HOLIDAY CARNIVAL OPENED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 306, 28 December 1936, Page 8

HOLIDAY CARNIVAL OPENED

REGATTA AT SANDY HOOK MOTOR-BOATS AND OARSMEN PROVIDE THRILLS CLOSE FINISHES IN ROWING RACES WANGANUI CREWS SUCCESSFUL The Christmas and New Year Carnival sponsored by the Wanganui Tourist and Development League was given an auspicious opening on Boxing Day when the annual combined regatta of the Wanganui Rowing Association and the Wanganui .Motor-boat Club was held at Sandy Hook. With the exception of a light shower of rain early in the afternoon, the weather was fine and as a consequence there was a large crowd of spectators present. The official opening of the carnival was performed dur- 11 ing an interval at the regatta by the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. W. Lee Martin. The programme for the day was a lengthy one and consisted of rowing races, speedboat events and Maori war canoe races, the latter events proving of considerable interest to visitors who had not previously seen native crews in action.

Conditions were good for row.ng. and with strong crews competing in practically every evfiit, naturally there were many close finishes. In addition to crews from the three Wanganui clubs, oarsmen were present from the Star, Wellington, Petone, New Plymouth rowing clubs, and added considerably to the interest of the regatta. The Union Boat Club was the most successful, with four firsts and a second. Chief interest centered in the senior lours event, which was won by Union with Wanganui second and Aramono third, and the carnival eights, for which live crews were entered. This event was won by Star, with Union second and Petone third. The motor-boat events proved of considerable interest to many peop.e, although a number of the boats wh.cn had been entered, did not compete. The small outboards or ’‘puddlejumpers,” provided the spectators with many thrills as they sped across the surface of the water at speeds of up to 40 miles an hour. The fastest boat on the river was Miss Ethel Hi. which, powered by a 170 h.p. motor, literally flew through the water, showering spray on either side of her. The HatricK Cup, for the New Zealand outboard championship, was won by Mr F. W. Puilyn's (Palmerston North) Miss Manawatu, and the Helean Cup, of 10 miles, by Mr J. Palamountain’s Miss Ethel 111. Two Maori war canoe races were held, the first being between a crew of men and a crew of wahines. The verdict in this event went to the wahines. Later in the afternoon a crew of husky warriors tried conclusions with a crew of men and wahines. The warriors, with their brown bodies glistening, dipped their paddles in penect rhythm, and easily defeated their rivals. The Maoris then gave a number of hakas. During the afternoon a number cf children s events were held, for which liberal prizes were given. The officials controlling the rowing were: Starter, Mr E. J. Crotty; assistant starter, Mr W. Storey, judge, Mr L. Sheppard; handicappers, Messrs P. Evans, L. Haywood, and F. Wilson; umpires, Messrs L. Haywood, E. Armstrong, and R. J. McDonald; clerk of scales, Mr W. Blair; whipperout, Mr C. A. Healey. THE OFHCirtL OPENING During the afternoon the official opening of the carnival was performed by the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. Vv. Lee Martin. The Minister was welcomed by Mr W. J. Gibson Hughes, president of tne Wanganui Tourist and Development League. The Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. W. Lee Martin, said that the Kt. Hon. M. J. Savage had asked him to convey to the citizens of Wanganui his best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. The rrime Minister was sorry that, owing to pressure of public duties, lie was unable to open the carnival himself. The Prime Minister was the hardest worked man in the Dominion, and everyone would wish him to have a quiet Christmas holiday. This Christmas had meant much to Mr Savage, who had told him that he had been cheered and strengthened in his work by* the shoals of letters and wires be had received from all parts of the Dominion informing him of a record Christmas trade. This had made the Prime Minister feel that the efforts of his Government in its first year of office had been worthwhile. As the result of legislation introduced by the Government, said the Minister, the spending power of the people of New Zealand had been increased by more than £20,000,0')U. Every manufacturing firm had been working at full capacity prior to Christmas and there was a wonderful spirit of optimism on every hand. The Government was not satislie i with the legislation which it had enacted for the good of tne people, but early in the New Year further farreaching humanitarian legislation would be placed on the Statute Book. One of the major proposals would be a National Health and Universal Superannuation Scheme. The Minister said that it was pleasing for him to offer his congratulations and good wishes to the president and officers of the Wanganui "ourist and Development League for the Cnristmas and Ne.v Year Carnival. It represented a spirit of community co-operation and a desire for the city to make its varied resources and attractions more widely known. There was no need lor Wanganui to hide its light under a bushel; it was no mean city. Few centres had suffered more during the depression, but a spirit of optimism had prevailed through those dark days and Wanganui was once again enjoying an era of prosperity. Wan-

