OUR ANNUAL REGATTA.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2663, 30 January 1866, Page 4

OUR ANNUAL REGATTA.

Patron : Commodore Sir Win. Wiseman, Bart., C.B.

Vice-Patron : His Honor the Superintendent.

President : John Williamson, Esq., J.P., M.G.A.

Yicb-Prbsidbnts ; Captain Luce, H.M.S. 'Esk; Captain C. W. Hope, H.M.S. 'Brisk'; Captain G, Parkin, H.M.S. • Falcon'; Captain E. R. Fremantle, H.M.S. ' Eclipse.'

Flag Ship : ' Prince Alfred, 1 H. S. Machin, Esq., Commander,

Committee : Chairman—Mr. T, JB. Guilding. Messrs.. John Copland Messrs. H. Marks A. Duthie M. Niccol E. T. Ebborn T. Nicooi A. Edmonds C. X.. Roskruge G. H. Fletcher C. Robinson H. R. Lewis W. Wilkinson D. Macfarlane J. Waymouth H. J. Wadham. Umpire : C. K. Roskruge, Esq. Starter : Captain JET. Marks. Treasurer : Mr. John Copland. Seoretary : Mr, R. T. Ebborn.

Auditors; Messrs. J. Waymouth and G. H. Fletoher.

An anniversary without a regatta would bo a a anomalous as an antipodean summer without sunlight and heat ; so that, notwithstanding th s e lethargy evinced in its organisation, the regatta of yesterday was the amusement, par excellence, of the people of this maritime city. The anniversary day has become to all ia this community a sort of second New Year's inauguration, and a very pleasant repetition it is. The very same course of pionic excursions, trips to the Lake, North Shore, and Home Bay, and other meant of enjoyment which Bignalise the New Year festivities, and the merry and demonstrative Boxing Day of the previous week, are repeated on the occasion of our anniversary celebration. The commencement of another colonial year's experience is hailed with an expression of joyous hope that, for a long time at all events, sounds a death-knell to the disappointments and regrets of the year gone by. Yesterday was no exception to the series of anniversary festivals on which the people of this province and colony are pleased to enjoy themselves, keeping high holiday, each according to his individual taste and inclination. By regattas, races, picnic?, cricket matches, and water excursions, we have no doubt it will be found that due honour has been done to the approach of the twenty-sixth year of the colony's foundation throughout its length and breadth ; certainly in this city and its immediate neighbourhood nothing appeared to be wanting. Whatever attractions may be presented by the now numerous suburban localities which are visited by holiday folk on those stated periods, when the residents of Auckland leave their homes on pleasure trips, our anniversary is peculiarly aquatic, and the harbour seems always to remain a favourite place of resort on the occasion of its celebration. Its fine sandy beach, numerous pleasant bays, and sloping banks — its wide and expansive reach, studded with craft of every desoriptioD,— are at such a. time thronged with

