor gig in Wellington. The Sua Lura, we are informed, sustained some slight injury in the effort at rescuing the capsized crew. The starting of the six oared race was much condemned by many people, who considered the shortening of sail by the Enterprise a significant hint as to tho state of the weather, which should have been accepted by the committee, but we quite agree that the committee were not to blame in the matter at all. The majority of the public worked up so much excitement about the race that great would have been the outcry had the committee refused to allow it to be rowed. Then, again, the crews were anxious to row; so that the committee were in a difficulty which they could only avoid by starting the boats. After the accident the Lass o' Gowrie rowed over the course, very steadily, of course, so as to entitle her to the prize. This was considered very objectionable by a great number of those interested, who complained that the crew of the Rua Lura had had no notice of their intention to do so. This was an oversight of which , care should have been taken to avoid, but Mr j Lennox did, nevertheless, give public notice of his intention to row over the course, arad in consequence of bis having done so the stewards awarded his boat the prize. Mr Lennox subsequently stated his willingness to row the Rua Lura for the first prize, and it now rests with the Star Club to accept or reject the challenge. The amateur skiff race, the four-oar gig

race, and the Volunteer race, were postponed until Wednesday. The following is the report of the racing done : Pair-oaked Skipp Race, for boys under sixteen years, with or without coxswain. First prize, 30s ; second, 15s. Mr H. F. Logan's Napi Napi 1 Mr BE. E. Smith's Ely Away ... ... 2 Mr H. F. Logan's Blue-tailed Fly ... 3 At the start an unfortunate foul occurred between the Fly Away and the Blue-tailed Fly, whioh threw both out of the race, as the Napi obtained a lead of about one hundred yards, which she maintained to the finish without any difficulty. Ships Gig- Race—Once rouud the course. First prize, £4; second do, £l. Capt Clark's Gig (Claud Hamilton) ... 1 Capt Dent's Gig (Queen Bee) ... ... 2 When the boats pulled out for the start it was evident that the Queen Bee's gig was no match for the other, which was a wellbuilt whaleboat. At the start the Claud went away with a strong lead ; so strong as to destroy any hope of a race between the boats. The order of going was not changed though the distance between the boats was increased, this Queen Bee being a quarter of a mile astern when the leader rounded the Eli Whitney buoy. Fisherman's Race, for boats the property of fishermen and employed as fishing boats. Once round the course. First prize, £3 ; second, £l. Flying Squirrel *, 0 Garibaldi 0 Auld Reekie 0 The start was a regular bungle, the hurry and bustle of getting away creating such excitment on board the boats as to prevent any of them getting the sails trimmed. Tho start was something after the fashion of a blindfold wheelbarrow race, each boa"; taking a different course to the other. All passed the first buoy with the sails hanging loose. Shortly after rounding the Garibaldi carried away her sprit and lost ground just at a time when she was running away to the fore. The other boats then passed her j but when she had repaired her sail it was evident she was too good a sailer for the others on a wind, for she rapidly overhauled both. Before reaching Point Halswoll, one of the boats had withdrawn from the race, and shortly after the wind increased to such an extent that the Flying Squirrel and the Garibaldi had to shorten sail, the smaller boat taking in all sail for some little time. The Garibaldi still had a long lead, but the glass discovered that something had happened, for the sprit had been lowered or carried away, and the jib also. The second boat was now mak ing the best weather of it, though both were making tremendous leeway, and ultimately fetched up at the starting point, unable to make any headway against the strong wind. Both again started and reached abreast of the India hulk in time for the Garibaldi to pick up some of the crew of the Independent gig. This put a stop to the race altogether. Champion Amateur Gig Race, six oars or under. No outrigger allowed. First prize, cup, to be won two years in succession, and £lO ; second prize, £3. Five miles. Mr T. Lennox's Lass O' Gowrie 1 Independent Club's Independent 0 Star Club's Rua Lura ... 0 When the gigs turned out to take their stations each was closely scanned by the spectators. For power, endurance, and general uniformity of style, Lennox's crew carried the highest opinion in general estimation. The Star crew stood next, the Independent, though powerful enough, failing in every stroke in the trial trips to grip the water together. The swing of Lennox's crew was good, though Nos. 1 and 2 were rather tardy in taking the time from the stroke oar. Neither of the other crews had the advantage of a good even swing in the stroke, and consequently they lost the momentum gained by perfection in this art. Some difficulty was experienced in getting the boats even for the start, and in the effort to catch the starting buoy, the stroke oar of the Rua Lura carried away his after rowlock. This necessitated a delay in the proceedings J of about half an hour, and when the boats were again brought up, the Rua Lura had the inside place, the Lass o'Gowrie the centre position, and the Independent gig the outside. At this time the wind was blowing half a gale, and it was evident from the fact that the brigantine Enterprise had to shorten sail off Pipitea that in all likelihsod one or other if not all of the gigs would' be swamped. During the week preceding the race it was hoped by those who desired to see the new boat put to a severe test that the wind would be fresh, the general impression being that her light draught and the great surface she presented to the wind would interfere greatly with her chance. There was a little too much wind, however, for all the boats, and the race was looked forward to with increased interest, or, more correctly speaking, with great anxiety on that account. Before the start a consultation was held amongst the stewards as to whether it would be advisable to permit the boats to go, but as the crews themselves seemed anxious to decide the question that had been so much debated as to their respective merits it was decided to start them, and the gun fired when they were stationed at a dead level. The first three strokes were flurried and did little towards moving the boats against the wind. The Lass o' Gowrie was the first to feel the lift of the oars, and gradually drew ahead of the Independent. The pace of these two could be measured by comparison, but the Rua Lura's coxswain chose the inshore course, which was longer but the water was smoother. The crew also pulled a steadier and easier stroke than either of the other boats and seemed to make an equal pace under much more comfortable circumstances, for while the others were shipping water frequently the Rua Lura took on board very little. Just as the two outside boats reached the

India hulk, moored about a hundred yards from the wharf, the glass showed that the Independent gig was in difficulties, and immediately after the coxswain of the Lass o' Gowrie, not thinking the position so serious, crossed clear of the Independent gig, and took her water. This made the water more choppy and the latter boat began to fill. The orew made an attempt to round the bows of the hulk, and ju3t as she had cleared and was in view from the wharf she was seen to go down. The strength of the wind and the force of the waves made the condition of the. crew rather critical, but they kept their seats, although the water was washing over the gunwale, until the force of the wash turned the boat over. All stuck to the bottom of the boat, and fortunately one of the boats in the fisherman's race was beating up at the time in the direction of the hulk. She could only pick up two of the crew; being waterlogged, though a half-decked boat, she had to make for the shore and leave the remainder in the water. The men on board the hulk had in the meantime got their boat out, but there being only two of them in her they could make no headway against the sea and wind. The excitement amongst the people on the wharf was intense and shouts were raised from all parts for boats. About ten of all kinds—skiffs, whaleboats, &c. — shot out from the wharf, Captain Clarke of the Claude Hamilton turning out a crew with great expedition. Even the progress of these wellmanned boats seemed slow, and in reality was so, for although they all started from different points they were all at about an equal distance from the men in the water when they were assisted by the other boats, the Rua Lura picking up three, with whom she returned to the wharf. This virtually terminated the proceedings of the day, the only other event gone on with being the WALKING- ON THE SPRING POLE. About a dozen entered, and after the usual amount of fun had been created by the slipping and the splashing of the competitors, their artistic balancing on the pole and their diversions in the water, the prizes were awarded as follows : Rickman ... ... ... ... 1 Bidmead ... ... 2 An attempt was made to get off some of the other races but proved futile, and it was agreed that three events of those remaining on the programme should be rowed on Wednesday at 4 o'clock. Wednesday, January 24. Of all the races that have taken place in Wellington harbor it was unanimously accorded by the oldest inhabitants that never such a noble contest was seen in the waters of Port Nicholson as that for the cup for the fouroared race o i Wednesday, The interest which previously to the Anniversary Day had centred in the six-oared contest was, after the accident of Monday, affixed to the respective crews for the four-oared race, the pullers in the Lass o' Gowrie being the four selected for the champion crew for Canterbury, those in the Faugh-a-Ballagh being the crew who had intended rowing in the Independent gig, and the Electric Spark's crew being men picked to row her for the four-oared race only. In consequence of the accident on Monday the race was looked upon as a match between the Lass o' Gowrie and the Electric Spark, and it proved to be so, for though the Faugh-a-Ballagh pulled a worthy third to such a first and second, she was never in the race. To explain her position first. The Faugh-a-Ballagh never was looked upon as a dangerous rival by either the Rua Lura or the Independent gig; therefore