CYCLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13925, 5 December 1908, Page 8

CYCLING.

The Onehunga Oreling Touring Club will open the season this afternoon, when a run will be hejd from the Royal Oak via Trafalgar and Queen Streets, Onehunga, and Mangere bridge to Mangero Hill. , At the latter place a number of competitions will be decided, including hill-climbing, freewheeling, slow race, ladies, best fancy display, best combined display, team or rider, most origin*! costume, and most comical -costume. In all 17 prises have been provided, and the function promises to be the MQBfc successful in the history of the, club. TJhe run wilt bo under the direction of Messrs. T. H. Pardiugton (captain), .J. Richardson (vice-captain), S. H. Brooking (secretary), and a strong committee. The Rndge Club held a successful run to Lake Takapuna, via Northoote, on Sunday last, tho muster being large. At. the clubs annual meeting on Monday night "was /decided to hold a special meeting on Monday next to draw up rules to govern the racing for the club's challenge shield. l'he club's 16-mile road race for a silver cup will take place to-day at Mangere. To-mor-tow an all-day run will be held, the dettin.v <;on being Helensville, and the point of departure Pitt street corner at 9 a.m. All cyclists are cordially invited.

AQUATICS. YACHTING. NOTES AND COMMENTS. The Heartsease was away at Kawau last week, Mr. W. Swinnerton taking Mrs. SwmBertaa and his daughters down to the favourite island resort. They were away about four davs. On Monday, St. Andrew s Day, the Heartsease took a largo party to Drunken Bay for the day. Mr. Hemus* 14ft (Waitemata class) dinghy Keep*, engaged in the opening race, was io be launched from Mr. Bailey's yard either yesterday afternoon or this morning. The amateur-built useful cruiser Ireda is ready at, Queen's Parade, Dcvonport, to be pur, in the* water. Yacht and launch owners would bo well advised to make themselves acquainted with the Colonial Defence Act in regard to the firing of ensigns. The only ensign which can be flown without Admiralty warrant is the red, and that without additional badge w device. The penalty for infringement of mis Act is a maximum fino of £500. The blue ensign is reserved for use on New Zealand Government steamers, for vessels commanded by a master of R.N.R.. and for yachts belonging to a club with tho title of Roval and holding an Admiralty warrant, A number of blue ensigns have been, seen in use lately, and arc surely carried in ignorance. In support of that supposition I would point out that one ensign was being gaily -flaunted last 'week-end upside down, the owner of the craft being evidently in blissful ignorance of the message he was conveying to the aquatic world. Another flag matter quite apart x from the use. of ensigns is that of etiquette. Anyone who has enough sense to handlo a boat should surely have sufficient to learn the use of club flags. It is quite a common sight to see the club's burgee strung up in any but the right place-—tho masthead. The gaff as the most common misplacement, but often the burgee is put anywhere in the rigging. Tho action of the crew of a boat flying the burgee of a local club last week-end in passing annoying remarks to the occupants of another craft, which was anchored for the purpose of fishing, ought certainly to bo taken up by the officials of the club. There were several ladies aboard the boat, and naturally the owner, a leading officer of another clnb and one of our best respected citirens, resented the discourteous act. The act of sailing down harbour does not give a party of men license for indulgence in boorishness., I am sure the matter has only to be pointed out to the majority of yachtsmen to be rectified. Y ;. i# " ■ " For the second year in succession Mr. A. C. Barton's Awanui has been successful in the annual contest for the Carlton Cup, sailed for under the flag of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Last season Awanui] won from, Rawhiti. and this year she re-; peated the ■ performance. V-. The moderate N.NJE. lbreexe and smooth sea were conditions favourable to Awanui, and as a consequence she had a very extended lead from Rawhiti at the finish; whilst Thejma brought tip the rear a long distance behind. The following models will compote under the auspices of the Ponsonby Club to-day for a trophy presented by Mr.' J. Metcalfe: —Elsie, scratch; Clio, lm.: Rio. 3m.; Flying Dutchman, \ Sin.; Lady Wilms. 