motley groups, inhaling the bracing sea air, and enjoying themselves in good earnest, as if fluch holidays, instead of being common, were of but rare occurrence. The weather was glorious, and admirably suited for enjoyment by the very large concourse of spectators who thronged the beach, the various large vessels and coasting craft in.harbour, Britomart, and Smale's Point, the numerous bays, the windows and verandahs of houses adjacent to the harbour, the piers, Queen-street Wharf — aye, even the cranes upon the wharf — the little boats darting hither and thither upon the water, the men-of-war in harbour, together with the splendid flagship ' Prince Alfred,' which was literally crammed throughout the day with eager participators in the holiday of the colony. The day opened rather close— as is generally the case at this season of the year ; there was, however, a cool refreshing breeze prevalent. Ie has been commonly supposed that the mythological personage, renowned in popular song as "the man that couldn't get warm," can generally manage to forfeit his very unenviable distinction, and be sunburnt to his heart's content on such an occasion ; but it was not so on the waters of the Waitemata yesterday. The fine air and lovely scenery of the harbour, with its annual aquatic tournament thereon, found a large assemblage of persons who were not incommoded by the fervid rays of the sun, and who, rejoicing in the cool sea breeze, and unvexed by excessive heat, appeared determined to keep up the day with all due honour. Although the solar heat was great in the morning, clouds overspread the sky as the forenoon advanced, and a nice cool breeze sprang up from the W.S.W. The breeze lasted pretty freely during the day, and although occasionally somewhat light for the large open boats and trading vessels, it was suitable to the smaller sailing boats and pulling races* of which the sports were principally composed. A liberal programme had beeu provided by the working committee of the regatta — we say working, because we have occasion to know that the work devolved upon two or three willing hands. Through the courtesy of H. S. Machin, Esq., commanding the P. , N.Z. , and A. K. M. Company's s. s. Prince Alfred, that splendid vessel was placed at the disposal of the committee for a flag-ship, and hauled into the stream on Sunday morning ready to be devoted to their exclusive use throughout the following day, notwithstanding the inconvenience such a courtesy must have entailed on the captain and officers on the day before the departure of the vessel for Sydney with the English mail. The committee would not have ventured to make such a request bad it not been found that the captains of the various English vessels in harbour were unwilling to set aside their ships for this purpose. The fine American schooner Alice was kindly offered to the committee, but was feared to be too small for the purpose. The band of the same, which nightly appears at the Great World Circus, was also placed at the service of the committee, and stationed on board the flagship during the day. Their performances were very creditable ; and the thanks of the visitors to the fUg-ship are due to the proprietors of the Circus for the enlivenment afforded by these per* formances. At an early hour in the morning the streets of our city were thronged with parties wending their way to the Queen-street Wharf, en route for the flag-ship, or other vessels in the harbour, in pursuit of their favourite amusement. The scene was very beautiful, every vessel — and especially the five men-of-war in harbour — being gaily dressed with bunting from the truck to the flying jib-boom end — the waters of the magnificent harbour of the Waitemata ruffled by a gentle breeze, and crowded with vessels of all descriptions — from the clipper ship of 2,000 tons to the smallest craft afloat. Not the least attractive feature were the groups of happy smiling faces, who had oast care to the winds, and determined to make this, the anniversary of the foundation of the colony, a day of innocent and happy recreation. Amongst our few national sports, there is scarcely one that excites more interest in the mind of the colonists than a regatta ; and great as it is in England, it is much more so in the colonies. This naturally arises from the fact that we are all sailors to a certain extent, the elder portion of the community having had a long voyage to undertake before arriving at this, the land of their adoption, and, with their families, being settled for the mo3t part within view of the ocean. We are led to make these reflections from the fact that a regatta commends itself to a maritimepeople from commercial considerations, as well as for affording material for a day's pleasure, — notwithstanding the indifference which some commercial men exhibited in supporting it. The