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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 69

The Auckland Regatta

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The Auckland Regatta.

The fiftieth Auckland Anniversary Regatta, the first of the series of Jubilee celebrations, was held to day, and was a pronounced success, though owing to the lightness of the wind the sailing contests were deprived to some extent of their interest. Owing to the attraction of the procession of friendly societies and other bodies in town the attendance was somewhat meagre during the earlier part of the forenoon, but about eleven o'clock the p.s. Enterprise was crowded every trip, and speedily filled up the two commodious flagships, the British ship Canterbury and Norwegian barque Orion, on board of which both Captains McMillan and Pettersen, as well as the members of the Regatta Committee, did all in their power to make everyone comfortable. By three o'clock both craft were lined alow and aloft with spectators of both sexes and all ages, the total number on board being estimated at fully 2000 people. Amongst the visitors in the early forenoon were Paul Tuhaere and his son Kawhiti, who rowed up from Orakei, and were received and welcomed by Captain McMillan and the members of the committee. About midday great amusement was caused by the appearance of the launch of H.M.S. Orlando manned by about 100 lolly tars, who included in their number a drum and fife band, to whose music several fantastically arrayed individuals danced and performed a variety of ludicrous antics. The scene during the afternoon was a grand one the harbour literally swarming with craft of all description, including the stately ironclad and ocean-sailing packet, the greyhoundlike whaleboat, unwieldy scow, shapely yacht, top-hampered ferry boat, and miniature cockleshells of dingies and skiffs, all of which were crowded with spectators or performers. It is pleasing to note that during all the hurrying to and fro, tacking backwards and forwards of such a multitude of vessels, that no accident of any kind has been reported, and in almost every case the races passed off without dispute. Amongst the many who worked so hard to bring the Regatta to such a successful conclusion, the names of Messrs. C. C. Dacre (secretary), H. Parker (signaller), J. F. Haultain and D. Ross (starters), J. B. Graham and J. M. Brigham (judges) are worthy of particular mention, while the officers and crew of the Canterbury and Orion were on the alert all the time to further the exertions of the committee.

The following are the office-bearers and managing committee of the Jubilee Regatta:

Patron:—J. H. Upton, Esq., Mayor of Auckland. Vice-patrons: A. E. Devore, Esq, President Jubilee Celebration Sports; M. Niccol, Esq., Chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board. President: John Marshall, Esq. Vice-president: The Manager Union Steamship Company. Committee:—Messrs. A. H. Nathan (chairman), P. Dignan, C. C. Dacre, J. J. Holland, D. F. Evans, J. Waymouth, J. F. Haultain, D. H. Ross, T. McEwin, C. Webb, R. S. Reynolds, A. Buchanan, F. W. Edwards, E. H. Montgomery, A. S. Reid, W. Skeen, J. B. Graham, J. Knox, R. Baxter, H. Parker, J. Hodgson, H. Rees George, Captains Nearing, A. Farqu'ar, and W. Farquhar. Umpire sailing races: Mr. J. Waymouth. Judge sailing races: Mr. J. B. Graham. Stater sailing races: Mr. James Haultain. Measurer: Mr. George Goldie, Hon, treasurer: Mr. J. Waymouth. Umpire rowing races: Mr. D. F. Evans. Judge rowing races: Mr. J. M. Brigham. Starter rowing races: Mr. D. H. Ross. Handicappers: The Committee. Hon. Secretary: Mr. Charles C. Dacre.

The details of the day's racing are appended:—

1st Race.—Scows (bona fide baulk timber scows, square bilges, handicap): 1st prize. £20; 2nd, £10; 3rd, £2 10s. Course: From flagship round mark boat off Lake Takapuna, thence round Drunken Bay buoy, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves thence round mark boat off Sugar Works, finishing at flagship.

Irene (D. M. Darrah), 40 tons; Ida (G. Darrah, 29 tons. The Dungarvon and Hauturu also competed. The Ida got away from her moorings first, followed by the Dungarvon, Hauturu and Irene; but the Dungarvon got a good slant, and worked down the harbour, while the others were dodging about between the flagship and the North Shore, the wind being both light and contrary to making good progress, and it was some considerable time before the vessels made their appearance round the North Head. After dark a southerly breeze sprung up and the Ida, getting a good slant, worked well up, and finished first; the Irene, second, a good way astern.

