AQUATIC.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXXI, Issue 10310, 31 March 1894, Page 3

AQUATIC.

SMOKE CONCERT AT LTTTETON. On Thursday .evening a smoko concert was held in the Borough Council Chambers, Lyttelton, for the purpose of ddiag honour to the crew from the Lyttelton Rowing Club which had ~ won the Championship Fours of New Zealand. The Mayor, Mr J. Thompson, occupied tha chair, and the gathering numbered about seventy. The four members of the crew and their coxswain were seated on the chairman’s right, while on hia left seats were occupied by the president and captain of the club, and Mr J. Joyce, M.H.E. After the usual loyal toasts, Mr T. L. Smith, president of the club, proposed the toast of “ Our Champion Four.” ! In doing so he mentioned the fact that this was the third occasion that the club had annexed this event, once many years ago on the Estuary, long before the present Rowing Association was established, and twice by the crew in whose honour they had met that evening. Ha felt exceedingly proud to occupy the position of President of a rowing club which possessed four such sterling oarsmen as Messrs Harkiss, Page Bros., and Aschman had proved themselves to be. It was not generally known to the public, bub the fact remained, that tha crew went to the post at Picton in a boat which competent authorities considered many lengths slower than some of the other craft engaged in the race. Notwithstanding this important drawback the crew had gamely fought and won the battle; and their fellow-townspeople were all - highly delighted with them in consequence. It was pleasing to know that the members of the "crew spoke in the highest possible terms of the treatment accorded to them during their absence, and it was equally satisfactory to know that at last a course had been found which enabled such important contests as championship events to be fought out without the least advantage to any one particular crew. Ho expressed the hope that the crew would stick together. They were all young men, and fully capable of holding their own for several years to come. The toast was drunk in a most hearty manner. Messrs Harkiss, D. Page, J. Page and Aschman responded, and expressed the satisfaction it had given them to annex tka big event, and said that they had worked hard, and had reaped the reward. 'The other toasts were “ The New Zealand Anaateur Rowing Association,” proposed by My J. B. Galbraith, and responded to by Mr C. Aschman ; “ Other Sports.” proposed by Mr F. Page and responded to by Messrs J. Collins (yachting), G. Collins (football), and Bates (cricket) ; “Our Copra wain,” proposed by Mr J. S. Ee:d and responded to by Master Beeoroft and his father, Mr J. Beeeroft; “ The Mayor amd Councilors,” proposed by Mr D. Jack amd responded to by the Mayor - and Councillor Schumacher; “ The House of Representatives,” proposed by the Mayor and replied to by Mr Joyce; “ The Captain and Deputy-Captain of the Lyttelton Rowing Club,” proposed by Mr G. A. Lewin, and responded to by Messrs J. E. Galbraith and F. Page; “ Hon Secretary and Treasurer,” proposed by Mr E. Wylie, responded to by Messrs C. Aschman and D. Jack; “Visitors,” proposed by Mr T. L. Smith, and replied to by Captain Ewan, Messrs G. Agar and W. Putnam; “ The Ladies,” “ Our President,” “ The Chairman,” and “ Tha the evening songs were sung by Messrs F. Psge, Bate?, R. Arnold, V. Jack, G. Collins, W. Harrington, and Putnam, and Messrs E. Arnold, T. L. Smith and J. Colliue gave comic recitations. The catering was done in very creditable style by Messrs Hinds and Cordelin. The utmost enthusiasm was exhibited, and as the company dispersed the champions were cheered to the echo.