Old-time Aquatic Sports

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 154, 27 March 1937, Page III (Supplement)

Old-time Aquatic Sports

In the early days of Wellington, when aquatic sports were such a feature of holiday entertainments, there was always a varied programme to amuse the spectators while the yacht races were in progress, and a sheltered part of the Queen’s Wharf was set apart for the public to see the various competitions.

One competition, which caused much amusement, was walking- the greasy pole. A long rounded spar yas fixed to the wharf overhanging the water and well covered with grease, and it was the object of competitor/ to walk barefoot to the end of the sjfar and remove a flag fixed in a hole. Needless to state, this was not an easy matter, and the onlookers were kept well amused by the efforts of the various entrants to remove the flag. Another event was the “Duck Hunt.” In this a good swimmer took to the water pursued by others anxious to catch him. A great amount of skill was shown by the “duck” in trying to avoid his pursuers, and some very skilful swimming and diving was shown. Theii there was the “Horse” face, ih which small barrels equipped With wooden horse-heads were ridden in the water. The riders, provided with double paddles, were required to race over a distance. Here much skill was required in handling the fiery steeds, arid the crowd was well amused by the efforts of the jockeys to steer the “horses” to victory. The tub race also provided good sport. Large barrels, sawn in halves across the middle, provided two tubs, and these were paddled by the occupant over a given course. The “Coalies” race was one that caused a lot of excitement to onlookers as well as to those taking part. Boats from the many coal hulks in harbour were manned by coal workers, each armed with a broad shovel which was used to propel the boat instead of oars. With crews of hefty workers, the boats were driven over the water at great speed, and there was keen competition fqy the prizes. Some of these sports might be revived and would prove a go~d attraction.—H. Maynard (Wellington).