RAVENSBOURNE BOATING CLUB.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15608, 11 November 1912, Page 6

RAVENSBOURNE BOATING CLUB.

Heavy rain and linil squalls marred tho oOicial opening of tho Itavonsbourao Boating Club's season on Saturday. In tho circMtnstances, however, there was a surprisingly largo attendance both of club meinliers and of their lady friends, and overyono showed a courageous determination not !o allow the weather to interfere witfi tho enjoyment of the occasion. Tho West Harbour Brufis I'and, under Conductor C. Ball, was in attendance, and disixjinwyl lively music from tho club's shod. Conspicuous amid the bunting with which tho sited was Imng wai tlio new pennant presented to the club by .Miss E. Hichdale. Among tho visitors were Movers J. H. Walkor and W. Belcher, of tho Otago Harbour Board, and the Rev. A. Cray, of Ravcnebourne. Tlio shoro arrangements were under tlio control of Vicc-coimnodore Blackio.

The procession started olf shortly after 3 o'clock, tho yachts being led by tlx* Waimana, following whioh canto tho Myro, Tlielma, Revenge, Annis, Rambler, Viking, and Minnow. Tho motor boats wore led by Vioc-commodore M'Cullooh in tho Meteor others taking part being tho Query, Euroka, Intruder, Valmai, Gertie, dean, Imp, and Moratva. Tho ferry boat Mocrangi was placed at the disposil of residents and vwitora, and loft tno jotty with a full of passengers. Tlio yachts in jva-'ticular had a wry lively time, and tlio Waimana had tlio misfortune to havo the top of her mast carried away. She was in difficulties for somo little time, but eventually reached hor moorings without furthor miphap. As nwnilx?rs and visitors returned to tho filled tlicy were served with a vorv welcomo cup of tea ami refreshments before Commodore Mollor addrosaed the largo gathering. lie expressed regret that tins was tho second occasion on whioli tliey had had had weather for tlio opening. As llioy knew, the club held it for the purpoeo of giving (lie residents Mine flight rctrurn for the '.'oneroiia maimer in whidi tliey uupporteil their annual regatta, but it was imtwfsible lo postpone tlio event, as tho following week it wa.i low water, and a fortnight henoe was tho Otago Club's racing week. Tho young men of the district had somolhinp like £700 invested in boats. Th.it would oomjMro mope than favourably with ajiy other o'ub in Otago. Moreover, tho varioui crews which manned tho boats were well np in their work, as,the visitors would seo from tTie display that afternoon, lie oongratulated the dub on the number of lady supporters, and referred to the new club pennant, the gift of Miss E. Richdale. Tie als.i congratulated the W«st Harbour Brast Band on the music supplied, and thanked the visiting crews for their attendance, Before concluding he introduced Mr J. 11. Walker (chairman of the Otago Harbour Board), Mr W. Bo'ohcr, and the Rev. A. Gray (a memljcr of tlio club). Mr Walker heartily thanked tho club for tho invitation lo bo present, and also congratulated the district on having such an up-to-date clubhouse. lie pointed out that when the Otago Ilnrlxw Board brought m its new by-law regarding tho fee for registration it would bo found that the work of tlio gub-ronunitfoc, consisting of Mcrors Moller, Ilazlett, and hinvelf, would jjivo entire satisfaction to tho boating fraternity. Mr liolcher said it gave him much pleasure to be present, first of all from tho fact that he had hiul the pleasure of handling one of the crack motor Itoats. tho Eureka, also Itecauso he had received his yearly wash. One tiling tho club could take Tor ■,'ranted was when the time arrived he would bo found fighting hard to sociito a boat harbour for tho boats. He congratulated tho district on now having a modern jetty, a recreation ground, and such a splendid pavilion, ami wished tho boat club every urccss. and trusted it would win in.inv prices during tho season. The Rev. Mr Gray said he had partieijxitcd in every kind of snort except boating, and that day he had had a mo<t enjoyable trip, and would like on somo future occasion to try his hand with nomn of' tho sailing craft. As regarded the club, of which he had rccontly become a member, he said that the great popularity it enjoyed with all the residents vas a 6uro indication that it was ran on sound linc-6.

Clicers were given for tlie various speakers, the commodore receiving musical honours.