KAIAPOI REGATTA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 5012, 13 March 1877, Page 2

KAIAPOI REGATTA.

Commodore, Dr Dudley; Judge, Air 0. Whitefoord; Staitor, Mr J. Sims; Hon Secretary and Treasurer, Mr T. M. Brooke ; Committee —Messrs W. Bornip, B. G. Kerr. G. H. Wearing, W. Fraser, W. Eokersley, J. Dawson, J. Beharrell, R. H. Mathews, O. Oram, A. Batch, R. Moore, and B. Monk.

la common with other outdoor amusements, fine weather ie an indie pen sable ingredient in the success of regattas, and one which, for a wonder, wsi allotted to Kaiapoi yesterday. In former years the weather has been, almost without a single exception, unfavourable to regattas held on the Waimakariri. If it did not rain or blow heavily from the north-ea-t, there was certain to be a nor’-weeter, and its consequent result, namely, a fresh in the river, which made the rowing of outriggers in it dangerous. This year was an agreeable exception to the rule that has hitherto obtained as regarded weather, and the result wp that a large number of people were present, considering the fixture was not on a public holiday. The want of a late train was greatly felt, as the regatta did not finish till after 7 p.m,, and some of the Christchurch crews were unable to get home. There were not so many events on the programme this year, but the prizes were equal in value, and most of the races were well represented in the shape of entries. The events were got off very slowly, however, owing to the courses all being straight, and the crews in nearly every instance using the boats that competed in the previous race. The consequence was, that the public was kept waiting till the crews paddled two or three miles down stream and came back again. A good deal of dissatisfaction was expressed at such an arrangement on the part of the Committee, and a hope was expressed on all sides that they would be able in future years to see their way to considering the convenience of the public as well as that of the competitors in the even<n. There is a decided objection on the part of boating men to row on other than a straight course, but surely some of the minor races oonld be arranged to be rowed up and down the river with one or two tains in them. The courses were all carefully laid out, and Mr Sims, as starter, was as usual most indefatigable in carrying out his duties. With one or two exceptions, and Dr Dudley is one of them, the Committee were not so active as in former yeare. The winning post was fixed at Mr Matthews’wharf, which was roped in for the use of the Committee end ladies. A telegraph board was fixed on it, which, if the events bad been got off quicker, would have been a great convenience to the public. Sound the winning post were groups of stalls, cheap Johns, and the Unicyole Circus, which, by the way, appeared to be well patronised. The bazaar in aid of the building fund of the Wesleyan Church was au extra attraction, but the great feature in the day’s amusements was Mr Button’s brass band, which were stationed on the balcony of fiurnip’s Hotel. They discoursed • cmo excellent music, and enlivened the prooaedings greatly. The mid-day train brought a large number of visitors from Christchurch, and the road was well patronised by those who preferred a drive out. All passed off well although a runaway across the swing bridge rather frightened some of the sightseers, and narrowly escaped killing a child about five years old, who was unfortunate enough not to be able to get out of the way. The first event on the programme was the Four-oared Sweepstake Baoe, which only brought out two entries, and was considered a certainty for the Canterbury Club’s boys. They placed it to their credit, and did not disappoint their supporters. The steady rowing of both crews was a matter for general remark, bat the Tamesis youths rowed with remarkable precision, and did credit to