AQUATICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2506, 2 April 1902, Page 29

AQUATICS.

OTAGD KOWISG ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL REGATTA. Though dull, with at first a somewhat mi3ty atmosphere, the Otago Rowing Association could scarcely have had a better day for rowing than last Saturday was. There was practically an entire absence of wind, j the element that interferes so greatly with j rowing, and the- water was consequently perfeotJy smooth, though a trifle dead — just the condition to try the strength and form | of the crews competing. It was a state of matters under which — all other things bomg equal and bar accidents — the men who were fittest and had the greatest stamina, ought to win. Accidents and unequal circumstances, however, occur in rowing as in all other 6ports, and the breaking of a scull or 'the steering of a wild course may account, in some insta-'rv>, for the crew expeoted to be firat p: the judge failing to fet there. Among vie visiting oarsmen the nvercargill Rowing Club put up a very respectable record and were loudly cheered for their creditable performance. They started in six events, of which they won two, were second in one and third in two, and carried away prize-money amounting to £7. The Invercargill Railway Club crews were not so fortunate, getting a third place out of two" starts, and the Oamaru crew was still more unlucky, failing to get a place in the two events in which they rowed. Disappointment mu3t naturally follow such a result, but out «f that disappointment, with a. proper spirit, should gr&w the determination to perseverance "and ultimate success. The Queen's Drive men " scooped " most of the money, winning £12 in all. Thenrecord for six starts was three firsts and third in two other events. Included in their wins was the Senior Clinker Fours. The next club to be known to fame was the Dunedin Amateur, the crews from which won £7 10s. Their total starts numbered eight, and they came first twice, second ; twice, and third in throe, from which it will be seen that they achieved the distinction of getting placed seven times out of eight, though there was no mones* attached t6 the third position. The Otago Rowing Club were by no means out of the running. They started in seven events, winning two, coming 1 second in three, and carr}-ing off j (prize money amounting to £7. The Port Chalmers Clubs had five starts, out of ■which they made two firsts and two seconds, land won £5. The North End proved to be +he unluckiest club on the water, failing to Set a place in the three events in which they . started. The following is the position of the clubs with regard to the Challenge Cups, after Saturday's rowing: Mr W. L. Hooper's cup for most points in Maiden events : — D.A.B.C. 10, Otago 9, Queen's Drive 8, North End 4, Port Chalmers 3. Mr John Mill's cup for most points in junior events : Otago 11, Port Chalmers 10, D.A.B.C. 6. North End 2, Queen's Drive nil. The course for the rowing events was from a point, sfet | down rs being approximately a mile and a j quarter away, to the Waihola jetty. The > distance was probably under the mile and ! a-quarter, but its indefinitene^a destrojs the value of the time in which the events were rowed for the simple reason that it cannot be claimed that any particular distance has been covered in the times mentioned. It will be noticed that there is a pretty wide flifferecice in the time, and that to the juniors belongs the credit of having the best performance; but it ha« to be remembered that the very light breeze shifted its direction two or three times during the day, and that in some cases a very erratic course was ateered, which would jro a long way towards accounting for the difference. That Wai■hola, where the regatta was held, is an ideal spot for regatta, purposes there is no gainsaying. Not only is it eminently adapted for rowing, but the pretty surroundings make it an attractive spot for those who. though interested in rowing up to • a certain point, find pleasure in diversifying the day's outing by a stroll about the picturesque neighbourhood wjien they have satisfied themselves with watching, from the various points of vantage Jilongthe edge of the lake, the prowess of the various crews competing. That the public recognise the spot as possessing a charm is proved by the fact of there being a large number of visitora from town at Waihola on Saturday. The trains took out fully 1000 persons, and that number was considerably augmented by the presence of raany living ia the vicinity. Those who Ciad charge of the arrangements did what "they could to give all an oppoitunity of iVritnessing the racing with as much comfort as the}' could command, and did not forget to provide a band to enliven the proceedings. Among those takiag an active pare at the regatta were Messrs J. A. Millar. ■M.H.R., L. R. Wilson, John Mill, and C. Basstian, sen., the latter of Tnvercarqill, judges; Mr J. James, umpire; Measr* J. ■jfoster, D. Wall, and Wilkinson, ctarters : •Messrs W. J. Wilson. W. J. Hodgkinp, and !A. M. Cameron (Invercargill). clerks of Vour^e ; Mr J Eislop, timekeeper: a per 'ffot army of shed stewards ; Me=-»rs P. J. Priei=c pnd others. Kutertainmrnt Comir.itaee: Messrs A M Sims. J W. Butler. R jßclton. and D. M. Stuart Swimming Committ?p; Mr W Brittenden. controlling the model yachting : and Mr W. L Hooper. trlio in hi 3 capacity of bon. pecrc-tarv and was everywhere Several of the^e Rentlemen filled numerous positions, nok'Hy jMr J. James, who in one capacity— t'nat of jprese steward — was most courteous and obliging. Tho pross were also indebted to ■Mr Hooper, Mr L. R. "Wilson, and others for their unvarying kindness and attention. 'All soemed to work most harmoniously " ~~tof?s?ither^: and Mr Hooper had his manifold ilutie3 nia^e "tighten by the willing assistance lirx received from Mr C" R Gooch and Mr C. Columb. The Regatta Committee have before now had occasion to express their thanks to Mr Morton, the obliging staticnmaster at Waihola, and again those thanks Rre due for the ungrudging assistance he rave rowing men all round- The telerraphie officials were also um emitting: in their endear ours to forward matters.

