WAITARA WATER CARNIVAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1913, Page 5

WAITARA WATER CARNIVAL.

The above fixture, which takes place on the Waitara River on Thursday next, promises, from a spectators point of view, to he the Test yet held. On previous occasions there had been promises by the Maoris of taking part in the canoe races, but the public and committee were disappointed when the time came. This year the difficulties previously existing in this respect have disappeared',' and there will be no need to doubt a good programme of MctyH events. By h ridaj morning’s ttaifi there arrived from Wanganui two of the canoes that art to be used in the rads, and the others come- with the crews early next week, being kept for final practice. Then will bo several contestants in tnt haka race, ah?p in the hurdle race, whilst at least |jyp crews will don tin. war paint and take part in the wai canoe race. This, it is said, will bo something out of the common, ah the rowers being dressed in the na tive fighting costume, and the leader’s calls to the members of the crews h somewhat of the nature of the ole tribal days, and is seldom heard in the days of peace and good-will. Thor, is sure to bo a good deal ol fun

the hurdle race, as it is quite a common thing fer tile rowers to find themselves in the water when negotiating the hurdles, and as several oJ the local and Bell Block Maoris intend to bo competitors, and having had little practice, no doubt they wilt find it a not too easy matter to ue gotiate the hurdles. However, tin fun will be for the onlooker, and i is a day’s amusement that the Commit, tee are catering for. In the rowing events, there will not bo the long delays that have made this fixture somewhat “slow,” for those who art not keenly interested in the competing clubs, and with a number of new side events a varied programme will bo submitted that should suit all tastes. One event that should be particularly interesting is that promised by the East End Bathing Committee, who have kindly consented ti give an exhibition of life-saving with the new reel recently imported from Sydney. If the Committee are able to carry out the programme in its without delays there is ; splendid day’s sport to bo seen.