NORTH SHORE NATIVE REGATTA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 10, 13 January 1899, Page 2

NORTH SHORE NATIVE REGATTA.

The Committee of the North Shore Xative Regatta met at the Devonport Borough Council Chambers last evening, Mr C. P. Murdoch in the chair. Mr E. W. Alison, the umpire, reported the result of the inquiry into the protest lodged by Tawatawa against Taheretikitiki and Omapere in the warcanoe race. The report stated that Taheretikitiki kept the proper course, but that Omapere clid :*iot, and while the first prize should be awarded to the Taheretikitiki the second canoe, Omapere, should' be disqualified for not adhering to the rules of the race. The report was adopted. The treasurer (Mr E. Ford) explained the action of the natives with regard to the canoe races, and it was generally agreed that there had been a complete breach of faith on the part of the Maoris, who after promising to compete in three races, provided the prize-money were all paid on the first race, refused, after that contest, to compete again unless further prizes were offered. Itwas decided, on the motion of Mr M. Xiccol, to award no prizes for the big war canoe race, the conditions of the contest (viz., three heats to be rowed) not having been complied with. As the Waikato natiVes had been guaranteed £50 to bring the canoe Taheretikitiki to the Regatta, it was decided to pay the amount, less trailway fares and expenses for repairs to canoe, the offer to be without prejudice, and amount paid, to be subject to a receipt being give_n in/full. Consideration of the protest in the Xaval Cutter Race was deferred pending reports from the starter and the judge. The statement of accounts presented by the treasurer show-ed a debit balance of about £200 on the season, after allowing for a pro rata reduction on advertised prize-monej's.