2nd Race.—Coasting Cutters (Handicap), 12 tons and under 25, and which have not been built for yachts: 1st prize, £50, and clock presented by Mr. Kelsey; 2nd. £20; 3rd, £7. Course: From flagship, thence round black (Kate) buoy, Rangitoto Channel, thence round Drunken Bay buoy, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves, of Judge's Bay, thence round mark boat off Sugar Works. Twice round.

Gannet (J. Spencer), 17 tons; Henry (J. Hodgson), 14 tons; Margaret Casey (S. Lecky). 18 tons. The Sarah and Teviot also entered. This race was very disappointing owing to the unfavourable nature of the wind. At the start the Gannet and Henry were quickly under way, and when off tie North Share the Gannet had the foremost position. On the return up the harbour the Henry had taken first place, and kept it till the finish, winning well ahead of the Gannet, the others being a good distance astern.

3rd Race.—Yachts (first-class); Yacht Club Regulations (all marks to be kept on starboard hand): 1st prize, £40, and silver cup presented by John Marshall, President Regatta Club, valued at £1515s; 2nd, £20 Course: From flagship round mark boat off Lake Takapuna, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves, off Judge's Bay, thence round mark boat off Sugar Works-passing east side of black (Kate) buoy, Rangitoto Channel, going and coming. Twice round.

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Matangi (John Wiseman), 14.50 tons; Wenona (H. Whittaker); Ngaira (H. Haines), 847 tons; Maritana (W. Vereker Bindon), 1419 tons. From a flying start the Maritana rot away with a slight lead, the Ngaira second, the Matangi third, and the Wenona last, The Maritana went about to the north side of the flagship, but lost considerable ground, and off the Lizard the Ngaira and and Matangi were in front, fighting for windward positions. Abreast of the Devon-port wharf the Ngaira had the weather position, the Matangi being next, and the Maritana not far behind. All tacked across to Hobson's Bay, when the Matangi touched the ground, and hung for some minutes, having to lower the jib and work round, which delayed her considerably. Coming out of the bay, the Maritana assumed the lead, with the Ngaira close handy, but the latter weathered heron the next tack, and rounded the North Head first. On the return she still led, but the Maritana was at her heels, and on the run across to the Clara Hargreaves passed her, the Matangi being a good third. This order was maintained up the harbour, round the Sugar Works buoy, and until the vessels went into the Rangitoto Channel the second time. It was near dusk when they came inside North Head again, the order still being the same. With the wind almost a calm, and a strong ebb tide, progress up the harbour was very slow, but the Maritana maintained her advantage, and finished first about nine o'clock, the other pair giving up when near the Argyle, about eight p.m., their owners being under the impression that that was the latest hour at which the race could be finished.

4th Race.—Yachts (second-class); Yacht Club regulations (all marks to be kept on starboard hand): 1st prize. £20 and silver cup presented by the Colonial Insurance Company, valued at £15 15s; 2nd, £15; 3rd £3. Course: From flagship round black (Kate) buoy, Rangitoto Channel, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves, thence round mark boat off Sugar Works. Twice round.

Mapu (Waymouth and Son), 5 6-10 tons; Awatea (Fredk. W. Mace), 4¼ tons; Spray (A. J. S. Gibbs), 4.90 tons; Tawera (Carlaw and Stone), 7.1 tons; Juvarnia. The Awatea was first to get away, followed by the Mapu, Tawera, and Spray (with no topmast). The Juvarnia at the time of starting was on the north side of the flagship well over towards the shore, and of course was out of the running to all appearances. The Awatea, getting under the lee of the flagship, had to go about, and the Mapu shot ahead and went about to weather the Opal, the Tawera following. On the run across to Brick Bay the Tawera was sailing closer to the wind than the others. The Awatea was the first to go about, but was a long way astern, the Mapu well to windward, the Tawera following, and the Spray a long way behind. The Mapu got a good breeze out of Brick Bay, and made good running along the shore, being the first round North Head. On reappearing she still had the lead, and rounded the Clara Hargreaves fully a mile ahead of the Juvarnia, who, though starting so late, had made such progress as to take the second place, owing to making a mistake in the course. The Spray followed, leading the Tawera by a few seconds. The race resulted in a win for the Mapu, the Spray being second, Tawera third.

