CANOE CLUB.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18166, 3 November 1930, Page 9

CANOE CLUB.

INITIAL SPORTS MEETING. GOOD DAY ON THE RIVER. The first regatta of the newlyformed Hamilton Canoe Club was held on the river, near the Island, yesterday afternoon. Conditions were ideal for the inaugural gathering afid a good gallery of spectators witnessed an inter-, esting programme. Mr R. Hill acted as starter, while Mr Saunders, senr., judged the events, which attracted good entries. A feature of the programme was the ladies’ race, in which thz'ee competitors faced the starter. At the first buoy all were even,' but Miss Braggins assumed the lead, and showed the way home to Miss Morgan, who was. one length behind, with Miss Saunders two lengths away, third. Considerable excitement was caused by the canoe fight. In the first heat the Coombes Brothers gained the decision over Saunders and Connelly, while in the second division Birch and Morgan proved too strong for Tristram and Coombes. The final was a long tussle, both contestants upsetting together at one stage. Another encounter was commenced, resulting in a win for the Coombes over Morgan and Birch. In the Junior pair blades Robinson and Jenkinson scored an > easy win over Braggins and Gaylard, who finished three lengths behind the leaders.

The senior pair blades was won by Morgan and Birch, who raced bow to bow with Tristram and Coombes over most of the course, to draw ahead near the winning post, and gain the decision by four feet. A great finish was staged by Tristram and Coombes in the senior singles event. When almost at the post Tristram made a great sprint and won byinches only. Novelty was introduced in the form of'duck chases. The junior event resulted in victory for Ray Coombes, who captured the bird after a scramble onto the Island. The .senior duck chase was won by Morgan and Birch, after a good flutter from the duck, which caused much amusement-

The principal event was the dash around the Island. Some excitement was caused by Tristram and Coombes, who manoeuvered their craft between some obstvctors, and thus gained a lead which they held, crossing the line ahead of Saunders and Connolly.

At the conclusion of the programme the prizes were presented by Mr F. Jones, who eulogised the efforts of the secretary, Mr R. Hill, in his endeavours to popularise the sport of canoeing. , ! Mr Hill briefly outlined the motives which impelled him to call a meeting to form the club. One of the objects of the 'Canoe Club, he said, was to combine with the Rowing Club’in its annual regatta, and stage various events. Membership of the Canoe Club was increasing rapidly, and the prospects were very bright. Further sports meetings are to be held in the near future.