BAY OF ISLANDS. ANNUAL REGATTA AT KORORAREKA.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIV, Issue 996, 13 January 1857, Page 3

BAY OF ISLANDS. ANNUAL REGATTA AT KORORAREKA.

The announcement of the Bay of Islands Regatta for Thursday the Bth inst., and the knowledge that, from the number and quality of the competing craft, the regatta would be one well worth seeing, attracted a large number of visitors from Auckland, including representatives^ both the local semi-weekly journals, who arrived at Kororareka during the night of Wednesday, or rather at an •arly hour of the following day. __ The morning of Thursday— fraught with eager anticipation of amusement in the minds of many hundreds — was almost all that the most imaginative could desire. The sun rose in cloudless majesty, and its rays danced on the placid surface of the land-locked waters which form the harbor of Kororareka and constitute a favored part of the far-famed Bay of Islands. We say almost, tor the very placidity of which we speak was the only source of any feeling of dissatisfaction. With so many •ailing boats being got ready to compete for the various prides— 96 much canvas ready to be spread, nothing jndeed was to much to be dreaded m * continuance of

calm weather. JBut .tetiro, it any such existed, were, considerably before the hour fix*d for the commencement of the- sport, dispelled by. the appearance of a gentle ripple on the water* ol the 13 ay, indicating n light a,ir from the southward, .which gradually increased ' till, long before the hour named for the commencement of the sport, artd during the remainder of the day, it was blowing a fine fresh breeze. Kororareka beaoh presented a most animated appear* ance. Boat's crews were everywhere hard at work, cleaning, and engaged in other works of preparation for the approaching contest — black lead being one article amongst many in very general requisition. Amongst the most prominent of the crait that -were being so prepared for action, were three large' cano°s, one an immensely large one, over sixty feet in length, the whole fantastically^ painted, and being fitted for the reception of their numerous crews. The number of visitors from the interior, especially natives, was astonishing, and it is no douty many a day since Kororareka presented so bustling and animated an appeaiance as on Thursday A good aprinkling of Europeans, including a goodly number of the fair s«, had evidently made a gala day of it, but the number of Maories who had arrived, with a similar intention, could not have been less than five or six hundred. They overspread the beach, covered many of the adjacent heights, and — what is more remark a 1 le— manned, both on their own account, and on behalf ot European owners, the larger proportion of tbe boats. A . passionate love of sport — aquatic and field— Is Very prominent in the native character, and. in s -eh matters, the amount of public spirit they display is extraordinary. Whether to train horses for the course,- or build boats for the regatta, tney are equally ready. They are often successful,? and — strange trait m the character of a semi-savage— bear defeat, when it is so, with a good grace. As the morning advanced, most of the boats were again to be seen oil their native element, the number of which, to say nothing <jf their extreme beauty and smartness, was such as to strike the visitor with something akin to as r onishment. It seemed, indeed, as if every man, woman, and child in the township was owner either of a pulling or a sailing craft. By i past 9, the Ospiey, with some fifty on-lookeis from Paheha, rlorototu, Waimate, Victoria, &c, dressed in her best stock of bunting, arrived from the opposite side of the Bay; while several craft came over about the same time from Wahapu, with part of the military detachment and other residents in that neighbourhood. The Wonga Wonga, with a good many spectators on board, and the three whaling Bhips, were also in holiday attire, the former having an especially gay appearance, being decorated with bunting from stem to stern. By 10 o'clock, the Committee, which, by the way, so far as work was concerned, seemed— as indeed on most similar occasions — to number not more than two or three individuals, boarded the flagship ; and visitors, male and female, began quickly to follow. In haying secured the Oliver Crocker for flagship, the committee were very fortunate. She is a roomy ship, as clean as holystone and paint brush could make her, commanded, withal, by a gentleman (Captain McLieve) who entered fully into the spirit of the day's sport, and did what in him lay to make the company— which gradually became a very large *ne— feel perfectly at home, and thoroughly to enjoy themselves. Not the least attraction on board was the string band of Mr. Her*, engaged by the committee for the day, which performed a constant succession of dance and other inspiriting music, contributing much to the hilarity of the company, and to the eclat of the whole proceedings. Delays will occur, and Thursday was not an exception ; but, under the pleasing influence of a well played polka and waltz, the time glided imperceptibly on till a few minutes to 11, when one of the ship's guns, under the superintendence of one of the detachment of Royal Artillery, gave a not-to be-misUken intimation that the boats should take their stations for the

First Match. — For Skiffs, not exceeding 16 feet 6 inches keel, pulling two oars To start from the flagship, round a flag boat moored off the Custom House, thence round a flag boat moored off the Bathing place, Wahapu, and back to the flagship. Ist prize, £8 ; 2nd prixe, £3 ; Entrance £1.