5th Race.—Fishing Boats, over 4 tons: 1st prize, £30; 2nd, £10: 3rd, £3. Course: from flagship round black (Kate) buoy, Rangitoto Channel, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves, thence round mark boat off Sugar Works. Twice round.

Caprera (J. Petonie), 8 tons: Christina (F. Williams), 8 tons; Laurina (F. Williams), 5 tons; May (D. Holland), tons; Foam (J. Quinn), 4 tons. The Caprera was first to get away, followed closely by the Laurina, and the others. The Caprera was the first to go about, the rest following, the Christina being astern a good distance. In the run across the harbour, the same positions were maintained, but on going about the Laurina took the leading place, with the Christina next, and the May a good deal astern; but the Christina was working well to windward. Off the Dock, where the boats again went about, the Christina took the foremost position, the Caprera a long way astern, followed by the Laurina. On the run up, the May had improved her position considerably, and was leading, the Laurina second, Christina third, and Caprera last. These positions were maintained up the harbour, and on the second time round, the race resulting: May, 1; Laurina, 2; Christina, 3; Caprera, 4, the Foam being a long distance astern.

6th Race.—Yachts (Third-class); Yacht Club Regulations (all marks to be kept on starboard hand). 1st prize, £20, and aneroid presented by Mr. Howden; 2nd, £10; 3rd, £2. Course: From flagship round black (Kate) buoy, Rangitoto Channel, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves, thence round mark boat off Sugar Works. Twice round.

Maia (W. and D. MacCormick), 3 8-10 tons; Manola (W. Holder), 3½ tons; Tangaroa (Thos. Kilfoyle), 3½ tons: Transit (H. Wright), 2.28 tons; Matea (Walter Jones). 3 9-10 tons; Isca (Henry Wilson), 3 tons. All formed into nice line, the Tangaroa being the first to get away, followed by the Maia, Transit, lsca, Matea, and Manola, the latter working well up to windward. All went about when off the Opal, the Manola taking the lead, the Maia second, the Tangaroa third, and the Transit fourth, but well to windward, and the Matea close up next, the Isca being last. When abreast of the Orlando they all went about again, heading into Brick Bay, the position being much the same, though the Maia was keeping close up to the wind, and the Manola still leading. When about off Calliope Dock the Maia had taken the lead, Tangaroa second, and the Manola third. On the return run the Manola was the first to round the North Head, Maia second, and the Isca third. On the second round the Manola still maintained the lead, but the Isca had worked up into second place, the Maia third, and the race resulted in that order.

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7th Race.—Open Sailing Boats (first-class), 20 feet and above 16 feet: 1st prize, £20; 2nd, £7; 3rd, £3. Course: From flagship round red buoy off Sandspit, North Snore, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves, thence round mark boat off Sugar Works. Twice round.

Era (J. Logan), 20 feet; Surprise (J. Collins), 20 feet; Ira (C. Bailey, jun.), 20feet; Alice (Kingi), 20 feet. The Alice did not start. The Era was the first to go about past the flagship, followed by the Ira and Surprise. Working across to Stanley Point the Era still kept a good lead, the wind freshening, and the Ira sailing closer to the wind than the others, the Surprise following close up, and got well to windward of the others, the Ira working away to windward. Passing Devonport Wharf the Era began to close on the Ira, and on the run up the Ira was first and the Era second, but the latter improved her position on the run down and took first place, which position was maintained, and the race resulted: Era, 1; Ira, 2; Surprise, 3.

8th Race.—Yachts (fourth-class), Yacht Club regulations (all marks to be kept on starboard hand): 1st prize, £10, and Cup presented by Messrs. P. Hay man and Co., valued at £7; 2nd, £5; 3rd, £1. Course: From flagship round black (Kate) buoy, Rangitoto channel, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves, thence round mark boat off Sugar Works. Finishing at flagship.

