AQUATIC SPORTS

Southland Times, Issue 21361, 6 April 1931, Page 8

AQUATIC SPORTS

• QUEENSTOWN REGATTA. , HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ' v FIXTURE .2 TOR AT, WEATHER CONDITIONS ' The centre of attraction for. the crowds' ' of holidaymakers'wh6, season’alter'Season,' visit Queenstown at Easter, for aquatic sportsmen of both Otago , and Southland and for the hundreds' of persons who Jin-J Variably take advantage of the orie-day excursion trip from Invercargill always run by the Railway Department in order to see the charms of Wakatipu is (indoubtedly the Queenstown Regatta;, the popularity .of which seems to increase'with each succeeding fixture. For very many years in the past Easter Saturday hajT always signified the annual regatta at the Lake and the conditions on Saturday tfere such as to . delight the heart of every aquatic enthusiast. Although during the earlier events before' noon a slight swell on shore caused the water to be slightly choppy (a fact which somewhat prejudiced- the work of the scullers) by mid day, however, the boats took .to the water with everything in their-favour. The surface'of the'Lake was then scarcely rippled by the very slight warm breeze which often died away- completely and it was a brilliant afternoon' from a rowing point of view. As is usual during the holiday' season, the beautiful tourist town was thronged with visitors who lined the’wharves-and shores of the Lake to watch'the regatta; The Invercargill excursion train took over--500 people to the fixture and these exCur--sionists swelled considerably the gay crowdsof sightseers.- Altogether the whole town presented a particularly ' bright spectacle and the day passed most enjoyably for all. The regatta commenced punctually at 8.30 a.ml on Queenstown Bay which, in the brilliant sunshine and with the deep dark-blue waters of the Lake and the vast, ragged ramparts of the peaks of the Remarkables made a colourful setting.

In rowing circles, the fixture' is always an important one, for the regatta marks' the close of the season in Otago and Southland. It must have been particularly gratifying to the energetic officials who controlled this popular meeting to receive stich whole-hearted support from those whose pleasure is found in or about boats, and record entries were this year received for the various events. Crews were present representing the Awarua Boating Club, Invercargill Railway Rowing Club, Invercargill Rowing Club,. Northend Rowing Club, Otago : Rowing Club', Queen’s Drive Boating Club and the. Port Chalmers Rowing Club. The rowing events were all well filled numerically and well contested from the point of view of oarsmanship. Cert tainly, on occasions, a lack of cohesion and style ;might have' manifested itself in the case of some of the younger men, but on the day the rowing was of a high standard, some of the finest-oarsmen in both' provinces being seen to advantage. There were several thrilling and close finishes,' and it was especially pleasing to witness the stern struggles which frequently took place among the contestants for second and third places. Additional interest was. lent to the fixture by the presence of the members of the victorious Otago “eight” and'their performance, in their respective shells,- was the subject of much favourable-comment on the part of the Southland rowers; The three Winning crews in the ’ Senior Pairs event-were manned by six of the'stalwarts who distinguished themselves in the recent “eights” race in Dunedin and their victory on Saturday, in the face of strong Southland opposition, stamped them as oarsmen of high rank. All the rowing events were promptly despatched over the mile distance' With the' exception of the Lake W'akatipU Senior Fours (1A miles). This race was sternly contested throughout and a spectacular and thrilling finish saw Queen’s Drive wrest a well-deserved victory from' Awarua and so retain the Hawke—Anderson Challenge Shield. This was the first occasion for many years that Awarua did not send a Junior Fours crew to the Lake and their Maidens had again to race in the Junior event in an effort to retain the" Lochella Challenge Cup. Northend, however, went to the fore from the start to take the cup, but Awarua put up' a' good performance in bringing in their colours'in the second place. The events for outboards provided some thrilling racing, which particularly delighted the local enthusiasts who seldom see these dashing craft in racing trim. Generous prize money was allocated to these races and the enterprise of the committee in catering for this popular branch of sport was amply repaid and acknowledged by the obvious enjoyment the spectators gained from witnessing the boats careering over the six and ten mile courses. That they contributed in no small measure to the success of the’ fixture admits of no doubt.