ganui's city and surrounding districts justified the holding or the carnival. Wanganui was delightfully situated, and offered all that one could wish for from a holiday point of view. “Might I say this, that I hope that as the result of your efforts a permanent committee or organisation will be set up, not to stage one event a year to boost your city, but to keep Wanganui on the map all through the year. In this respect, I am sure, you will have the support and co-opera-tion of your live and active member of Parliament, Mr J. B. Cotterili. The Minister then declared the carnival open, and was accorded three hearty cheers. Mr J. B. Cotterili, M.P. for Wanganui. and the Mayor of Wanganui, Mr W. J. Rogers, also added their congratulations and good wishes, and asked citizens to support other events on the carnival programme in the same way in which they had supported the regatta.

REGATTA RESULTS

me results ot tne rowing events were as follow: Maiden Fours (Open). (One Mile) Star No. I—T. Alexander (str.), I G. Gibbons (3), P. Bennehy (3), G. Broad (bow) 1 Aramoho—R. Gurr, ft. Gifford, T. Sweet, V. Benefield 2 Star No. 2—M. Willis, R. Hansen, S. Sidford, P. Hughes 3 I Wanganui Union—E. Day, B. Bern, H. Halkett, E. Billon 4 I Also started: Clifton (F. Chittenden, B. Old, Ji. George, A. Chittenden), Petone (J. W. Howe, H. Barraclough, W. G. Watson, W. P. Clever); Wellington No. 2 (A. Mc- | Nair, E. Marchant, A. Nicholson, J. j Thornton), Wellington No. 1 (N. Matthewson, I. Newson, W. Morgan, IW. O'Donnell); Wanganui (H. Butzi bach, W. Christian, j. Northover, B. i Stroud). | From a good start, Star No. i jumped to tne lead in the first halfdozen strokes, and kept in front all the way. Wanganui Union and Aramoho rowed together over the early part of the course, with Aramoho slightly in the lead. Aramoho increased its lead and Star No. 2 secured the lead on Wanganui Union. At the finish Star No. 1 was a length ahead of Aramoho, who had a halflength load on Star No. 2. Wanganui Union was a close fourth. The Wanganui crew did not finish the course. Maiden Double Sculls (One Mile) | Wanganui Union—O. Corby (str.) and M. Granville (uoivi 1 Aramoho—S. Stokes and J. Fiske z Petone—T. Watson a.id G. H. Ca<vert g The vvanganui Union boat took the lead early in the race, and Coroy and Granville rowed easily to wm uj seven lengths. Aramono, in second place, was sculling strongly, but was falling back on tue Vvanganui Un.o.i boat right through the race. Peione was live lengths behind Aramoho for third place, the Clifton scullers withdrawing from the race wnen lying last well behind Petone. The race was not an interesting one, as the boats were well spread out throughout the race. Youths’ Fours One Mile) .vanganui Union—lt. O'Donnell (strj, j. uumsuen (j> t>. Butcmer (2>, i. Hangman (bow i i Petone—j. ’legg, k. bcoit, A. Linney, j. Bo* well Wellington —a. Manning, 11, Gratis, K. rish, u. ,n Wanganui il. Moitis, c», isiciioiis, M. Byres, K. Gram . . .... 4 Also biarteu; Clifton (r\ Cmkenden, R. Greemee, H. iveme, k. dimmer/; New riy mouth (a. Alien, b. Loveridge, L. rmaleston, n. Aeexianj, Aramono (H. Thompson, vV. uearsie>, I. Pepper, K. Sieyer;; V/angcOiux Union x\o. 2 (R. Vvalton, D. o Donnell, R. Blackmore, D. v/acley). Ihe Wanganui Umon anu i/etone crews lead me rest ot the field, with the former crew in the lead. Tne Wanganui Union crew was ion mg comfortably with tne Petone siru.-u calling on nis men for every ounce Ox energy. Union kept its lead and crossed the finishing line a length and a-half in the lead, with tne Wellington boat three and a-half lengths behind in third position. Wanganui was about two lengths behind for fourth place. A featuie of the race was the rowing of the Wanganui Union No. 2 crew of first-year rowers who, although unplaced, put up a very creditable performance. Early in the race they were fouled or they would probably have finished in a betfer position.

