STEWART ISSLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2289, 13 January 1898, Page 25

STEWART ISSLAND.

January 5. — The coming of Ohristmas has not apparently had a very beneficial effect on our weather here ; in fact I have to leport rather an increase to our list of unappreciated blows, though the weather ha,s been much drier of late. Fishing is consequently in a very backward state, and has been so for tome little time, though, more fish were sent away last month th»n one might reasonably have expected, considering the state of the weather. At pr-jaent the weather is takiDg a much more favourable turn, and there is every indication of a change for the better before long. Rkgatta. — Our annual regatta was held ou Boxing Day in the presence of a large number of people, including a great many visitors. The day was beautifully fine, with a light southerly bretzs. The Sailing Boat Race was well contested by eight boats of various tizes leaving the staiting point, but only five finished, the Thistle being first, Lena second, and Twilight third. The Meteor would have been third if she had not bean disqualified for fpuling the Twilight. Much interest was taken in the Ladies' Pnlliug Race, in which there was sharp con. petition. Following this came small pu'liDg boat races. The proceedings terminated with a tub race, which created much merriment. — The same evening a ball was held in the schoolhouse, the proceeds going towards the regatta funds. Dancing was kept up till long past midnight.