their mentor. The Champion Baoe was looked upon as a gift to one of the local crews, but Jones and his crew were not to be despised. They rowed steadily at practice, and those who knew the substitutes which bad to be placed in the local boats since the Cam crew, of the Cure Club, broke up after the Nelson Begatta, placed a good deal of confidence in them. The Tamesis was unquestionably the best rowed boat in the race, and may be said to have led from the start. The Kaiapoi crews rowed well together, and the Telegraph Club, although placed at a disadvantage with a boat that cannot stand a “ jobble," showed that with more practice and a suitable boat they would be able to take a creditable position. The Cam came in a good second in this race, and the crew entered in the name of the Kaiapoi Sailing and Bowing Club—an institution which was generally supposed to have collapsed some years ago—were a very respectable third. The Senior Pair-oared Baoe was the event of the day, and created great excitement. A prettier piece of rowing than it resulted in has not been seen in the Province for years. It fell to the lot of the Cure Boating Club’s new boat “The Cure,” which has just been imported from England. The other local club’s Kiwi took second place, and the Tamesis, well rowed by Jones and Grierson, made a very respectable third. The Union Club’s boat did not make a good show, and the crow soomod to bo making very laborious work of it. The junior four-oar was rowed on a strong ebb tide, as well as ell the other races after three o’clock, and the youths had hard work of it doing their two miles. The Tamesis boys were again the favourites, and they placed another win to their credit; but the Hoathcoto youths stuck gamsly to their work, and wore certainly not disgracefully beaten. The junior pairoared race only brought out throe boats, although there were four entries, and the Canterbury Club was evidently contented to risk their chance on the Sjlph, which again placed their colours in front. The Cure Club’s boat was fairly managed, considering her crow have not had muoh practice i but the Kiwi's crew did not row well together. The doublosoulling race was only represented by the two local boats, and was won by the Kaiapoi Club

representatives after a sharp «tr Ue2 i B ~7 oawe raoe resulted in a gift to Jone.fwaol ® looked upon as a winner from the flr.t t! 4 following are the details of the event. L he Foua oABao Sweepstake Race, 0 f pi .. l boat, with £8 added; distance, 7 miles ; for crews who have not ' J the Champion Four-oared Race. ** ,n Taaesia, C.8.C.—1, A. (j. Loan, I'm- r r> Lunuuzo, 10*t .libs; 3, J, j». M-iVtr’ i ■llba; stroke, A. Fooka, 211,«• Dixon, s»t ... • <-• Hcatlicoto, 1, J. Hmitb, -»t im.,,. ■, 1 iMy, 10»t; 3, J, Kuln. i;\ t . B , 7 Nsnkevllle, 10st 71 bn ; cox, W.Evxna Mr Him* effected a good start, ar.'j’tne t ' boat* rowed steadily for the first two hu-,d r * yard*. On reaching the first tun, tl.« cote had the lead, but an excellent spur*\ put on by the lamesis crow, and they I their boat on even terms with their oppon,-. Both crews went to work in earneit IV , M ‘ next half mile, and the Tamesis g rv j, j?* drew away from the other, and kept her lead op to Feldwick's cutting. called on his crew, but they couid not w','* another pound, and the Tamsiii steadily, her crew rowing well together 9 J with a good sweeping stroke. On near;-’, t ; wharves the Heathcote crew spurted gam-i * and drew slightly on their opponent-, latter seemed to be very confident of t - superior powers, and palled away winning a comparatively easy race, jJ‘ Heathcote boat passed the judge'. ' : \ V f il seconds after the gun announcing in e T .,‘ was fired. " Champion Foub-oabbd Race ; d;pa-., about 3 miles; open to all .7 Colony; course, up stream. First'r.'^ £2O; second prize, £5 ; entrance, £2 W ' Turnouts, C, E. C.