The committee in charge of the regatta must be" congratulated on the manner in which it was so excellently conducted throughput. Both rowers, and* officials';coop.eraled in. a pleasing mannet/ in order. to avoid" any .unnecessary hitches, the final rowing event being despatched- a quarter of an hour or so before,the steamer Earnslaw was scheduled to leave, on her'return trip to Kingston. In the .staging- of. a. .(re-gatta-such as that of Saturday, it is, but natural that upon the secretary's, shoulders should fall a heavy .b,urdep, blit Mr J. Cooper discharged his many, duties ip a most efficient manner. In the following committee, however, he was extremely fortunate as all ‘ worked with a will to promptly despatch the ambitious programme:— President, Mr L. J. Lynch; judges of the outrigger, events,. Messrs F. Gavin, F. Padget, F. Gardiner and N. Hall; starter, Mr R. Caffin (Dunedin), timekeeper, .Mr W. Glengarry (Dunedin); committee, Messrs J. C. Scott, J. Fraser, L. Mann, -W. Nelson , and the Rev. Father Ardagh. Messrs A. M. Wyllie (handicapper), J. Gilchrist and N. D. McKenzie (starters) ahd Mr Collett and E. J. Green (judges), controlled, the outboard events.

An unrehearsed and spectacular thrill was provided both for the hundreds of excursionists on the Earnslaw as she entered Queenstown Bay at mid-day, and for the holiday makers thronging the wharves and shores to welcome'the bedecked ship when the outboard motor boat Aloha, with Mr W. Allison at the wheel; capsized. The craft had just encircled the Earnslaw in greeting when her driver, too enthusiastic, ventured into the ship's l wake with the result that not only did his craft capsize, but that he also was thrown into the water. He managed, however, to hang to his boat and to keep afloat until a rowing boat nearby hurried to his assistance and later took the' craft ashore. '

As far as actual placing:in the rowing events were concerned, .the Railway. Club's representatives put up the best , showing with, five firsts and. three' seconds. .Queen's Drive (four firsts, two seconds., and one third) were'close behind as were also Otago (one first, four seconds and.three thirds). Awarua gained three second's, Invercargill one first and one second and Port .Chalmers one second. Allowing three points for a first, two for a second and one for a third, the performances 0f... the oarsmen are as follows: — , ;. . . . ' Points ■ Railway 18 >■. Queen’s Drive 17 Otago 14,. Northend 12 Awarua ■ *• .... 6 Invercargill ■ ; r . 4 - Port Chalmers > . , 2 The following are'the-results;of the var* ious--- ■: • '"-i 'A'"’ MAIDEN DOUBLE’SCULLS. (First, trophy value .£3 ; second,. trophy value £1). . Invercargill Railway—A. Campbell' (s)- ' 7 E.- Little * 1 Northend No. I—P..’ Verngreen! (s),-' Marriner '• ■; ? V 2

Northend No.-.2 —H. Livingstone (s), J. Hurrell. 3 Also started: Invercargill, Otago and Awarua. ■”* Invercargill Railway took the lead from a good start, closely followed by Northend No; 1 and' Otago. Northend No. 2, when about , half way across, came.' into ; s third place. As the wharf was approached, Northend No. 1, sculling prettily, put’in a strong challenge,: but; Railway maintained their advantage-to win by.; a length/ -Northend No’. -3 : being third a' 1 further two lengths away. .Time,. 6min 52sec. . '?;■ :> ■ ■ .. \?/'youths’'fours. ■ , (First,. trophy value* £4; second, trophy' ■ '■ ■ value<£l).’ Jrivercargill—A; Jackson- (s), R. Lithgow, C. E. C., Johnston, ■E. Harvey 1 QueCns’ Drive—C. Macdonald (s), D. Clark, R. Anderson,• N’i Macdonald 2 (inVercargill Railway—G.. McMillan (s), ? . ;A. Wilson, W. Little, H. McLach- , Jan . ' rf ,, , ' ~3 The only starters.-■ i. This race provided: an exciting-finish. Invercargill secured a-good'lead from the start and; gradually increased their advantage. About 100 yards frbm -the finishing post, Queen’s Drive, with pretty and confident sculling, 'fatale away amid great excitement to grimly challenge, Invercargill, but, the . Southland men? managed to, hold, the nori therners off though fry only a couplejo." feet.. Railway) .’Wete . two lengths behind. Time, 6min 9sec.' ’ 'JUNIOR' DOUBLE SCULLS.

