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WELLINGTON ROWING CLUB.

The annual dinner to celebrate the winding- "\ 'up of the rowing season, and the recent victories of the Wellington Rowing Club, took place last evening at the Melbourne Hotel. There was a largo attendance of members and friends. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and was faced by Messrs. Stewart and Logan, and having on his right and Io!t members of the champion crew, one of whom, however, Mr. Walker, was unavoidably absent. The room was well arranged, and on the table were four handsome silver cups and a pair of silver sculls (trophies of the expiring season) each bearing suitable inscriptions, tastefully executed by Mr. Hughes, of Lainbtou-quay. The dinner was an excellent one, and reflected much credit on the capabilities of Mr. Hughes’ establishment. Ample justice having been done to the good cheer, the following toasts were given from the chair;—“The Queen,” “ The Prince of Wales and the Loyal Family,” and “The Governor.” Mr. Looan next proposed the health of “ Ills Worship the Mayor ” in eulogistic terms, observing that when the Mayor first took office, ho was a stranger,and people were rather doubtful how he would turn out ; but now it might be truly said he was the most popular Mayor they- ever had. (Cheers.) Song—“ For he's a jolly good fellow.” The Mayor returned thanks, saying he felt especially gratified at the wanner in which the toast was received, particularly at a time when a sort of dead set was made against the Miayor and Corporation by a section of the community, and especially by the evening newspapers. How, as regarding the recent ball, he had been asked to become a patron, and to subscribe to the guarantee fund. Ho declined, because he had not been consulted as to the arrangements. He was told that it was not a “ citizen’s ball,” and he then said perhaps it was a some other people's ball. (Laughter.) He had acted as he thought fit for the dignity of the citizens, and should always do so, and no newspapers, and no “billing” or cooing should prevent his doing so. (Hear, hear.) He then proposed the toast “ The Champion Crew,” observing that it was a fine crew; that he believed it would hold its own on the Isis or Cam in the old country, as well as in the sister colonies. He spoke of the advantages of rowing as an athletic exercise, and remarked that in sailing matches care should be taken not to race in bad weather, which was the cause of the late sad accident.

Mr. McGrath briefly returned thanks, saying he felt sure the crew would always do its best to uphold the honor of Wellington, as it had done before. (Cheers.) Mr. Logan' proposed, “ Success to the Wellington Club,” coupling with it the name of Captain Stewart, who had done so much to promote its interests, and to bring it to its present position. He remarked that in rowing if you liked to make a bet on any particular crew you might be sure you were putting your money on a horse who would run straight, and ■win honestly if possible, which could not always be said of some other kinds of races. He had great pleasure in asking all present to fill a bumper to Mr. Stewart’s health. The toast was warmly received.

Mr. Stewart returned his hearty thanks for the toast, and said he iiad done all that he could to promote the interests of the club, which certainly did not cut a sorry figure when compared with other clubs in the colony. He referred to the matches which had taken place, and the victories that had been won. He alluded to what the crews of the Stelia and Dolly Varden had done in the several races that had taken place in Canterbury, Nelson, and Wellington. This year the Wellington men had won everything, and “more power to them.” He heartily thanked them for the manner in which they had drunk his health, and said tins was probably the last time he should address them as captain, as he found he could not devote sutfi cient time to attend to the duties. He did not think that Wanganui was a good place for holding the interprovincial regatta, and considered that Auckland or Dunedin would be preferable for many reasons ; but if it was finally thought to Hold the regatta at Wanganui, the Wellington men would be prepared to meet there. (Hear, hear.)

Mr. Hates proposed the “Rival Clubs,” and spoke approvingly of the doings of the Port Nicholson Club as being very likely to give the Wellington Club a “ dressing down” some day, and of the position attained by the Star Club. He did not disapprove of Wanganui being selected as the place where the next interprovincial rowing match should take place, but wherever a match took place the Wellington men would be prepared to go there and do their best, even if it were to England. (Hear - , hear). Mr. Griffiths returned thanks for the toast, and pointed out the advantage of friendly rivalry. He observed that at Napier there were four clubs. He thought that the Napier course would be a very good one over which to pull the interprovincial match. The people there took great interest in the sport, and the water was always smooth and suitable for boating ; the chief difficulty was in getting there. As to Wanganui, he thought it was a superior place to Kaiapoi for a rowing match, but if it took place at 'Wanganui it should bo held higher up the river than before, where there was a beautiful course. “ The Ladies,” “The press,” and some other toasts followed.

Playing on the pianoforte and violin enlivened the entertainment, and between the toast and responses songs of an amusing character were sung by volunteers amongst the guests, and a very pleasant evening was spent by all present.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZTIM18770420.2.16

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5015, 20 April 1877, Page 3

Word count
Tapeke kupu
991

WELLINGTON ROWING CLUB. New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5015, 20 April 1877, Page 3

WELLINGTON ROWING CLUB. New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5015, 20 April 1877, Page 3

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