THE AUCKLAND REGATTA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 6933, 6 February 1884, Page 5

THE AUCKLAND REGATTA.

A special meeting of the committee of the Auckland Regatta Club was held last evening at the club-room, Waitemata Hotel, the business being for the purpose of presenting Captain Power, of the ship Turakina, and his chief officer, with slight mementos of their appreciation of the courtesy of those gentlemen on Regatta Day. Considering the inclemency of the weather there was a good attendance. Mr. M. Niccol occupied the chair, and Mr. Thomas Henderson, jan., the vice-chair. Captain Power supported the Chairman on the right hand, and Mr. Ralston on the left. Mr. M. Niccol in a few words stated the business for which the committee had been called together. Before proceeding, however, he thought that it would be only right that they should drink the health of Her Majesty the Queen. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. The Chairman then called on all present to fill their glasses, and said that they had met together to present Captain Power with a alight token of the committee's esteem, in placing his good ship at their disposal for the 29th of January last as their flagship. He said that in these go-ahead days they were inclined to think that they had advanced a Btep past sailing vessels •and that nothing would do but steamships as their flagships, but anyone who had had the pleasure to be on board tbe Turakina on regatta day could not do other than admit that the club could not have done better, but might have done worse, than accept Captain Power's offdr. Not only did Captain Power place his fine ship at the disposal of the club, bat assisted the committee most materially in carrying out tho work of the day, and did not appear to be able to do too much to make all on his Bhip comfortable. On behalf of the club he wonld ask Captain Power to accept of the handsome timepiece they had purchased, and he trusted in years to come he would be able to think kindly of those he had met in distant lands. The toast was drunk with t&ree times three, and "He's a jolly good fellow."—Captain Power in a few chosen words expressed his thanks for their handsome present.—Mr. Niccol next, in a veryflatteringspeech,presentedMr. Ralston, the chief officer, with a valuable gold pendant.—Mr. Ralston. returned thanks.— Mr. D. Oxley next proposed the health of the N.Z.S. Co. for their continued kindness. Mr. C. Dacre proposed the health of the U.S.S. Company for their kindness in placing their steamers at the disposal of the club as flagships. Mr. Thos. Henderson, the local manager, in responding to the toast, said that he had received from the head-office a very handsome silver oup, valued at 25 guineas. The cup is intended for a rowing race, and the condition under which it was given was that it must be won twice in succession or three times in all before it could become the property of the competitors. The announcement was received with cheers. Amongst other toasts proposed was those of " The Umpire (Mr. M. Niccol)," '■Success to future regattas," "The health of the subscribers," "Our Host," in pro- j posing which the Chairman stated that Mr. McGregor was the largest subscriber to the regatta funds, "The donors of the prizes," "The Ladies," and "The Press." Several! songs and recitations were given during the ' course of the evening by different members of the committee. A vote of thanks to the Chairman-brought a most pleasant evening I to a close. •