AUCKLAND REGATTA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8964, 31 January 1888, Page 6

AUCKLAND REGATTA.

Patron : Mr. A. Devore, Mayor of Auckland. VicePatrons : Mr. W. R. Waddol, Chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board ; Hon. E. Mitcholson, M.11.R., -Minister of Public Works, President: ■Mr. H. McKenzio. Vice-President: Mr. G. S. Kisslinj?. Committee : Mr. T. Henderson, jun., Captains Neariug and Fisher, Messrs. C. C. Dacro, 11. Parker, G. Cozens, D. Oxlev, A. Buchanan, I). Miller, R. Reynolds, C. Bailey, C. Webb, .T. B. Morpeth, J. Hanltain, and C. I<\ James. Umpire : Mr. I). Oxley. Judge for Rowing Races : Captain Fisher. Judgo for Sailing Races : Mr. H. Parker. Starter : Captain Nearing. Handirapper : Mr. T. Henderson. Measurer: Mr. C. Bailey. Treasurer : Mr. Geo. Cozens. Hon. Secretary: Mr.

Clias. C. Dacre. Tun annual regatta took place yesterday, and proved a complete success in every way. The weather in the morning certainly did not give promise of a very pleasant day, the wind blowing strong and puffy from the south-west, with occasional rain squalls, but as tho morning progressed, the sun began to assert himself, and, although the wind did not decrease to any very great extent, tho afternoon was much more pleasant than was expected. From early morning, tho harbour was alive with vessels and boats of all descriptions, from the large schooner to the small dingy, with the inevitable Auckland boy to the fore ; and, indeed, the way some of these small boats were handled by tho youngsters, showed that, though young in years, tho lads did not lack experience in handling the tiller. The vessels at tho wharves and in the stream had all their bunting displayed in honour of tiie occasion, the flagship, of course, bearing off the palm in this direction. This latter was the Waitangi. The vessel was not so well patronised during the morning, the public seeming more inclined to stay on the j wharves and adjacent points, but in the afternoon l.ho steam tender had all her time occupied in taking the crowds to and from the ship ; -so that, as the time for tho whaleboat race approached, the ship was crowded from stem to stern. The tender was the tugboat Awhina, and Capt. Campbell is to bo complimented upon the manner in which he fulfilled hissharcof the duties of the day. The committee were most energetic in the fulfilment of the duties attached to the various positions assigned to them yesterday ; and indeed, the gentlemen composing it are to be commended for tho manner in which they worked, for the success of the day's events, for it is due to their energy that such an amount of prize money was able to be offered for the various races. The catering was in tho hands of Mr. T. McEwin, and, as usual, the spread was of the best, including tho whole of the "delicacies of tho season." Hunter's Artillery Band was on board the flagship, and discoursed sweet music at intervals during the day. There were one or two slight accidents in the course of the day, but nothing of any great moment, which is to bo wondered at, considering the puffy nature of the wind and the manner in which some of the sailing boats " cracked on " the calico. There was a little delay in the starting of some of the races, due in most instances to the eagerness of tho competitors to get an advantage, but in tho starter (Captain J. Ncaring) they found an implacable stickler for fairness, and he would not start them until they were all on pretty equal terms. There was some grumbling about the mark boats stationed oft St. Mary's Point, it being asserted that the boat for the Waitemata crow to round was placed some distance below those of the other competitors ; but there was not much to grumble about, for to Mr. Charles Bailey was this duty apportioned, and certainly his name is a sufficient guarantee of fair play for all sides. The mark buoy certainly may have shifted a little owing to the action of wind and tide, but not to such an extent as to make any appreciable difference. The committee had arranged for sixteen events in their programme. The first one, for trading vessels of 50 tons and upwards, fell through, owing to there being only one entry (the Louie), as : also did the race for trading cutters of 25 tons and upwards, for which there were no entries. 1 The race for merchant sailing vessels gigs also fell through, owing to thero being no entries, thus leaving some thirteen events to be competed for. To a largo extent the interest of the day was centred in the Champion Whaleboat Race, which proved to be a gamely-contested one from start to finish. At the time of this race the wharves and surrounding points of vantage were crowded with a dense mass of * human beings, and, as viewed from the waterside, it was a sight worth seeing ; the eagerness with which each one seemed to vie to get a better position than his neighbour showing the interest with which the race was regarded. The race was followed by several steamers, all densely crowded. The Waitemata crew had the inside position, which was to a certain extent an advantage, because it kept them out of the lumpy sea, and the strength of the wind, and they came in an easy winner by several lengths, the win being a very popular one, to judge from the expressions heard amongst the public. The Wairoa crew were expected by many to make a better finish than they did, and they certainly made a good struggle for it, but their boat was built too finely for such weather as yesterday, and on the journey homewardsthe steer-oar had some baling to do. Taken all through, the day's sport proved a most enjoyable one, not only for those competing but for the spectators, and when the last race was finished the latter wended their way homewards well satisfied with their day's pleasure. The following is a description of the various events : —