Sybil (M. Fairs), 1.52 tons; Doris (Geo. R. Webb), 1 7-10th tons; Nikau (Harold W. Hudson), 1-12 tons; Maud (R. Gibbs), 1 ton; Italy (G. P. Burton), 2 tons; Malvina (J. T. Munro). The Millie and Comet did not start. The Maud was the first away, with the Nikau, Malvina, Doris. Sybil, and Italy. On the run across the harbour these positions were maintained, but the Italy had much improved her place. As they ran along towards the dock, the Malvina crept ahead, the Maud and Nikau being next, while the Italy was well up to windward, these positions being maintained as the boats rounded the North Head. During the beat down Rangitoto Channel, some misapprehension appears to have occurred as to the proper buoy to be rounded, and the Italy, which had gained considerably, and the Doris, rounded the black buoy off the reef. The Maud, Nikau, and Sybil were the first to reappear round the North Head and pass the flagship, but it is thought that they have not gone the full course, and the Italy and Doris, which shortly after came up, are considered as first and second boats.

9th Race.—Fishing Boats, four tons and under: 1st prize, £20; 2nd, £7 10s; 3rd, £1 10s. Course: From flagship round black (Kate) buoy, Rangitoto Channel, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves, thence round mark boat off Sugar Works. Finishing at flagship. Venice (J. Lomey), tons; Lita (Jas. Clare), tons; Mignonette (J. Gallagher), 3½ tons; and May (F. Williams), 3¾ tons. The May Queen also started. The May was the first to get away, slightly ahead of the Venice, the Mignonette, and the Lita, the May Queen being last. On the lead across to Brick Bay, the May took the first position, but in the run down to the dock, the Mignonette displaced the May, the Venice being some little distance behind, and the May Queen away in the rear, with but little alteration these positions were maintained round the buoy in Rangitoto Channel, and the second run round, the race resulting—Venice, 1; May 2; Mignonette, 3.

10th Race.—Open Sailing Boats (second; class), 10 feet and under: 1st prize, £15. 2nd, £10; 3rd, £2. Course: From flagship round red buoy off Sandspit, North Shore, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves, thence round mark boat off Sugar-works. Twice round.

Lively (A. Smith), 16 feet; Devonport (G. Herrington), 16 feet; Sprite (J. Rogers) 16 feet); Clyde (D. McCallum), 16 feet; Coy (J. Hammond), 16 feet: Era (W. Holmes) 16 feet; Star (J. Maxwell). 13 feet; Vic (J. Mitchell), 16 feet; Phyllis (A. J. Carr), 16 feet; May (W. Lysaght), 16 feet. This was a good race for the first, half hour or so-all being pretty close together as they went down towards the North Head. As the wind failed in the Channel they straggled badly, and several gave up. The Alice came in first after dark, with the Era second. A third boat finished, and her owner expressed his intention of protesting but we were unable to ascertain her name.

11th Race.—Men-of-War Pulling Race: 1st prize, £10; 2nd, £5; 3rd, £2. Course From flagship round red buoy off Sandspit, North Shore, thence round hulk Clara Hargreaves, thence round mark boat oft Sugar Works. Twice round.

Orlando (launch), 60 men; Orlando (gig), 8 men; Orlando (galley), 8 men; Opal (galley) 8 men; Opal (pinnace), 34 men; Opal (whaler), 6 men. This was a grand race. The Orlando's galley, with eight men, took the lead, and maintained it for a considerable distance, but the gig from the same vessel, with a like crew, pressed them hard, and a desperate struggle ensued past the wharves for first place. The Opal's galley of eight men, and the Orlando's launch containing over 60 rowers, had a similar determined contest for third place. The tars, as they passed the shins and wharves, were repeatedly cheered, and responded by some grand spurting. The race finally resulted:—Orlando's gig, 1; Orlando's galley, 2; Opal's galley, 3; Orlando's launch, 4; Opal's whaler, 5; Opal's pinnace, 6

12th Race.—Men-of-War Gigs: 1st prize, £7; 2nd, £4; 3rd, £1. Course: From flagship, thence round steamer Argyle, thence round hulk Senator, finishing at flagship.