spectators at former regattas never were much disappointed in finding her in the position she invariably occupied when competing against those boats. Having this knowledge the crew in her did not entertain very sanguine views about winning; at any rate, they were either not very anxious to get away at the start, or were taken by surprise when the gun fired ; the boat not only wa3 a length behind the others, she had considerable backway on, and as a consequence the ground lost, though only a length, judged by the power of optics, was in reality equal to two according to the law of motive power. Another detracting cause of which the public knew nothing till the conclusion of the race was the breaking in two of one of the oars, which snapped at the leather early in the race, and the rest of it was rowed, or the motions observed with the half oar. Bearing these things in mind the rowing of the Faugh a Ballagh's crew and the place occupied by the boat at the finish of the race was most surprising,, and the cheering which greeted the men as they rowed round to the steps was as hearty and as well deserved as was that which met the winning crew on their arrival at the winning post. The interest attaching to this race was of a kind independent altogether to that of the six-oared race. The intercolonial race at Christchurch had entailed no little amount of trouble and expense in providing a boat as well as a crew. The former was a matter of expense only and was soon overcome, but the choice of the crew had raised a mountain of trouble before Mr Snow could finally decide on the four to row in the new boat, and at the conclusion of his task we agreed and still think that he chose the four best men to be found in Wellington, and as to the cause of their defeat we shall say a few words presently. The Electric Spark, it will be remembered, won the cup for the four-oared race last year, and only by showing the others the way home on Wednesday could it become the property of her crew. Looking forward to this race with a never swerving purpose the crew had for the past month gone their course in an unpretentious way, not always practising together, for circumstances prevented that, but they werked with a will, entertaining none of those fears which the growing fame, of Lennox's crew would assuredly have created in the minds of men

yrho had rot set themselves to the accomplishment of an object with the determination that nothing should daunt them. In the race the men pulled a fine stroke of about forty a minute, and it was noticeable that they maintained that rate from start to finish, and it is to the regularity of the stroke, the uniformity of their pace, and the superiority of the boit, their success is due. There was the fault in the crew that they did not swing ■well together, but this was evidence only of the want of coaching ; but notwithstanding the absence of neatness there was that perpetual and dogged dig, dig, forty to the minute, which has made Darbyshire a heartbreaker and a terror to all opponents. Although we would not say one word in disparagement of the winning crew, we say unhesitatingly that their success is entirely attributable to the disparity in the boats. The decision of this point was a matter which we had watched with pome keenness, and not till Wednesday was the lookedfnv opportunity for comparison afforded. When Lennox's boat was finished from her builder's hands we expressed, in our notice of her, a doubt that she would show any great speed, and this was conclusively borne out by the result of each race in which she competed on Wednesday. Her crews were the best in each race, yet in neither did she make a close finish. As to Lennox's crew we have little to add to the opinion we have so often expressed. Their rowing in the race was perfection in style; their oars were brought right home, "clean, and all together; and in dipping the water was cut sharply and with a fine lift that would have told a different tale in any boat with less timber built iuto her and consequently with a diminished surface to opoose to the wind. The rowing of both orews was magnificent, and though we take Lennox's for choice tlie difference is not very great. Every inch of the race was contested ♦ ill the boats faced the wharf in the last r>und, when, from some unaccountable cause, which has not been explained, the crew of the Lass o' Gowrie leftoff pulling, being at the time three lengths behind. It was thought an oar had broken or a rowlock given way, but this idea was immediately dissipated by the crew stretching to their oars again and finishing the distance. This stoppage seemed very stupid, particularly as the Wo 2 of the Electric Spark broke his rowlock when rounding the buoy for home. He immediately peaked his oar and a snout of laughter ran along the wharf, the supposition being that the oar was placed in that position out of a feeling of derision for the position of Lennoxls boat. This was quite a mistake, for the puller having carried away his rowlock raised his oar so as not to interfere with the Btroke of the remainder of the crew, and in this predicament the Electric Spark passed the winning post; so that had the Lass o' Gowrie beera kept going there was just the possibility of her pulling off the race. The excitement amongst the spectators throughout the race was most intenst; the start being beautifully even as far as the two boats were concerned. B«low will be found a description of the race:—

