An exciting stage in the war canoe race.

Ngaruawahia Regatta

Saturday, 16 March was a scorching day, almost too hot for even a regatta, and the thousands watching the events were envious of the competitors in various craft on the water.

Ngaruawahia attracted visitors from near and far, and as usual, the Maori war canoe and hurdle races drew the largest crowds.

Fortunes varied in the races, and one of the funniest sights was to see one leading canoe suddenly lose way and begin to sink. Crew members stayed in position and gradually, as trunk and shoulders went below the water, their heads become a row of equidistant dark patches on the surface. The canoe was righted and no harm was done, and the watching crowds enjoyed the unplanned entertainment.

This is perhaps not the most orthodox way to get over, but all methods count in the canoe hurdle race.