builders of the vessels which yesterday won for their owners the splendid silver cups and money prizes will naturally endeavour to build the next one of the class they receive an order for to surpass them, and so for all the rest j— thus the desire to improve on each model becomes stronger every year, until perfection itself is almost arrived at ; and hence the many beautiful craft which are to be Been rigged out on the occasion of our annual regatta. Anything that tends to produce emulation does good, and the more so when its effect is to combine profit with pleasure. A more beautiful day for the regatta could not have been chosen, if we except what some of the over-anxious— we had almost said over-greedy — seemed to desire. They appeared to wish some peculiar breeze to blow from some peculiar direction which, would admit of fair weather for the rowing boats, but would also give to the large sailing vessels — many of which would have to run round the same oour3e as did the boats — a good stiff breeze, so that their sailing capabilities might b$ fully tested. At intervals such a state of things existed ; occasionally a stiff breeze did come to the relief of these people ; but fair weather, attended with a gentle breeze, carried the day. The several rowing matches were therefore contested under most i favourable ciroumstances ; sometimes the sailing matches were not ; for at one moment the sails would flap lazily against the mast, to be succeeded for a short spell by a light breeze, which would again die away, and again blow from a slightly different point of the compass. The attendance of the fair sex yesterday was most numerous. We last year intimated that 1865 had seen the Auckland regatta assume the proportions that properly belong to a sport for which our harbour affords such special facilities. We must this year also congratulate the committee upon their success. The arrangements on board the flagship were all that could be desired. Refreshments were provided in excellent style by Mr. Harrison, the steward, assisted by Mr. Sceats, of the British Hotel, Queen-street, both of whom did their utmost to cater for the wants of the visitors, and received the encomiums of those present for their provision. ' First Race— l o A. M. —four-oared Gigs. Outriggers not allowed. First prize, £20; second, £10. Course — From south side of flagstaff, round the Flag Boat moored off Freeman's Bay, round H. jv£. s. Curagoa, coming in on south side of Flagship. Twice round. All marks to be kept on the starboard hand. Flagship not considered a mark except at starting and coming in. Maid of the Mill (red), Kobinson :. ' 1 Pai Marire (white, blue stripe), Xilgonr 2 Euphemus (blue), A. Nicholson 3 Star of Parnell {white, red star), E. Kobinson .. ..0 Timer Ist, 11.8.40 (start, 10.21.30); 2nd, 11.11; 3rd, 11.9.39. They started within 21 m. 30 sec. of the appointed time, 10 o'clock, notwithstanding that the first race is so proverbial for being late at the start. The four got well off, the favourite taking the lead, and Star of Parnell showing last. The Maori boat was not long in pushing forward, and kepb its place in good style. The Parnell rowers showed themselves nowhere throughout the race, and were consequently a long way in the rear at the finish. Mr. Robinson's four kept the lead throughout, coming in at the winning-post in advance of their pursuers, the Maori boat, by 59sec., and Euphemus (Mr. A. Nicholsons crew), by 2m. 20sec. Second Race.— lo.3o A.M. — Yachts under 5 tons. First prize, stiver cup, value £16, the gift ■of a Lover of Aquatics ; second prize, £7 ; third prize, £5. Course — From south side of Flagship round the Red Buoy in Rangitoto Channel, round the Flag Boat off Stokes Point, coming in on south side of Flagship. All marks, &c, as in first race. Secret, 4}- tons (green), J. Kejs .. ..1 Absconder, i tons (white, blue border), J. Wajrmoutb, Junior 2 Sensation, 4} tons (white, blue crou), M. Ben .. .. s Glitter, 4 ton* (white, red border), J. Waymouth . . . . A Jenny, 2} tons (red, white ball), G. H. Fletcher . . . . 0 Saudflr, 2 tons (blue, white ball), G. Beeson.. .. .. 0, King Mapere, 4 tons, (white), J. Solliran 0 Maori Jack, 4 tons (black, white ball), Maori . . „ 0 Mf ange, 4J toni (black), Davis 0 Time: Ist, 1.22.50 p.m. (start, 10.47.30 a.m.); 2nd, 1.2440; 3rd, 1.24.49; and 4th, 1.26.30. The crowd got well off, without any fouling, at 47£ m. past 10 o'clock ; and with the gentle breeze which prevailed, -were enabled to make a good r'ea'oh • to seaward. Mr. Waymouth's Glitter was the favourite, for. its former success in mosqnito fleet races. The crowd kept well together untilthey were lost to sight. They came in as above placed after a race of an hour and a-halfs duration, Secret beating Absconder by lmin. 50sec, and Abioonder . bealjing Mr.; Ross's new boat by only'gie/j,

