AQUATICS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 956, 2 July 1908, Page 12

AQUATICS.

The Government has given an order to Messrs Bailey and Lowe, of Auckland, to build two 30ft launches for Wellington harbour. A 40ft launch for the same purpose will be constructed by Messrs Briggins and Bailey of Wellington.

On June 3, a long distance ocean race was to have commenced, the course being from Marblehead to Bermula. The entries, when the mail left, were the schooners Rerirsh, Esperange, Lubrah and Edith Anna, the cutter Marchioness, and the yawls Lila and Chaos. A race for power launches on the same six hundred and fifty miles course, was to have started three days later. At latest advices a provisional crew to represent all England at the Olympic Regatta was in practice on the Thames, and contained among others the veteran Guy Nickalls. It does not say much for the advance of English rowing if a man who was in his prime in the late eighties and early nineties, after being some, years practically out of the sport, has to be called upon. Still it may be a case of a “ triton among minnows.” The “ Sporting Life ” has the following description of the crew:—“ It is manned as follows: H. A. Steward (bow), H. M. Goldsmith (Cambridge), J. R. K. Penning (London R.C.), Guy Nickalls (Oxford), C. D. Burnell (Oxford), J. S. Burn (Cambridge), P. J. Escombe (Cambridge), R. B. Etherington-Smith (Cambridge). On paper this is a strong combination, including as it does six old Oxford and Cambridge Blues, mostly of outstanding fame. Steward rowed for Radley when at school, and was also bow of the Leander Grand Challenge crew of 1898. Penning, who is vice-captain of the London R.C., is also a tried oar. A FLEET REGATTA. Some time ago it was suggested in these columns that when the American fleet arrives in the Waitemata, something in the nature of a regatta should be held. Of course Auckland yachts would be unable to participate as they are all, or nearly ‘ill, in winter quarters. But the Americans are very fond of rowing races, so that a regatta for the boats belonging to the warships would be sure to please our visitors. A good afternoon’s sport could be easily arranged, and »f the weather proved fine a regatta of the kind would prove very popular. A race for power launches, one for steam pinnaces, and sailing races for ships’ cutters would be included. There seems considerable likelihood of the suggestion being acted upon. NORTH SHORE YACHT CLUB. The North Shore Yacht Club held their 13th annual smoke concert in the Foresters’ Hall, Devonport, last week, over 250 members and friends attending. The following clubs were represented:—Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Manukau Yacht Club, Ponsonby Cruising Club, Victoria Cruising Club, Richmond Sailing Club, Otahuhu Sailing Club, and North Shore Rowing Club; also visitors from Waiheke and Kawau. The chairman referred to the continued prosperity of the club, which now numbers 280 members, owning 92 yachts. The prizes totalled 97 trophies (covering two large tables), in addition to cash prizes, amounting to £47 17s 6d. After the toast of “ The King ” was duly honoured, the prizes were presented. The numerous prizes won at the club’s picnic, Kawau Regatta, and Awaroa Regatta, were also distributed. Various musical items were rendered, and additional toasts were given and responded to, as follows: —“ The Donors,” “The Visitors,” “ The Club,” “ The Press,” and “ The Commodore.” During the evening a. valuable piece of jewellery, suitably inscribed, was presented to the club’s secretary, Mr W. Sinton, as a mark

of esteem. The points “cup” for highest points in cruising races, presented by Watson’s Whisky Company, was won by Merlin. KARORO'S INTERESTING CRUISE. On June 19 Messrs. Montgomery and Alexander’s fine power yacht Karoro sailed for the North, the objective being a visit to Messrs. Cook Bros.’ whaling station at Whangamamu. The weather was very fine when the little vessel got away, and so it remained all night. After a twelve hours’ run along the coast Whangamumu was reached and the anchor dropped. Sunday was spent quietly in port, but on Monday morning the news that whales were in sight created great excitement. The Wairiri and two whaleboats were manned by the whalemen, the visitors being lucky enough to obtain seats in the launch. To those who had not seen it before, it was a moment of intense suspense when the first bomb was fired and the monster too late dived for safety. The excitement of the chase left nothing to be desired, the stricken whale spouting volumes of blood. Two whales were captured and towed into harbour. Next day another was brought to bay, and then the weather took a hand, a hard easterly gale blowing up, scon raising a bad sea: All operations were 'perforce suspended, but fortunately it did not last, and the following day, with more whales in sight, the boats were again manned. The wind then veered round and blew hard from the nor’-west, and before long off Piercy Island a mountainous sea was running, huge ‘ breakers raising their towering crests. In the height of the b ow a whale was struck, and for the next half-hour matters were lively indeed. With the utmost difficulty the leviathan was secured and got back to port. Witn a good haul of four whales, trying-out operations were soon in full blast, and a couple of days were spent by the visitors in watching this somewhat malodorous operation. All the time the Karoro had been lying snugly in Whangamnmu, but the anchor was then weighed and a course shaped for Auckland. It was a very pleasant run down the coast. Something in the nature of a race was provided wnen the Northern Co.’s s.s. Paeroa was sighted five miles ahead, but the white-funneled boat was gradually overhauled, and before Kawau was reached was a long way astern. Moorings were reached on Sunday evening last, all on board being agreed that the last voyage of the season had been the most enjoyable of them all. Karoro was hauled up on Tuesday for the winter. This season she has cruised for over 3850 miles, the 30 h.p. Union engine having run without a hitch throughout, a very fine performance indeed for all concerned.