ANNIVERSARY REGATTA.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1821, 24 January 1863, Page 3

ANNIVERSARY REGATTA.

At one time, we were afraid that there was going to be no regatta or sports this year, but through the spirited exertions of Messrs Martin ,'and Mclntosh, sufficient funds were obtained to get up some little amusement for the public. There never yet has been any difficulty in getting funds for this purpose ; all that is required w some public spirited persons to take the matter in hand in due" time, so as to afford the c ompetitors a fair opportunity to prepare for the several events. Notwithstanding the attractions elsewhere, such as the Excursion to Lowiy Bay, the Cricket matches at the Hutt, and the pic nics at Karori and elsewhere, there were a goodly number left in town to witness the sports, aquatic and rural. Mr John Martin was indefatigable in his exertions, and. was ably assisted by tor Homer, and other gentlemen. At eight o'clock, the several vessels in port were gaily decked with flags, and all was stir and bustle at the head of the Bay. The following is a short account of the several eventß.

Aquatic. Whale Boat Race.

Prize £10; course from Messrs Bethune & Hun tax's wharf, round all the vessels in port. Three boats entered to contest this race, namely : — Capt. McGrath's Grecian . . 1 Mr Roberts' Grecian, No, 2 ... 2 Mr Hunter's LorcfDuncan . . 3 At II o'clock, the gun was fired, when the boats started to contest for the prize. They got off well together, but shortly after starting, Capt. McGraih's boat took the lead, closely followed by the other two. When opposite the new wharf, Mr Roberto's Grecian, No. 2, drew ahead of the Lord Duncan, and Captain McGrath'a boat slightly increased the lead, and kept this position throughout the race, the boats comingi in in the above order. Mr Hunter's boat, however, from not being in the water for some time, leaked very much, and getting half full of water, her progress was very considerably retarded. Waterman's Skiff Back.

7 Prize £ same course as whale boats. At 13 o'clock, on the signal gun being fired, the following boats started : — "Wonga Wonga. Hewitt . . I Will if I can, Heberly .. 2 : This was a well contested race, and was ultimately won by Hewitt. A private match, fora swcespstakes of £S, with &% added from the funds, between Messrs Haybittle and Blair, was a capital race), and afforded considerable amusement. It wat between two boats belonging to the whaling brig Grecian, pulled by shore crews. The start was made about 2 o'clock, and both boats got off well together, They kept eide and eide until abreast of tho new wharf, when Haybittles's made a spurt, and took the lead, the other fcoafc'being in close attendance. They k«pt tho iatne relative position until they reached the winning post, the Haybittles's boat winning by ahoufc lob yards. This was a well contested race throughout, and excited considerable interest. ' ' A 'duck hunt took place afterwards.- Jamea Hebberly was duck, and two boats went in pursuit. The hunt, however, did not last long, as Hswett caught the duck in about 10 iniuute* alter his starting. : This closed the aquatic sports. BUBAL SPORTS.

The rural sports took plade on Te Aro and conlisted of foot races, jumping in sacks. &c. Tho course for the foot races' was from the New Zealander Hotel to the lock-up and back.

There were seven or eight foot-racea, the prizes Averaged from 10s 64 to 15s each race, aud were all well contested

There were also several races of one man carrying another These races afforded great amusement, and as a pair •'• came to grief" by falling into the creek together, great was the delight and amusement of the spectators. '■ Jumping in sacks by a number of boys, created' > considerable mirth. The whole passed off very pleasantly indeed, and if the sports were not so good as on previous occasions, yet what thoy lacked in quality they' made up in heartiness. It was really surprising that co many sports should have been got up in so short a time, and the laudable per* severance shown by the originators and promoters deserves the highest credit.