ON THE RIVER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19783, 5 March 1927, Page 4

ON THE RIVER

MOTOR BOAT RACING GOOD SPORT AND BIG CROWDS (Notes by ‘‘Ronomor”). The best motor boat racing of the season was witnessed by a huge crowd last Saturday, when some veery close and exciting finishes took place. J. and J., Onestep and Wakatere represented the fast division. It was Wakatere’s first appearance in company and she made a very promising showing. Her engine has had little running, and so she was not lot ou t more than about half throttle, but even then she made fairly good time. Wakatere rides very well, if a trifle high out of the water, and on the turns she was as steady as a rock. Her owner (Mr. A. J. Dingle) has in Wakatere a boat that should give the fastest craft on a river a good run when she is fully in racing trim. Onestep sprung a surprise by her greatly improved speed and ran well throughout the day. Her hurdling of other boats’ wash was very spectacular, and while those on the bank were duly solicitous for and somewhat doubtful of her crew’s comfort, they enjoyed the thrills immensely. Onestep is a credit to her crew and to her owner. J. and J. again, proved herself a champion, but after the racing her gear-box gave out, and in consequence will not be out to-day. Kotuku is not expected to be out and, so it seems that Onestep and Wakatere will be the only representatives of thc fast boats to-day. Several of the slower division will bo out, however, and some interesting racing may be expected. A party of Hawke’s Bay visitors made a special trip over to see last Saturday’s events, and expressed themselves in enthusiastic terms. It is probable that a Napier boat will be. over for the next M asport Cup race. Nelson is also likely to be. represented. The Wanganui Motor Boat and Sailing Club’s picnic will be held to-mor-row at Hipango Park. A river steamer leaves at nine o’clock.