[ At midday the officials were cntertaicied by Mr L. R. Wilson at dinner, which was of a substantial aud sumptuous character, and Mr Wilson's hospitality was done r.mple justice to. The rowing was diversified by model yachting aud swimming, and those engaging in the former pastime had spared themselvep no trouble to bring theii miniature vessels from long distances. The committee had not forgotten to provide some laughable items to relieve the more serious part of the day's proceedings viirli. There was a greasy pole and a " Darktown event," but through some misunderstanding the latter was not givcci in the form originally intended, and was confined to an amusing performance by a " coloured gentleman, whoee effort? to s-cramble on the top cf two barrels larhed together and set afloat created tht liieliect diversion among the crowd of onlooker?. The followicig are the events, with some details concerning thora : — Maidej Chnker Double Sculls. Puzes, £2 and £1. Points allotted fd Mr W. h.. Hooper's ciro. — Q.D.Is.C. A. Sl'Donald (=trokej, C. V -Donald (bow), 1, O.R.C. J. A. L. Hay (s.ioke), S. Sandes *bow), 2; I.R.R.C. R. A. M'Kenzie (st.oke), V.*. RobsTtson (bow), 3. The Drive crew did not run a good course, ai d rather pushed the Otago crev; ixslicre. Invercargill, on the other Hand, rowed a remarkably good course, bat fell behind sho-rtlv after the start. A good race home ensued between the Queen's Drive and the Otago men, the former finishing a fu'L length ahead, with the Invevcargill Railway crev/ about, » couple of lengths behind the O.R.C. It was reckoned that, owing to the erratic steering of the Drive, the Otago n-en lost a couple of strokes. Time, smm 55Jsec. Maiden Clinker Fours Prizes, £3 30s and £1. Points allotted for Mr W. L. Hooper's cup.— D.A.B.C. : H. Shaw (stroke), H. White (3), J. Conway (2), J- Raps.oa (bow), 1 , D.A.8.C.: F. Dawson (stroke), D. Fraser (:?), A. Watson (2), R. Caldow (bow), 2; 1.R.C. . G. Fleetwocd (stroke), W. Whitaker (3). A. Lindspy (2), F. E. Matthews (bow), 3. The other crews were. J. Breen (stroke), D. Gillies (3), J. Douglas (2). R. Beattie (bow), N.E.8.C. , J. Goudie (stroke), P. Lightbourne (3), G. Lightbourne (-2), K. M'Donaid (bo.v), P.C.R.C.; Fairley (stroke), T. Gill (3), L. Couch (2), A. Morton (bow)", Oarnsru; A. M'Donaid (.stroke), C. it' Donald (3), J. Shearer (2). R. Thompson (bow), Q.D.8.C. ; J. W. Matthev.son (stroke), W. Harvey (3), W. Beswick (2). W. Aimeis (bow), O.R.C. The race was as pietty a sight as one could wish to see. As soon as a clear view of the boats could be obtained from the whaif the Drive had apparently the best position, with tne two D.A.B.C. crews close up. At half distance Shaw's boat had assumed a decided lead, which it kept to the finish, whf>n it was a length aud a-faalf to the good. The order m which the rest finished was- Q.D.B.C. i, P.C.R.C. 5. N.E.B.C. 6, Oarnaru 7, the O.R.C. coming last. Time, omin 56sec. Junior Clinker Double Sculls. Prizes £2 and £1. Points allotted for Mr Jehu Mill's -cup.— O.R.C: C. R. Gooch (stroke), C. E. Stathaxn (bow), 1; O.R.C: J. A. L. Hay (stroke), S. Sandes (bow), 2. These were the only starters, the O.R.C. and I.R.R.C. not putting in an appearance. The race \vaa an easy win for Gooch, who finished about two lengths' ahead. Time, 6mm lOsee. Youths' Clinker Fours. Prizes, £2 and £I.