AQUATICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10098, 6 April 1896, Page 3

AQUATICS.

WEST END ROWING CLUB.

GRAND AQUATIC CARNIVAL. The above outing took place at Lake Taka* puna on Saturday last, and was from first to last a great success. The Eagle left the Devonport Ferry Company's wharf at 1.30, comfortably filled with people, a large proportion being ladies. The Newton Band were present in full strength, and their music was very much appreciated. All the officers and members of the club worked hard, and certainly deserved their success. All the preparations at the Lake were completed early in the week, and the first gig race was contested almost before the last of the passengers reached the ground, and the proceedings were _ fast and furious till the last event, just before dusk. The first gig race, between crews stroked by Lotvry, Darby, and H. Matthews, proved a great race, all three boats racing level till just near home, when Darby catnt with a spurt and won by half a length, Lowry being close up. The second gig race proved even a greater go, the three crews being so close at the finish that there was not a boat's length between the three. The crews were stroked by S. D. Hanna, Sands, and Bell, and Hauna just scraped home in front of Bell, Sands being only a quarter of a length behind. The third gig race, between Harris and Dowdon, proved an easy victory for Harris, Dowden having to give him a length at the start. Hauna and Darby contested in the fourth heat, and this proved another very close finish, Darby just getting home. The final gig race was rowed at half-past five, and was won by nearly a length. This v/as the fastest race of the day, being rowed in 20a. less time than any of the others. .Che wind was not quite so strong, but the time proves that the contest was a great one. Harris' crew proved the winners, and the names of the two crews, and the nominators are as follow First crew: P. H. Harris (stroke), Miss Eva Harris ; J. A. Peacock (3), Miss Peacock, W. H. Bartlett (2), Miss Gretchen ; G. Main (1), Miss Main; Dawson Hanna (cox.), Mrs. Hauna; winning the valuable gold bracelet presented by the honorary officers of the club. Second crew: J. Darby (stroke), Mrs. Darby; J. Gordon (3), Miss Gordon ; G. Mills ('2), Miss Mills; R. Wilson (l), Miss Wilson ; L. Sheppard (cox.), Mrs. Sheppard, taking the set of club jersies presented by Mr. W. Morpeth, of Pousonby. The programme regarding side shows was not strictly adhered to, but there was amusement galore. About twenty tried their hands (or feet) at the greasy boom, and Messrs. Sands, Young, and Graham proved successful. The duck hunt was robbed of its interest, as the ducks proved too tame, C. Hughes and F. Young getting them without much effort. The swimming races, and cigar and umbrella race, did not come off, but some very amusing exhibitions took place in the tubs by members of the club. Tho Eagle reached Queen-street Wharf just after seven p.m., the band enlivening the trip home with Homo very popular music. During the afternoon a presentation was made to Mr. S. D. Hanna, the chairman of the I'onsonby Regatta Committee. Mr. T. Peacock (president of the Regatta Club) made the presentation, in a few very choice words, eulogising the services rendered by Mr. Hanna, and called for three cheers for him. the band playing appropriate music. Mr. Hanna replied in a few words, and said lie had beer ably assisted by the committee, headed bj the secretary, Mr. C. P. Stichbury. Mr. J. Clark then moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Peacock for making -the presentation at the Lake, and for the interest ho has alway? token in athletics and sports in Ponsonby. particularly in West End. The vote ol thanks was carried with loud cheering, the band playing, " He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Mr. G. R. Bannerman acted i\j.atarter of the races, and the judging was very ably carried out by Messrs. T. Peacock, W. J. Courtney, and S. E. Hughes. Many of the hon. officers of the club were present, and showed their appreciation of the proceedings lu a very marked manner.

Real down quilts at half-price. lam now selling a shipment of extra quality down quilts bought at half-price,; in pertect order; selling at half-prioe.— Tonaon Garlick, "The People's" Furnishing Warehouse.