PORT CHALMERS REGATTA

Evening Star, Issue 23128, 30 November 1938, Page 7

PORT CHALMERS REGATTA

COMMITTEE APPOINTED A committee to conduct the annual regatta next February was appointed at a public meeting last night at Port Chalmers. Mr W. J. Wilson was in the chair. The annual report contained the following reference to the previous regatta:—Crews from Southland, Sumner, and all the local crews competed in the rowing events, and some exciting finishes resulted. The standard of oarsmanship, as a whole, was exceptionally good. There was a fresh north-easterly breeze blowing early in the afternoon, but as the flood tide set in this dropped considerably, and the sailing craft were able to carry full mainsails, whilst the majority set leading jibs. The power boat race was a spectacular one, the three boats finishing within a minute, a tribute to the handicapping. We extend to the Hon. F. Jones, Minister of Defence, our thanks and appreciation for making the necessary arrangements for H.M.S. Leith to be in Port Chalmers on regatta day. Commander Tudway placed his vessel as flagship, and his officers and men did everything possible to make the regatta a success. As it is many years since a warship was present at a regatta, to suitably mark the occasion the committee donated a cup, to bo known as the Otago Regatta Cup, for annual competition between ships’ crews. The Chairman mentioned that the meeting would discuss regatta matters and decide whether one bo held. Last year wonderful support was received from outside clubs, and visiting crews added interest to the event. Ho was disappointed that the Oamaru Club was not represented. There were smaller entries than usual in the motor boat section, but the sailing entries were good. The year’s regatta was successful, although financially there was a deficit of £3O. Their secretary (Mr T. Armstrong) put in an enormous amount of work, attending very diligently to all details.

The report and balance sheet were adopted, and it was cecided to hold the regatta as usual. The following officials were appointed:—Messrs Isaac Stevenson, commodore ; W. J. Wilson, acting chairman of committee; C. Hardy, J. Colthorpe, F. Smith, C. Knewstubb, J. Solomon, W. Madigan, H. Hill, members of committee; T. A. Armstrong, secretary and treasurer.

The committee, the chairman stated, had always given good prizes, but this did not always attract the big entries that might be expected. Suggestions to make the regatta programme would be acceptable from the clubs. If he had his own way, the chairman stated, the rowing races would be over a three-quarter-mile course, so that the competitors might finish in a bunch. A man who could win over a mile could win over a mile and a-balf.

The Chairman emphasised the desirability of having a good active committee, and it was decided to ask the local clubs to nominate four members for the Regatta Committee. It was decided to hold a committee meeting next Wednesday.