— D A.8.C. : B. Mars-hall (stroke), A. Sutherland (3;, W. M&cdonald (2), W. Yatcs (bow), 1; 1.R.C.-: J. Chrisiop'hers (stroke), R. Christophers (S), J: Mehaffey (2), T. Thornton (bow), 2. Crews from the N.E.B.C. aud Q.D.B.C. also competed, the former consisting of D. Brown (stroke), G. Findlay (3), A. Price (2», W. Wilson (bow), and the latter of F. Smith (stroke), H. Walker (3), A. Craig (2), W. Colthorpe (bow). At half way th" Queen Drive's men were left in the rear, and the North-End were fast falling behind. The D.A.B.C. crev/ was apparently in the van, with the Invercargill men hanging close on to them, and rowing liaTd. A great race for home ensued between these tv/o crew 6, the D.A.B.C. just winning by about 18..n. It was ascertained afterwards thai Walker, of the Queen's Drive crew, was unlucky enoi.gh to bieak a scull. Time, 6min 20sec. Junior Chnker Fours. Prizes, £4 and £1. Points allotted for Mr James Mill's cup. — I.R.C.- B. Basstian (stroke), A. Rodie (3), D. Morton {2), G. Totton (bow), 1, P.C.R.C. : J. Goudie (stroke), P. Lightbourne (3), G. Lightbourne (2), N. M'Donaid (bow), '2; D.A.B.C. H. Shaw (stroke), H. White (3), A. Watßon (2), R. Caldow (bow), 3. The other crews lowing were— Oß. C. Gooch (stroke), S tat ha in (3). J. Matthewson (2), W. Harvey (bow); Oamaru • J. Fairle;. (slioke), T. Gill "(3,1, L. Couch (2), A. Morton (.bow), which fiuished m the oruci mentioned. It was evident that at about half distance Invercarg'll had thf advantage, with Port Chalmers next, followed by Shaw's crew. The south men kept their lead, and won by about four lengths. A good race for second place ensued between the Port ar.d the D.A.B.C. men, the former passing the judge about a length ahead of the latter Time, smin 17sec. Maiden Clinker Pairs. Prizes, £2 and £1. Points «'. lotted for Mr W. L. Hooper's cup.— O.R.C: £. 11. Priest (stroke), H. Brasch (bowl, 1; D.A.B.C. J. Conwav (stroke), D. Fraser (bow), 2; Q D.B.C A. MDonald (stroke), C. M'Donaid (bow) 3. The other crew? to start were — X.E.B.C. • J. Breen (stroke), D. Gillies (bow) , I.R.C. G Fleet wood (stroke), W. Whitaker (bow). A little over half the distance being covered, the O.R C. crew were seen to be leading, and were then rowing a long, steady, easy stroke. There was a good race between the D.A.B.C. and Q.D.B C for second place, but lucy failed to get near the O R.C. crew, which won by fully four length* Time, smm 47eec. Senior Chnker Fours. Prizes, £S and £2. — Q.D.B.C.- C. Braituwaite (stroke). D. M'Donaid (3), W. Portei (2), T. While (bow), 1, P.C.R.C. S. Macdonald (stroke), F. Keenan f3), J. Attfiekl (2i, S. Solomon (bow), '2. I.R.C B. Ba3stian (stioke), D. Mo; lon (3), A. Rodie (2), G. Totton (bow), 3. Crews ftom the Inveicargil! Railway Club and the Dunedui Amateur Club also competed, ai.d finished in the older mentioned. The Invercargill crew consisted of E. S. Perry (stroke), A. M. Cameron (3), W. Robertson (2). and R. A. M'Kenzie (bow), and the Dunedm Amateur crew of H. Shaw (it'-oke), S. Abnm (3), W Olsen (2\ add H. White (bow). The race was a very hw on? fo.- about hplf a mile, when the Queen'h Duvc boat \, cut mlo first place, rSoEply followed by the Port Chalu.eis men The former increased their lead, and won by two lengths, abcut foui le i«th<. separating =zco d ar.d thnc.l boa.? Time, Smm Msec. Junior Chnker Pali-. Vnz.'