RIVERTON REGATTA

Southland Times, Issue 20616, 15 October 1928, Page 3

RIVERTON REGATTA

ANNUAL MEETING OF CLUB. (From Our Correspondent.) The annual meeting of the club, held in the Town Hall, Riverton, on Friday evening, was presided over by Mr E. J. Stevens (president), there being a poor attendance of members. Before proceeding with the ordinary business, the chairman referred to the loss the club had sustained by lhe death of Mr S. Bailey, who had actively been associated with them for many years. A motion of sympathy to the members of the family was carried in the customary manner. FIFTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report stated: “The attendance at the annual regatta was considerably less than that of the previous year, due to the unsettled state of the weather. The weather became more settled as the day wore on, and all the events were carried out up to schedule time. The subscriptions exceeded those of the previous year by about. £2, not including the silver cup donated by Messrs Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. The thanks of the club are due to the firm for its generosity. Regret was expressed at the poor support given the club by local business people, but the Invercargill and Dunedin firms had risen to the occasion, and thus had materially assisted the club. The entries for the rowing events numbered 60, being one in advance of the previous year. The total entry fees were £2O 15/- for 1927, and £l9 16/- for the year previous. In the motor boat events only one race was held, that for boats of over five horsepower. The number of entries for this race was rather disappointing, i as only five competed. In the water events, chiefly confined to children, these failed to attract large entries, due no doubt to the unfavourable meteorological conditions prevailing. The canoe race attracted several competitors, but the swimming classes could not be termed successful. Now that the Invercargill swimming baths have been opened and the inauguration of several swimming clubs started, better support may be expected in the future. The total receipts for 1926 exceeded those for 1927 by about £8 10/-, but the total expenditure for 1926 was in excess of that of 1927 by £ll 10/-. It is gratifying to note the great amount of work the railway officials do in trying to assist the regatta committee in the carrying out of the function. The splendid service to and from Riverton, coupled with the unfailing courtesy of the local stationmaster and his staff, are worthy of special thanks. The police, too, spare no pains to assist. To the officials of the Railway Department and the members of the police force, the committee, through the club, conveys its appreciation and thanks.” In concluding, the report stated the committee would like to express the thanks and appreciation to all who in any way assisted to make the regatta such an unqualified success. • The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £lO 0/9. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the chairman said fine weather was essential for the success of any outdoor gathering, and the club had been rather unfortunate in striking a wet morning for their annual gathering on Boxing Day. However, they had come out very well as had been disclosed by the balance-sheet, which showed a credit for the year of £lO odd. The regatta had, he thought, passed off most successfully. No complaints had been received, and his duties had been easily accomplished, for he had been loyally supported by the various officials, who had carried out their duties in a thoroughly businesslike manner. He was disappointed at the support accorded the water events, but the cold climatic conditions prevailing in the morning was no doubt the chief contributing factor. In referring to the subscriptions and donations, which amounted to £5B 14/-, he thought those deriving a direct benefit should be more liberal, and they should guarantee a set sum. Mr J. A. Martin seconded the motion and said the success of the regatta was in a large measure due to their president and secretary, while mention should also be made of the services rendered by the starter and his stewards. The motion was carried. Other Business. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows:—President, Mr E. J. Stevens; vicepresidents, Dr N. G. Trotter, Messrs J. A. Martin, A. E. Willett and J. Geary; secretary and treasurer, Mr F. J. Ashley; committee— Messrs John Joyce, A. F. Webb, T. Trail, G. L. Dickson, H. Helm, D. Tweedie, D. C. Robertson and E. A. Trail; auditor, Mr G. Robertson. A short discussion followed as regards the monetary support received from the licensed victuallers, those present being of the opinion that the publicans should arrange among themselves and donate more liberally to the regatta than had been the rule in the past. It was ultimately agreed, on the motion of Messrs Willett and Martin, that the annual fixture be held on Boxing Day, provided sufficient funds were guaranteed. Messrs G. R. Berndtson and F. J. Ashley were appointed canvassers. The secretary said he thought it would be a good idea to have the cups and trophies on view on the day of the regatta, and the winning *crews could receive them after the race was rowed. The chairman said the suggestion was a good one, but he thought it would be advisable to present the trophies after the day’s racing had been completed, or in the evening. Mr John Joyce said the Rowing Club had won trophies at another regatta, but for some unaccountable reason they had not yet come to hand. Mr G. L. Dickson said he was opposed to presenting the trophies immediately after the race, for it would take up too much time and would interfere with the racing. The question was referred to the committee for consideration.