Sensation vM built expressly for the regatta, and it must be some satisfaction to her builder to find she shaped so well for second place.

Third Raoi.— ll a. m.— Scullers' Matoh, open to all comers. First prize, silver cup, presented by Mr. Hautrive, value £10, with £5 added; second prize, £5. Course— Same as first race. Once round. Son of the Waitwnata (white, blue cross), J. Clar* . . . . 1 Mosquito (red), Morgan .. .. * Lady of the Lake (blue}, J. Copland 0 Don (white), J. dare 0 , Time: 11.50.30. (Start, 11.18.) This race wan started at 18 minutes past 11, and occupied only 30m. 82sec. There were four entries, but only three started, one of whom (Mosquito) had only pulled two strokes when his footboard gave way, and losing the pressure of his strokes he gave up the race without hesitation, leaving Son of the Waitemata and Lady of the Lake sole possession of the ground. In a few minutes, however, the foot-board was replaced and Mosquito went round the course, coming in second boat, as above indicated.

Fourth Rao*.— ll.3o a.m.— Trading Vessels under 20 tons. First prize, £20 ; second prize, £10 ; third prize, £5. Course— From south side of Flag Ship, round the red and white chequered buoy off Drunken Bay, round the Flag Boat off Stokes* Point, coming in on south side of Flag Ship. All marks, Ac, as in the first race. Bavera, 18 torn (blue, white border), H. J. Wadham . . 1 Avon, 17 tons (white, red diamond), H. J. Wadham . . 2 Harriet, 18 tons (red, white border;, H. J. Wadham . . 0 St. Kilda, 15 tons (atari and stripes), M. Hooper . . . . 0 Petrel, 18 tons (red), Niemana 0 Time: Ist, 2.50 (start, 11.39); 2nd, 3 o'clock. The five got well away with a welcome breeze, and made the sailing in quick time. The first boat came abreast of the flagship in 3h. 20m., followed very olosely by the second boat, the Severn. Both boats were entered by Mr. Wadham. The oontest was a very close on* for first and second places throughout, and resulted as above indicated.

Fifth Raob.— l2 a m.— Boats belonging to H.M. Ships. First prize, £15; second prize, £5. Course, to be decided upon by the Commodore and Officers of H.M. ships in port. Curagoa, No. 1 (white, with red cross), H.M. s. Curagoa ... 1 Curagoa. No. 2 (red, with a white crou), H.M. s. Curagoa... 2 Brisk (white), H.M. s Brisk 3 Esk (whit*, with black ball), H M. s. Esk 4 Falcon (white, blue cross), H.M. s. Falcon 5 Eclipse (red), H.M.S. Eclipse « Time: Ist, 12.50 (start, 11.55) ; 2nd, 12.50.30; 3rd, 12.51.30. There were six entries for this race, being one for each of the men-of-war in harbour, and two from the Commodore's ship. The crews, ten in number, with a coxswain, were all up to the mark, but the boats differed in size and weight. The boats of H.M.s. Curagoa were the most likely looking, and consequently became the favourites. The evenness and regularity of the strokes was very generally admired on the part of the entire fleet. The boat of H.M.s. Curagoa took the first place Bhortly after the start, and was closely pursued by the boat of H.M. s. Brisk. In this order the boats rounded H.M. s. Curagoa, and passed the flagship at the halfdistance, when Curagoa No. 2 gradually crept ahead of the Brisks crew. The two boats here kept close company, and on rounding the Curagoa fouled, the fault being attributable to the Curaooa's boat Ho. 2, who was thus rendered disqualified for the race, according to the rules of the committee. The trio kept this position until the close, Curagoa No. 1 gradually gaining ground by a fine steady stroke until the finish. The race ouly occupied 55 minutes, notwithstanding the heavy boats and long course. The two crews of H.M. s. Curagoa were well matched, 30sec. only intervening between their appearance abreast of the flag-ship's bows ; the third boat, H.M. s. Brisks, followed in one minute, as the time aboy« quoted will testify. The result was received with much cheering, but on the appearance of the coxswains on board the flag-ship, a protest was entered on behalf of the crew of H.M. s. Brisk, on the ground that that they had been fouled by the second boat of H. Ni. s. Curagoa, whilst passing under the bows of that vessel . The charge was substantiated, and the second boat was consequently disqualified, leaving the result of the race as follows :—: — Curacgoa, No. 1 (12.50) 1 Brisk (12.51.30) 2 Curagoa, No. 2 (12.50 30) 3