3im.; Makura, 4m.: May. 4m.; Jubilee, 6m.: Hero, Bm.; - Auhine, . 9m. The race will commence at 2.45 p.m. sharp, over a course to be decided on by the judges. ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON. Tho New Zealand Royal, Yacht Squadron Las practically completed taking entries for the rudder cup " motor launch ocean race, which takes, place next Saturday. There are no outside competitors, but without these a good entry has been received, pointing to a most, interesting race. The handicaps will J be. available early in the week. The adjustment* are - being awaited with interest.. Owners are requested to note that full par- j ticulars as required by the conditions of the j race should be forwarded at once. "'•"■"■"''-. ! ANNIVERSARY REGATTA. •A'.meeting of ?..' the Anniversary Day Regatta Committee was held in Mr. C. Dacrc's office list evening. Captain Parker presiding. The committee continued discussion of the programme, and further alterations were made to the original draft. It was decided to sail the scow and cutter (trading vessels) races in the harbour this year, the course being from the starting-point round a mark off Rangitoto Beacon and Brown's Island buoy, and thence up the .harbour. The; scow race will be twice round and the cutter race once. All rowing races on the programme were struck off. A 12-oar cutter race, open to all-comers, was ; added, and provision was also made for races for four classes of mullet boats, viz., 26, 24, 22, and 20-footers. A deputation was detailed to wait on the Union Steam Ship Company in reference to the procuring of - & flagship for the regatta. ' DEVONPORT CLUB. The Devonport Yacht Club's opening cruising race to Rakino will take place this afternoon. Splendid entries having been received, a good race should result. - _ Several visitors are going ■. down . in launches. Mr. Sanford has kindly placed bis launch Tempest at the club's disposal, and takes a large party to follow the race to Rakino. .. ,w .- -- ,- - , The Ilex* (Mr. J.C. Macky). vhich was put. into the water fcomewherp about the bewitching noun - of-* midnight Wednesday, was out for a spin on" Thursday evening. She was sailing well, and should score good points to-day. v •" >• ■..•••- ■-,•-. :•• The club has just secured fine premises convenient to wharf and with nice views of the harbour. Extensive alterations are now being made, and when completed members will have Very comfortable quarters. " A considerable amount of credit is due to Commodore Murdoch, who was instrumental in securing such a fine site. In addition to the popular magazines and illustrated papers of the day/ a special selection of books and yachting journals will be filed. The Iris end Waione were at Rocky Bay, the latter "going-out- early after hapuka, and the crew were fortunate enough to land a few. The Ida (Mr. H. Nathan) was at Cowes Bay. and the Thelma went round tho back of Waiheke. ' The Ngatira is going off the beach shortly, and will compete in the club's first harbour races. She will bo down at Kawau for ESirifitmas. . ' . The following aro the courses, entries, and jandicapa for this afternoon's race: — Course, off wind, from cable steamer jetty, via Pwangitoto Channel, round outside Vlot-i----tapu, Rikino, and "Mushroom" Rock, finishing off south point of Rakino. On wind, to Rakino direct.