—l, T. Taylor, lu.t lu:i, 9 7 . Orioraoc, list IZlbs ; 3, L. Olir.lcr, ij’,- ’ ! ’ stroke, J. O. Jones, 10st Mbs ; o,t, C. ' Cura, C, B. C., (Kaiupoi).—i, C. v, v,'.' .. lOst; 2, C. B. DnJUoy, 10st r /.U : 3 ,v“.V ’ Her, 12« t libs; stroke, J. T. Wir.t.’r/. ‘~T 10*t 101 be; cox, F. Weston, Ist 7; Heathcote, K. 8. U. C., {Kuiupoij.—l, v... - . - 9st lOIbs; 2, S. I)»7, &»t 121b* ; ; V7V 12st 31bs ; Stroke, (j. Wright, lost ~,7 J. Ayres, Ost 81bs ’ Endeavour, Telegraph E. C.—l, 0. F. ■ 2. H. W. Dawson, list; 3, J;. "V 2lbs: stroke, W. D. Willcoi, I Oat 2..7 ' W, Johnston, 4at Places having been drawn for, tne took up their stations on the north side of the river, about half a-mile east of Creek. The positions from the n-ith ba k were as follows: Heathcote, iedeart,--Cam, Tamesis, and in order to prevent fosfthe starter kept the boats about ina f ee t 7,7 After a little delay they were sent together, not one of them having the least dvantage. The Heathcote crew were the to show in front, although pulling rainewildly, and they took advantage 7j the comparatively still water in the bight on the north side, but the held too fa; in, and lost several lengths. The other three boats steered a straight line, »~d the Cam had the advantage till reachm; the point of the river opposite S'ltwater CWi when the Tamesis crew quickened the;-- • and rowing steadily together took the: The Cam crew polled very pluck' 'y, and kept in close company with the Tamesis a 1 a'i-g the South bank to Whitefoord’s, when the Heathcote, which had third position, began to draw steadily on the Cam. The local crews seemed determined to beat eqch other ii possible, whether they won the race cr not, md the Heathcote closing on the Cam was the signal for Winterbourne to put it on, which he did with a vengenance, shaking of ;ne Heathcote, and leaving her about three len Sis astern. The Telegraph crew m the Endeavour were now hopelessly in the rear on account A the boat—which has invariably proved i failure on the Waimaiariri—making too much water. They rowed her as well as c; ucd be expected, but it was impossible to wia w:th so much ballast on board. The Tamesis continued her lead, and Jones took it easy nearing the wharves. The Kaiapoi boats s . kept the same position in the race, : spurted from time to time in response to the cheers from their reepective admirers aieng the banks. At RevelTe Wharf the Cam drew slightly on the Tamesis, which was the s:< >1

for repeated cries of “put it on Jones' 8 and “lift her Winterbourne.” The Tame • d crew did pat it on near the poet, and won so excellent race, beating the Cam by tv; lengths amid loud cheers. The latter c.*e» ■j strained every nerve to beat the Heathcote ;y „ as much as possible, and although the s: y of rivalry was not absent on the part of ::; c latter, they succeeded in doing so very ere; e ably, amid loud shouts from the members ;z s their club. There were rather over three j lengths between the two local boats when r second gun fired. i Juntos Foub-oabkd Race, under twe-:;. i. one years; distance, about two si.«; i course, up stream; First prize, £o j seocni £2; entrance, 15s. l Tamosia, C.8.G.—1, A. M'Lean; J. r u Lanauze; 3, J. B. Martin; stroke, A, .'. 6 Foots; cox, C. Diion S Heathcote, H.B.C. —1, J. Smith ; 2, C. Day ; 1, J. j Bole; stroke, B, NanterviUej eox, W. Evans 5 The Tames is' crew were the first to 1 water, and they went away at a rattling rare 6 up to Whitefoord’s paddock. The Res:;; ® cote crew stuck to them gamely, however, in; “ although the race was considered a moral i;: P the Tamesis youths, the former were is':;y mined to make them work for their laurel*. At the point of Lock’s Peninsula, tae HeauB cote slightly closed the gap between the 4 but the Tamesis crew spurted again, and 0 a good race by 15 seconds. The 9 was about seven clear lengths behind a: in' ? post. The youths were greeted with I;;; 1 cheers. " SekiosPaxb oabed Race, distant, about ■»-' : miles; course up stream. First prize, , » second, £3; entrance, 15s. 5 Cure, C.B.C. Kaiapoi—G, W, Wearier . E J, T. Winterbourne, P. Weston ‘coil - Kiwi. K.B.S.C.