Queenstown Regatta Club.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 3939, 18 March 1930, Page 5

Queenstown Regatta Club.

The annual meeting of the Queenstown Kegatta Club was held in the Council Chambers on Thursday, March 6. Present: Messrs L. J. Lynch (president), J. Thompson, T. Davidson, H. Buckham, J. Fraser, W .D. Warren, H. Tomkies and Oapt. Kennedy. Before the business commenced the president referred in terms of regret to the death of Mr Maurice Priest, an 0.E..A. official, who had always been a prominent figure in the local regatta. A vote of sympathy was taken by the members standing in silence for a few moments.

Minutes of last annual meeting were read and confirmed. EEPOET & BALANCE SHEET.

To the members of sthe Queenstown Eegatta Club. ■"Gentlemen, We have again the pleasure of submitting to you the annual report and balance sheet for season 1929 .

There is a drop in last years balance, but this is easily accounted for by the big drop on the returns from the one day excursion and the decrease in gate money owing to the postponement of the regatta on Saturday. Unfortunately, what promised to be a record regatta was marred by wretched weather conditions on Saturday, making it impossible and unsafe for the rowers to carry on. Otago Clubs were represented by Otago, Drive, Port Chalmers and North End; and Southland, by Awarua, Kailway, Invercargill and Kiverton and we must thank these clubs for their generous support and for the fine manner in which the various members responded to our efforts to run the regatta off. The monetary loss in gate money probably amounted to about £2O, while we dropped £7 on last year’s returns on the Saturday excursion.

Although subscribers were generous, there is yet only a lukewarm interest, locally, in our regatta that shows a lack of foresight in those pqople who derive direct or indirect benefit from the large amount of money brought into the town by the rowing men and their supporters. We would recommend for your consideration the project to run one or two outboard motor events at the next regatta. Liberal support has been promised from Otago and Southland.

It is with regret that we record the departure of Mr Thos. Rutherford, one of the club’s keen supporters, but we are pleased to welcome back a former member in Mr D. P. Murchison.

With infinite regret we recor'd the death of Mr Maurice Priest. Mr Priest was always interested in the work of .the club, having taken part for many years as a rower and then as an official. He was always keen to assist the local officials and make the regattas a success. A just man, he was also a true sportsman and it is to be regretted that such a fine type of man should pass away -so early in life. To his relatives we extend our sympathy. We return thanks to visiting and local officials for their good work and to all our loyal supporters and trust the incoming committee will have- a successful year. For the committee, we are—

L. J. LYNCH, President

D. F. MAODONALD, Hon. Sec.

The balance sheet showed the total receipts to he £l2B 5s lOd, the biggest items; being £65 3s 6d for subscriptions and £24 8s for entry fees, £1.3 9s nett proceeds of dance anti £l2 11s 4d railway rebate. The principal items of expenditure were £77 for prize money, £l9 8s 6d for freight on boats and £7 16s 6d to officials for

expenses. The balance carried forward was £1 2s. lOd. The report was adopted. The meeting gave great credit to the President and secretary for the capable manner in which they had. fulfilled their duties and the feeling was expressed that more interest should be taken in the regatta by townspeople. Election of Office-bearers. Patrons: Messrs H. Mackenzie, senr., W. A. Bodkin, M.P., E. A. Anderson, Hon. A. F. Hawke, M.L.0., Major Ackland, E. M. Paterson, E. Acton- Adams and J. T. X. Grant. When nominations were called for tho position of president, Mr L. J. Lynch, who has occupied this position for many years, stated that he would be leaving for the Old Country at the end of March, on a six months’ trip, and he thought that it would be advisable to elect another one for the office. Mr H. Buckham proposed that Mr Lynch be re-elected president. He had filled the position well in the apst and he thought the Club should retain him. The proposition was seconded by W. D. Warren. Capt. Kennedy nominated Mr John Thompson for the position and this seconded by Mr J. Fraser. The mover thought as Mr Lynch was going away another appointment should be made. Mr Lynch’s nomination was carried. A large number of vice-presidents were elected, Mr H .Buckham being appointed to act in the president’s place during his absence. Mr D. F. Macdonald was elected secretary and treasurer. Messrs Fairbairn and E. Oaf fin were appointed starter and umpire, respectively, and Messrs W. Nelson, T. Davidson, D. F. Macdonald and J. Fraser, judges. The following were appointed an Executive Committee: —Messrs J. Thompson, W. Nelson, W. Warren, H. Tomkies, T. Davidson, D. Hamilton and J. Fraser. Messrs H. Buckham and W. D. Warren were appointed town collectors and Captain Kennedy was asked to do the lakeside. It was decided to engage the launch Muratai for use of officials, also to ask the Queenstown Band to give a programme on regatta day. THE PEOGEAMME. It was decided to adopt last year’s programme in relation to the rowing events. It was also agreed to include a rowing event for local boatmen. The matter of including out-board motor races was discussed. Secretary Macdonald stated that this class, of racing was becoming very popular at regattas and he had been assured that entries would be forthcoming from Invercargill and Dunedin should sufficient inducement be offered. The meeting was favourably impressed and it was resolved to put two outboard races on the programme of £ll each (£B, £2 and 1). The secretary was. instructed to write and thank Mr Thos. Kutherford for his support and interest in the Ecgatta Club in past years.