THE PONSONBY REGATTA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9017, 2 April 1888, Page 3

THE PONSONBY REGATTA.

Should the present promise of good weather not prove delusive, a splendid day's sport "will be afforded to those who patronise the regatta, to-day, which has, after a few years' abeyance, been revived by the aquatic spirits of the western suburb. The programme is a varied and attractive one, containing several novelties not usually provided at regattas, which should certainly contribute greatly to the amusement of the spectators. The chief of the innovations is the canoe hurdle races, in which the frail craft are forced over booms raised a foot or so above the water's surface, a feat Which is very difficult of accomplishment, and which causes frequent upsets of the boats, and duckings to the crews. The under-and-over hurdle race is also unique. In this event the hurdles are some four feet above the water, and the canoes - are propelled under the spars, the crews meanwhile leaping or climbing over the obstacles. The nicety with which the speed of the craft has to be regulate in order that its occupants may regafii possession alter clearing the hurdle, is geperally the point upon which the crews come to grief, and the contest is consequently a rather wet one for those engaged. The sailing and rowing races will also prove very interesting, as the merits of the craft engaged have been carefully gauged, while the crews have trained hard. An incentive to many in the • various events has been handed Over to the committee, it the shape of a handsomelyembroidered » champion Aug, . made by « Miss Jones, of Ponsonby, for presentation to the winner of the most events. The • arrangements for the convenience and comfort of the public have been carefully carried out, and Captain Farquhar and the officers of the flagship _ will ably second the efforts of the clubmen in this respect. A bandhas been engaged to play on board, wlßre dinner -will also be provided at a reasonable figure. For the conveyance of passengers to and from the" .flagship the s.s. Maori will leave Queenstreet Wharf at 9.30, 11.30, 1, and 2, and Ponsonby Wharf at 10.30 and 1.30. The officers for the day are Judge, Mr. Jl Knox ; umpire, Mr. T. T. Masefield; and starter, Captain W. Farquhar. The first race (for yachts under 4 tons) starts at 10 o'clock sharp.