MEMORABLE REGATTA

Evening Star, Issue 21637, 5 February 1934, Page 2

MEMORABLE REGATTA

PORT CHALMERS JUBILEE FIXTURE SPECTACULAR ROWING AND YACHTING BULK OF PRIZES TO PORT OARSMEN If ever any sports body has deserved the success that has at last come its way it is the Port Chalmers Regatta Committee, Perhaps it is to-day the envy of similar organisations in Otago, but' it has known its troublous times during the past three or four seasons, and no one can now begrudge it the glorious success that crowned its strenuous efforts to provide a fixture that would make history for the Otago Harbour—its seventieth anniversary jubilee regatta, held at Port on Saturday afternoon. Aquatic sportsmen will long remember that splendid occasion, as also will the several thousand persons, including Port residents, city dwellers, and visitors who invaded Port for the afternoon. . Few people realise to what jiains the committee went to achieve its desire to make the regatta a memorable one. Arrangements were completed to the smallest detail, until all that was left in the balance was the weather, " hen | Saturday arrived, bringing glorious' sunshine with it, the authorities were: delighted. The day was beyond any; expectation they had entertained (for; Saturday was a day in a thousand for ; this harbour), and it was happily i enough the good fortune of the com- ; mittee to be able to make the most; of such a blessing. Hot sunshine was fanned by a pleasant easterly breeze —a full-sail breeze for the yachtsmen, and vet & breeze that gave very little i bother to the oarsmen and light racing ! craft competitors Such a dav was the rightful reward : for a regatta which offered so much. | Its programme included nine rowing | events, three yachting races, and two j motor boat competitions, in addition' to sw'imming and model vacht racing— | altogether a verv diversified pro- j gramme. 0* course, practically all the i interest attached to the rowing. Ten: clubs were represented, these including i Invercargill Railway, Invercargill. ; Awarua (Bluff), Avon (Christchurch), ; and Oamaru Clubs, in addition to the i five local clubs. Seventy-three crews; competed during the afternoon, and : they provided some of the best racing ■ witnessed on the harbour for a couple i of seasons. A deplorable loss of time; on the rowing programme increased as; the afternoon advanced, until the; racing was almost forty minutes be- j hind schedule by the time the last race had been started. Vet better conditions could not have been desired, because the starting point at Bonners ( was sheltered, and only a chop, caused by the wind on the in-running tide, ; was experienced about midway up the i course. However, this did not affect, the rowing to any noticeable extent. Everyone expected a thrill from the senior fours, recognised as “ the ” | race of the day, but few thought that they would get such good measure. The field of seven crews in this event} was the largest either in Otago or | Southland for a considerable number of years; at least, not since 1926, when the New Zealand championships were held here. Prior to the race no ono would hazard an opinion as to which crew would win. although it was believed that local clubs would have things their own way. This proved to be correct. The old rivals, Port Chalmers and Queen’s Drive, went at it hammer and tongs at the last, and their harrackers made themselves hoarse through spurring their particular heroes on to victory. Definite superiority’ was shown by l >r >rt ■.Chalmers in the final stages, the creyv’s performance being highly creditable: in fact. Port Chalmers’ four wins during the dav were outstanding. When so many races in yvluoli large numbers of crews took part had been decided without any untoyvard incident. it was unfortunate that there should he two serious fouls in the last event on the programme, the senior pairs. Port Chalmers tivice interfered yvith Otago in this race, so much so the second time that Otago yvas robbed of certain victory. The umpire disqualified Port Chalmers and ordered the race to be rowed again, Otago and three other placed crews to he the only contestants. As no visiting rlub yvas concerned it yvas decided to hold the race oy r er for decision at the interchip eight-oar regatta at Port Chalmers next Saturday. Five ueyv royving cups yvere at stake for the first time. The Silver Fern (aggregate) Cup yvas secured by Port Chalmers, yvhich also yvon the Teachers Cnp for the senior fours, as well as gold medals for each member of the ererv ancl the cowswnin. Invercargill B‘lilway won the Walker and Hall Cup for the junior fours and the Johnny Walker Cup for the maiden fours. By winning the youths’ fours. Queen’s Drive received the Aulsehrook Cup. Details of the placings. the amount of prize money yvon, and the points secured for the aggregate cup by each club are included in the table given hereunder:—

