Aquatics.

Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 103, 29 October 1888, Page 3

Aquatics.

? Tho manner in whioh the proposed two days' regatta is being received by the public is very gratifying to those who have been working in the matter. Besides the fact that subscription lists arc being sent all over tho city, and contributions in money promised, several gontlomen have undertaken to present handsome prizes in tho shape of cups, Ac. If tho port is to go ahead, these regattas will do thoir part towards its success, and they should therefore receive the hearty support of all lovers of pure and healthy recreation for all classes. Who that saw them can forget the magnificent races that were rowed opposito Petone beach by crewß from Canterbury, Nelson, Dunedin, and Auckland v. Wellington some yeaTS ago for tho blue ribband of tho colony, and a prize of ,£l5O in money? Those were the days of the Stella and Dolly Varden, Sabina and lIjBBUS, and in inriggerß, the Queen Mab and others. The fierce struggles for aquatic supremacy between the representatives of the various ports took place in the presence of spectators from all parts of the colony, who lined the shores of the beach and the sides of the neighbouring hills. And why should not this be again? If the present enthusiasm continues, and the champion fours are rowed here, the chances aro very much in favour of a series of splendid contests being held, attracting large concourses of speotatora from all parts of New Zealand. The proposal now placed on the programme of the rowing regatta for the last Saturday in February, for a race for college students (fours), is ono which should commend itself to evoryone interested in pure and healthy recreation for boys, and deserves to be well taken up by the various colleges. We believe tho principals of the colleges here look with favour on the movement, but feel in a. difficulty about boats for their lads to practice and race in. This difficulty has been got over in one case by the Wellington Rowing Club offering a boat for the St. Patrick's College boys, and there should be no difficulty in a similar offer being made to the other college by the Stats. It is expeotod that as this race will be really the foundation of a 'Varsity race for New Zealand, a number of entries from other provinces will bo made. Messrs. Hislop and Co., of Lambton - quay, have generously presented four handsome medals as trophies for the race. The Wellington Rowing Club made a substantial addition to its plant on Saturday, by the purchase, from Mr. George Norton, of three handsome outraged practice boats. One is a practice four-our, the other two aro practice soullers, and the skill displayed by Mr. Norton in their construction was the theme of general praiße on Saturday. Tho club has given orders to the same builder for two comfortable pleusure boats, and yjhile these are under construction a small pleasure boat will be placed in the clubhouse for the use of members and their families. Mr. Norton is now busy at the construction of the pleasure boats.