THE BOATING SEASON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19010, 5 November 1923, Page 10

THE BOATING SEASON.

OPENING DAY AT POET CHALMERS. A combined opening of the season by the local aquatic clubs took place at Port Chalmers on Saturday afternoon. The clubs were'the Yacht and Motor- Boat Club, the Port Chalmers Rowing Club, and the Queen’s Drive Boating Club. A strong wind mar-red the afternoon’s programme. It was intended that a procession of yachts, launches, and rowing skiffs should furnish a spectacular display, but this proved impracticable, because of an unusually strong south-westerly wind. Passing squalls lashed the surface of the harbour into driving foam', the spindrift from the main channel occasionally whirling to a level with the bush-tinted top of Goat Island. lire opening ceremony took place at the Yacht Club’s shed, which was decorated with bunting, and where a considerable number of people were entertained by the District High School Band. The Mayor (Mr J.. Watson), . in. an opening speech regretted the inclemency of the weather, but expressed appreciation of the interclub friendliness which had brought so many representatives of the clubs to the opening: of the .season at Port Chalmers. All the other'clubs in the harbour were represented. He -cordially conveyed the good wishes to the ■ Port Cnaimors Clubs. Before formally declaring the season open he called on other speakers to say -a few words. Mr 11. E. Moller, representing the Yacht and Motor Boat Association, said he was delighted to.be there. He came there as a personal compliment to Mr. A. Wiseman, Commodore of ..the Port Chalmers Yacht and Motor Boat Club, as Mr Wiseman, he thought, was the senior yachtsman, and might be said to be the father of yachting In Otago Harbour.—(Applause.) Port Chalmers was capably represented in the association and it was largely due to its representatives on that body that Port Chalmers hgd been allotted a clear Saturday afternoon. The aim of the association was to win the Sanders Cup this season, and this was why it had been decided to sail all the tests on the Dunedin course. It was pleasing to see how well yachting was siq)ported by the residents of Port Chalmers. Mr Wiseman said he was amply rewarded for anything he had done for yachting, by seeing so many boys and young fellows present there thta day. It was well for the young people to maintain an active interest ui aquatic recreation. He regretted that the rough weather prevented the carrying out of harbour excursions as had been arranged for the afternoon. Mr N. Dodds, on behalf of the Queen’s Drive Club., wished the boating people of successful year, lie honed the yOung men would prepare for the big regatta that was almost sure to be held in connection with the forthcoming Exhibition in Dunedin. Mr D. Cameron, representing the Ravensbourne Club, said it was a good thing to bring all the embs together in a friendly spirit, and to encourage that his club had decided to make its club races open to members of the other clubs. Mr L. Kellell, cm -behalf of the NorthEast Harbour Club, also responded, and ho likewise invited crews from all the other clubs to participate in the North-East Harbour club events. Mr Watson, before declaring' the season open, called attention to the fact that a meeting the previous evening had decided to hole! a regatta at. Port Chalmers early in January, and although it, would not he' on an expensive scale it would be on modern lines. He wished to extend a warm welcome to Mr Provo, a' veteran oarsman, who was present.' In declaring (he season open, Mr Watson hoped the ensuing season would be a successful one to all concerned.