Class A: Trophy presented by Mr. W. J. Napier. Entries and handicaps: Ariki, scratch; Thelma, lm. (off wind), 2m. (on •wind); Ida, 14m. and 20m.; Ilex, 14ra. and 22m.; Waione, 18m. and 24m.; Kotiri, 20m. and 26m.; Aoore. 21m. and 29m. Class B: Trophy presented by Mr. E. J. Fonn— and Ronaki, scratch Wairiki, lm. (off wind), scratch (on wind); Maru, 7m. and 9im.: Ranee, Bim. and 12m.; Pandora, 9Jm. and 16m.: Daisy, 15m. and 13m.; Iris, 15m. and 15m.; Mavourneen, 35m. and 50m. -.-':■

There will be second prizes for each class. Both crises start at. 2.45. The .club will be entertained in th*> evening at Mr. Sanford's, and all members and their friends are cordially invited.

NORTH SHORE YACHT CLUB. ' The- North Shore Yacht Club's first cruising race, held on Saturday to Awaroa Bay created much interest amongst yachtsmen' ©special the meeting of the 26-footers ranerald.-'Bonaki,' and Celox for the first time -Ronaki got the best of tho start by ilt, while Celox. spoilt her chance by being 3m. late. On the day, with a leading wind, Bonaki ' ; certainly owed un best . while . s rr7?i t ; made up some of her lost time, finish-

ing 25». behind Emwald. Last year'* champion, however, may turn the tables in » breet*, and it remains to be seen how the trio will perform turning to windward. Geisha, a new 2*-footer» showed ft groat turn of speed in light waatfior, as, after losing Bomo. minutes m a luffing match'with Glady, eh© came' away and finished second to Ronaki. In a broeee, • though, this boat, will hardly carry her lofty canvas. In the first class Rangitira had a runaway victory from the start, but lost some minutes at the finishing line, where Waire-re and Thistle both came up on her. In the light breeze Mahaki, Wairiki, Anabel. and the other first-class boats were a bit, out of it. In class i Hilda led, being closely pushed by Merlin and Hetty. The winner, Merlin, may lie disqualified for not carrying her dinghy. In the fourth class Encounter, with a fino now suit of sails, led the fleet of 15. May Belle (the winner) and Kaho pushing her at the finish, only two minutes separating these three Wats on time. The entries wore good in all classes, and totalled 46.

VICTORIA CRUISING CLUB. The Victoria Cruising Club hold tho first series of sailing races of the season this afternoon. The following arc the entries and handicaps: — First-class: Ronaki. scratch: Emerald, scratch; Gladv, &im.: Lina. 12m.; Why Not, Mm. Second-class: Encounter, scratch; Eona, scratch; Rosa, 6ni. ; Konene, 18m. Third-class; Mowai, scratch; Hetty, 3m.; Rawhiti, 7m.: Seabird, Sm.; Roma, Bm.; Fairy Bell. 11m. Fourth-class: Bronxewing, scratch- Countess. 7m.; Maim. 13m.: Avona, 9m. Course: From flagship, round Southern Cross, round Sandspit buoy, start and finish on north side of flagship. First and second, twice round; third and fourth, once round. Boats not having flags can get them from the flagship. Fair- men change in the following order:— First-class: Ronaki change with Lina. Emerald and Why Not, Why Not and Glady. Third-class: Mowai and Roma, Rawhiti and Hetty, Sea Bird and Fairy 8011. Fourth-class: Bronxewiug and Mamu, Countess and Avona.

First-class start at 2.30, second-class at 2.50, third-class at three, fourth-class at 3.10.

WAITEMATA DINGHY SAILING CLUB. The Waitemata Dinghy Sailing Club opens tho season to-day with an all-comers' dinghy race. Although many of the 14ft class are still in the builders* hands, there will be four out, to-day, all on the scratch mark, while other starters will bo handicapped. The Rita, Captain Henderson's boat, was out for a spin on Wednesday evening, lookins: very smart after a general overhaul. The dinghy being built by Logan Brothers for Mir. Partridge will be finished shortly, in time certainly for the next race. The Judge's Bay builders Smith and Burgee have got the dinghy for Mr. J. L. Blomfield well in hand, and if her sails (ordered from Home) arrive in time, she will be a starter in the next class race.

