OTAGO ANNUAL REGATTA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16545, 19 November 1915, Page 8

OTAGO ANNUAL REGATTA

— The annual meeting of the Otago Regatta was held at Port Chalmers last evening, about 20 gentlemen interested in this fixture being present. Mr John Stevenson presided, and formally moved the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet. The report stated that the last regatta must be considered the most notable yet held at Port Chalmers. Owing to the war it was decided to hold a patriotic regatta. It is pleasing to record that the idea was taken up most enthusiastically by rowers, motorists, and yachtsmen; the various races were keenly contested, the flags and certificates offered as prizes being far more coveted than prize money. Badges were sold by a committee of ladies in place of admission tickets, and this means proved more successful than the ordinary means of selling tickets. Your committee feel deeply grateful to the ladies for this assistance, and we consider that it was entirely due to their efforts that the regatta proved so successful from a financial standpoint. Your committee is pleased to report that they were-' able to hand to the Belgium Fund the sum of £80, being the profits from the regatta, and think that this must be considered highly satisfactory. In retiring from office the committee have to thank one. and all for the support accorded them. The Chairman said the balance sheet disclosed a satisfactory state of affairs, considering the unsettled period through which the country is now passing owing to the war. After paying expenses, there was a credit balance of about £70. The main credit was, due to the ladies for their valuable help in selling patriotic badges on regatta day, and io Mr E. S. Wilson for looking after the committee's affairs so efficiently. Dealing with the question of holding a regatta at Port Chalmers this year, the chairman thought it would be most inopportune for sentimental and other reasons, quite apart from the probabilities of there being a difficulty in getting sufficient, men to fill the boats for the various events. The report and balance sheet were adopted unanimously. Mr W. J. Wilson moved—" That in the opinion of this meeting' it is not advisable to hold a regatta this year, taking into account the urgent need tho country has for its young men, and that this meeting stand adjourned for 12 months." In reply to Mr A. Grant (Ravensbourne), the Chairman said he thought there would bo no difficulty in resuscitating the Otago regatta 12 months hence ' Mr Coleman seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. VALEDICTOBT. Mr W. J. Wilson referred to the fact that Mr Coleman was leaving Port Chalmers shortly for Wellington, and in view of his valuablo services in the past, he moved that the hearty thanks of the Regatta Committee be accorded him, wishing him every success in his new sphere of life. The motion was carried by acclamation. The meeting then terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman.