OPENING OF THE BOATING SEASON.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 7173, 8 October 1888, Page 6

OPENING OF THE BOATING SEASON.

The formal opening of the boating season season for 1888-89 took place on Saturday afternoon* The sou-wester in the early moraingdelayed the completion of preparations, and in consequence the start was not as punctual as usual. As on former occasions there was a good display of bunting on the boat-sheds. For several seasons past the event has not been favored with the best of weather, and there was no exception to the rule on Saturday. Heavy clouds borne along by a sou-west breeze passed overhead from early morning, and their appearance threatening rain was not an inviting sight to intending spectators. A large number, however, including many ladies, did not allow this to daunt them, but made their way to the try sting place, and lined the banks of the river in the neigh borhood of the boatsheds for the purpose of seeing the inauguration of another season of the favorite outdoor exercise. The weather proved to be more kind than it promised. As the afternoon wore on the clouds passed away f and the sun shone out pleasantly. The wind, however, was chilly, and consequently, detracted from the comfort of those standing about. Upon the ladies the effort of the unpromising weather was plainly noticeable. There was a general absence of spring costumes, and the scene consequently suffered in point of attractiveness. The boats were marshalled in procession by the Yen. Archdeacon Lingard, assisted by Mr J. J. Collins, the other gentleman who had been appointed as assistant, Mr M. J. Kilgour, being unavoidably absent. Several of the boats were nicely decorated with flowers and green sprays, though, on account of the early period of the year, there was only a limited choice of decorative material. The boats were pulled down to a point below the Stanmore bridge, and then came back in double line. On reaching the rope at the willows oars were - peaked three times, and after the season had been declared formally opened the customary cheers were given. The Stanmore band was in attendance, and played a number of lively selections during the afternoon. The order of procession was as follows :— PLEASURE BOAT. Tauiwha. fock oars. Iris Lurline Electric Miranda Tha'mesis Thetis T.vne Thalia Isis Nemesis Tees Union Avon Minerva PAIR OAB9. Phosphoru* Kiwi Galatea Snowdrop Adonis Circe Moa Daphne Tui Eclipse Taipo Dolphin Swan Huia Venus Una Tay Comet Weka Scylla Dee Zephyr Don Syren Kaka Nikau Kea Meteor Chloris Doris .Diana . Petrel Clio Koreke Kotare SCXO.LINQ BOATS. Exe .. • . Dione Bee .. .. Wye Swift Dido . Romeo- Dart It Will thus be seen that fifty-eight boats took'part, one lqsjs than last year. The full strength of the Clubs in the matter of boat* was not shown, and it has been suggested as a remedy for this, that instead of mixing the boats in the procession those' belonging to each Club should keep together. This would, it is thought, be an incentive to members to turn out in full force-and make the best possible show for their-respective clubs. Seeing, however, that-the opening of the season must take place tod early in the year for the securing favorable weather for the it has .also been mooted that the present form, of opening should be discontinued in future, and that a demonstration sometime in %he middle of summer should be substituted. The whole question is, therefore/likely to be considered in due course. After the opening on Saturday the afternoon was filled in with some scratch races, which resulted as follows :— PAIR OA&S. First heat—Stratton and Mcßeath beat Lowry and Butterworth. Second heat—Cradock and Jftowley beat Harrison and C. Ward. Final heat—Stratton's crew beat Craddock's crew. , " DOUBLE SCUIXS. First heat—Bradford and B. Ward beat Lean and Wilstead. . Second heat—Lawrie and Greenwood beat Hyndman and WaU. Final heat—Lawrie's. crew beat Bradford's crew.