REGATTA AT MERCER.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2439, 28 February 1888, Page 2

REGATTA AT MERCER.

There was a very large gathering at Mercer on Saturday to witness the annual regatta and sports ; it is estimated that fully 1500 people were assembled on the river side. The canoe races were the chief events of the day, and excited a considerable amount of interest. The big canoe race wr.a a splendid one, and a magnificent finish. There were three canoes, two manned by Maoris, 14 and 15 respectively in each, and a European crew of 13 in the third. The latter were soon disposed of, but the other two fought it out to such a finish that the judge had great difficulty in separating them, their noses being almost in a line, and the exciting gestures and calls of the fuglemen in the canoes caused a good deal of amusement. The following were the results of the different contests : — Canoe Hurdle Racf—lst prize, £3; 2nd, £1. Wiki's Te Koki, 1; Taka's Matehura, 2. Canoe Hurdle Rack (European s only) —Ist prize, £3; 2nd, £1. Six started. Pepper and Randall, 1; Smith Bros., 2. Canoe Hurdle Race (Maori women) —Ist prize, £2 10s; 2nd, l">s. This caused great amusement, Eliza and Bella being the winners. Swimming Race (across the river and back)—lst prize, £2 10s ; 2nd, 10s. Bines, 1; Sargent, 2. Under and Over Canoe Hurdle Race —Ist prize, £3; 2nd, £1. Won easily. Gkeasy Boom—lst prize, £110s. Several competitors, but none succeeded in gaining the prize. 100 Yards Foot Race Handicap— Ist prize, £110s; 2nd, 10s. Kcnoally, 1; Elliott, 2. 440 Yards Foot Race Handicap—lst prize, £2; 2nd, 10s. Maxwell, 1; Pepper, 2. Larch Canoe Race—lst prize, £0; 2nd, £3; 3rd, £1. Ohinemuri's "KotePaahe," 1; Te Rata's " Matai," 2. Hop, Step and Jump—lst prize, £1; 2nd, 10s. Harris, 1; Smith, 2.