(First, trophy . value £3;. second, trophy

value' £l.) Queen’s Drive—L. Fountain (s), L. Pithie ■* 1 ’ :>: 1 Otago—J. P. Vallis (a), W. L. Zaffer 2 North end—P. Verngreen (s), W. Marriner . &

■ Also .-.started: »-InVercargill Railway and Invercargill. Port Chalmers were scratched. Another splendid race in which a- mighty struggle fought ottt near the finish between the three’ placed erbws roused the spectators to enthusiasm. Railway secured a splendia lead to dominate the race for'two-thirds of the distance; They then began to tire and the northerners were quick to .seize the advantage. Queen’s Drive took the lead but. both Otago, and Northend. w?re hugging them close. A thrilling duel was fought but between all three, Otago, especially, embarking upon a herculean effort to put their colours ahead. , However, they left it just a trifle too late. Queen’s Drive, in a most spectacular finish, just gaining the day by half a length, with Northend a further half length behind Otago. Time, 6min 38sec. SENIOR DOUBLE SCULLS. Queen’s Drive No.• I—G.1 —G. Clark (s),-H. Pritchard’ 1 Otago—F. Brough (s), G. B. Johnston 2 Invercargill Railway—G. Dustin (s), G. Webb — . ' 3 Queen’s Drive No. 2 and Awarua were scratched. Queen’s'Drive were never seriously challenged throughout and- held the advantage to nnish a’length ahead of Otago. A great struggle took place between Otago and'Raib way, but the northern men ultimately asserted their supremacy by a length. Time, 6min 21sec. , . MAIDEN FOURS. (First, trophy value £4 10/-; second;' trophy - value £1 10/-.) Invercargill Railway—A. Campbell (s), K. Johnson, E. Little, G. Wilson 1 Queen’s Drive—U. Macdonald (s), D. ‘ Clark, R. Anderson, N. Macdonald 2 Invercargill No'., 2—A. Jackson (»),.& . Lithgow 7 , C. E. C.' Johnston, E. Harvey • -. ' - 3 Also started: Awarua, Invercargill No. T and'Otago. All got off the mark well in an exciting race: Queen’s Drive'went to the fore later but both Railway and Invercargill No. 2 were- close at hand while the other crews, keeping in the picture; always looked' dangerous: Railway came away strongly near the wharf and just managed to wrest victory from Queen’s' Drive by- half a length. Invercargill No. 2, who had also put in a great fight, gained third' place, being only a> cahvas away front their northern rivals. It was a great finish and Railway deserved- thiir win. Time, 6min 56sec. YOUTHS’ DOUBLE SCULLS. (First, trophy value £3; second, trophy Value £1). Invercargill Railway No; I—E. Little (si,- W. Little? 