Sixth Race.— l2.3o p.m.— Cargo Boats, Licensed, but Unregistered.— First prize, Silver Cup, presented by Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co.. London, value £25 ; second prize, £10 ; third prize, £5. Course— From South Side of Flag Ship, round the Red Buoy in Rangitoto Channel, round the Flag Boat off Stokes's Point, coming in on South Side of Flag Ship. All marks, &c, as in first race. Pearl, 9 tons (white, black ball), H. J Wadham . . . . 1 Triad, 12 tons (red. white, and blue), D. McLean . . . . 2 Alpha. 14J tons (blue, white, and blue), W. McHugh . . 5 Otahuliu, 14 tons (red), Macanianey 0 Henry, 12 tons (light-blue). C. Bobinson .. .. ..0 Diamond, 12 tons (white, blue diamond), F. Coomb* . . 0 Time: Ist, 2.38.30 (start, 12.32); 2nd, 2.40; 3rd, 2.40.1. There were «ix vessels started for this race, the prize being Messrs. Shaw, Savill, and Co.'s cup, presented for vessels engaged in lightering cargo at this port. The race started at 12 32, and terminated at 2.40.1, leaving little more than two hours for its accomplishment. This is attributable to the pleasant breeze which sprang up, affording great satisfaction to the owners of the boats, which were put upon their merits in consequence of the favourable wind. The Henry, a magnificent sailing-boat, caught on a sandapit, and stood no chance at the finish in consequence. The Pearl (Mr. Wadbam's), came in a capital winner lmin. 30sec. ahead of the Triad, which was hotly pur■uedby Mr. McHugh's Alpha, the latter taking third place by only laec. The finish was the best of the day's sport, and showed the excellent build of our cargo-boats. The result was very satisfactory to the eye-witnesies, who had seldom seen a race so closely contested, and so thoroughly undefinable throughout the course.

Skvzkth Raob.— l p.m.— Trading Vessels, from 20 to 45 ton*. First prize, £25 ; second prize, £10 ; third prize, £5. Course, &c, same as fourth race. Lady Wynyard, 25 tons (blue, red square), J. Trimmer . . 1 Clyde, 34 tons (white ground, red cross), T. Craig . . • • i Jane, 34 tons (green), Faulkner •> Whitby, 21 tons (white), Doughty ° Time: Ist, 2.57 (start, 1.0.2); 2nd, 3.9; 3rd, 4.1. There were four entries for this race— the fine schooners Clyde and Jane, and the cutters Whitby and Lady Wynyard. A capital start was effected, and a very favourable breeze prevailed. The racing was excellent throughout. The fine cutter Doughty lost ground in consequence of not having sails ready to send aloft when the starter's gun fired. The Jane, too, would have made a better show h*d she been possessed of a gaff-topsail, like the schooner Clyde. The result, however, was a signal victory for the cutter Lady Wynyard, recently launched from Messrs. Sims and Brown's yard, at the North Shore, to the order of Mr. John Trimmer, and used as a coasting vessel. Her excellent sailing qualities were fully tried by the contest, and showed results satisfactory alike to owner and builders.

Eighth Rack. — 2 p.m. — Yachts, 5 tons and upwards. First prize, Silver Cup, value £25; second prize, £10 ; third prize, £5. Course— Same as fourth race. Spray, 15 tons (red), Morgan .. .. ••,„••, •• \\ LUard, 11 tons (blue, white ball, red crass), T. Niccol . . 2 Albert, 6 tons (bine, white border), Beck 0 Fanny Gold, 10 tons (white), Northie " Time : lit, 4.36 (start, 2.1) ; 2nd, 4.50. Lizard, the winner of latt year's cup, was the favourite, having been built by Mr. Niccol with a Tiew of carrying off the prizes at our annual regatta. She was this year, howerer, doomed to disappointment, Mr. Morgan, of Official Bay, having built a new yacht to contest the race with her, and proving ■uccessful. The Spray, a likely-looking craft, cama in a winner by no less than fourteen minutes, the other yacht being nowhere in the race.

Ninth Racb.— 2.3o p.m.— Boats pulled by pair oars; open to all comers. First prize, £15 ; second prize, £10 ; third prize, £5. Course, &c, same as first race— once round. Sons of the Waitemata (white, blue cross), J.Clare.. .. 1 Shadow (red), Morgan z Citizen (bine), J. Clare ° Time: Ist, 2.52 (start, 2.31); 2nd, 2.52.30. This was a capital race. There were three starters, but Citizen gave up « ho "jy * fte [; wards, leaving Shadow and Son of the WaitemaU sole possessors of the race. The two shepherded each other well throughout, but as the winning-post was neared the result was set down as a certainty for the winner of the third race. Son of the Waitemata came in a winner by half-a-minute ; Shadow, second. This race only occupied 21 minutes.