The Widow, we may at once observe, was entered only to make a race, so that the contest was between the Amy and the Kangaroo. The former is a beautiful skiff, built by Baker for the occasion, and had certainly the odds in her favour. At 10 -*3 the start was effected, the Amy getting first round the boat in shore, but closely waited on by the Kangaroo. The latter, as they came abreast of the flagship, crept up alongside of her adversary, but the effort to keep it up was *' too much." The Amy took and kept the lead, rounding the buoy on the opposite shore, 20 seconds, and coming in 15 seconds in advance of her competitor. The pulling was good on both sides, the distance being said to be four miles, and the time only twenty four minutes. At 11 exactly, the company on board the flagship was deafened, and the boat* warned for the next race. At 1 1 18 the start was effected for the

Second Match. — For 2nd class Sailing Skiffs, not pxceeding 15 feet length, and 6 inches dopth of keel. To start from the flagship, thence round a flag boat moored off Wahapu Point, thence round a Hag boat moored off Tapeka Point, and back to flagship. Ist prize, £5 ; 2ndprizc, £1 10s. ; Jfotrance 10s.

Bot herein took the lead, but it was soon evident that he would bother Jamie very little. He was passed almost immediately by the Maori, which, the first flag boat being dead to leeward, walktd to windward in a way that showed he meant to win. Redgauntlet made a bad start and was left a long way in the rear. This was but a sorry match. Tautari's boat was bowling before the wind, if not actually at Tapeka, before Botherem had rounded the first flag. At all events, he came in just an hour and three minutes before the second bo t ; and when the latter made her appearance, the Committee had almost forgotten what match she belonged to. The soldiers, to the best of our knowledge, nerer made their appearance. Time for winning boat, Ih 47m. We may here remark that the rldg boat off Wahapu Point was so far in shore as scarcely to be discernible through the glass, while a view ot the boats, in rounding it, was completely shut out by the farthest out ship— The Friends. The Tapeka, agnin, is a point / completely shut out from view, so that no one could ; tell from observation whether the boats rounded it or not. We should suggest, in this respect, an alteration in the arrangements for 18-58, being sure 4iat the suggestion will be taken in good part. Third Match.— For Boats of any length, pulling two oars. Same course as No. 1 lit prize, £5 ; 2nd prize, £2; Entrance £1.

It was rather a source of regret to see such a paucity of entries for the pulling matches. In this, as in the first, a dummy had actually to be entered to make a race. Both rounded the boat in shore well together, but the Fairy had shot ahead and was gaining ground as they re- passed the ship. On nearing the \\ ahapu, howerer, the Nonpareil took the lead and would have rounded by several lengths, but she either fouled the flag boat, partially filled in turning, or met with accident of some kind, at she permitted the Fairy to pass her and walk well ahead The latter, with so long a start, came in easily with 20 lengths to spare. Time, 23 minutes.

Fourth Match. — For coasters not exceeding 20 tons. To start from :he flagship, thence round the boat moored off Wahapu Point, thence round the boat moored off Tapeka Point, thence again round the boat moored off Wahapu Fuint, thence again round the boat moored off Tapeka Point, and thence to the flagship. Ist prize, £8 ; nd prize, £3 ; Entrance, £1 10s.

The start was effected at 11 50, the Maid taking the most weatherly position, closely followed by the Foam, both sailing beautifully together while on the port tack. The Nymph, however, which was rather behind in the start, had gained ground considerably, and when, at 12 20, the Maid rounded the first flag and eased off her sheets, she found the Nymph juat in her wake— the rest keeping a respectful distance The run towards the Tapeka was beautiful, the Nymph gaining, however, and in the leading place before going behind the land which shuts Tapeka out from view. They re-ap-peared in somewhat the same order, but the Maid and the Foam now competing for the second place. In similar order they went over the dreary distance (certainly not less than 15 miles), and came in, the Nymph at 3 20, the Maid at 3 22, and the Foam so close upon the lafer as to render it doubtful from the ship, as they were standing up, which was to be the successful compefitoT for the second prize. Time, 3h. 30m., which, with a fine breeze, is too long for the result of one race out of eleven to be pending. The interest by that time begins to flag. The winning boat, as indeed all the winners, came in amidst great cheering, bat in this case it was the Bay the Nymph having been purchased by Bay Natives) versus Auckland, as represented by the Maid, and the cheering, though quite good natured, was rather more vociferous. Atl'2 A'etoek, tfc* gtm a*d fl«g at tke ma«t head

gate notice to prepare, and, at 12 minutes past, the stait , was effected for the Fifth Match.— For whale boats pulling five oars. To start from the flagship, thence round the flag boat off the Custom House, thence round the flag boat off Wahapu Point, thence again round the boat off the Custom House, thence again round the boat off Wahapu Point, and back to ship. Jst prize, £10 ; 2i,d prize, £4 ; 3rd prize, £1 ; Entrance £1 Ioi.

