CHINESE BOAT RACE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18888, 22 December 1924, Page 8

CHINESE BOAT RACE.

NOVEL SCENE AT ONEHUNGA.

MANGERE GARDEN CREWS.

Tho announcerr;>nt that two Chinese boats' crews were going to engage in a series of races on the Manukau Harbour at Onehunga yesterury afternoon attracted a considerable numbsr of spectators. At four"o'clock hundred i of people were lined up on the wharf, tho Mangers Bridge, and other vantage points, to witness a scene that is entirely novel to Auckland, although it is quite common in China. The opposing crews, three in each boat, represented two market gardens at Mangere. Instead of using oars tho crews used paddies, which they had themsilves made, in orthodox Chinese fashion. The sight of two Chinese crews "paddling their own canoes" naturally attracted intense interest, and the occupants of dozens of motorcars that happened to be passing took thu opportunity to stop and see tho races. The programme was supervised by Mr. Willie Ah Chee and his brother, who have had plenty r> of experience in races, and they did the starting and the judging. The course was a mile, and it was intended to run off four heats, but as the first two were won. by the boat paddled by Ah Oy, Chuen 800, and Ah Yung, these were adjudged the winners outright. The breeze made the water somewhat choppy.