As the schooner race only brought out one competitor on entry night, and the fixture for large cutters was not patronised at all, these two events were consequently abandoned and the race which first occupied the attention of the starter and the public was that for

Coasting Vessels, any rig, 12 tons and under 25, and which have not been built for yachts. First prize, £30, provided there were five bona fide starters ; if four starters, £25, and for three, £20 and Cup presented by Messrs. Motrin and Co. ; second prize, £10 and trophy presented by Mr. Kelaey; third prize, £5. Course : From flagship thence round red and white chequered buoy in Rangitoto Channel, thence round Drunken Bay buoy, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves off Judge's Bay, thence round mark boat off Sugarworks ; twice round.

There wero five starters—the Gannet, Henry, Lily, Jane, and Antelope— these were despatched to an even start by Captain Nearing, the craft being sent off with only their mainsails set. Before getting fairly under weigh, some trouble was caused to those "on" board the Jane by tho fouling of somg}ofj.her running'gear, and she lost a considerable distance thereby. By tho time the Devonport Wharf was reached the Gannet was seen to windward, with a slight lead, the Henry and Lily following next. Before the North Head was rounded the Jane had passed the Antelppe, and the vessels disappeared round the' hill in the following order : Cannot, Lily, Henry, Jane, and Antelope. During the run down Rangitoto Channel to tho chequered buoy the positions changed and when the Drunken Bay mark was rounded the Lily was seen to be the leading boat while the Antelope was fast being distanced. These positions were maintained until tho vessels went about off Brown's Island, but in tho course up to the Clara Hargreaves, the Gannet regained the advantage and was the first to round the hulk followed by the Lily and Henry, with the Jane some distance behind. During tho lead up past the flagship to the Sugar Works little alteration occurred, except that the Gannet and Lily drew further ahead of the Henry on the return down tho harbour. Tho second half of the course down Rangitoto Channel and back up the harbour was accomplished without any change of positions, although the Henry was somewhat interfered with through fouling the tug Awliina twice. In the down journey the Gannet still maintained her lead and the race finished, Gannet first, Lily second, Henry third. FOURTH RACE. Yachts, (i tons and upwards, handicap. First prize, £20 and Cup, presented by Mr. Gabriel Lewis ; second prize, £5.

Course : From flagship round mark boat off Lake Takapuna, thcnco round hulk Clara Hargreaves, thence round mark boat off Sugarworks. Twice round.

Considering the numbhr of yachts owned in the harbour, the entries (four) for this race were poor, but all those engaged started. In order that the competitors might start on presumedly equal terras a handicap was arranged which placed theMatangi scratch, Arawa Sin in. start, Winona '20min., Spray SOmin. The Matangi was in the charge of

