THE ANNIVERSARY REGATTA.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 282, 29 November 1888, Page 5

THE ANNIVERSARY REGATTA.

ANNUAL MEETING-.

XuYj adjourned annual meeting of the Auckland Regatta Club was held last evening at the public room, Harbour Board offices. Thee was a good attendance of subscribers, and His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair.

Mr Devore, in opening the proceedings, said time the time had arrived for making deiiuice arrangements f or the annual regatta to be held on the 29.ii January next, and this meeting had been called for that purpose. Tbo Auckland regatta had been the lirst of the regattas of New Zealand in past years, and rightly so, because of her position, and because the show made by her vessels on the water had put her in"the front rink a s a maritime centre. It was the duty of the peopieof Auckland to do their utmost to keep this port in the front rank, and he thought thio could easily bedone. Wellington had conceived the idea that a two-days' regatta would be necessary for their wants, and a two-days' regatta was seriously contemplated. Surely, then, Auckland could carry out a one-duy regatta with success. From the few earnest men that he saw present, and from promises of support he had had from oohers who were unable to be presjnt, he had no doubt that the Auckland Regatta of next year would not be inferior to any regatta of the past. It should be a forerunner to that greater regatta to be held in 1890 the jubilee year of New Zealand. Although we might not Joe able to hold an exhibition at that time a3 was determined by a jubilee meeting held last year, we might have something in the shape of a regatta carnival extending over two, three, or four days. And we might do more. Some years ago it was mooted that the various musical and baud contests should take plaae in Auckland, and lie thought that a combination of the regatta celebration and these musical contests would make a good programme for 18D0. We could have 'such a regatta as would be superior to any ever held in the Australian colonies. ■\Ve had all the essentials to success, the most desirable water conveniences, and tpe had earnest men and suilicieut money to carry the venture to a successful issue. On the 29th January we would have in port a man-o'-wai, probably two, and the Comuuttee would no doubt see the desirability of setting on their programme some vacen for their boats. .Some of the old Committee men were anxious to be relieved from duty this year, and promises of assistance hud been received from other prominent gentlemen. These promises were to collect, a thing which few liked, and he iMr Devore) suggested that those present should tender whatever assistance they could as a foundation upon which the collections could afterwards face the public. (Applause.) Committee. —The following were elected members of the Committee: —Messrs J. Haultain, Jno. Way mouth, sen., C. C. J>acre, Wiseman, H. Wilson, Reynolds, Jas. Graham, A. Buchanan, .11. Montgomery, O. S. Kissling, Jas. Edwards, Blomtield, D. H. McKenzie, D. H. Ross, Jan. Craig, Jno. Grey. J. J. Holland, D. F. Evans, A. S. Reid, A. H. Nathan, T. McEwin, and W. Skean, with power to add to their number. Officers.— The officers were elected as follows -.—Patron : His Worship the Mayor. Vice-Patrons: Chairman of the Harbour Board and Hon. E. MiceheLson. President : Captain Colbock. Vice-presidents : Messrs John Marshall and Feathers tone. Treasurer: Mr John Waymouth, sen. Secretary : Mr G. C. Dacre. "Progkamme.—Some discussion ensued as to the advisability of striking several laces off the old programme, and the achooner and large cutter race were specially referred to. The possibility of putdng both large and small cutters in a handicap race -,va6 suggested and left for consideration ox the Committee

jr.vus.— Mr C. 0. Dacre suggested the advisability of making another appeal to the Harbour Board for pen;ii-.~ion to fence In the end of the wharf on Regatta Day, and to eliarge for admission. This sort of thin" had been done atLyfctulfcon, and with great success.— The Chairman paid he saw no reason why this concession should doc be made. Spectators would, no doubt, be willing to pay sixpence each for siu-h a good position. —Mr T. MeEwin moved, "That the Secretary write to the Harbour Board, requesting permission to charcfl tor admission to Lhe wharves on January 29th."—The motion was agreed to anaminously. . Doxatiox—Mr J. Marshall said that he hsd taken a great interest in the Auckland regatta in yeard past, and although he had now had his attention somewhat diverted by the horses, he had not forgotten his first love. He would like to"" give £50 for some race. tie ihtended to suggest the largo cutters, but lie was sorry to hear that this event, was likely to fail through. In that ease lie would like the money to go to Lhe yacht race, bub he would wait to see what were the wishes of the Committee in the mutter. At all events ho would give a £50 prize for some race. (Applause.) Ti-e first meeting of committee was lixeu for Tuesday evening next and proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.