Orlando, first whaler; Orlando, second whaler; Orlando, despatch boat; Orlando, marines' whaler; Opal, whaler; Lizard, gig. This was another exciting event, and all the crews worked with great vigour throughout the contest. The Lizard's gig was allowed 11 seconds start, but got no nearer than fifth, the Opal winning rather easily. The result was:—Opal's whaler, 1;Orlando's 1st whaler, 2; Orlando's despatch boat 3; Orlando's 2nd whaler, 4; Lizard's gig, 5; Orlando's marines' whaler, 6.

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13th Race.—Men-of-War Cutters: 1st prize, £10; 2nd, £5. Course: From flagship round mark buoys, thence round hulk Senator, finishing at flagship. Orlando (No. 1), Orlando (No. 2), Opal, Lizard. Shortly after this event started the Orlando's two cutters had slightly the lead, and on the return past the wharves were neck-and-neck, pulling desperately. The Lizard's, however, were close behind going well, and, rounding the Senator smartly, got ahead, and won a very exciting race, the positions being:—Lizard's cutter, 1; Orlando's 2nd cutter, 2; Orlando's 1st cutter, 3; Opal's cutter, 4.

14th Race.—Champion Whaleboats: 1st prize, £100; 2nd, £35. Course: From starting boat off Point Resolution, thence round mark boats off St. Mary's Point, finishing at flagship.

Thames Rowing Club: W. Woodward, 1; J. Johnstone, 2; H. Slade, 3; H. Gallagher, 4; J. Johnstone, stroke; T. Rolton, steer-oar. Hauraki Rowing Club: S. Lowrie, R. Lowrie, A. Fisher, G. Tetley, H. Brownlee, and W. Rolton steer-oar. Waitemata Rowing Club: J. Collins, 1; T. B. O'Connor, 2; G. Barrett, 3; R. Moore, 4; M. Keefe, stroke; E. Moore, steer-oar. City Rowing Club: C. W. Pennalligan, 1: G. Bowles, 2; A. Harvey, 3; R. White, 4; W. Brophy, stroke; L. Skinner steer-oar. West End Rowing Club: F. W. Edwards, N. McLean. O. Wells, J. Whitticombe, J. Payne, stroke, A. Bailey steer-oar. This race, which was considered the event par excellence of the day was postponed for the arrival of the Vice-Regal party in the Nautilus, and was not started till about half-past four p.m. Mr. Ross got the five crews on very even terms, but the West End, which had the inshore position, rowing at a great pace, soon took the lead, the City men being slightly ahead of the Waitemata, who were third, the Hauraki being a length ahead of the Thames. When a couple of hundred yards had been traversed, the Waitemata had caught up to the City, but West End were still ahead; and off St. Barnabas Point the positions were:—West End, 1st; Waitemata, 2nd; City and Hauraki level, 3rd; Thames 5th. Both West End and Waitemata were rowing strongly, and in good time, but the City were a bit jerky, and Haurakislow in recovery. Off Mechanics' bay Waitemata had gained somewhat on the West End, and Hauraki had dispossessed City of third place, and the Thames were now level with the latter, all pulling hard against the ebb tide, and the coxswain of each boat backing up the stroke. Off the Senator hulk, Waitemata had got on terms with the leader, and settling down to their work drew steadily away and by the time the Railway wharf was reached daylight was apparent between the two boats. Between the Senator and the wharves both the City and West End crews were interfered with greatly by the ferry steamer Britannia running too close, and I giving them her backwash. Passing the Queen-street wharf, the Waitemata's, who were the favourites, were heartily cheered by the crowds on the pier, and the West End going strongly about two lengths behind, were also applauded. From this point out the race hardly needs description as the Waitemata and West End drew clear away from the other competitors, and rounded the buoys considerably in advance. The race resulted in Waitemata being first about 12 engths ahead of West End; behind these came Hauraki about 7 lengths further astern. Thames were 5 lengths behind their confreres, and the City last distanced. The victors were received with lengthened applause as they passed the flagships and wharves.

