ANNIVERSARY DAY DISAPPOINTMENT

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20718, 31 January 1939, Page 6

ANNIVERSARY DAY DISAPPOINTMENT

Anniversary Day celebrations in the Auckland province suffered a severe setback by yesterday’s downpour, and no organisation suffered more seriously than that which has undertaken the eondact of the annual regatta at Hamilton. The result was not only the spoiling of an enjoyable holiday but a severe reverse to a sport that means much and may mean a great deal more to the Waikato. Exploitation of the attractions of the Waikato River and the promotion of rowing are important to the progress of Hamilton and to the advancement of an outstandingly beneficial physical exercise.

The Hamilton Rowing Club has recently been gaining strength and it relied to a considerable extent upon the regatta to bring it again into the forefront of the Waikato’s sports organisations. The necessity of postponement was unfortunate, but the public will still be given the opportunity of showing its appreciation of the good work being done by the club and the regatta committee. Good spirit has been shown by the leading visiting crews in their intention to return to Hamilton for the postponed contests. With public support for a worthy cause the regatta committee will yet be rewarded for the special efforts it has made this year.

Other sports bodies suffered disappointment and loss through the unseasonable weather, hut the farming community should benefit substantially. Autumn production will receive a fillip through the thorough soaking of pastures, and root crops which were wilting under the influence of dry weather and drying winds should give a better return than seemed likely. A favourable autumn is of great importance to the farming districts, which experienced a lean spring season.