THE SPORTS ON THE LAKE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2423, 21 January 1888, Page 2

THE SPORTS ON THE LAKE.

TO TILK EDITOR. Sik,—l regret that ill health has prevented me la-tely from even caring much what is going on around me, but 1 was rather surprised when I read that £10 was to be spent mi a stage at the lake for the convenience of the competitors at the swimming matches, to be held on the 30th. "All things are lawful, but all things are nut expedient," wrote one wild was a good, sound reason':-. T..j l< , uriain Board, having the votn of its members, may be acting quite legally, but are not acting wisely—expediently in spendiug L'lo on a luxury that is only required for tlits public once a year ? Not for one moment do I wish to throw an obstacle in the way of the swimming matches, for I hope to live Jong enough in Hamilton, to help at least in carrying out a nchemu that lias been mi my mind ever since 1 first saw our beautiful lake, viz., to have a miniature Thames embankment all round it, the land laid out in terraces or jwalks, one above the other ; grassed and cultivated until it should be an ornament to the town, and, especially on the luke lUulf, and in connection with it, boats and boating clubs, under proper supervision and control, in which our youngsters should be trained in those habits of obedience, endurance and self-control, which alone can make them good oarsmen. Also sailing crafts, (built, of course, suited fur the surroundings) where our young men should ba taught how to handle a craft in a gale of wind, or to "luff up" to a squall without results, which took place a short time ago in the Auckland harbour. But we must let this pass. Hope has told her "flattering tale," and " hope deferred" has nearly made " the huart sick." Yet we are not without hope that we shall live to see the day when Hamilton shall be acknowledged the premier town of Waikatn, and boast of its lake, regatta, and boating clubs, As I do not approve or anyone finding fault unless lie or she can proposn something in their opinion better, 1 therefore propose that the Domain Board invite the co-operation of all Hamiltonians, and anyone who may be interested in the aifair, to lend the material and give their assistance to erect a temporary platform for the accommodation of coni|.iatitors, .'something after the following plan : —Have a sufficient number of poles or saplings of required size and strength ; fix tlie uprights firmly in the bed of tlie lake to the size required for the stage. Now lash other spais across those uprights to form beams for the deck, which can be Ltid on them and fastened also with lashings so that no nails are used. I need not take up your space by further details. We have simiiu. practical seamen and shipwrights in our midst who, 1" am sure, would willinely help, and, as I fear I shall not be strong enough to take part in it myself 1 will agree to provide a sailor man who, with others, I am sure would volunteer, would put some lashings on that Professor Baldwin himself could not get ivlrift, and that would be safe for the Hamilton Volunteers to march over the deck. Now, leaving the matter in the hands of the Domain Board, and trusting this scribble will not be too long for insertion.— I am, Sir, yours respectfully, T. Tuuwhkui.i.ak.