WAIKAREMOANA REGATTA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17144, 28 December 1929, Page 16

WAIKAREMOANA REGATTA

MOST SUCCESSFUL DAY INTERESTING SPORTS (Herald Correspondent.) The first- regatta ever held on Waikaremoana attracted an attendance of about 400 people on Boxing Day and proved to be a most successful sports event. The weather was on its best behavior, and the races were held in the bay near the launch landing at Lake House. This is a very pretty spot and well sheltered, proving to be ideal in every respect for such an outdoor function. Close on 40 cars and lorries were counted, and there were many visitors present from Lake House, to say nothing of over 100 Maoris from the lake district. During the morning a troupe of Maori women gave several poi dances, which tyere much appreciated by -the visitors. Mr. G. Howell had charge of the refreshment stall, while many car parties had their lunches under the abundant shady bush near-by. The children were well catered for during the chiy, Messrs. Chatficld, Tizzard, and Burgess being in charge and keeping things moving merrily the whole of the afternoon. The Government launch made several excursions during the day and was crowded on each occasion. The officials, under the direction of Mr. E. Tapper, jun., vice-president, ami Mr. E. Raymond, secretary', all worked hard and undoubtedly made a great success of their initial effort. There is- no doubt that this regatta will become au annual event, and will be well patronised provided it is held at the right time of the year and does not clash with othef events. . The haiidicappers, Messrs. 11. Whaitiri, H. E. Stanton, and W. Cook, did their work well. Mr. Stanton was an efficient starter and timekeeper, and the judges, Messrs. M. B. Svenson, R. Tapper, jun., R. Neale, E. Devery, W. Ebbett, J. Munro, and B. Sinclair, gave complete satisfaction. Messrs. Sheffield, Chatfield, Mavhead, and J. Pliilpot also rendered good service in various ways as members of the committee. In the evening a most enjoyable dance was held in the Kuha hall, a large crowd being present. Results:— ’ < Dinghy racg for boys under 16 (8 entries): R. Gray 1, G. W. Wliaitiri 2, J. Burgess 8. Motor launch race, 2 miles (6 competed): W. Eiddiford (.'J min.) 1 R, Neale (2rnin.) 2. . Moil’s handicap single sculls (IS starters). —First heat: G. H. Johansen 1, .1. A. McGregor 2, S. Johansen •'!. Second heat: G. Whaitiri 1, A. Green field 2, J. Headly IS. Final: J. ,Deadly 1, 0. Whaitiri 2, ,1. A. McGregor 50 yards swimming race for men: E. Devery 1, G. Knight 2. Outboard motor boat race: Boy Chase (Jiiuiu.) 1. The winner was the only one to finish, all the rest; of the competitors having engine trouble at various stages of the race. 50 yards ladies’ running event: Mrs. Takapau 1, Miss E. Hema 2. Miss E. Roberts 5. Married women’s race: Mrs) Takapau 1, Mrs. M. Non 2, Mrs. Riddiford Men’s pair-oar race: 1\ Wilson and S. Eurehi 1, J. Deadly and W. Robinson 2, T. Lambert and M. Tabu 3. Ladies’ pair-oar race: Misses G. Gray and Tai 1, Mesdamcs Wi Mac and Winitnua 2. Ladies 25 yards’ swimming race: Miss Waiwai J, Miss Knight 2, Miss Hislop 3. Novelty launch race: S. F. Anderson’s launch 1, W. H. J. Christie’s outboard motor boat 2, W. Eiddiford’s launch 3. Won by four lengths. This was one of the best events of the day and caused much interest. All the boats were jammed together and faced the wrong direction. When the signal was given to start they had to .set the engines going, disentnnglo themselves and turn round on a triangular course of about a mile in length. At the close of the programme, Mr. W. H. ,1. Christie, of Wellington, gave several exhibitions in his speed boat Taihoa, his handling of the boat being much admired. The line silver cup and gold medal presented by Mr. G. C. Ormond were handed over at the conclusion of the motor launch races by Mr, R. Tapper, jun., who, in congratulating Mr. Riddiford, the winner, said that the committee was much indebted to their president, Afr. Ormond. The cup was a challenge one, but a gold medal would go with it each year. Cheers were given for the winner, and Air. Ormond. At the co'jdusion of the programme the committee met Air. E. Raymond, the secretary, who is about to join the army of Benedicts, and wished him and his bride-to-be every success and happiness in their future married life, their healths being enthusiastically honored.