AQUATICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 865, 4 October 1906, Page 12

AQUATICS.

(By “The Reefer.”) The following officers have been elected bv the New Zealand PowerBoat Association: Commodore, Mr W. S. Whitley; vice-commodore, Mr C. A. Whitney; rear-commodore, Captain G. McKenzie; hon. secretary, Mr William C. Robinson; treasurer, Mr H. J. Whitley; auditors, Messrs J. De Renzie and J. Payne; committee, Messrs J. Gillett, H. Cadenss.J. Lockey, R. Spinks, J. P. Howden, James Reid, W. Harris, A. Brett, M. Lane, Perri, St. Clair, and Whyte. Mr R. Whitson was elected a life member of the association. * ♦ * * Writing of the Power-Boat Association reminds me that a somewhat misleading report has been published as to the proposal re amalgamation with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. This made it appear that the squadron was anxious for amalgamation, but the power-boat people had deferred the mattei’ for twelve months. As a matter of fact it was the power-boat people who suggested the matter, but so far the subject has not even been debated by the committee of the Yacht Squadron. Personally, I should like to see the Power-Boat Association join the R.N.Z.Y.C., but beyond question there are many difficulties in the way which, however, might be overcome. The Yacht Squadron intend giving several races and a championship for power launches this season, and provision is-made for full representation

on the committee, so that it is evident that the senior club intends dealing fairly with owners of launches. On the other hand the Power-Boat Association has done much goou xv*- the pastime, and in its ranks are many good and enthusiastic sportsmen. Both clubs have always been on the most friendly terms, and it may be that no harm will be done by letting the matter stand over for twelve months. At a general committee meeting of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, held on Thursday night, the following fixtures were arranged for the forthcoming season: —Opening day, November 9. Class Handicaps: Over and under 32ft, Power Launch Handicap, November 24. First Cruising Race, December 8. Second Cruising Race, January 12. Class Racing: 42ft 1.r., 36ft 1.r., 30ft 1.r., 25ft 1.r., 26ft tuck stern centreboard Handicap, Power Launch Championship, February 2. Ocean Race, Power Launch Longdistance Race, February 9. Third Cruising Race, Power Launch Handicap, March 9. It is proposed that the long-distance power launch race be not less than 100 miles. Ponsonby Regatta is to take place on December 15. • • • • At the annual meeting of the Avondale Sailing and Motor Boat Club, the annual report stated that the club had had a successful season. Nearly all the owners had disposed of their sailing boats and had gone in for motor launches. There will be at least 12 launches racing in the club this year. The club is indebted to Messrs J. Ormond, A. W. Page, B. Bollard, P, Robertson, and J. R. Simpson for giving. donations or prizes. The balance-sheet showed receipts to be, £39 0/1, and the expenditure £27 6/4, leaving a credit balance in hand of £ll 13/9. It is good news to hear that the club is flourishing. The reaches of the Whau River are just the thing for the power launches. At the annual meeting of the St.George’s Rowing Club the following officers were elected for the ensuing season: —Commodore, Mr Thos. Russell (re-elected); captain, Mr B. S. Finn (re-elected); deputy-captain, Mr H. B. Harper; hon. secretary, Mh B. RoSwell; hon. treasurer, Mr A- Pyecroft; general committee, Messrs R. Alpe, D. Harris, W. Flower, A. Gilmore, and E. F. Noonan; auditors, Messrs F. M. Jervis and A. G. Buchanan. The year’s receipts' totalled £314 2/2, against ah expenditure .of £299 14/8, leaving a balance of £l4 7/6. The assets exceeded liabilities by £565. « ♦ » • , • At the annual meeting of the Ponsonby Regatta Committee the following, officers were elected for the ensuing year:—Patron, Mr T. Peacock; president, Mr J. J. Kirk er; chairman of committee, Mr E. C. Blomfield; treasurer, Mr S. P. Stitchbury; auditors, Messrs C. A. Jackson and H. C. Jones. The annual report stated thqt the committee were unfortunate in regard to flagships for the regatta, but Mr Ranson, the manager of the Northern Steamship Company, came to the assistance of the committee and offered three steamers, 'namely, the s.s. Wellington, Waitangi and Waimarie, which offer the committee gladly accepted. The regatta was held on Saturday, December 9, the attendance being a record. The total receipts for the year, including £94 3/2 brought forward from the previous year, amounted to £279 0/8, and the total expenditure £215 11/4, leaving a credit balance of £63 9/4 to be carried forward to next season. The sum of £l2l 7/ in cash, and £65 worth of trophies, were given in prizes, this being an increase of £22 12/6 on last year, and the largest amount ever given in a Ponsonby regatta.