Total (excluding £8 10s for senior pairs) 77$ Conditions for the yachtsmen yvere ideal, there being a full sail north-east-erly breeze, yvhich sent the sailing craft along at a brisk pace, yvhile there was no sea for the power-boat enthusiasts to contend yvith. The sailing course yvas from the launch Venture, moored off the wharves, down the channel to Bonner’s, and back to the starting line;

three times round for all-comers, tyvico for eighteen-footers and under, and once for 12ft Gin and under boats. The poyver-boat course yvas from the starters’ launch to the powder magazine by yvay of the blind channel and back to the starting line by the channel, twice round. Both sailing and poyverboat races yvere started on the Mark Foy system. The yachts made a fine sight as they came up the channel on a quarterly run yvith every stitch of canvas set. The largest craft in this section yvere particularly picturesque. Dayvn and Tucana made a good race of the all-comers’ event for third place, but the hanclicapper had set the former boat too great a task. Foaiji, formerly Viking, sailed a good race and finished half a minute ahead of Irex. This boat, under ueyv sails and gear, sailed very well. A good deal of interest yvas displayed in the finish of the race for sailing dinghies, yvhen Harlequin and Lady Luck crossed the Hue together. Not a second separated the two boats, and the race yvas declared a dead-heat for second place. ,Rascal, a comparative newcomer, shoyved a clean pair of heels to the remainder of the fleet in the race for sailing craft up to 18ft in length, and finished yvith over Train to spare from Squib. Though less spectacular, the racing in the poyver-boat section yvas equally keen, most interest centring about the cruisers’ race. In this event Stella, with a time alloyvance of 13imin on the scratch mark, forged ahead of the other competitors to finish linin ssec in front of Hermoine, yvhich had the same time alloyvance. The scratch boat. Miss Victory, gave a fine display of speed as she raced round the course, but her handicap yvas too severe to allow her to overtake the leading boats. Taken all round, the syvinaming yvas satisfactory. In the 50yds interclub handicap Fields and Toase both made good times in their heats. As yvell as the syviniming races there yvas an exhibition of diving by Miss’ O. Ferguson and N. and A. Williams, yvhile A. Findlay and partner gave a demonstration of life saving. The venue of the natatorial events yvas the dock, and this provided an admirable deepyvater syvimming pool. Praise for the control of the regatta is due to the following : —Messrs Isaac Stevenson (commodore), W. J. Wilson (chairman of the Regatta Committee). L. F. Smith (secretary), W. Robinson, H. Campbell, J. E. Colthorpe, S. G. Styche (royving judges), R. A. Neyvman (royving umpire), E. V. Fairbairn (royving starter), W. G. Glengarry (Ncyv Zealand Royving Association representative), C. Smith, A. Wiseman, J. Smaill (yachting judges), C. J. Hook, R. Ross (yachting starters), J. H. Barton (motor boat handicapper and timekeeper). A. Grant, F. Percy (yachting handicappers and timekeepers), members of the Port Chalmers Yacht and Motor Boat Club (model yacht officials), and members of the Otago Centre of the New Zealand Swimming Association (swimming officials).