15th Race.—Naval Volunteer and Permanent Force Cutters (12-oared), which have been built for cutters: 1st prize, £30; 2nd, £15. Course: From flagship, thence round steamer Argyle, thence round hulk Senator, finishing at flagship. Chanticleer (Auckland Naval Artillery), Hinemoa (Auckland Naval Artillery), Jubilee (Thames Naval Artillery). Two crews from the Auckland Corps and one from the Thames competed. On the up journey they kept fairly even for a time, but on rounding the Argyle it was seen that the Hinemoa (the A.N.A.'s new boat) had the lead, and this was maintained to the finish, the Jubilee (Thames) being second, a couple of lengths behind, and the Chanticleer last.

16th Race.—Merchant Vessels' Gigs (4 oared), to be rowed by bona fide crew: Prize. £10. Course: From flagship, thence round steamer Argyle, thence round hulk Senator, finishing at flagship. Orion, Canterbury, Waimea. This was a first-rate race between the Canterbury and the Orion. The Canterbury was the first to get away, closely followed by the Orion. On the run up the Canterbury kept well ahead, and rounded the Argyle first, about a minute ahead of the Orion, the Waimea being a long way astern. Passing the Queen-street wharf the Canterbury had considerably increased her lead, and the Senator was rounded in the same order, and finished in the same order, about equal distances apart.

17th Race.—Whaleboats, to be rowed by junior amateur members of any recognised rowing club, and whose weight does not exceed 10 stone. Course: From Railway Wharf round mark boats off St. Mary's Point, finishing at flagship. West End Rowing Club: R. Dowden, C. Farquhar, H. Stevenson, J. Williamson, J. Clark, W. Scott, steer-oar. Ponsonby Rowing Club: A. Cook, A. McIndoe, A. Finlayson, Wm. Scott, G. Mackenzie. City Rowing Club: W. J. Evers, H. Barton, A. J. Parker, C. Otto, H. McNaughton, L. Skinner, steer-oar. Hauraki Rowing Club: W. Webb, J. Bradshaw, A. Rae. A. Brown, F. Brown, W. Rolton, steer-oar. North Shore Rowing Club: R. Logan, G. Chester, F. Chamberlain, H. Grattan, D. Harvey, A. Logan, steer-oar. All were despatched to an even start, but by the time the Queen-street Wharf was reached St. George's, which had the inshore position, were ahead, North Shore being second and Hauraki third. The leading boat increased her distance on the journey up the harbour, but owing to a passing cutter obscuring one of the buoys, mistook her proper mark. She, however, gained no advantage by the error, and won by eight or nine lengths, North Shore second, and Hauraki third. The last-named has pro- page 64 tested against the St. George's win, because of rounding the wrong buoy, but it is thought that both she and the North Shore made a similar mistake.

18th Race.—Whaleboats, to be rowed by amateur maiden oarsmen (Rowing Association definition) of any recognised rowing club: 1st prize, £15; 2nd, £5. Course: From Railway Wharf round mark boats off St. Mary's Point, finishing off flagship.

City Rowing Club: J. McDonnell, A. Eagle-ton, J. Miller, W. Lawson, J. Halpin, L. Skinner, steer-oar. Poverty Bay Rowing Club: Walters (stroke), Marshall, Hansen, Walters, Adeane. Waitemata Boating Club: C. McDonald, R. Stewart, T. O'Neill, J. Conway, M. McLeod, Moore, steer-oar. St. George's Rowing Club: F. Jervis, E. Anderson, A. E. Whyte, W. E. Thomas-Burton, H. Sanders, steer-oar. North Shore Rowing Club: B. Lambert, F. Brown, W Brown, C. Marshall, Otway, A. Logan, steer-oar. Ponsonby Rowing Club: J Cole, E. Tate, P. W. Scott, D. Cole. S. Bowden Hauraki Rowing Club: R. Inglis, J. Simpson, W. Anderson, J. Anderson, W. Moor-craft, W. Rolton, steer-oar. This, like the other rowing events, was a well-contested event, but the inshore craft had, owing to the strong ebb-tide, a considerable advantage. The Hauraki crew went away with the lead shortly after the wharf had been passed, and Ponsonby was second. Waitemata and St. George's crew fought hard for third place, and when the buoys had been rounded had run into second place, arid this order was maintained to the finish, the result being Hauraki, 1; Waitemata, 2.