Mr. J. Carlow ; Arawa, Mr. L. Bloomfield ; Wenona, Dr. H. Haines; and Spray, Mr. Gibbs. v By the wish of the starters Captain Hearing decided to get the boats away to a flying start, and in the manoeuvring necessary to get the four into a lino considerable time was lost, but eventually they were all sent away on very even terms, the Arawa having but a slight advantage. All the yachts carried besides mainsail and ordinary hcadsails, spinnakers and topsails, but the Wenona was obliged to take in her spinnaker before tho North Head was reached, an example that was shortly followed by the Spray. Rounding the North Head the Arawa was leading, with the Matangi, Wenona, and Spray following closely. When the yachts reappeared in the harbour, after the lead down to Takapuna and back, it was seen that the Arawa was to windward of the Matangi and slightly ahead, while the Wenona was third, and Spray fourth, both some distance in the rear. All tacked across to the southern side of the harbour, and the Arawa, which scemod to get aground in Hobson Bay, was shortly afterwards passed by the Matangi, who rounded the Clara Hargreaves first, with the Arawa fully live minutes behind, but still ahead of tho Wenona. On the run up the harbour the Arawa regained a good deal of her lost ground, and seemed to bo moving as fast as the Matangi. On the down turn more sail was hoisted on both yachts, and they presented a pretty picture as they dashed past the flagship, each enveloped in a cloud of canvas. The second round of the course was gone over without any material alteration, save that tho Matangi increased her lead, and finally won, passing the flagship at 3.54 p.m., Arawa being next at 4.5, Winona third 4.33, and Spray last at 4.48 p.m. FIFTH RACE. Fishing Boats, over 4 tons. First prize, £15 and Cup by Mr. LevinKohn ; second prize, £7." '" Course — flagship round chequered buoy in Rangitoto Channel, thence round Drunken Bay buoy, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves off Judge's Bay, thence round mark boat off Sugar Works, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves, thence round mark boat off Sugarvvorks, and finish at flagship. t

This event brought out five starters, the Christina, Foam, Caprera, May, and Jane, who were given the word to start while at anchor, and the Foam was the quickest away, followed by the Christina (which carried a huge balloon jib), the Caprera, May, and Jane. The Foam was overhauled by the Christina of!' Devonport, but the former, taking a closer course, rounded the North Head first. During the passage down to the chequered buoy in the Channel, the Christina, while in a good position, carried away her topmast and masthead, and the jagged end of the broken spar severely injured one of her crew. This accident, of course, rendered it impossible for her to continue the contest, and she was subsequently towed up to the Wharf by the steamer Osprey. The May assumed a good lead on the return journey, and was followed by the Foam, Jane, and Caprera. These positions were maintained in the run-up to the Sugar Works, but in the second half of *the journey the Caprera gained considerably on the Foam and Jane, but was unable to get on terms with the May, which had a long lead when the race finished May first, Caprera second. SIXTH BACK. Yachts, under (> tons. First Prize, £10 and Cup presented by Messrs. P. Hayman & Co. ; Second Prize, £5. Course : From flagship round chequered buoy in Rangitoto Channel, thence round ■ hulk Clara Hargreaves, thence round mark boat off Sugarworks ; twice round. Five competitors came out into position for this eventthe Jessie Logan, Manola, Ariel, Iris, and Mascotte. After some little delay, a good start was effected, the Manola getting off with the lead. The Jessie Logan set her topsail smartly, and worked well up to windward. During the run down the harbour all the yachts got the " kites" set, and the North Head was rounded by the Jessie slightly in advance of the Iris, the Ariel being third, Mascotte fourth, and Manola last. In the run down the channel, the Manola gained ground, and although the Jessie Logan had a good lead when the harbour was gained, the Manola was second, with the Ariel next. On the run across to the hulk, the Manola gained on the leading boat, and the passage up the harbour to the Sugar Works was an interesting duel between her and the Jessie, each holding the lead by turns. The Iris at this stage gave up the race, and the others went over the second portion of the course, passing the' flagship for the last time — Jessie Logan, 1; Manola (close up), 2 ; and ' Mascotte, 3. SEVENTH RACE. Fishing Boats, 4 tons and under. First Erize, £10 and trophy presented by Mr. [. Kohn ; second prize, £5 ; third prize, . £3. Four smacks, the Italy, Britannia, Mignonette, and Dixie started, the Shrimp, from the Thames, failing to appear. The Italy got away the best, and led round the North Head, being followed by the Mignonette and Britannia. The course was the same as in the previous race, and the Italy was not headed during the journey, the event concluding by her coming in an easy ■ winner, with the Mignonette second, and Britannia third. EIGHTH RACE. Open Sailing Boats, IS feet and under. First prize, £6 and cup ; second prize, £2. Courso: From flagship round reel buoy off sandspit (North Shore), thence round Clara Hargreaves, thence round the mark boat off Sugarworks. Twice round.