Miisic for the occasion yvas provided hy the Port Chalmers Brass Band, yvhose services yvere much appreciated. Success leads to success, it is said, and the truth of this statement yvas never more strikingly exemplified than by the function held to top off the regatta in the Coronation Hall on Saturday night. Hundreds yvere present at this dance, yvhich yvas one of the brightest evenings of its type held after a regatta for many a long day. A particularly good orchestra provided the dance music, and it yvas quite evident that everyone present had an enjoyable time. During one of the intervals bctween dances opportunity was taken to distribute the prizes yvon at the regatta that afternoon. The dance continued until midnight, shortly after yvhich the township of Port Chalmers resumed its quietest atmosphere. Results (royving crews reading from stroke) ;—- ROWING RACES. SENIOR FOURS. First prize—£2o, Teacher’s Cup, and gold medals (donated by Sir James Mills) for each member and coxsyvain of the yvinning creyv; second, £5. Ijm. Port Chalmers (C. Crainond, J. Solomon, C. Neilson, and H. Pritchard) 1 Queen’s Drive (G. Clark, T. Porter, L. R. Fountain, and D. M. Matheson) 2 North End No. 1 (H. Livingstone, W. Marriner, P. Verngreen, and J. Hurrell) 3 Also competed (crews given in the order they finished) : Otago, Avon, North End No. 2, and Invercargill. This was a very exciting race from the beautiful start. Immediately all crews began to kick it in yvith all "their, weight, and after settling down to steady going. Port Chalmers yvas royving 30 strokes to the minute, Queen’s Drive, Otago, and North End No. 1 about 28. and Invercargill 32. Over the first half-mile Port Chalmers led the way, and at the mile post it yvas about a length ahead of Queen’s Drive, which yvas followed by Otago, North End No 1. and Invercargill. Avon had dropped right back. Pors and Drive continued to fight it out in front. Invercargill commenced to roll badly, and lost much water. By the time the three-quarter-mile mark yvas reached Drive had taken the lead from Port, yvith Otago, North End Nos. 1 and 2, and Invercargill folloyving in that order. Drive still led yvith half a mile to go, but there was not much between it and Port Chalmers. At this stage a nasty choppy sea yvas experienced, and the boats hail to be nursed. The order, yvith quarter of a mile to go, was: Queen’s Drive. Port Chalmers. Otago. North End, and Invercargill. The pace yvas quickened yvhen the boats again got into smoother yvater and Queen’s Drive and Port Chalmers entered the yvharves royving boyv to hoyy, with Otago two lengths back, heading the remainder of the field. Port Chalmers then timed its final sprint to a nicety, and left Queen’s Drive almost as though that creyv yvere standing still. Port syvept on to a most meritorious victory, yvith three lengths to spare, and North End yvas three-

quarters of a length behind Queen’s Drive in third position. Time, 6min 9see.

JUNIOR FOURS. First prize, £lO and Walker and Hall Cup; second. £2 10s. Im. Invercargill Raihvny (W. Little, J. Kipple, A. O’Toole, and A. Lodge) 1 Queen’s Drive (R. Anderson, C. Treloar, M Jackson, and D. Clark) and Avon (L. Paterson, W. Harper, J. Rnsthyvorth. and L. Hampton), dead heat 2 Also competed: Otago, Port Chalmers, North End. Nothing separated the crews over the first half-mile. Otago had the advantage, if there yvere any, but after halfway Raihvny overtook Otago, and yvent on to win by three-quarters of a length. Queen’s Drive and Avon quickened as they approached the yvhnrves, and they royved the full extent of the basin to the finishing line yvithout either creyv getting its boyv in front. The judges yvould not commit themselves, and gave the decision for second place a dead heat. Time, smin 52sec. MAIDEN FOURS. First prize, £6 and Johnny Walker Cup; second, £2. Im. Invercargill Railway (A. Sanders, A. hubs, A. Brandford, and H. Bailey) 1 Port Chalmers No. 1 (R. Crainond, J. Potter, N. Rae, and T. Anderson) ... ... 2 Awarua (A. Wilson, F. Lindquist, C. West, and D. Robins) 3 Also competed; Avon, North End, Oamaru, Otago No. 1, Port Chalmers No. 2, Macandrew Bay, Queen’s Drive, Invercargill, and Otago No. 2. From gunfire Invercargill Railway commenced to hit out, and gained an early lead. Ayvarua yvas also royving nicely in second place, yvhilst Port Chalmers No. 1 yvas handy. These three creyvs set a hot pace. Awarua took the lead for a time near halfway. Positions at this stage yvere : Invercargill Raihvay, Port Chalmers No. 1, Ayvarua, Avon, Oamaru, Otago No. 1, Queen’s Drive No. 1, North End, Queen’s Drive No. 2, Otago No. 2, Invercargill, and Macandrerv’s Bay. It yvas a very impressive sight to see the twelve competitors spread right across the course and slowly making their yvay toward the yvharf yvhere the croyvd awaited them. The three first creyvs were still making the going very hard, and Raihvay yvas first to take advantage of a lull in the choppy water, yvith the result that it improved its position handsomely. Interference by speed launches, whose wash troubled the oarsmen, yvas experienced just near home. By the time the yvharves were reached Port Chalmers No. 1 had come up a good deal, and yvas actually ahead about 100yds from the line. However, Railyvay’s fitness told its tale, and this creyv yvent over half a length in front of Port Chalmers No. 1, yvith Avon four lengths further astern. Time, smin ISsec. YOUTHS’ FOURS. First prize, £5 and Anlsebrook Cup; second, £2. Im. Queen’s Drive (L. Olsen, K. Osborn, J. Deiisem, and 1). Sutherland) ... 1 North End (M. Butterfield, R. Matheyvson, 1). M’Callinn, and S. Broun) 2 Invercargill (A. Topi, W. Pasco, R. Lithgoyy, and E. B. Harvey) ... 3 Also competed; Invercargill Raihvay. Avon, Ayvarua, Port Chalmers Nos. 1 and 2, and Otago. Ayvarua gained a beautiful start, but Queen’s Drive soon got its boyv in front, and yvas never again headed. Port Cahners No. 2 broke a rigger and yvas forced to retire near halfway, just after which Otago also had a mishap, although this crew completed the course. At halfway the positions yvere: Queen’s Drive, North End, Invercargill, Invercargill Raihvay, Avon, and Port Chalmers No. 1. The three placed creyvs entered the basin in line, and a willing struggle ensued. Queen s Drive yvas not to be bustled, although North End yvas only half a length back at the gun. whilst Invercargill yvas tyro and a-half lengths behind North End. Time, ornin lOsec. SENIOR DOUBLE SCULLS. First prize, £6; second, £2 10s. Im. Port Chalmers No. 1 (J. Solomon and H. L. Pritchard) 1 Queen's Drive (G. Clark and L. Pi tine) 2 Port Chalmers No. 2 (H, Glengarry and C. Neilson) ... 3 Also competed: North End, Invercargill Raihvay, Otago, and Avon. Port Chalmers No. 2 got a good start, and Otago was left by the others. After a quarter of a mile Port Chalmers No. 2 yvas still shoyving the yvay to Queen’s Drive, Port Chalmers No. 1, and Avon. Otago yvas improving its position very slightly. Port Chalmers No. 1 royved into first position over the next quarter-mile, yvhen Queen’s Drive yvas second, and Jnvercargilj Raihvay was third. Port Chalmers No. 2 and Avon had dropped back considerably. Raihvay was a most impressive creyv. Port Chalmers No. 1 had a good lead at the three-quarter-mile post, yvhere the remaining positions read: North End, Queen’s Drive, Invercargill Railway, Port Chalmers No. 2, and Otago. Port Chalmers No. 2 opened np a big lead and yvent on to yvin by turn and a-half lengths. Queen’s Drive royved into second place, a length ahead of Port Chalmers No. 2, which recovered over the last 300yds. Time, smin 22soc. JUNIOR DOUBLE SCULLS. First prize, £4 10s; second, £2. Im. Port Chalmers (G. Mitchell and G. Thorn) ... 1 Invercargill Raihvay (W. Little and J. Kepple) 2 Otago No. 2 (W. N. Binnie and C. W. Broyvn) 3 Also competed; Avon, Queen’s Drive, Otago, and North End. By halfway Port Chalmers had opened up a gap of about a length, and yvas syvingmg along yvith a fine stroke. Invercargill Raihvay yvas rowing yvell in second place, yvith the other crews royving in the folloyving order;Queen’s Drive, Avon, Otago No. 1, North End, and Otago No. 2. The yvater yvas very choppy. Near the yvharves Raihvay quickened and made np much leeyvay, but Port yvas not to be deposed too easily, so quickened also and made its yvay to tbe line to gain the verdict by a length and a-half. A similar distance separated Raihvay and Otago. Time, smin ISsec. MAIDEN DOUBLE SCULLS. First prize, £4; second, £1 10s. Im. Port Chalmers No. 2 (N. Rae and T. Anderson) 1 Queen’s Drive (M. Jackson and R. Anderson) ... 2 Port Chalmers No. 1 (IV. Erridge and J. Abernethy) 3 Also competed: Avon, Otago, Macandrew Bay, Oamaru, North End. Invercargill Raihvay, and Ayvarua. Avon and North End yvent a yvay together, hut almost immediately the former caught a crab, but the creyv made a qniek recovery. During the first half-mile there was much shuffling yvith. positions, but at halfway the order yvas: Port Chalmers No. 2. Otago, Avon, Queen’s Drive, Port Chalmers No. 1, Oamaru, and North End. Invercargill Raihvay caught a crab and one member of the creyv lost his scull. With 300yds to go Queen’s Drive and Avon commenced to go

away from Port Chalmers No. 2, but only, momentarily. The crews entered the basin in a bunch, and an extremely close finish saw Port Chalmers No, 2 wrest the victory by 3ft from Queen’s Drive, which was again closely followed by Port Chalmers No. 1, which rowed into third place, a canvas in the rear. Time, smin Slseo. YOUTHS’ DOUBLE SCULLS. First prize, £3 10s ; second, £1 ss. Im. Invercargill Pailway (K. Scammoll and R. Sutton) 1 Queen’s Drive (H. Osborn and L. Olsen) 2 North Knd No. 1 (D. M'Callum and M. Butterfield) 3 Also competed: Port Chalmers No. ], Invercargill, Port Chalmers No. 2, North Knd N. • 2, and Awarna. After much difficulty in bringing the crows into line the starter got this, the first event of the day, started approximately twenty minutes after schedule. Railway started ' strongly, and North Knd No. 1 and Awarna also got good starts. Railway established a lead, and then came Port Chalmers No. 1, North Knd, and Queen’s Drive. Railway was rowing with a long, swinging stroke, putting in plenty of weight at the finish. At halfway Railway was definitely in the load, followed by Port Chalmers No. 1 (which was also rowing nicely). Queen’s Drive, Invercargill, and North Knd. Awarna was a bad last at this stage. Port Chalmers No. 1 now took the lead, and it looked as though it would be a great finish among Port Chalmers No. 1, Railway, and North Knd. Railway soon regained the lead, and on reaching the wharves crossed over to row close to the Broxton, It was then a length ahead of North End. Queen’s Drive, which had come to light over the last 200yds, was a further half-length back. Railway maintained its length’s lead to the' finish, but Queen’s Drive defeated North End by half a length for second place. North End finished outside the buoy marking the finish, and there was some doubt as to whether the crew would be disqualified. However ,it was awarded third position. Time, smin 38sec. SENIOR PAIRS. First prize, £6; second, £2 10s. Im. Nine crews competed in this race, but owing to two fouls implicating Port Chalmers No. 1 and Otago No. 1 the former pair were disqualified, and it was decided to row the race again among Otago No. 1, North End No. 1, Port Chalmers No. 2, and Queen’s Drive No. 1. After the start of the race Port Chalmers No. 1 was first to lead, with Otago and Awarna in close attendance. At halfway Otago and Port Chalmers No. 1 converged, Otago protesting. Thereafter Otago went to the front, and was out to win from all appearances when, within an ace of succeeding, Port Chalmers No. 1 again fouled the crew. Both crews were forced to retire, and North End No. 1 was able to win from Port Chalmers No. 2 and Queen’s Drive No. 1. Time, 6mm. SAILING. DINGHIES (12ft din and . under). First prize, £2 ss; second, trophy valued at £1 ss. Runa, (2min 30sec), 44min 16sec 1 Harlequin (smin 30sec), and Lady Luck (scr), 45mm 2sec 2 Frolic (4min), 46min lOsec ... ... 3 Also competed: Kathleen (7min 30sec. ALLCOMERS’ YACHT'S. First prize, trophy valued at £8; second, trophy valued at £3. Foam (19min 30sec), Ihr 21min 4sec 1 Jnex (18min), Ihr 21min 54sec ... 2 Tucana (2min 30sec), Ihr 30min 20sec 3 Also com peted: Dawn (scr), Result (22min 3Usec), Minnow Qlmin 30sec), Vera (12min 30sec), R.N.V.R. No. 1 Whaler (20seo). The latter was disqualified for fouling a rounding buoy. YACHTS (18ft and over 12ft din). First prize, trophy valued at £4 10s; second, trophy valued at £1 10s. Rascal (14min), Ihr 21min 2dsec 1 Squib (scr), Ihr 38min 43sec ... 2 Starlight (smin), Ihr 3Smin 48sec 3 The only starters.