Senior Fours (One and a-half Miles) Wanganui Union—R. Gould (str.), n. Benge (b), g. Deives U‘, a. lonics (bow) 1 I Wanganui— 1%. 01, H. Rooert- i snaw, M. McGann, a. Staton 2 Aramo.iO —r. Stowers, F. uones, D. Holmes, C. narnson 3 Star—l.. L. Husking, j. 1. Thodey, G. E. Cookc, ivi. Clay 4 Also started: Uliiion (i. G. Fowler, C. D. Tate, f. Olsson, O. Sampson;, Petone (O. N. Clayton, F. Abbott, K. Boswell, C. Gimblett). .The six crews got away to a good start, and Wanganui assumeu tne lead. Over the last nalf-mile, Union had a length lead with Wanganui aim Aramoho iignting for secund piace. Wanganui nad auou a canvas O.l Aramoho, wnose stroke called on hi< men for all them 1 weight in a desperate endeavour to mane up the leeway. Star was lying in fourth position about a halL-lengtn behind Aramoho. in earing the iimshing mij. Aramoho had aimost pipped Wanganui who, with lour or live terrmc strokes, forged ahead again. Union crossed the line a lengui aheau 01 Wanganui, with Aramono a canvas behind, rhe finish of tne race was a stirring one, with vvanganui, star anu Aramono lighting desperatc-iy for the position. The crews were putting every ounce of their energy behinu their oars and the issue was in doubt for second place until the last few seconds. Less than a length separated the second and fourth placed crews. - The Wanganui Union crew rowed strongly with better style and combination than the others, and sequied a meritorious win. Tne Wanganui crew showed a wonderful improvement on its form in the Jury Cup regatta a week ago as the result 01 solid training. The Aramoho crew, too, put up a better showing than in the Jury Cup regatta. Junior Fours (Open) (On 2 Mile) Aramoho —F. Laird (str.), J. Halligan (3), v/. Firmin (2;, E. i-i uicnins (bow) 1 Petone —D. J. Boxweil, G. H. .Leopard, 1. R. Garter, o. Anderson 2 Wanganui Union —j. Luxford, 1. ivicimyre, H. Waters, j. bnepHard ! 3 Also started; New Plymouth (2. Barlow, A. P. Healy, is. Billing, A. Burgess); Clifton (g. H. 'loppivss, u. Old, 11. StocKman, A. Coiiins); b v ai (F. J. Eggers, A. Lawson, j. Peters, 1. Peters). At tne end of half a mile, Aramoho had more man a length lead over Petone, with Wanganui Union thiru naif a length behinu. Petone tneu hard to mane up the leeway, bui al the finishing post Aramoho nad a leau of two anu a-half lengths. Petone finished a length aheau oi Union, the latter crew failing to produce tne iorm displayed laot weex. Aramono I rowed with better combination anu form than in the Jury Cup regatta, I and never looked out of the picture. I Maiden Fours (’Ost and Under) (One Mile) Wanganui Union —M. Anderson (str.), J. ntt (3), A. r . oneppaid (2), ±l. Bowiing (bow) . . 1 Star—a. May, P. Cascioerg, K. Fraser, a. Burge 2 i Wellington—K. M.iuurn, D. Davis, i A. Watson, j. Buller 3 I Aramoho—a. Brougnam, R. iSwal--1 low, L. Drogmuule, j. Foiher- | gill 4 Ago started: Clifton (a. Biair, r. ■ Coxer, in. iNixon, R. Limmerj. I At the end oi naif a mile umon anu Wellington were out in front, wim Aramono and star lying in second piace. Union was pulling into tne lead with Wellington cnahenguig strongly. One hundred yarns noin the iinish Union had a lengm lead, when Star put on a spurt and came through but was unabie to make tip leeway on Union wiucn was sprinting strongly. Union crossed the iiihsmn b i line with a length lead over Star, Wellington being Giird a length behind. Aramoho was close behind lor fourth, Clifton having withdrawn. The finish was exciting as far as second place was concerned, Wellington, Star and Aramoho L.oking likeiy winners until the final sprint. Star s sudden spurt caught the spectators unprepared and added a thrill to the event. Senior Single Sculls (One and a-half Miles) Aramoho (R. Coxon), 30sec 1 Wellington (H. J. Luxe), lUsec z. Wellington (E. Wooicoit), la.ec. o vvanganui (in. Foster), 30sec 4 A. G. G. Jackson (Wanganui Union) scr., and M. B. Duxford (vvanganui Union) 55sec., did not complete the course. Coxon won by seven lengths, with live lengths between second and third. Junior Fours (Welter) (One Mile) Wellington No. I—A. McNair (str.), E. Marchant (3), K. Nicholson (2), F. Tno/nton (bow) 1 Wanganui—H. Butzbach, W. Chris tian, J. Northover, B, Stroud 2 Union—R. Boyland, J. rarreil, L. Sleyer, VV. Dearsley 3 Also started: New x'iymouth (F. Barlow, A. P. Healy, S. Biliifig, A. A. Burgess); Star (S. F. Kidd, r. J. Eggers, H. Beaven, VV. Hawken); Weilington No. 2 (H. Tester, W. MeIvor, A. Clouston, T. Lancaster;. Wanganui Union did not compete. Wellington had a length lead over Wanganui with a quarter-mile to go. The Wanganui crew held on to Wellington and a fast sprint near tne finish saw them only half a length behind. Aramoho was a length behind Wanganui, with Star and New Plymouth close behind. The race was a good one, with an excellent finish, Wanganui making a good bid for the honours over the final 50 yards. Junior Double Sculls (One Mile) Wellington—R. Tregurtha (str.), and H. Spoor (bow) 1 Wanganui Union—A. Tonks and A. Gould 2 Wellington took the lead and with half a mile covered had a lead oi three lengths. In the next quarierinile the lead was increased to four lengths. Union had a slight lead over Clifton, but at the finish -the Clifton boat stopped at the first gun when Union had three-quarters of a length lead. Wellington won by four and a-half lengths. The Clifton crew comprised F. Olsson (str.) and H. Stockman (bow).

