THE RIVERSIDE REGATTA

Gisborne Times, Volume LI, Issue 5345, 4 December 1919, Page 6

THE RIVERSIDE REGATTA

FUNCTION IN AID OF WAIKANAE BEACH IMPROVEMENT TO-DAY’S ARRANGEMENTS. The fact that to-day’s river carnival on the Turanganui River is in aid ot such a worthy cause as the improvement of the Waikanae Beach, should in itself be sufficient to warrant extensive patronage. But a glance at the programme, which has been drawn up, shows that there are many other reasons why the attendance should be a large onG. TiiG GUGrgGtic committees which have been in charge of the arrangements have all worked very hard indeed, and as a result an excellent function may be expected. Variety is the keynote of the programme of attractions, which, by the generous action of the Poverty Bay and Gisborne Rowing Clubs and the Swimming Club, will be many and various. The regatta will also be a spectacular official opening of the rowing season. A procession of racing boats headed by the Harbor Board’s launch at 1.30 p.m. will open the proceedings, after which the season will he officially opened hv His Worship the Mayor. Then will follow the programme of rowing and swimming events. One important swimming event will he the Championship of Poverty Bay, from bridge to bridge, the first prize being a handsome silver challenge cup valued at £2O, presented by Mr Gibbs, of the Masonic Hotel. This big race will take place at 2.10 p.m.. and the indications are that the interest in it will he widespread. Another attraction will be an exhibition of life saving by Mr A. Snowball (Examiner for the Royal Life Saving Society). This will take place at 3.30 p.m. A number of interesting rowing races will be held, also and women will also be held, including a barrel race, a greasy pole contest, and a balloon and cigarette race, so that it will be seen that the arrangements for a successful carnival are very complete. The Wairoa representative crew arrived yesterday by car, to compete in to-day's contest, and the Tologa crew is also due to-day. For the purpose of providing the large crowd, which is anticipated, with refreshments, there will be afternoon tea tents (provided by the Women's Club. Women’s National Reserve and the Plunket Society), ice cream stalls, sweets stalls, at all of which quick and satisfactory service will be given. A fine day is all that is needed to complete the success of the arrangements, and it is expected that the river bank will this afternon present a very animatecF scene. All those who attend, will, in addition to enjoying themselves, have the satisfaction of knowing that they are contributing to a worthy cause. Ribbon badges will be on sale to-day, as follows: Pale blue, for children. Is each; gold, for lades. 2s 6d each; red, for gentlemen, 5s each. The purchase of a badge arlmts the purchaser as a member of the Socety. Programmes will be on sale ths morning.