-. £2 nnd £1 Points allotted for Mr Ji o. .\li'i'p <i o —I R.C. B. Ba,«sliau (stroke), U. Moit..:i (bow) 1 O.R C. M H. Pne=t (strol-o. JI. Brasch (bow), 2, D A.B.C. J. riUbles N*:oke), D. Sciur (bow), ? The Invicarqil' r.:c-> soou a 1 *- Eumed a le< J, winch the Ot,u»o ni°n v,rie ul.-ableu l.able lo wre=i irom tiiein, thousli *hry mad" F:veral determined effort?. The race v, as vov by a length, the D.A.B.C. crew „ot finishi'i-: the entire distance. Time. 6mir 15°ev Additional Senior Canker Pa*r = Puz<\ £2 —Q.D.B.C. D. M'Donaid (stiokpl, \Y Portei (bnwK 1. P.C.R.C A. Attfield (-.t-okc). J. Solomon (bow), 2, D.A.B C. H. Wl-it-e (btrohe). W. Olsen (bow). 3. The Port men were thrfirst tn sLow to the front, the Di r-e boat b°!nf closa up. About 10 ypj-els from home the Drive challenged, and jnst succeeded in petting past the winmns mask ahead. 'Ihe race coukl

not have been won by much over a foot. The D.A B.C. crew were about three lengths away at the finish. Time, 6min lOsec. Senior Pairs. Best and best boats. Prize, £2 — This was a row over for F. Keenan (stroke) and S. M'Donald (bow), the D.A.B.C. crew ("Williams and Olseu) not having brought their boat out to Waihcla. Champion Model Yacht Eace. Over a course of about two miles. Prize, troohy. — First heat \Y. Martin's Millie 1, W. BriUeuden's Huon Belle 2, H. Divers's Mattie 3. The other yachts sailed were T. Andrews's "Welcome and — Millar's Pastime. The heat was won by about three lengths. Second heat: T. Andrews's Eob Roy 1, D PaWson's Toko 2. The Shamrock (Britteuden). Moa (J. Hanson), and two or three other yachts were sailed in the second heat. On the Millie, Huon Belle, Rob Roy, and Toko Failing off in the firal heat the Toko was pl?ced first, tho Huon Belle ajid Rob Roy being disqualified by the judges for pushing, and the Millie towed in. Swimming HandicaxJ, 50vds. Prizes, trophies.— J. J. Barrett, Bsoc, 1 ; D. M. Stuart, scr. 2: F. Mitchell, 4sec, and J. "Watt, 9sec, a dead heat for third place. The other starters weie: B. S. Knox 2sec, A. Barnes 3sec, A. M. Sims 4sec. Only four finished, Barrett winring from Stuart by about a foot. Swimming Handicap, lOOvds. Prizes, trophies.— J. J. Barrett, 15aec, I;*D. M. Stuart, 4sec, 2. The other swimmers were A. M. Sims Gsec and F. Mitchell «sec. Stuart stopped when having nearly completed the T IOO yards, possibiy because he thought he had no prospect of winning, though lie was certainly a very little way behind the first man at the time. Barrett won by about three yards. Time, 2min 4-ose.^. Breast Swimming Handicap, lOOyds. Prizes, trophies. — J. M'Kinnon, 3sec, 1 ; A. M. Sims, scr, 2. Also competed • J. Watt 15sec and J. "W. Butler 22sec. The close finish proved the good handicapping, only a yard or two separating the four men at the end. M'Kinnon won on the touch. Time, 2min 12 4-ssec. Swimming Race. Fully dressed. Prize, trophy. -A. M. Sims 1, F. Mitchell 2. Mitchell got the best of the start, but was beaten by Sims by about four yards at the finish. These were the only two competitors. Greasy Boom. Prize, trophy. — B. S. Knos 1, J. W. Butler 2. This event caused unbounded merriment among the spectators that lined the wharf and clustered along the shore. Several attempts were made to reach the end of the boom, and were invariably futile, shouts of laughter greeting the repeated souses which the competitors experienced.