KAWHIA REGATTA.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 233, 28 February 1885, Page 14

KAWHIA REGATTA.

A correspondent sends us the following : — This event took place on Friday, 20th Feb- ! ruary, in the presence of a great concourse of spectators (native and European). The weather was all that could be desired, and materially tended to the day's enjoyment ; a clear azure sky, a light breeze, and a brilliant sun formed a happy combination of the elements. The natives rolled up from far and near, and showed a keen interest in the sports. The dresses of the Maoris were various and gorgeous, comprising every known hue and colour under the sun. There might you see every variety of attire ranging from Portugese full dress (cocked hat and spurs) to West End masherdom, from the primal simplicity of our first parents (without, alas ! their spotless innocence, for the Moori is not -altogether guileless) to the glorious attire of a city swell. Music, with its voluptuous swell, was sweetly discoursed hy the Constabulary amateur band "from morn till dewy eve." There was a good sprinkling of pale-faces, amongst whom may be mentioned : Captains Taylor and Morrison, of the Conianbulary ? Mv C. B. -Johnson, of Hamilton, who drove a buggy through from Alexandra, a feat involving no little skill, dexterity, and danger. This was the first buggy seen in Kawhia. It is to be hoped the plucky example of Mr Johnson will be contagious, and that he will have many imitators. Mr Bregmen, of Raglan, also drove a light spring cart round the Aotea Beach. These (especially the former) were two great equestrian triumphs. Mr C. S. S. George, the solicitor, Captains Windsor andMcOarthy and Mr C. A. E. Abbott, of Auckland, also graced the proceedings by their presence. The s.s. Hannah Mokati, which had arrived in the early morning, acted as flagship, being gaily decked with bunting for the occasion. At 10.30 a.m. the first race, a four-oared contest, commenced, and was won by the Constabulary boat. There were also sailing races, a whaleboat race, and dingy races, but the canoe racing by the Maoris was, to a spectator, productive of most interest and amusement. The first was a canoe hurdle race, which may be described as an aquatic steeplechase. The hurdles are formed in this wise : At low tide two poles are driven into the sand and a cross-bar rested on them, which at high tide shows up about nine inches over the water. The Maoris have to shoot their canoes over the -various hurdles along the course. The skill ' and dexterity with which this is done is simply marvellous, and calls forth the spectator's warmest admiration. Before crossing the obstacles the Maoris jump into the stern of the canoe, thus raising the bow ; they as quickly transfer themselves to the bow, and so the hurdle is clearad. There were some , amusing collisions, and not a few of the canoes were swamped — a trifle to a Maori. The fun during this race was fast and furious from start to fiuish, and laughter reigned supreme. Perhaps the most imposing spectacle of the day was the race in the Avar canoes. These canoes were manned by about 25 men each, who were somewhat sparsely clad, but in full war paint. This was a sight to feast the eye of an anatomist — oh ! ye gods, what muscle and siuew were there unfolded. Unlike the English rowers, the Maoris advanced with their faces turned in the direction they wish to go. Two painted warriors, gorgeously attired, stand up in each boat, the one at the bow the other at the stern of the canoe, vis-a-vis. These men regulated the movements of the paddlers by swinging their arias, chanting* with songs, and swaying their bodies from side to side with warlike gestures. The unity of their movements is almost incredible. It is a pleasing sight. This is a spectacle which can now be witnessed at few places in New Zealand; it is each year becoming more rare, and probably, like the moa and kauri, destined to sink into oblivion. The return of the victorious crew was loudly hailed by the women of their tribe, who testified their delight by dancing the opening steps of the haka, the graceful poses and elegant figures of which are not unfamiliar to the residents of the Auckland provincial district. Nor must we forget the extraordinary nose-rubbing which took place' amongst the Maoris this day — a curious custom in European eyes ; but every one to his fancy, as the old maid said when she kissed her pet toad. The proceedings were brought to a close by a dance at the Library. Thus ended a red-letter day in the annals of Kawhia, thanks to the efforts of Major Tuke and the Regatta Committee, amongst whom may be mentioned Messrs Icemonger and Langtry, whose indefatigable zeal was admirable. On the Saturday the s.s. Hannah Mokau made an excursion to Gannet Island, which is situated about 12 miles N.W. of Albatross Point, and about 16 miles from Kawhia. This island is a kind of terra incognita; it consists of a rock of about three acres in extent, rising up on the north side to about 70 feet, but tapering to the water's edge to the southward. The aroma rising from the island is not particularly fragrant, and totally distinct from the " Sahean .. odours from Araby the Blest." TKete;<wauld be a great deal of guano 'obtained/from this island but for its shape, -which forbid the permanent lodgment of deposits upon it. The number of gannets upon the island was immense, they were as ....j^Y-V ;

plentiful "as blackbirds, and as tame as poultry. " Thick as autumnal leaves that strew tbebroots In Valloinbrosa, where the Etruvian shades High overarcli'd embower." It was difficult to walk about the island without treading on the birds, which cawed mightily, producing a perfect Babel of sounds. One of the Maori anglers caught a hapuka, weighing upwards of fifty pounds. The depth of water round the island is nearly ' thirty fathoms. The excursionists reached Kawhia at six p.m., after a grand dSfy's outing.