—X. Melior (stroke;, G. \V ’ F. Day (coi) ‘ Tamesis, C.K.C.—W. Grierson (stroke', J. I Jones, C. Diion (cox) i Sylph, U.H.C.—T. SearelJ (stroke), W. O. ■' ■■ cox, W. Johnston (coi) - ; t The beats all started well together. rowed almost abreast of each other t il - s ’ ing the point of Harris’lsland. Fora;;-- 1 time the Tamesis had the advantage. although she was rowed well, being a f;;’ ■ • aad rather heavy, it was soon evident that could not long maintain the posit;--Whitefoord’s paddcck she had to give J l . the Cure and .Kiwi, both of whim were pulled. On passing the cutting the *•- improved her lead, and was fu ,y ■ lengths ahead of the Kiwi, whim - 1 -’ ‘ Tamesis by about the same dista: Sylph was hopelessly in the rear, ai; i ’ out of the race at this point, : 0 wool works the Kiwi challenged the t i:: V ' decreased the gap between tne:n, nearing Revell’s wharf she was ci'y abmt - • a length behind. The excitement an shens» now quite intense, and the cries i'_ on "were louder than u usually hear-.; occasions. Both crews spurted, but -riiJ was landed a winnsr by about two .v- s-* The steering of the Kiwi’s coxswain wa? '-‘v bad throughout the raoe, and their 1:i: winning was reduced in consequent- I Tamesis came in a good third. j ; I Juniob Paib-oabkd Raoe, un vr ‘ ■ distance, about one and a halt ■ to all members of clubs; firs’ I 2nd, £1; entrance, 7s fii. I Sylph, C.K.C.—J. K. Lonau.-o; stto»c. - ■ ■ Fooks; cox, C. Dixon y. ■ Cure, C.KO. (Kaiapoi)—G. Gulliver: ■ Kootloy j cox, F. Wostou v ~ ■ Kiwi, K.8.8.C.—8. Day ; stroke, F t- 11 '.'- ■ F. Day , ■ Cain, C. 8.0. (scratched). . .. ■ The Sylph went off with the l , ■ pulled hard up to Harris’ island. l |u ‘. , ;j ;i ■ then went close up, and was on O' p,,e I a length behind at Whitefoord’s c j ;; „ch I Kiwi did not seem to be able to tn< ■ speed on, and at this point, her cnav.e.*;- ( ■ race was hopeless. On nearing H the Cure gradually lost ground, |,y H crew rowed very pluokily. The hy-I'- 1 t ys ■ about two lengths amid loud H being the fourth win for the Can' 1 ' 7 H during the day. The Kiwi can,e H three lengths behind the Cure. [: s;i ■ Double acpr.r.3 itr Stump Il> H distance, two miles; oval course; H all comers. First prize, £5; \ ’ ■ third, £1; entrance, 10s; the 1 ■ to bo awarded if six boats comp l ' l lvr ,.M: , Moa, K.8.8.C.—G. Wright; stroke, H WeKc\B.C, J (Kaiapoi)-G-I J. Winterbourne; cox, P. West > rU jU H TU JL’he Christchurch ’boat did 110t < .y u Vi i- h 9 I appearance, owing to the Wf'* H evening, and the raoe resulted H

ian local crew*. The Woko h(t th * *b o lid, and kept it HU throe* *!£«• wm h u part* oi ,* in close company *U the *L Mc« w “ hinff Lock * there was otJ lj time. 2? a length between the boaU •bout lif ® ‘ cxciiinff race* orer rowed on %* o f K« b crew .trained every the and for about 100 yard, the corre t 0 neck and neck together. bo»«? Yluy put on an extra .port, and Pernn 3 winner by a length amid landed t' l ' loud cheer*’ RAfB . ai.tance, one mile ( »o» ‘"'V , f £5 . second, 1; entrance 101. i (T. l). Jones! „ ”■ T ::: ::: o get away on the word Jl » JTwai closely followed by Mathew.. M *" d * frjm |tart {o finilh , and lie " jhere was a good race for second n Mathew, and Perrin, but the K.-.-c iusl got out of the .culling boat latter work. Faagh-a-bsila took w« nf‘ * Hunt did not come off, a. the »JVv .hallow, and darkness began to *» {fr \v ft lking the groaiy bow.prit had not ir rer* during the dav, but it i. exW;l , u tolb it, and the Duck Hunt will !l ' l re on Saturday afternoon next. I9 V ; Vnveeding. of the day were concluded J v V-ual Begatta Ball, which took place Hotel ia the eroning, and we'd . __ , ,