1 Port- Chalmers —J. Anderson (s), G. , Mitchell t 2 Queen’s Drive—C. Macdonald (s), N. Macdonald ... , 3 Also-started: Invercargill and Invercargill Railway No: 2. J Railway Wete somewhat . fortunate in winning this race. Port Chalmers took the lead from the start and maintained'their advantage, against- strong 'opposition, until approaching the w'harf. Anderson, Stroke man' for-Port Ch'almers, then came off :his slide' and- Railway raced to the fore to win by a length, a further half , length separating Port Chalmers and Queen’s Drive'. Th,, rowing ofyall crews was consistent and the style improved as ■' the result of smoother water; Time, 6min 24sec. . JUNIOR FOURS. ’ • (Locheha- Challenge Cup.), .. First; - trophy value £5; second, trophy value' £2.' ■*' Northend—A. Livingstone (s), W. Marriner, P. "Verngreen, J. Hurrell 1 Awarua —L. Morrison (s),’W; Newall, J. Dixdn, ’’ J.-'Potts 2 Otagoi-Ai: 'P. Vallis" (s); W;‘ L. ' Zaffer, J. Turnbull, E.- W. Pickford ' - ' 3 .Also started: Invercargill .Railway. Northerid ,got-off well, and, settling down to, stroke quickly,' led all the way though not, however,; by a great margin. Towards .the finish, Awarua successfully withstood a stern challenge for second place from Otago to win by a canvas. Northend passed the post about a length ahead of the Bluff crew. Railway was close up, a good fourth. Time, fimin 38sec. , MAIDEN.: PAIRS. , First, trophy value £3; second, trophy value £l.'. Invercargill Railway—A. Campbell (s), K’. Johnson 1 ,Awafua—W. Newall (s),"J.' Potts' 2 Otago No. 2—J. B. Henry (s), T. Braithwaite - ■ , ’ ■ 3 Also started: Queen’s Drive and Otago Np. 1. . . .... .. Otago No. 1 ..secured a slight advantage from the start, but were .closely followed by, Awarua and Railway, who, for some distance,,. fought .it out . almost abreast. Awarua; then, tried conclusions with the leading, c.rew . who,, with .plenty in reserve; crept ahead again. Unfortunately, however, stroke (Binnie) came off his slide and ptago 'No. 1. were then out of the picture. A thrilling.. duel , was witnessed between Awarua. and Railway and a' close finish saw the latter, crew emerge victorious by a length,.. Otago No. 2 being a further length away. Time, 6min 28sec. 1 ' SENIOR FOURS. (Hawke—Anderson Challenge Shield). First, trophy .value £10; • second, trophy value £4... . Queen’s Drive—G. Clark (s), H. Pritch- . ard,. L. ,Fountain, D. Matheson . ~1 A.warua—A. Morrison (s), E. Mclntyre, '’ ~ t ,C. Hunter, W. Burteqshaw .2 Otago—F. Brough (s), W. Werges, H.. , ..J ~.A. Lawless, G ; B,„ Johnson , . 3 Also- started: Invercargill “Railway '(G. Webb (s), G. Dustin', J. Braithwaite, T. Findlay),..and- Northend (11. Livingstone (a), J. Mitchell, F. Eggers, J. Hurrell)'. ■ This race, the principal event of the day, was a gruelling, one,’ finishing in thrilling style;;' Queen’s Drive-had slightly the worst of a good start from which Otago went to :th?',fore,' Railway and Awarua were hug.ging Otago , closely' and soon ,the rf three crews were Facing neck;, and neck. Awa.rua, Splashing little, let Railway., ahead but Otago were' still ifi front". Northend, •at;' this- stage, were lying,.last. ■; Railway began, to tire as did Otago and rowing steadily, took’ the lead after'the half