MODEL YACHTS, First Class (over 3ft). Nancy (Dickinson) 1 Leslie (Woodhouse) 2 Won by a length. MODEL YACHTS, Second Class (3ft and under). Naiad (C. Rutherford) 1 Gladice (Pistor) 2 Twelve competitors. POWER BOATS. MOTORBOATS (8 miles per hour and under). First prize, £5 10s; second, £2; third, case petrol. Vyella (4min 30sec), 28min 27sec 1 Bonny Mary (4min), 28min 42sec 2 Sylvia (scr), 29min ssec 3 Also competed: Manuka (7min), Noreen (Ginin 3l)sec), Tui 111. (Gmin 30sec), Shirley (smin), Marewa (scr). MOTOR BOATS (cruisers of over 8 miles and hour). First prize, £8; second, £3; third, case of petrol. Stella (13min 30sec), 19min ... ... 1 Hennionc (L')min 30soc), 2Umin ssec 2 Wee Mac (14min 3Usec), 20mm 55sec 3 Also competed: Heva (15min), Muritai (lomin), Sabre (llmin 30sec), Rambler (lOmin 30sec), Texaco (lOmin), Miss Victory (scr). Muntai and Sabre were disqualified for rounding a buoy on the wrong hand, while Rambler withdrew with engine trouble. SWIMMING. INTERCLUB HANDICAP (50 Yards). First Heat.—G. Fields (scr) 1, D. Pickard (osec) 2. Time, 29sec. Second Heat.—N. Williams (ssec) 1, W. Stewart (6sec), 2, Time, 33sec. Third Heat.—E. Toase (Isec) 1, L. Smith (ssec) 2. Time, 29 l-ssec. Fourth Heat.—C. Jenkins (6sec) 1 G. Ruston (osec) 2. Time, 32 3-ssec. —Final.— C. Jenkins 1 E. Toase 2 N. Williams 3 Time 32 2-ssec. Won by 2yds. INTERCLDB HANDICAP (100yds). ('. M'Grcgor (12sec) 1 N. Williams (11 sec) 2 E. Toase (3see) 3 Four starters. Time, Imin 17 2-osec. Won by 2yds. PLAIN DIVING (Standing and Running). Miss O. Ferguson, 3 points in ... 1 Miss G. Rix, 5 points in 2 A. Williams, scr 3 Nine competitors. JUNIOR AND INTERMEDIATE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ HANDICAP (50 Yards). First Heat.—G. Ruston (osec) 1, C . M'Gregor (6sec) 2, N. Williams (ssec) 3 Five’'starters. Time, 32 l-ssec-Second Heat.—D. Davis (4sec) 1. Miss G. Rix (“see) 2. W. Stewart (6sec) 3. Five starters. Time, 32 2-o*ec.

—Filial.— C. M‘Gregor ••• * G. Huston 5 W. Stewart 6 Time, 32 1-osec. Won by lyd. LADIES’ HANDICAP (50 Yards). Miss E. Morrison (ssec) 1 Mis-s P. Taylor (6seo) 2 Miss 0. Ferguson (scr) ; 3 Six starters. Time, 39 2-ssec. Won by 2yds. JNTERCLUB BREAST STROKE HANDICAP (100 Yards). C. Elliott (scr) 1 Miss G. Rix (9sec) 2 Only starters. Time, Imin 36 4-ssec. Won by 11yds. INTERCLUB BACKSTROKE HANDICAP (50 Y'ards). Miss O. Ferguson (Bsec) 1 Miss G. Rix (Ssec) 2 A. Williams (4sec) 3 Only starters. Time, 45 4-osec. Won by, Ift.

Port 1st. . 4 2nd. 1 3rd. 2 Pts. 16 £ 36} Drive . 1 4 0 12J 16} Railway . 3 1 0 11 21} North End .. . 0 1 2 4 2 Avon ... ... . 0 1 0 u n Invercargill .. . 0 0 1 1 0 Awarua . 0 0 1 1 0 Otago . 0 0 1 1 0