Carnival Eights (One and a-half Miles) Star—L. L. Hosking, J. I. Thodey, G. E. Cooke, F. Bowling, A. Sheppard, M. Clay, B. H. Webb, A. A. Andrews 1 Wanganui Union — R. Gould, H. I Benge, H. Halkett, A. K. G. Jacason, G. Delves, A. Tonks, M. Granville, M. B. Luxford 2 Petone—D. J. Boswell, G. 11. Leopard, P. Abbott, I. R. Carter, J. Tegg, C. Gimblett, K. Boswell, O. Anderson £ Star got the better of the start and from No. 4 position gradually crossed to the inside bank. Union and Petone were forced closer in to the bank, and at one stage a Union oai fouled a Petone oar. With only a quarter-mile to go, Star had about a canvas lead on Union. The two crew: sprinted strongly, but the verdict went to star by a little over a canvas. Petone was about three lengths behind Union. The Clifton crew, whc had never previously rowed in ar eight-oar boat, put up a splendid performance in finishing fourth. The crew rowed in the Aramoho Club's boat. I SPEEDBOAT EVENTS I New Zealand Outboard Motor Championships for Hatrick Cup.—Mi F. W. Pullyn’s (Palmerston North Miss Manawatu, 1; Mr R. Griffiths (Tikorangi) Ouida No. 5,2; Mr R. M Kihby’s (Waitara) Sea Dog No. 7, 3 Time, 9min. lOsec. for five miles. Helean Cup (10 miles).—Mr J Palamountain’s (Wanganui) MisEthel 111., 1; Mr F. W. Pullyn’s (Palmerston North) Miss Manawatu 2. Open Outboard Handicap (four miles).—Mr R. Griffiths’ (Tikorangi! Ouida No. 5,1; Mr F. W. Pullyn’c Miss Manawatu, 2; Mr K. Vickery’; Sea Dog No. 6, 3.