REGATTA ABANDONED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 292, 11 December 1941, Page 7

REGATTA ABANDONED

PROPOSED SPEED-BOAT RACING WAR STFIATION AND PETROL SUPPLIES. Because of the international situation and the need for conserving oil fuel, the proposal to hold speed-boaz racing on the Wanganui River or. January 3. next, has been abandoned. The Tourist Publicity and Development Committee recently appointed by the Wanganui City Council was to have co-operated by sponsoring the I regatta, after representations had I been made by the Wanganui Motor- • boat Club. A sub-commitlee. with Cr. G. P Hawkins as chairman, met representatives of the club on Monday evening. however, and it was decided not to proceed with the fixture. “It was stated that since the proposal was first mooted, the international situation had deteriorated very seriously, war having broken ;>ut , in the Pacific zone.” said Cr. Ha * i j reporting to the City Council at its, monthly meeting last night. “It was with the greatest reluctance that the decision was made to abandon the f.x-

i lure, but it is hoped that next year it may be found necessary to stage a I Victory Regalia, when possibly ah sections of aquatic sport in the community. together with entries to be* received from far and wide would signify in no uncertain manner that the will of the people was bent on fitting celebration. "Another strong reason for the at i.ndonment of the proposed regatta was, that with the dire necessity which exists for the conservation of oil fuel supplies, there could be no possible justification for any fixture of a sporting nature which entailed the j use of this precious commodity, so l-aaiy needed for important operation.m the interests of the nation as a « hole."