The club membership is going up by leaps and bounds, tho fair sex being well represented on tho members' roll. The following entries have been received for tho race, which is to start from the cable steamer's wharf at three o'clock this afternoon:—Rita (T. Henderson), Olivine (N. J. Ingles), Keepa (L. Hemus). Lone Hand (W. Currie), Rosina (W. Brown), Sunday (S. (Phillips), scratch; Verescott (S. Colville), sra.; Torua (E. S. Gittos), 81m. Six of the above boats have been built in accordance with the club rules, and an interesting contest is anticipated. The course is from cable wharf, round Sandspit buoy, thence round Viking's moorings, thence round buoy off Calliope Dock, twice round, finishing at cable wharf. MOTOR BOATING. The New Zealand Power Boat Association is holding a picnic, the first of the season, to-day. Mr. Alexander's fine launch Karoro was put in the water at Devonport yesterday afternoon. Mr. Geo. Hodgson is having a fine, roomy launch built by Logan Brothers. The craft will be 40ft in length and 10ft in beam, thus making her a larger boat than the Matariki. The motive power will be a2O horse-power, three-cylinder Union engine, which Messrs. W. A. Ryan and Co. are supplying. ROWING. The North Shore Rowing Club is holding a set of trial fours to-day for subscription trophies. The club intend holding their next "At Homo" on December 19, when crews will compete for the trophies of the captain, Mr. E. C. Wykes. v The Auckland Rowing Club is holding a series of races to-day for 'trophies presented by the vice-commodore, Mr. F. E. N. Crombie. .During the afternoon Mr. . Herman Schmidt will present to the club a framed photograph of last year's committee. The vice-commodoire will accept the gift on behalf of the club, c This afternoon the following crews of tho St. George's Rowing Club will compete for trophies presented by the patron, Mr. J. H. B. Coates:—First "heat: 'J. J. Timms (stroke), S. Howard, E. R. Blewctt, Williams; R. Donkin (stroke), F. R. O'Gorman, J. G. Cooper, S. Bach; F. G. Alpe (stroke), E. D. Elliott, Woodman, McGrath. .Second heat: D. S. Harris (stroke), A. H. Gvllies. & Stichbury. H. Reilly; R. A. Bach (stroke), A. Linton. J. A. McPherson, W. Bagshaw; W. Smith (stroke), H. E. Woodroffe.W. Thompson, J. Craig. Third beat: H. B. Harper (stroke), H. Swangeraurc. J. Christie, Nairn; C. E. Stone (stroke). Neelv, H. Twigden, 0. Scott; T. Stone (stroke), N. Mitchell, J. Hill, Lloyd. Mr. Thos. Kingston, of the J. 0. Williamson Company, and now appearing at His Majesty's Theatre, Auckland, is a most enthusiastic amateur oarsman. Years ago, before leaving England, Mr. Kingston used to compete in cycle road races when the high machine was in vogue. Since Jiis arrival in Australia he has taken to aquatic sports, and was coached by Messenger at Double Bay, Sydney, in single sculling. Since his arrival in Auckland he has, by the courtesy of local friends, had a couple of spins in racing shells on the~Waitemata. NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA Mr. B. S. Finn, who returned this week from Mercer, where he went on behalf of the Auckland Rowing Association to prepare a report on the course and appointments for the New Zealand championship rowing regatta,, which is to be held at Mercer on. February 13 next, has courteously forwarded; me the following particulars: — The championship course I have selected will be proved on the regatta day to be one of the finest in Australasia. It has an absolutely straight two miles, with a three-knot current, the average depth throughout the course being approximately Bft. An uninterrupted view of the course from start to finish will bo had from the banks surrounding the finishing or judge's post. The twomile races will start at the top of Rose's Island, the mile and a-half opposite the railway cutting, and the one mile about opposite the creamery, all finishing at the punt according to the surveyed plan of the course submitted to the association.

I have drawn up a,scheme relating to the three sets of mooring bucy's which will bo required, and will overcome all the difficulties spoken of and likely to arise amongst rowing men. A subcommittee is dealing with the matter,, and will report at the next meeting. Roughly speaking it will consist of a wire rope staked from bank to bank close to the bottom, having anchors attached. From this will be bent light lines with the required number of buoys, which will be made of cork, fashioned, numbered, and painted to meet requirements. Ample room has been secured for the safe sto.age of both sculling boats and gigs, so that oarsmen in residence for training at Mercer will be assircd. of the safe housing of their boat*.

Visiting' oarsmen can procure board and residence at both boarclinghousc and hotel at reasonable tariff. * The local Road Board has given space for the erection of tents adjacent to the river, and meals may be procured at the respective hostelries. Clubs or individuals can obtain all information from Mr. W. W. Benjamin, hon. secretary A.R.A. Arrangements for the accommodation of competitor* on the day have been completed, and those for the public are well in hand.

The Bite chosen is most admirable from both a spectator's ?nd rowing man's point of view. The river bank presents ready access to water for all the crews, and the rendezvous is central, regatta and club officials being in touch with one another-, which is a great factor. For the public what more could be wanted? Cheap, speedy, and comfortable transit by train, an uninterrupted view of all races from all points on a willowshaded river bank, and presenting many beautiful spots along the bank and surrounding the judge's post for picnic parties. , For those who do not wish to picnic refreshment booths Have been arranged for on the banks and at the refreshment rooms, hotels, and I boardinghouae. Lynx.