THE DUNEDIN REGATTA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10598, 19 February 1896, Page 2

THE DUNEDIN REGATTA.

. •- » , Notes by "Akawa." The Dcmodin annaal regatta will be held today, the first race starting shortly after 1 o'clock. Aa the programme 13 very lengthy, two races—towing and sailing—will be started at the same'lima. A considerable amount of iutaresg is being taken by the general pnblio in the different crews, and the yaohts have also a large body of supporters, while model yachting is a pastime that is attracting a uumbsr of adherents and will bo bound to draw othetg. Bc-sidea these races the swimming events will yirova a source of attraction to many, while the curious minded wiilSnd nraple enjoyment in the tub races, pontooning, and the explosion. On. the whole 23 events are catalogned, and as they are crowded into the remarkably Bho:t space of time of font hours, there can hardJy be any grumbling over dreary waits. The rowing courses are outlined in the programme, and are from the tenth post in the Victoria channel, finishing opposite the flagship. There are to be two swimming races, for which post entries will be received. There are nine rowing rac^s, the entries received being a« follow:—Four Maiden Fours, four Light-weight Fours, four Junior Fours, five Senior Fours, mx Junior Pairs, five Senior Pairs, four Annivor-ssi-y Foum, three Scullers. Mr J. White will j net as umpira. In the sailing races the entrin t I are:—Six first class yachbn, five second c!ks«, | seven third class, five champion open boats, five.-20ft boatvand five 16ft boats". Visitor to the regatta will also have an opportunity of sesiug the eight-oared outrigger, 'i.'ha etarte'3 ace Mr P. Sutherland (soiling), Mr P. M'Kinnon (rowing), Mr W. B. Eyre (3wimmiag), and Mr Strong (model yachts). The Victoria wharf will be railed off and Beats provided. Tne flagshiD will be plaotd' opposite the wharf so that all will be able to eea the finish of the races easily.

I now come to the important task of endeavouring to assist the public in picking out the probable winners. The Queea's Drive, who are rowing in the port Chalmers bout, must win the Maiden Fours, The other craws are fairly level, but I expsct to see the Dunedin second attar a good race. ■ The Junior Fours looka the best of good things for the North End, and such I think it will prova, the Port crew coming next. Ths Light-weights will probably be won by the Oiago crew, who nre going in v. very taking style. The North Ead should supply second place.

The Saniors will ba a practice spin for the Queen's Drive. After a brief straggle the Okgo should shake off the others. The Junior Pairs will be a ijreat fight between the Brothers Burk and ErH<?se, .-.r.d one of these two should win, with the osher dose up. The North End, however, is my fancy. : The Senior Pairs should prove the best-con-tested race' of the day, each crew starting having abundant supporters, and any one of the competitors might turn up the winner without surprise. Bath the Drive's crews are fancied, as are the Port and Otago, the North End being, perhaps, the outsider of the crowd, and may perhaps effect a " boil ovor." My fancy, however, is Port to win, with the Drive next best. The Sonlling Handicap should be wou by the champion, although conceding long starts. Ernie D*vys will naake things merry while his wind lurte. . The Anniversary Fours ehould provide a good race, and will probably be won by Stohr's ctew, with Mirams and Philips in the other positions. The Ladies' Race should be won by the Ravensbourne girls, who are showing excellent form.

The North End have been most unfortunate with their crews for this regatta. First 6! dl, No. 2 of tbe Seniots took ill, and, acting oh medical advice, decided uot to. pull; consequently Higgins's crew will be unable to takt part in that race. A. Jay, of the light-weights, is suffering from an attack of influenza, aad his place will be filled at ths laet minute by A. Sharp, of. the Maidcu?. D. Crow wfll fill the vacancy in the latter crew. ' ...

There is every prospect of eight-o*re<i races taking place in this harbour in the near future. The Danedin Anoatear Boating Club possees one, and the popular president of the North End Boating Club (3Jr S. S. Myers) is at present negotiating for one, which, I understand, he intends to make his rlab a gift of. Scch a handsome present. wii! no doubt prove ' very acceptable and rcceiva the appreciation it . deserves. I regret that owing to pressure on (tpace this morning I am unable t-o Had room for the particulars by "Tainni" concerning tho Port' Chalmers crews and his interesting oommeatj.