The Australian took the lpad, closely followed by i Satan and her Maori crew, and, at first, rather passed. The Australian, however, rounded the flag boat a long way ahead, and, in passing the ship, seemed resolved to win. Satan was a long distance in the rear, and the ruck a long way astern of either. In this order they again made for the Wahapu ; but, after the flag boat was rounded the second time, it was percehwl fiom the ship that the Maories had made up for lost time, and were nearly bow and bow with Australian. The latter, iv fact, seemed dead beat, and came in an indifferent second, much to the astonishment of all who saw what the crew did at first. We learned afterwards that two of the rowers had been obliged to give in ; and, indeed, it was no wonder. The distance, accoiding to the most moderate estimate, was ten miles, and.it was traversed in just one minute over the hour. We were sorry to observe no boats in the list ot competitors for the whale boat prizes, belonging to either of the three whaling ships in harbour. A considerable intei val was here allotted to the duty — an especially pleasing one after standing some hours on deck in a good breeze -of replenishing the inner man. The materials were hospitably provided by Mr. J. B Williamß and Captain Bolger,— the services of the cook and stewards having been kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by Captain McLieve. This attention was especially felt by those who weie strangers. It was therefore 52 minu'es past one before a start was effected for the Sixth Match.— For second class sailing boats, not exceeding 15 feet keel. Samecouise as No. 2. Ist prize, £8 ; 2nd prize. £3. Entrance, £1.

This was a very pretty start and race to windward by the Flying Fish, Fanny, and Sea Shell, such being the order in which they went off. The others hung a little in starting, and made a board in shoie before attempting to stand across the bow of the fiag-ship. For some time the first three were almost touching each other, but the Sea Shell, a powerful new boat belonging to, and sailed by, Captain McGregor began, after a little while, to draw ahead. She rounded the flag-boat first, the Fanny not a bad second, and the Fish third. In running down to T.ipeka, the Sea Shell shewed herself as good a sailer off as on a wind, and increased the distnnce between herself and the two who were doing their best to catch her. In standing up to the flag-ship, after shewing round from Tapeka Point, the Sea Shell had maintained her fust position and came in five minutes before the Fanny. Two minutes later the Flying Fish had taken the thiid prize, although very closely pushed by the Bee. Time lh. 49m. The next event ought to have been the best of the day, for the entries were no fewer than ten, and the boats all very likely ones. Much inteiebt was felt in it at first, but "it partially died away in course of the match, firstly, from the preposterous length of the course, and. secondly, from the fact that Ta.itari had it all his own way— not that this in itself was an objection, for Jamie is a decided favorite, but because there is less excitement when one boat runs away from all the rest. It was precisely 2,45 when the leprrt of the gun started the boats for the Seventh Mach. — For first-class sailing boats, of any dimensions. Course same as for coasters. Ist prize, £15; 2nd prize, £5; 3rd piize, £1 10s. [ Entrance, £1 10s. ;

The Elizabeth is a fine looking boat, just built by Baker, and, before the race, was rather a favourite. Something, however, was wrong ; she was the last to get away, and the first to get in, but without doing her work. "The Maori boat, the Parerarera, also put back, having carried away some sticks. From the start it was evident that Tautari had it all his own way. His boat is a new one, just out of Brown's hands, and built on the precise model of the Osprey. The New Year, as she is named, rounded the first flag half a mile ahead of the second boat; she had nearly beat back from Tapeka to Wahapu when Jamie coolly came alongside the flagship, coming some two miles out of his course, to ask whether it was once or twice round. Away again he went, and finally came in at 5,-55, thirteen minutes before the second boat— the Rover. The latter, with the frightful insignia of a death's head and marrow bones, had, however, done pretty well, for she was one of the laggards in the start. The third boat came in at 6,50, forty-two minutes after the Rover, and the ruck made their appearance by very slow degrees. By this time it was getting very tedious, and the "light fantastic toe" proved more attractive than the evolutions even of clipper sailing boats. In the interim there was the Eighth Match. — Por boats not exceeding 15 feet, pulling 2 oars Course same as No. 1. Ist prize, £6 ; 2nd prize, £2. Entrance £1.

The Star of Australia rounded the first buoy a little ahead, but was fouled immediately afterwards by the Blue Bell, which gave the Amy a good start, and helped her, no doubt, to come in a winner by two minutes . Time, 26 minutes. Ninth Match. — For first-class sailing skiffs, keel not exceeding 6 inches in depth. Course same as No. 2. Ist prize, £5; 2nd prize, £2 10s. Entrance, £1.