Tbsth Race— 3 p.m.-— Wakatawa Canoes. First prize, £20; second prize, £19. Couue, Ac, same as first race. , ■ - Zanthorn (white) MablaWabin* (black) "Whakapa (red). . The canoes not answering the description itipulated, no nwe w*« alkmed, /

Eleventh Ra0b.— 3.30 f.m.— Ships' Gigs, pulled by four oars. To be manned by men belonging to ships in port. First prize, £10 ; second prize, £5; third prize, £3. Course, &c, same as first race, once round. lord Athley (blue and white), Wonp 1 Ballarat (blue, red crow), Captain Allan 2 Percy (blue and whiU), J. Bruce 8 Prinot Alfred, Farcle 0 There were four entries and three starters for this race, which resulted in an easy victory for the Ashley's boat The crew of the winning boat pulled a capital oar, and kept excellent stroke throughout.

Twelfth Eaob.— 4 p.m.— Dingies pulled by Boys born in the colony, under 16 years of age. First prize, £5. Second prize, £2 lOt. Short course to be decided on the day. firing Miit (red, with letter X), Duder Willie (white), Duder Alarm (blue), Duder Mosquito (red), Morgan. The dingies did not start, for two reasons- one was above the requisite size, and another oontained a person above the specified age. ... This terminated the programme of the regatta of There was one attractive and amusing feature wanting in the day's sports, namely, the war canoe race between natives. The coming off of this race was locked forward to with a good deal of interest by the crowdß of persona who thronged the wharf and the salient points on both sides the river, from whence a view could be obtained, and more especially by new-comers. There were three entries, Zanthoro, Mahia Wahine, and Whakapa, but these did not answer the description given in the programme, being common canoes and not wakatawa (war) canoes. Besides, they were entered by one person, and the crews made up by him in order to secure the prize offered. The committee did not think there could be any honest rivalry under such an arrangement, and preferred to forego the race. They, however, offered to give half the prize stated should they compete, but the natives could not understand this. There was, also, no dingy race as m former years. This race was to be competed for by boys born in the colony, under sixteen years of age, and the prizes were £5 and £2 10s. Four boat 3 were entiered— Flying Mist, Willie, Alarm, and Mosquito. It was found that the last-meutioned boat was occupied by a youth of rather mature age, he being about twenty-five years of age. Another of the boats was over 13 feet, the specified length. The jolly tars contributed their quota to the amu-e-ment of the day. Conspicuous among their aquatic exploits was the racing — or rather floundering— in three copper dingies, belonging to the men-of-war in harbour. They seemed to heartily enjoy themselves, and to make the most of the "latitude" allowed them. They had their faces besmeared, and were attired in gaily coloured costume, on which were displayed in large characters various mottoes, and •omewhafc curious devices. They presented a grotesque appearance. The dingies, which were rather inconveniently crowded to be safe, were propelled by Maori paddles, and one of them with spades. In their Bomewhat reckless manoeuvring they upset one of the dingies, but the sons of Neptune did not remain long in the water, or allow the slight occurrence to interfere with their sport. A large boat escorted them to prevent any serious accident occurring. After thoroughly enjoying themselves, they went on board the flag-ship dressed as genuine Christy's minstrels, and tripped it merrily on the light fantastic toe to the strains of a fiddle and the rattle of the bone», until the last gun was fired, and the races terminated, when they with the visitors dispersed. We are glad to be able to record that the regatta passed off without the occurrence of any accidents, or any incident calculated to mar the enjoyment that prevailed throughout the day. We cannot conclude our notice, without according a due meed of praise to those members of the committee who were most indefatigable in their exertions to contribute to the success of the several events, and also to those gentlemen who kiudly gave their valuable services :— Messrs. H. Marks, starter; C. K. lloskruge, umpire ; and R. T. Ebborn, hon. secretary.