AQUATIC NOTES.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9834, 17 September 1897, Page 2

AQUATIC NOTES.

[By Clinkbr.] At a meeting of the committee of the Dunedin Boating Club held last Tuesday several tenders were accepted for improvements in connection with the boat-house, and it Tvaa also decided to order from Norton, of Wellington, two convertible double-sculling and pair-oared boats and two practise clinker scullers. The secretary was also instructed to write to Clasper, of London, with a view to obt&in & best convertible double-Bculling *nd pair-oared boat to enable the chib to be represented in the championship of the colony. The club intend also to

obtain some ornamental shields, on which to inscribe the names of the varions crews winning regatta races to stand as a record. Great regret was manifested at the death of the late president of the Club, Dr Jeffcoat, and a resolution of sympathy was carried, to be forwarded to Mrs Jeffcoat. A sub-committee was appointed to devise means of honouring their late president's memory.

A regatta on a large scale is being arranged in Brisbane, to take place at River View, at the junction of the Brisbane and Bremer rivers, on November 9th. Trophies to the value of £1000 are to be given in prizes, five of which will be for outrigger tub-pair boats, built on approved lines. Entries are expected from North Queensland, and the committee are hopeful that a crew or two will be induced to make the trip from Sydney also. Several northern rowing enthusiasts are taking the matter up, and if the project be successful, it is proposed to inaugurate challenge cups and medals, after Henley style. At the annual meeting of the Ballarat Rowing Club, three delegates were appointed to the newly-formed Ballarat Rowing Association. It was explained that, though the members rowed under the rules of the Victorian Rowing Association, they had no part in its deliberations, and they, therefore desired to govern their own rowing. Furthermore, they desired to give effect to their views on the amateur definition, which they considered would have been settled long since, but for the obstacles thrown iv the way by the New South Wales Association.

The Victorian Rowing Association is making a great effort; to popularise the sport, and with this object several important fixtures have been arranged for the first part of the season. A regatta for maiden and junior oarsmen only is to take place.on November 9th, and the champion sculls and four-oared championship of the colony have been set down for December 18th. For.the championship fours it is possible (says a Sydney writer) that New Zealand will be represented—the race being an open one— and invitations to send crews are also to be given to the other colonies.

The yachting branoh of the sport in Port Jackson does not compare with the same sport in New Zealand (says a Sydney paper). 'There it is not at all unusual to find upwards of a dozen competitors in one event, whilst the majority of our local yachtowners cannot be induced to race under auy consideration. Several new crafts—-cruisers and racers—are in course of construction in New Zealand waters.

The annual meeting of the Port Nicholson Yacht Club was held in Wellington on August 30th, Mr G. Mcc, vice-commodore, being in the chair. The report detailed the work of the club last season, and expressed regret that owing to the want of support the photographic exhibition could not be held. The balance-sheet showed a small credit. The following officers were elected :—Commodore, Mr G. Mcc; vice-commodore, Mr A. it Turnbull; rear-commodore, Dr. Fell ; secretary, Mr J. B. Speed; hon. treasurer, Mr J. H. H. Jock; committee, Messrs M. Laing, J. McLean, jun., A. E. Dean, F. W. Petherick and T. Kirker; auditors, Messrs W. R. Symons and C. M. Banks; handicapper, Mr F. L. Bias; treasurers, Messrs G. Fitzgerald and F. Carrington; starter and timekeeper, the secretary; assistant starter and timekeeper, Mr J. R. Gibbous. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr E. W, Mills on his retirement, from the office of commodore, which' position he has held for the past eight years. The following prizes were presented:—Comraodorel Mills's cup for the first-class yacht race in regatta, won by Waitangi; the Levin cirp, "won by the Mahina; first-class club race, won by the Man tana; second-class club race, won by the Mapu; third-class club race, won by the Greyhound; exhibition race, won by the Mapu. Eleven new members were elected.

The annual race for the Wiugfield Sculls, which carries with it the title of amateur champion of the Thames, was decided on July 21st, when there were five starters and H. T. Blackstaffe (Viata R.C.) won easily from B. H. Howell (Trinity Hall B.C. Cambridge), A. F. G. Everitt (London R.C.) being third. Time, 23min 53sec.