SCENE AROUND THE WATERFRONT

Northern Advocate, 22 June 1937, Page 9

SCENE AROUND THE WATERFRONT

There are few Whangarei people who cannot give you a line on the beauty the local boat-harbour in mid-sum-mer when the town wharf basin is literally alive with pleasure boats, all done up to please the eye. It was really a sad sight, in contrast, which' presented itself to an “Advocate” reporter who strolled through the “Scotch mist” to have a glance round the jetties and precincts today. • Except -for a couple of youths swilling the decks of a trading launch, Which, like the fishing craft, do not recognise-’the seasons, there was no life at all. Practically all -yachts have been cradled into their winter "quarters,. and ..the majority of the pleasure launches, too, are away receiving a course of treatment'with blow-lamp, sand-paper and paintbrush.

‘ A few; boajts lie at their moorings, not looking the least bit stately and. seemingly, crying out for a change of surroundings.

But, although activity .is an unknown, quantity, on. the waterfront itself, devotees are busy behind the scenes, sprucing up, their craft and, in some cases, effecting improvements to make for greater comfort next season.. i A-';.

V It seems that Whahgarei will have to come to- something definite about the proposed yacht race from Auckland to here at Christmas time. There is much enthusiasm among Auckland mullet-boats, who are very keen and are eager to take part. 'They say that a field of between 12 and 20 fcuUet-boats is assured, and a race for this class should be staged. The most suitable starting-time for them would be Christmas Eve or Day, when the annual cruises are begun* • ■ ' K / ' *