HAMILTON REGATTA.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19117, 30 November 1933, Page 11

HAMILTON REGATTA.

SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. GRATIFYING ANNUAL. REPORTINCORPORATION DISCUSSED. Evidence of the value to Hamilton of the annual regatta on the river' on Anniversary Day (January 29) was given at the annual meeting of the Hamilton Regatta and ‘Carnival Association in the Hamilton Rowing Club’s boathouse last everting. Mr J. G. Bateson presided ever a good attendance. „ . In the annual report the chairman ■said the regatta had again proved a great success and the balance-sheet showed that the fixture was becoming more and more popular with ,the general public. The fact that this year an entiy-. was received from, as far south as Wellington indicated that in rowing circles also the Hamilton regatta was looked upon as an Important event. Sixty-four crews were en-, tered, a record for many yeans, with the exception of the New Zealand championship regatta held in Hamilton in 1932. The sight of 10 crews striving for first place, as occurred In both the maiden four events, was, an exciting spectacle which should encourage many patrons to attend regularly. It was estimated that about 4000 people attended the regatta. Inoroased ReturnsThe venture proved a financial success and the comparison with figured taken from the 1931 balancesheet showed an increase in every department, as follows: —. 1931 1933 . •; • ; ■ £ £ Gates ........ 102 158 Stalls i... 55 85 Programmes ... 6 9 Entry fees 28 31 (Shillings and pence omitted.) The report added that it was impossible to oompare the 1933 figures with those for the previous year as the championship regatta In 1932 yielded a far greater return and necessitated a correspondingly heavy expenditure. ' The net profit on the 1933 regatta totalled £59 ; 16s 9d.which might be considered an excellent return considering the abnormal eoonomlc conditions. The organisation embraced the election of various sub-committees, ail of which carried out their duties with the utmost efficiency as evidenced by the healthy state of the balancesheet. The ladles’ committee rendered valuable assistance in connection with the refreshment booth and the ofilclals of the day controlled the events in" a manner entirely in keeping with the punctuality for which the Hamilton regatta hag become noted; both oarsmen and visitors commented upon--the- general •excellence of the arrangements. ' ' . . ' lir conclusion, the report referred to the 1 , departure :of two executive Messrs 6': H. Buchanan and L. .A, Partridge, both, of !whom ; played, important parts in past regattas. Appreciation', was expressed to officials and all who had assisted the association arid an appeal was made, ror;,-in-creased 00-operatioh and' support. , : - f The report and balance-sheet were adopted; /•': , ■ ■ proposed Constitution.

The proposed constitution and rules of the association were read, appre-ciation-being expressed of 'the work of the sub-committee whioh prepared them.

A dlsoussion arose on the question whether the association should become Incorporated and the general opinion was expressed that nothing should he done which \vould tend to place the Hamilton Rowing Club under any liability or diminish the control exercised by the club ih connection with the regatta. It was decided to defer the matter of incorporation and the adoption of the)constitution until a' meeting to be held between April and June, 1934. It was resolved to hold the next regatta on.. Anniversary Day, 1934, The election of officers resulted: — Patron, Mr G. H. Holloway; president, Mr A, -M. Bisley; ' vice-presidents, Messrs.' J. R. Fow, A. E. Sandford, R. Sweet, E. L. Watkins, E. J. L. Whiting, F. Duffy; honorary secretary (pro tem), Mr A. G. Ward; honorary treasurer, Mr R. Morpeth; executive committee, Messrs. A. G. Ward, J. G. Bateson, 11. Layne, W. V.' St. George, J, . Stewart, J. MoAnally, K. V. Halliday, B. S&ndos, S. Yallop, R. Hill, L. Skeajt and N. Pope; auditor, Mr W. H.. Allen. The appointment of other officials and suh-oommittees was referred to the Incoming committee. Charges for admission to the regatta were fixed at the -same as last year—adults is, children 6d. A proposal to introduce Maori events was mooted but it was considered /that the expense might not justify such events on a large scale.

A vote of thanks was passed to Mr W. IT. Allen, the retiring secretary, and it was decided to vote him £5 5s for his services. It was resolved to grant an honorarium of not less than £5 5s to the secretary during the ensuing year.