Eodb-oabed GiallAcE.—No outrigger allowed. Open to all comers. Twice round the course. First prize, cup, to be won two years in succession, and £10; second do, £3. Electric Spark ... ... 1 Lass o' Gowrie ... ... ... ... 2 Faugh-a-Ballagh ... ... .. ... 3 The stations drawn were—Electric Spark outside, Lass o' Gowrie centre, Faugh aBallagh inside, next wharf. On the firing of the gun it was hard to say which of the outer boats felt the grip of the oars first. The difference, however, was very slight, but the Faugh-a-Ballagh lost ground equal to two lengths. Continuing down to the turning buoy the leading boats kept so close together that it was impossible to tell whether either had gained any advantage, but on reaching the buoy the Spark turned first, about half a length in advance of the Lass 'o Gowrie. The stroke up this to point was about, forty to the minute, both the leading boats pulling stroke for stroke. The buoy was turned in 6£- minutes from the firing of the starting gun. The positions were changed eoon after roundiug, and when within a hundred yards of the wharf the Lass o' Gowrie was leading by half a length, the Faugh-a-Ballagh* beiug three lengths be'iind the Electric Spark. The coxswain of the Lass steered a little wild at this point, but nevertheless the Lass was just leading by a length when the end of the wharf was reached. The Spark's crew made a spurt at this point, and just lapped the stern of the Las?, and in this position the boars readied the buoy, where a foul occurred, the Lass o' Gowrie not having left room for the Spark to turn. Great disputes arose on the wharf about the point, some urging that the Lass o' Gowrie was justified in turning as short as she could, while others were rightly of opinion that room should have been left for the Spark to turn, the Lass o' Gowrie not being a clear length ahead which she should havo been before she took the position msido the buoy. Tho consequence was the Spark struck the Lass about the coxswain's thwart and helped her round so smartly that she gained a lead of three lengths. Lennox's crew were pulling beautifully at this time, the whole of the men swinging like one. The buoy at the head of the bay was turned in I7f minutes from the start. By this time the Faugh-a-Ballagh was completely out of the race. Going down it was impossible to tell whether the positions had been altered, but when 100 yards from the wharf on the up journey the Spark was leading by a length, and this unexpected turn in the tables at such a point iu the race created great excitement in fact, the spectators were worked up to boiling point. Lennox made an effort to rouse his crew by increasing tho number of strokes, and for a few minutes he did draw a

little on the Spark, working the stem of the Lass o' Gowrie over the stern of the Spark. This effort told on the crew, for the Lass dropped to three lengths astern, and suddenly, when opposite the wharf, the crew ceased to pull, allowing the boat to drift alongside the European. After some little delay the pulling was resumed and the race continued, but all to no purpose; the Spark passed the winning post pulling three oars, with a lead of about 100 yards, No 2 having carried away his rowlock when turning the buoy. The crew of the winning boat were greatly cheered when they arrived at the steps, warm congratulations being exchanged between them and their friends. The Faugh-a Ballagh crew were greatly cheered when they arrived at the wharf, the cause of their being so far behind beingexplained by the circumstance that one of the men had broken his oar, and was pulling nearly the whole of the race with the outer portion Mr Lennox handed in a protest against the Electric Spark for having fouled. It will be investigated by the committee to-day. Yacht Race—For yachts under 10 tons ; centre boards to be sealed. Twice round course. First prize, cup, to be won two years in succession, and £lO ; second do, £3. In this event the Emily Clark walked over, she having won tho race against the Minnehaha last year. The rule necessitating the starting of three boats was not observed in this race, as no public money was given, the Emily being entitled to go for the cup. Amateur Skiff Race —Pair oars; with or without coxswain ; no outrigger allowed. Once round course. First prize, £4 ; second do, £l. Firefly (M'Leod and Walden) 1 NapiNapi 2 Blue Tail'd Fly 3 The race was a very interesting one. At the start the steering was very wiid, and when the boats got straight the Napi Napi was leading. The Firefly, however, was the first to round the buoy at the far turn, and finally won very easily by about twenty lengths. Time, 20 minutes. Volunteer. Race —Six oars or under. Open to all members of Volunteer Corps and Fire Brigades. Twice round the course. First prize, £6 ; second do, £2. Electric Spark 1 Lass o' Gowrie ... ... ... ... 2 Faugh-a-Ballagh ... ... ... ... 3 This race was close only for the first round. Afterwards the Spark got a lead of three lengths, which was soon increased to fifteen, the Lass o' Gowrie being second. The Faush-a-Ballagh was a long wuy behind at the finish. This coucluded the day's sports.