THE REGATTA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5250, 21 January 1878, Page 2

THE REGATTA.

The Regatta Committee met at the Pier Hotel on Saturday evening to make arrangements for the ensuing contest. Mr. E. \V. Mills presided. Cups were apportioned off for different events. The larger cups were very handsome trophies. Lots were drawn for places in starting. We would remind competitors that it would be judicious for them to make themselves acquainted beforehand with the positions assigned to them, as they would thereby considerably lessen the confusion which often occurs through ignorance on the part of competitors on this point, and especially as the committee on this occasion intend to enforce the strict observance of time in starting. The first-lieutenant and paymaster of H.M.S. Nymphe were present at the meeting last evening, and entered two boats , for the Open Boat Sailing Race. A discussion ensued as to whether man-o’-war’s men should be allowed to compete in the Ship’s Gig Race, members of the committee expressing an opinion that as the race was got up entirely for merchant vessels, such an innovation would be unfair to these crews, as they could not be expected to have the practice of men-o'-war’s men. In order, however, not to disappoint the Hymphe’s men, it was agreed to put an extra race on the programme, to be called the Man-o’-War Race, the masters «f the St. Leonards, Mataura, and Hurunui, who wer» present, offering to lend their gigs for the use of the competitors. The sameboats being entered for the junior and senior pair-oar races, the starting of the latter was made half-an-hour later than the time advertised. Complaints having been made that the entrance fee of £1 Is. for the volunteer whaleboat race was out of proportion to the prizes offered, viz., £lO in all, it was resolved to reduce the entrance fee to 10s. 6d. for each boat, and to accept post entries for any boat that may wish to euter, irrespective of their being in harbor or not when the entries close.. It was stated at the meeting that the crew of the St. Leonards alone had subscribed over £3 amongst themselves towards the funds. Mr. G. Allen kindly undertook to interview the Mayor rc the usual permission to erect barricades on the wharf, the secretary not having received any answer to his written application. A letter was read from Messrs. Dawson and Co., which enclosed a cheque for £3 3s. in lieu of the promised donation of two cups. Sundry details were discussed and left in the secretary’s hands for arrangement, and after a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting was adjourned until Monday (this) evening, at eight o’clock, at the Pier Hotel.

Since writing the foregoing the secretary has informed us that he has received a letter from Lieutenant Gordon, of H.M.S. Nymphe, stating that they will not be able to get up crews to compete in the extra race offered. We may take the opportunity of reminding members of the committee tbit to-morrow (Tuesday) is the day of the regatta, and consequently they should not fail to attend the meeting to-night.