There were but three starters for this event —tho Belle, Arrow, and Beata—and a very good race ensued down to the Sandspit buoy, which was first rounded by the Belle, with the Arrow and Beata in close proximity. On tho run across to the Clara Hargreaves tho Beata gained considerably on her opponents, and was the first to round the hulk. She maintained her lead up to the Sugar Works and down the harbour, but when off Orakei Bay, some of her gear. carried away, and alio lost ground. The damage was repaired, but shortly after a similar mishap occurred, and she was forced to retire, leaving the Belle and Arrow to finish, which they did in the order named. Some little time after the finish of the race, the Arrow, while sailing close to the flagship, capsized and sank, throwing her crew of five into the water. They were all swimmers, and kept afloat with ease till picked up by a rowing boat* that was near at hand. They were apparently far more coneorhed at the loss of their boat than at their ducking. "■ The ninth event was thri: Greasy Boom and eight competitors tried their luck," with results that caused great amusement to the onlookers. The prize, 30s, was afteiji repeated trials carried off by a Kanaka, named Jimmy, from tho brigantino Ilea Vuka. The race for tho Kohimarama Training School brought out two crews and after a tough pull of about a mile against a strong wind, the No. 2 crew managed to win by less than a length. Tho names of the boys in the winning crew were :—Hindi (stroke), lumber, Crazier, Carry, Trupp, C. Nilson, Corkim, Keefe, Brown (steersman). The twelfth event was the big event of the day : — THE CHAMPION WHAI/KIIOAT RACK. First prize, £100, and champion flag presented by Airs. Endean, with pennant to coxswain (with £10, added for each additional bonaJklc starter above five boats); second prize, £30 ; third prize, £10. Course : From starting boat oil* Point Resolution, thence round separate mark boats off St. Mary's Point, finishing at flagship. The splendid field of soven competitors faced the starter's flag, and each crow was much fancied to win by its party, Waitemata and Wairoa being tho favourites. The boats engaged were :— Bride (Ponsonby Rowing Club):!, T. Croon; 2, .1. Witticoinbo; H. Thorn; 4, J. McKay; stroke, J. O'Brien; steer-oar, W. Scott. Dargaville (Northern Wairoa 15.C.): 1, ,T. Kitzpatrick ; '2, .Joseph Baker; :i, Charles Stephenson; i, Joseph Wilson; stroke, Albeit White; steeroar, Tyno Savage. Uira (11.M.5. Opal): 1, F. Mills ; 2, W. Walters ; 3, G. Gooding; 4, G. Turner; stroke, 11. Butlaml; Steer-oar, Harry Sanders. Maxim (City EX'.): 1, C. Maxwell; 2, P. Slade ; 8, A. Brown ; 4, 11. Bishop; stroke 11. Slade; steer-oar, C. O. Hill. Latona (North Shore K.C.): 1, A. Logan; 2, G. Wynyarrl; 15, I'. Marks ; 4, ,J. Mclvciizio ; stroke, T. Sullivan ; stetr-oar, It. Logan. Star of Manukau (Manukau Jt.C.): 1, J. Pearce; 2, S. Pearce ; 3, C. Clark ; 4, U. Pearce ; stroke, T. Clark; steer-oar, A. Hunt. Nelson (Waitomata Boating Club): 1, J. Collins ; 2, T. O'Connor; 3. G. Barrett; 4, It. Mooru ; stroky, 51, Keefe ; steer-oar, li. Moore. The boats tool; up their positions oil' Point Resolution in the following order, counting

