AQUATICS.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 252, 26 January 1889, Page 2

AQUATICS.

THE PROPOSED REGATTA CLUB. The topic of aquatics ought to be a congenial one at the present time, when the sultriness of the weather makes us pine for anything that is cool, refreshing, and healthy. Some it may no doubt exasperate like anything else which annoys them if they long for it and cannot indulge in it. As we write this, indeed, we feel much of the same mood: every person who drops in on chance or business is impelled seemingly by some inner force to make the strongest remarks on the weather, and how terribly warm it is, as if he were uttering a suddenly discovered truth of which no one but himself were cognisant. Still we repeat, it is refreshing to think of aquatics just now, and we hope that the one point to which we refer will not be lost right of. A correspondent on Thursday asked for information with regard to the proposal of which much was heard a short time ago, to form a regatta club in Gisborne. In reply Mr F. Cassin writes:—

Sir,—ln your issue of this day I notice a letter signed “Aquatic,” He wishes to know what has become of the Regatta Club and the money promised or handed over. I, as Secretary of the Club, will give all the information in my power. I was one of the promoters, and at a meeting was appointed Secretary. I canvassed for subscriptions and have received 5s cash and many promises. I have also given several lists to different members of the Committee, and there the matter rests, as I have troubles enough outside of this at present. If “Aquatic” will meet me any time this week or next, previous to my leaving Gisborne, I will give him all information, and show him minutes of meetings, and he can easily pick up the running where I, through circumstances over which I had no control, had to knock off. Gisborne, 24th January, 1889.

We can admire Mr Cassin’s good sense and delicacy in the matter, but surely because one man’s hands are in a way tied, such a promising undertaking is not going to be allowed to lapse? As the breakwater pier extends it ought to still further increase the facilities which our fine bay should afford for yachting and boating generally. Those who study the history of the present as a pure token of what may be expected in the future must know that the greatness of New Zealand depends on the aptitude for marine pursuits which is shown by its people. The Samoan trouble is indicative of the commotion which has already begun in the Pacific, and the opening of the Panama Canal—which we believe will yet be accomplished despite all the opposition—will completely revolutionise the existing order of things. It may be asked what has this got to do with the formation of a regatta or yachting club in Gisborne? Practically, not much, but small beginnings may lead to great things, and it is always well to look to the future. Referring only to the present, it speaks very little for Poverty Bay that no club of the kind mentioned exists here, and we hope the matter will not be allowed to drop.