NGARUAWAHIA REGATTA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 64, 16 March 1900, Page 3

NGARUAWAHIA REGATTA.

-p. The Ngaruawahia annual regatta, which was inaugurated four years ago, takes place to-morrow, and as the weather is settled for fine, a most enjoyable day's outing should result. This year's programme is very .varied and interesting, and is comprised of all manner of aquatic events, from the 1 ancient Maori war canoe races to the j up-to-date outrigged gigs of the Auckland rowing clubs. The first event is a canoe parade headed by King- Mahuta's royal canoe, Taheretikitiki, which lately conveyed the gubernatorial party across the river at Huntly. The war canoe races, which always create so much enthusiasm, will be quite up to the standard, the entries are large, and the crews have been training hard for some time. The humorous portion of the day's programme can well be left to the laughter-provoking' canoe hurdle races, of which there are no less than five. Mounted swimming races across the rushing Waikato are especially appropriate for this season, as it will give those present an idea of some of the work "our boys" have to go through in the Transvaal. For the five gig races there are twenty five crews from Auckland entered, and doubtless will be well contested, as the other clubs are making every effort to beat the all-conquering West End. The lady champions, Misses Paterson, of Ngaruawahia, are entered for the ladies' rowing race, and after their success a.t the Noi-thern Rowing Union's carnival they should again have a good chance of beating all Auckland opposition. Besides the attraction of the regatta, Ngaruawahia itself is well worth visiting, as it is recognised as the prettiest township in Waikato, and the number of shady nooks makes it the happy hunting ground for picnic parties. To convey the great crowds that attend this popular outing special trains rrni from everywhere, tfye Auckland frains leav-^ ing* at 3.20 a.m. and returning- at 5 p.m. The fares are fixed at the low rates of 6/2 second, and 10/ first class.