from the northern side of the harbour: Ponsonby 1, Wairoa 2, Opal 3, City 4, North Shore 5, Manukau 6, and Waitemata 7. Considerable delay ensued in getting the boats into line, and when the signal to go was given, Ponsonby went away to the front, with Wairoa and Opal together next, and the rest in a cluster. The Ponsonby crew maintained their lead till near tho man-of-war, when tho North Shore went up with a spurt, Wairoa and Manukau being at this point on level terms, third. Passing the Railway Wharf, North Shore had a clear lead of a couple of lengths, Manukau, City, Wairoa, and Ponsonby being next, all in line, the Waitemata going strongly about a quarter of a length behind. \Vhen the boats were abreast of the Queen-street Wharf, tho Wairoa men put on the pace and gained on the leaders, but the North Shore crew again drew away a little further on, whilst the Waitemata were now seen to be rapidly improving their position, and off the timber mills they had drawn up to with - in a couple of lengths of the North Shore, the Ponsonby and City being a length behind. A few sweeps further on Waitemata were on level terms with North Shore, and tho leaders were together racing past the barque Mary A. Greenwood, the Ponsonby men, who from the start had pulled a good even stroke, here falling away beaten, the Opal's being at this point hopelessly in the rear. Here Savage called on the Wairoa crew, and they spurted strongly, gaining on the leaders, but tho advantage was only transitory, for opposite the Rowena they lost the ground they had gained ; and tit this point the Waitemata, who had been for some time on even terms with North Shore, forged a-head amidst great excitement, the remaining positions being as follows : — North Shore, second ; Wairoa, third; City, fourth ; Manukau and Ponsonby, fifth. This order was kept up to the mark boats, Waitemata turning 20 seconds ahead of the North Shore, Wairoa being third. The leaders were now rowing a splendid swinging stroke and drew away easily,'''and'from this point the issue of tho race wasnovpr in doubt, for Waitemata, ; increasing .their lead with every sweep of "tho,oafs,' linisfibd the easiest of winners, in the fast time of 22 minutes 2 seconds, without showing any signs of distress. The North Shore crew were second, eight lengths in front of Wairoa, the City crew being fourth, Manukau fifth, Ponsonby sixth, and Opal last. The winning crew, as they passed the flagship, were loudly cheered by the thousands of spectators on the wharves and shipping, the firing of the gun proclaiming the victory being the signal for a renewed outburst of enthusiasm.

The next race was for dingies, rowed by youths under 15 years of age. First prize, £2 and cup, presented by Mrs. Lewisson. Course : From flagship, thence round hulk Neptune, finishing at flagship. Three starters came out, and getting away to a first-class start pulled a slashing race, which was eventually won. by the May (O'Reilly), with tho Jessie (B. Bailey) second, and Clytie (V. Masefield) third. The Jessie looked like winning at one time, but the shipping of a good deal of water discounted her chance of success, and she finished as above.

Tho fourteenth race was one for Men-of-war and Naval Brigade Cutters, ]2-oared, to be rowed by members of same. First prize, £15, and knife to coxswain ; second prize, £5.

Course: From flagship, thence round separate mark boats oil' St. Mary's Point, finishing at flagship.

There was a field of five starters, namely : Taniwha (Ponsonby Navals), Nelson (Devonport Navals), Opal (H.M.s. Opal), Chanticleer (Auckland Navals), Isa Darling (Thames Navals). After considerable delay, during which the crews encroached upon the course fully a quarter of a mile, Captain Nearing despatched the quintette on very even terms. The Thames Navals, who possessed the lightest boat, took the lead, closely followed by the Auckland, the Devonport, Ponsonby, and Opals coming in the order named. The positions were maintained up to the mark-boats, and when the turn was made it was seen that the Thames crew had a commanding lead, with Auckland- next, and North Shore close behind. The Thames men, after a little distance had been traversed on the return journey, had the race well in hand, and won " easily, Auckland and Devonport pulling a great race for second honours, which were eventually carried off by the latter by a boat's length advantage, Ponsonby being fourth, and the Opals, whose craft was far the heaviest of any of those engaged, acting as whippers-in. The next event was the Amateur Whaleboat Race, rowed by amateurs of any recognised rowing club, and who had not competed in race twelve. First prize, £20; second, £6. Course—From railway wharf to separate mark boats off St. Mary's Point, finishing at flagship. Four crews started— Ponsonby R.C., North Shore R.C., Waitemata R.C., and City R.C. A good start was effected, and Ponsonby and Waitemata took the lead going past the flagship, City being close up, and North Shore about half-a-length behind. A good race ensued, the boats keeping well together until about half of the up journey had been done, when Waitemata forged ahead and Ponsonby fell back. The marks were rounded in the following order—Waitemata, City, North Shore, Ponsonby, and no change resulted during the return, the race finishing as above —Waitemata not being pressed at the end of the race, while City had a length or so advantage of the North Shore. The Duck Hunt fell through, owing to the late hour of the evening at which it was fixed, and the coldness of the wind.