THE MERCER REGATTA.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 380, 22 November 1898, Page 2

THE MERCER REGATTA.

Satdeday next will see Mercer en fete. Everything points to this regatta being one of the best ever held in the Waikato, and the numerous entries point to a good day's sports being anticipated. His Excellency the Governor, Lady Ranfurly and suite arrive by special train at twenty-five minutes to eleven a.m., when a guard of honour will be formed by the loading natives and His Excellency will be presented with two addresses of welcome, one from the Regatta Association and the other from the Maoris. A Maori war dance will be given on arrival of the last special train as a welcome to the visitors. The first race will start at half-past eleven, when six boats from the Auckland rowing clubs will compete in outriggers for the first time. For the five gig races on the programme 23 crews have entered, and the racing should prove most interesting. The war canoe races will be exciting contests, three canoes having entered for one race and four for the other. In the fust of thete the canoes will be manned by 50 nsitives, and in tlie second by 20. The canue hurdle races, the blindfold canoe race, canoe flat race, tugs-of-war, swimming races, wakatiwai race for Maori wahines, and the ladies' pair-oar have all good entries, and should be well contested. One of the sights of the day will be the exhibition of paddling in King Mahuta's new canoe, Taheretikitiki, the only war canoe of its kind afloat. She is upwards of 80ft. iu length, and will be manned by some 60 natives. Professor Anderson will give a grand exhibition of swimming and aquatic feats. All will be able to see the start of each race, and can then follow the boats or canoes up and down the river by walking along the river-bank, and the course being perfectly straight each race is run within view of the spectators. The finish of each race will be opposite the wharf. A fine natural grandstand overlooks the whole course, and will no doubt be taken advantage of by hundreds. The distinguishing number of each race will bo shown on a flag-pole at the wharf, and a bell will be rung five minutes before each race as a signal for the competitors to be at starting-place. Numerous refreshment booths will be on the ground, steamer excursions will be run on the Waikato, and the usual hide shows will bo among the attractions for the day. All that is wanted on Saturday is a favourable day to make the trip to Mercer a most enjoyable one.