WAIROA NEWS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17919, 25 October 1932, Page 12

WAIROA NEWS

LABOR DAY HOLIDAY (Herald Correspondent.) Monday broke dull and overcast, but the threatened rain held off, though 1 evidently rained in the back country. Townspeople's plans for a day s enjoyment were carried out in most cases, and doubtless all felt the benefit of the relaxation, even for a day, considering the strenuous times through which tne residents have passed of late. Numerous private picnic parties left for the countiy areas, and Waikaremoana, Morere, and Opoutama claimed their respective patrons, whilst the young children disported themselves in the paddling pool. At the district high school grounds visiting teams of basketball players challenged the local ladies, whilst the tennis courts at Lambton Square drew a large concourse of players and onlookers. Nuhaka and Wairoa rifle clubs bad a day’s outing at the local range. A few'people patronised the beach, but it is too early yet for the annual invasion. It is again a matter for regret that nothing has been done to popularise the sea beaches at Wairoa and Opoutama, and in this respect the people of Wairoa would do well to take a leaf or two out of the book of the Waiknnae Beach Improvement Society, Gisborne. What form this should take is not for. the writer to definitely indicate, but it is certainly a reflection on an otherwise progressive pimple that at the W airoa beach for certain there is not even a pretence at shelter from the blazing sun of the summer, nor is it possible to secure any drinking water in the locality, except by carrying it two or three miles. If some suitable shelter trees were planted in a fenced off section and a small kiosk built, no doubt a taxi service would be started to suit the needs of the public. The present Borough Council has greatly improved the banks of the. river in front of the town, and some residents consider it might be able to take in hand also some form of beach improvement under competent advice, and the co-operation of the Harbor Board. BOATING SEASON OPENS Monday afternoon was beautifully fine, and with a very light south wind the river was as calm as the proverbial millpond, and a large number of oarsmen and their friends and supporters gathered near Spooner’s Point and the Post Office, which was the starting point this year instead of the boatshed, the finishing post being at Spooner’s Point. This change was due to the fact that the boats could neither start nor finish amidst the wreckage of Wairoa’s two broken bridges. Mr. J). Glengarry, the president, acted as starter and judge, and Mr. T. Crawford as timekeeper. During an interval in the racing Mr. Glengarry said that before declaring the season open he would like to express his regret that they had not with them the “Grand Old Man’’ of the Boating Club, Mr. 0. 0. P. Brandon, who had passed away. He had always been a strong supporter of the club, and they all deplored his death. They had hoped this year to have been able to rebuild the boat shed, but the recent earthquake had halted that plan, he was sorry to say. Mr. J. S. Gilligan, club captain, said he was pleased to see so many present considering the counterattractions. Ho was not sure that they would have any more finishes for a time along the town frontage, and probably the events would be run off between Turiroa and Lockwood’s Point. He thanked Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Svensen for the trophies donated for the day; they had been good supporters year after year. At the same time he welcomed as the president Mr. Glengarry, who had been a keen supporter over a long period. To the new members bo would say that they could not become rowers in five minutes, but they must keep on and they would soon be adepts at the art. A vote, of thanks was tendered to the ladies of the club for providing afternoon tea.

The results of the Opening Fours were: First! client. —hi. Johansen (s), L. Johnston, A. Hall and B. Rees, 1; J. Gemmell, G. Niehol, F. Alexander and K Robson, 2. Johansen had the south side in the calm water, and got away at tho start, leading all the way to win by a length. Time, 3.2. Second event. —Ryan (s), S. Martin, H. Hardie, B. Wallis, 1; W. Martin (s), B. Moloney, E. Pemberton and 11. Pemberton, 2. Ryan, who had the north side, got away with a lead and maintained it to finish ahead by 1£ lengths. Time, 3.2. Third event. —M. Burridge (s), Iv. Robson, B. Smith and S. Brown, 1; Jack Chicken (sp, B. Helean, B. Ryman and T. Zakris, 2. Chicken had tho calm water, and got the best of the start, but was soon overhauled by Burridge, who had a lead of a length at tho freezing works, and won by 1£ lengths. Time, 3.9.

Fourth event.—Buckley (s), P. Mahonv, Joe Chicken and C. Burt, 1; A. TTalpin (s), M. Barrett, M. Johnston and E. Truby, 2. By this time tho wind had veered to the north-east and a jobble came up the river, slowing down the times a little. Buckley got away at the start, and at the freezing works both boats were level. Buckley won by threequarters of a length. Time, 3.3. Fifth event.—M. Burridge (s), K. Robson. B. Smith and S. Brown, 1; J. R. Gilligan (s), E. Clifford, R, Chaplin and F. Evans, 2. AftcY a difficult start Gilligan got away miicklv, hut at the Wairoa TTotel Burridere gained a slight lead and kept it to the finish, winning by three-quarters of a length. Time, 3.7. First semi-final. —M. Johansen (s), L. Johnston, K. Hall and B. Rees, 1: L. Rvnn (s), S. Martin. 11. Hardie. and B. Wallis, 2. Ryan got away with a lead at the start, both rowing fast. At the Wairoa Hotel Johansen took the lead and came in a winner by half a length. Time, 3.15.

Second semi-final. —R. Bueklov (s), P. Malionv. Joe Chicken and C. Burt, 1; M. Burridge (s). K. Robson, B. Smith and S. Brown, 2. From a good start Buckley, having calmer water, rowed well to win bv two lengths. Time, 3.20, Final.—M. Johansen (si. T,. Johnston. K. Hall and B. Rees. 1; B. Buckley (si. R Mahony, Joe Chicken and C. Burt, 2. Johansen got the best of the start, was lending bv a Canvas at the Wairoa Hotel, and in a good finish won by a length. All the races were over a mile course.

Coxswains’ race.—T. Aldridge (s), R, ‘■'ninsbmy, W. Bauld. G. Green (cox, I/. Gav), 1- ,T. Bcnonf (s). W. Telford, Grant, Fraser (cox. W. Martin), 2.