AQUATICS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1321, 24 June 1897, Page 26

AQUATICS.

STAB BOATING GLOB'S ANNUAL DINGER.

The annual gathering of the Star Boating Club was held in tbe club's rooni3 on Jervois quay last week. The repast was provided by Mrs Tidyman. After the toast of "Her Majesty" had been proposed by the Chairman (Mr A. de B. Brandon) and duly honoured, Mr Brandon proposed " The Star Boating Club." He traced the history and progress of the club, now in its 30th year, from its beginning ; referring to the first imported boat the " Faugh-a-Bailagh," and describing the progress of racing boats. He gave some interesting reminiscences of the earliest crews. As the boats had steadily improved so had the Star Club, which, at the present time, was one of the most successful clubs in the Southern Hemisphere. Long might it continue to be so. (Cheers.) He urged them to see that the amateur definition was not infringed upon, and to follow the example of New South Wales. He pointed out that as gentlemen amateurs they could not hold their own with the manual labour crews if the latter once learnt science.

Mr G. H. Bethune, captain of the club, in replying, said the club numbered something like 360 members. It was probably the largest athletic body in New Zealand. He believed the club was so popular because it waa cen-trally-situated and so easy of access to all its members.

Messrs Charles" Pearce (deputy-captain),W. H. Morrah (secretary) and H. L. Wiggins (treasurer) also replied to the toast. Mr G. H. Bethune, in proposing the winners of regatta races, referred to the magnificent race rowed by the senior crew in the Championship at Piccon. He attributed its success to the good coaching of Mr A. de B. Brandon. The crew was also successful in the Senior Clinker Pours at Nelson and Wanganui. The club should be thoroughly proud of its senior fours for the past 3'ear. (Cheers.) Mr Bethuno then went on to refer to the various wins of the other regatta crews. He concluded by referring especially to Mr Neil Galbraith, the selector of crews.

The toast was replied to by Messrs J. G. Duncan, W. E. Bendall, \V. Wiggins, G. Pache (for Mr E. C. Crawford) and Neil Galbraith.

" The Winners of Club Baces " was proposed by Mr W. H. Field, who made special reference to the win of Mr John Swift as " the most popular win of the season " (cheers) —in the McLean Pours. (Mr Swift had already received an ovation on being presented with his trophy earlier in the evening.) The toast was responded to by Messrs J. G. Duncan, A. W. Newton, G. Fache, G. J. Beid, S. Harcourt and J. S. Fairchild. '"Kindred Sports " was proposed by Mr A. S. Biss, and responded to by Messrs Neil Galbraith, G. C. Fache, A. W. Newton and W. Home ; " The Dinner Committee " by Colonel Hume, and responded to by the members of the committee; "The Ladies," Mr K. V. Hume, responded to by Mr A. J. S. Thomson ; " The Press," proposed by Mr J. R. Morrison, and responded to by Mr J. E. Gibbons.

Songs and recitations wcro given by Messrs C. Webb-Bowcn, F. C. Widdop, H. L. Wiggins, J. E. Widdop, A. W. Newton, J. Swift W. H. Morrah, A. Gray, G. J. Reid, F. Pownall, W E. Bendall, A. J. Abbott, C. Pearce and K. V. Hume.

The following trophies were presented during the evening : Winners of regatta races : —Wanganui and Nelson Regattas —.Senior Outrigged Fours and Clinker Fours —R. Pownall (bow), W. Wiggins (2), A. W. Newton (3), J. G. Duncan (stroke). Junior Outrigged Fours —:S. Hume (bow), A. H. Barnett (2), G. C. Fache (3), E. C. Crawford (stroke). Wellington Exhibition Regatta—Maiden Double hculls—R. Pownall (bowl, W. Wiggins (stroke). Junior Double Sculls—O. R. Bendall (bow), W. E. Pendidi (stroke). Winners of club races :—Senior jFours— J. G. Duncan (stroke, R. Pownall (3), I'h S. Stafford (2), W. H. Tiipe (bow). Juuior Fours—S. Harcourt (stroke), G. N. Tripe (3), H. T. Richardson (2), J. Wilson (bow). Senior Pairs —A. W. Newton (stroke), W. li. Tripe (bow). Junior Pairs —6. Harcourt (stroke), A. J. Curtis (bow). Senior Sculls — A. W. Newton. Junior Sculls—G. J. Rovh Senior Double Sculls —G. C. Fache (stroke), W. H. Tripe (bow). Junior Double Senilis — G. J. Reid (stroke), T. R. Hiokson (bow). Fitz Gerald Memorial Fours—S. Harcourt (stroke), H. P. F. Blundoll(3j, C. A. Harris (2), H. E. Richards (bow). Scratch Fours —A. W. Newton (stroke), A. H. Barnett (3), D. Menzies (2), W. A. Gray (bow). McLean Fours —J. Fairchild (stroke), H. E. Morrah (3), A. J. Curtis (2), J. Swift (bow). Coxswains' prizes—H. Westen, A. Warren, H. Dix and M. Litchfield. Swimming sports M. Litchfield, H. J. Duigan, C. G. Scolon, S. Hume, J. Hutchinson, J. Pownall, A. Duncan and W. A. Gray.

Mr G. Norton has presented the Wellington Rowing Club with a Challenge Cup for competition next season.