AQUATICS

Southland Times, Issue 20146, 5 April 1927, Page 4

AQUATICS

INVERCARGILL REGATTA CLUB. A meeting of the Invercargill Regatta Club was held last evening. ANNUAL REGATTA REPORT. The secretary then read the following report : “In presenting my report of the 1926 regatta I have first of all to congratulate the club on holding such a successful fixture, for, according to those who are in a position to know, this last regatta was the best yet held by our club. Undoubtedly one of the chief factors of success was the almost perfect weather conditions, especially the bright sunshine of the afternoon which induced many thousands to come over and in many cases see for the first time what a glorious spot Invercargill has in the Oreti River at Dunn’s Road. As you are aware the programme this year was of a more comprehensive nature than has previously been the case and this I think is a step in the right direction for a regatta should be representative of all aquatic sports and it is only by concentrating our efforts in that direction can we hope to make it a permanent important fixture of the future.

“The rowing entries were good and all events were keenly contested and followed with much interest by the large crowd resent, there is no doubt but what this, the Oreti, is the finest waterway in Southland as the water is generally good, the course straight and visible to the public from start to finish. It was a great pity that the champion Otago crew could not attend as they would have been a great aid besides putting Southland oarsmen on their best mettle, however we have the 1 Edmond Shield race down here next, year and this

should prove to be a great help to us. All rowing events were got off pretty well up to time thanks to the stewards and starters.

"Entries for all motor boat races were very good and thanks to the capable handicapping of Mr J. J. Gough and his assistants close finishes were the order of the day. The speed boat race which was held over the rowing course greatly helped to entertain the public. "Although a yacht and model yacht races were advertised only one yacht put in an appearance while no model yachts war to be seen. These are good sports and should if possible be helped into being again by our club and it is my intention to suggest that the club fipd a way of raising a sum of money sufficiently large enough to entice Dunedin ! yachtsmen to come down to compete with our local 14-footers as this would undoubtedly prove a great attraction besides creating public interest in this branch of sport. “As regards finance the total receipts to date, including the £25 grant from the Amateur Sports Trust which will be forwarded when funds are available, amount to £152 8/8 while the expenditure to date is £146 which amount includes band and lighterage fees. Of course there are still a considerable number of subscription lists, members’ ticket books and ribbons to come in and I fully expect that while not having a very large credit we will more than pay our way, thereby leaving last year's balance of £B3 odd clear. The total receipts last year amounted to £l6B 10/9 while the expenses were £ll7 3/3, advertising this year cost £4O 7/4 as against £2l 8/9 but in this direction valuable work has been done in letting the public of Invercargill and Southland generally know that there really is such a fixture and also discovering for many what an ideal spot we have at Otatara. Then again we had no picture benefit this year and also no really systematic method of canvassing was adhered to and I am quite convinced that if the town is worked in sections we would find many only too willing to help the club along by way of donations. This is a matter which will also require consideration next year. However considering that the regatta was run on a much larger scale and that no extra special effort was macle to collect accordingly’ the club can congratulate itself on at least coming out square, although the chances are we will have a small credit.” GENERAL BUSINESS. It was decided that Messrs J. J. Gough, Invercargill, E. Budd, Bluff, and L. Gimblett, Auckland, be written to and thanked for their services at the regatta; also to thank the Amateur Sports Trust for a donation and the Regimental Band for their attendance. Accounts amounting to £5O were passed for payment.