Maori Canoe Races.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9388, 15 March 1898, Page 3

Maori Canoe Races.

It is a long time since the Maoris have evinced so much interest in any sport as they are doing at present in the canoe races. Morning and evening they are assiduously at practice, friendly rivalry being very prominent. Each hapu expects his own canoe to win ; consequently very keen contests are expected. Yesterday several canoes from np river joined the- fleet camped near the Sedgebrook sandspit and also at Aramoho, Fully three hundred natives have put in an appearance during the past couple of days, and there wo more to follow, so that the sight of them on the nrer shguld be one to be remembered. The Native Committee, so as to oause no heart burnings, have decided that the different contests shall hfwe practically one finishing point j that is, at Lorou* 's, about a quarter of a mile below the Aramoho railway bridge, rowing up stieara in every instance. Owing to the awkwardness of there being no fiat ground near the winning post for the war dance, the committee have decided that all the contestants in tho champion race and women's race will line up,' and v give the Maori puha (war canoe song) v sitting in their canoes. This will probably take place between 1.45 and 2 p.m., ana will no doubt attract numbers of spepta> tors. We give below the programme in the order of starting at 1 30 p.m : 1. Aotearoa shampignsliip (m.en), from gasworks to flagship, 2. Boys 1 Race: Hatrick's Wharf to flagship. 3. Wainuiarua championship (women) : Town Bridge to flagship. 4. Moutoa Handicap (lo men): Hatrick's Wharf to flagship, 5. Hurdle Race (2 men) : Near about flagship. G. Jubilee Handicap (women) 1 Hatrjok's Wharf to flagship. 7. Girls' Race: Bates' Street corner (brewery) to flagship. 8. Hurdle Race, Near about flagship. JO. Consolation; Dpwn riyer, from flagstaff, finishing at Hatrick's Wharf. It has been decided that as the Consolation will be started rather late, owing to the number of events, that the finishing point I>Q dqwn stream as aboye. The total amount of nrlgo-monay to bo diyiaea as per programme will be £52 10s, and a surplus js expected tq remain to be carried forward to next year's regatta.