.mile post from the start had been passed. Then followed Railway, Queen’s Drive (who had come up well), Otago and Northerid in that order. All the boats were close together, however, and a splendid race was being witnessed. An exciting encounter then took place between Awarua and Queen’s Drive, first one crew arid then the other momentarily dropping behind but, by dint’ of powerful efforts, regaining the last ground. Railway, Otago and Northend were also close together although Nbrthend had been occupying the last position throughout. Queen’s Drive, about 500 yards from the wharf, pulling a beautiful oar, and with a nice regular swing through the water, took the lead from the Bluff challengers. Otago and Railway were about a length further behind rowing, almost abreast while Northend, last, was lying nearby. Queen’s Drive had increased their lead from Awarua by about a length at 300 yards from the finish. Awa- ; rua then quickened slightly and, stroke .by stroke, crept up upon their rivals. Excitement ran high as the Bluff men, with crisp rowing, exerted their utmost energies to reduce the northerners’ lead and the enthusiasm of the spectators was wildly aroused when but a canvas was observed to be separating the leading crews. Awards' strove mightily as the wharf was reached and a grim and spectacular duel took place near the finish. Queen's Drive, however, remarkably fresh, went ahead powerfully just at the crisis to retain the shield in a thoroughly deserved win by half a length. Otago, two lengths behind Awarua, finished third, Railway fourth and Northend : fifth. Tithe, Bmin 52sec. YOUTHS’ PAIRS. First trophy value £3; second, trophy value £l. Otago—W. N. Binnie (s),. J. B. Henry 1 Invercargill Railway . No. I—G.1 —G. McMillan (s), A. Wilson 2 Invercargill Railway No. 2 —W. Little (s), J. Keppel 3 Also started : Queen’s Drive, Port .Chalmers and Invercargill. Queen’s Drive had slightly the worst of the start. Railway No. 1 and Otago took the lead but Invercargill, on the shore side, was also in the picture. Port Chalmers were lying fifth and Queen’s Drive sixth. Otago, pulling a good oar, went to the fore but Railway No. 1 and Invercargill were hugging the northerners closely. Port Chalmers were still in the fifth position and Queen’s Drive, getting all the wash, rould not gain much ground. Railway No. 1 and Otago raced along almost side by side until near the wharf when the northern crew, with plenty in hand, held off a strong challenge from the Railway crews to finish in good nick by a length from Railway No. 1 who, in turn, were a length ahead of their clubmates. Time. 6min 33sec. JUNIOR PAIRS. (First, trophy value £3; second, trophy value £l.) Northend No. I—P.1 —P. Verngreen (s) W. Marriner 1 Otago No. I—J. P. Vallis (s), E. W, Pickford 2 Invercargill Railway—J. Hogan (s), G. G. Dustiri t Northend No. 2—H. Livingstone (s), J. Hrirrell ' t "i'Denotes dead heat for third place. Port Chalmers, Awarua and Otago No. 2 were scratched. All started well. Northerid early took a short lead from Otago No. 1. Then followed Northend No. 2 and Railway. The leading crew were' rowing very steadily But Otago, at.times, appeared to be somewhat ragged in their action. As the wharf Was' approached) however, Northend No. 1 seemed to tire" and Otago, seizing the opportunity, came up well by quickening their' stroke. Only half a length separated the leading boats at this stage but, although a ’thrilling fight ensued, the Otago men had left their spurt too late to wrest victory from their mates who finished first by about half a length. Towards the post Railway and Northend No. 2 fought it out between them for third place, a dead heat being the result. Time, 6min 31sec. SENIOR PAIRS. (First, trophy value £5; second, trophy value £2.) Queen’s Drive —G. Clark (s), H. Pritchard 1 Otago No. I—F.1 —F. Brough (s), G. B. Johnson 2 Northend —F. Eggers (s), J. Mitchell 3 Also started: Awarua No. 1, Invercargill Railway, Otago No. 2 and Awarua No. 2. Invercargill were scratched. This race was another sternly contested event, all the crews being frequently almost abreast of one another. Northend led to half-way, when Queen’s Drive and Awarua No. .2- came into the picture. Otago) rowing a nice stroke, came to the fore towards the finish but Queen’s Drive, not to be denied, pulled up strongly to take the lead. A stern tussle took place between Queen’s Drive arid Otago, but the former crew held out powerfully to win by half a length and thus avenge their previous defeat in this event at Quenstown in 1929 at the hands of Brough and Johnson. Northend, a further two lengths away, finished third. Time,- smin 36 sec. ■ OUTBOARD MOTOR RACE (6 Miles). (First,-trophy value £5; second, trophy value £2). —B Class Boats.— Miss Oreti II (L. A. Tattersfield) scr 1 Aloha (W. Allison) 55sec 2 Cutty Sark II (H. Dunlop Senr.) 48sec 3 Miss Cargill.pulled out after the first lap and was followed by Cutty Sark 1... The three boats left fought it, Out in fine style and Miss,Oreti scored a good win. . OUTBOARD MOTOR RACE (6 Miles.) - (First, trophy value £5; second, trophy -■ ’ value £2). ■J' —B Class Boats.— ) Miss..Oreti II (L. A. Tattersfield) scr .L Miss Cargill (W. J. Hamilton) 108 sec .2 Cutty Sark I (H. Dunlop Junr.) 72sec 3 Also started: Aloha. . Cutty Sark II was scratched; Although Miss Oreti had to concede good starts to her rivals, she came to the fore .in “the last lap ' and wrested the .. honours 'ftohi Miss Cargill who' had lead until’then.