AQUATICS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 293, 10 December 1910, Page 16

AQUATICS.

Itii reported in local rowing circles that it "is riot likely that the Whangarei annual regatta, usually held on Boxing Day, will be held this year. No application has been made to the Auckland Association so far, and thie fact in itself is sufficient to cause misgivings. It would.be a great pity indeed if the regatta ■•wore allowed to fall through. For some four years now it has proved an eminently successful function, and a)l the city clubs have patronised it literally, jentering crews for all open events. The regatta is the rst of the season, which, of course, means that the irewu have to go into training much earlier than would otherwise be the case. In anticipation of the regatta being held as usual this year the crews have already commenced their preparations,' and they will be sorely disappointed should the regatta 'not be held. It means too that the crews will be set back in their training and that practically nothing will be done until after the holidays. But it 'is npt too late yet, and it is to be hoped that the Whangarei committee will see fit to hold the regatta- as usual. It ranks With'the most important regattas, of the province, and in the interests of air concerned there is every reason why it should be conserved. One race alono, that for the Wdngarei Challenge Cup, lield by the Auckland Club, would attract a fine field of competitors.

One of the most interesting features of the Mercer regatta, is the revival of the single sciills rAce for the Marshall Cup. , Tliis cup was first competed for about fifteen years ago, and has been held' by Such splendid oarsmen as R. Logan and C. Richards. Ibe present bolder is T. Richards, but he has not been called upon to defend it SinCe it came into his possession at the lake regatta, three years ago.

What will be regarded as a very important reform has just been introduced by tho Association, namely the allotting of a provincial championship to the local regattas. The first of these has been assigned to the Mercer regatta, and the others will be allotted later on. The MercCf receives the senior fours provindal championship, the winners of which •will receive, in addition to the trophies, a certificate that they are the recognised champions of the Auckland Province for the Season. In tbe event of other provinces tttkiflg tip the idea, Annual contests between provincial crews would no doubt'be introduced at the Championship Regatta. Tliat ,at all events, is a conBtimmation that is devoutly hoped for.

A fieW club has been formed at Kawhia. and application has been made to the Auckland Association for affiliation underthe title of tbe Kawhia' Harbour Club Tho dub has a membership of 100, and is now. getting together a plant. Fof a long t'-ine^the people Of KaNfhla held out for whalfeboat racing, but ifi View of the general adoption of tho fours, it is pleasing to s6'e that they have come into line With the rest of the Dominion. Local oarsmen will wish the club every success.

Mr. H. A. Marriner has presented gold medals for the maiden double-sculling event at the Mercer regatta.