The Canoe race started at the 'same time (4,22) as the above, and took the "shine" completely out of it. Of the movements of the sailing craft prior to rounding Tapeka Point, and again making their appearance, our note book contains no memoranda, the fact being that, after< the canoes came in, the interest excited by a comic polka between two veterans in the Terpsichorean art, was, for the nonce, absorbing. When the boats shewed from behind the land, Redgauntlet and I won't if I can't were beautifully together, and it was long doubtful which would take the first prize. At last, victory declared in favor of Higgins ; he came up several yards ahead of the othei. But, alas ! "there is many a slip 'tween the cup ar>d thfi lip," he rounded on the wrong side of the flag-ship, and, before he could go about, had the satisfaction of seeing his competitor walk under the ship's stern, and take the first place. Higgins came in, too, with his mast spliced in two places, shewing that he had spared no exertion to gain what he, after all, so stupidly lost. But the event of the day was decidedly the Canoe Race To start from the flagship, theni'e round theflagboat off Wahapu point, thence round the flagboat off the Custom-house, and back to the flagship. Karera 1 Te Tingha 2 Walker O 3 This was a grand and truly characteristic race. The canoes, as we said before, were fantastically painted for the occasion, and contained respectively 6*5, 45, and 40 men, all partially nude, and in the highest state of excitement — a state of feeling which was kept up by the gesticulations of the chiefs who stood in the centre of each canoe. Their respective crews had long been eager for the fray, and had paddled off several times in hopes of being allowed to start. As it was, they were started before the right time, but it was the only way of stopping their eternal "korero" at the ship's side. They performed the distance, variously stated at from five to six miles, in twenty minutes, Te Karera, with her 65 paddles, winning easily, and her crew acknowledging the cheers from the ship by the most extiavagant expressions of delight, and by an extemporaneous dance, in which all hands engaged, in the temporary deck of the canoe. The crew of Te Tingha took it much more quietly, and that of Walker O, which came in long astern, hadn't a word to say for themselves. About the time that the last arrived, the crew of the first were jumping ashore, and rushing along the bench in a state of perfect ecstasy. The winning canoe was owned by Mongtnui's tribe, the old chief himself being skipper for the time being. The tenth race in the programme, but virtually the auvRKTH, wat the " "

-.Dingy Race. To start "from the dagataff, theme round Clendon's inland, them /rou nil theflagboat off the •Custom-house, and' back to the flagship. Ist Prize, £3 ; 2nd prize, £1 10s. ; Entrarice 108. :— Star— Haker 1 Gem — McGregor 2 Punch. — Herrien : . . dr. The Star, pulled by a European, had it »11 iti own way, easily beating the Gem, and its Native rower. This was the last race of the day, but the sailing boats had not yet returned, and the tedium of the interval was again relieved by the sweet sounds of the Band. The sport, however, was nenily ovei. and another hour brought to a final termination the Bay of Islands Regatta for 1857. When we say that it was highly successful, we echo the sentiment 'that has been universally expressed, and we trudt that the Bay may be the scene of many others, to come off with equal, it not additional eclat. Indeed, «ye do not see how it welUcan be othet wise. The Bay boasts of several eminent boatbuilders ; _ she possesses every natural advantage ; and her inhabitants, of every age and clsss, seem to Have a taste for aquatic exercises. In the meantime we trust that some of the splendid boats we saw on Thursday will not be altogether strangers to Auckland, but will be amongst the competitors— nay more, the successful competitors — at the approaching anniversary regatta.

Redgauntlet Herries I won't if I can't Iliggins Lizzy Anson 1 2 3

Lmy Baker Baker itar of Australia J. B. "Williams . . Hue Bell Brown 1 2 3

New Year 1 autan Rover Brown Royalist George Morning Star Clendon, jun., . . . Karen Tatere Wonga Wonga Pirau Elizabeth Baker . Te Ti Parerarera Isaac Inghoa Kuri Tau Ta mi te tutu Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 0 0 dr. dr.

Sea Shell McGregor Fanny J. Williams Flying Fish Baker Bee Irvine Thistle Stewart 1 2 3 4 5

Satan, .* Tarapnta 1 , Australian, Irvine 2 New Zealamler, .... Tamati Walker, 3 Margaret, Kaue, 4 Te me ta ngn Campbell 5 Rough and Ready, Pierce, dr.

Nymph Joseph, Maid of the Mill, . Grundy, Foam, Chamberlain, Morning Star, Brown, George and Mary Stephenson, 1 2 3 4 5

airy, J . uiendon, sen fonpareil, J. Clendon, jun lotherem (No. 2) Bolger, ] 2 0

laori, 1 nutan, lotherem, Irving, ledfjnuntlpt Herries, 1 2 0

Amy Baker baker, Kangaroo, J. R. Williams, Widow, E. Bolger, i 2 0