WANGANUI REGATTA ASSOCIATION.

Wanganui Chronicle, 1 February 1902, Page 2

WANGANUI REGATTA ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual general meeting.c-f the Wanganui Amateur Regatta. Association was held last evening in the Union Boat Club's Club House. Mr. C. V. Powell, president of the Association,. presided, over. '. a. very representative gathering, of the members of the three local clubs. The secretary's report, which appears elsewhere, was received and adopted. The balance-sheet showed a balance.to the Association's credit oif £33 6s. 3d., which was also passed. The following officers were elected: Patrons, his Worship the Mayor,' A. Hatrick, Esq., and Mr. A. D. WilTis. M.H.R; president, Mr. C. V. Powell; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. Bates, T. D. Cummins, C A. Barton, J. R. Orford, M. Keegan. and W. H. G Foster; umpire, Mr.rGifford Marshall; judge. M. T. D. Cummins ; starter, Mr. T. H. James; assistant starter, Mr. A. Gray; auditor, Mr. John, Notman; secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. H. Swanger.v. '■ '■■ .i *•'.

It was resolved that the regatta be held on the ,31st March (Easter Monday). This, was considered a very suitable date, as it would enable outside crews to make the trip to Wanganui during the holidays. IC was intimated at the meeting that there was a very good prospect-' of the champion four from the Kawaliri Club being present at the local regatta in the event of its being held at Easter.

The following were elected to form the committee for the ensuing year: Messrs. R, F. Ballantine, J. C. Widflop, H. F. Tilley, and A. H. Lewis, representing the Wanganui Rowing Club ; Messrs. C. Robb, W. Sharpe, T. H. Battle, and R. Beddeley, representing the Union Boating Club; and Messrs. G. R. Croll, A. H. Benefieldi, A. Ander, and J. Scotb, l-epresenting the Aramoho Rowing Club.

A vote of thanks to the chair, also to the Union Club for the use of their room, and to the outgoing secretary and trear surer,''terminated a most successful meeting- . '•

The following is the annual report•:—; Mr. Chairman and Gentleman.—From a financial point of'view, thanks to the very liberal support, of the citizens of Wanganui and district, the regatta of 1901 was a success, the reserve fund, which, on the occasion of the previous regatta, had to be encroached upon, remaining intact. Th? amount of this fund is now £33 6s. 3d. The events were decided ou the, up-river course.,, commencing above the railway bridge,' and finishing in the vicinity of the borough boundary. From a rowing point of view, however, the regatta was not what it might have been, owing chiefly to the lack of outside competition, and will only be remembered by the consistent form of the Aramoho Boating Club representatives, who, out of eight events- in, which they competed, secured five firsts and three seconds. The finances of the suburban club benefited to the practical extent of £56. Of the remainder of the prize money, the Union Boating Club representatives accounted for £15 125., the Wanganui Rowing Club £6, and the Star Boating Company £3 10s. The Association was favoured with a lovely day for the fixture, ! which tempted a large crowd to gather on tho banks, and on the flagship Manuwai to witness tbe progress of the races. The I .Senior Fours was-robbed of interest owing to the decidedly superior combination from Arainohio having a very easy win over the Wanganui Rowing Club representatives, the only other starters, who were practically a scratch crew. Of the other races, the Junior Fours in best boats was a- fine race, resulting in Ara-mofao just defeating the WeiVlngton team by a few feet, who, in their turn, only just managed to beat the Union Boating Club crew for second place. Our visitors, the Stars, who are always ; represented at our gathering1, met with little success at the meeting. We trust to see tlitem make a big endeavour next year to wipe out these defeats. An attempt was again made to have the championship regatta re wed in Wanganui, as you are aware unsuccessfully, the delegates dccitlir.sr in a. most decisive manner in favour <>f Wellington being ibe place where theso events should be decided. Your committee, however, are still in hopes that before long this Association may have the control of the cluisf rowing fixture held in New Zealand. The committee desire to express their heartiest thanks to the. local Press, who are most willing to give publicity to any matters of interest in connection with rowing. In conclusion, the committee wish to convey to Mr. Wigzell, one of the ex-secretaries of the Association, their sympathy at his prolonged illness. Mr. Wigzell, though at present incapacitated, still takes the most keen interest in the Association's welfare. They also wish toi again thank Mr. Notman for hiss courtesy in audit;ng the accounts.—For tho committee. C. L. DYMOCK, hon. secretary.