More Info →Jaycees' Raft Race: An 88-Strong Armada of Rafts

Description

The first in this set of images was taken for a story published in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 3rd December 1973.

"An 88-strong armada of rafts makes its way down the Manawatu River yesterday during the Awapuni Jaycees' fourth annual raft race. The 5.2-mile race, from Te Matai Road to the Fitzherbert Avenue Bridge was won by a six-man crew from the Valuation Department."... "Second place went to the Maw Haws Social Club"... "and third to the Mr Whippy Icecream raft."

"One raft travelled only a few yards before overturning, while four others broke up during the journey. A further three had to be pulled out. Submerged logs between Albert Street and Victoria Avenue made conditions tricky for competitors as they swept through the area."

This was the Awapuni Jaycees’ fourth annual raft race. The 5.2-mile race from Te Matai Road to the Fitzherbert Bridge was a popular outing, attracting 88 competing crews and between 3000 to 4000 spectators. The money raised was used for community charity development.

Identification

Object type

Image

Archive

Manawatū Evening Standard Negative Collection

Relation

2017-20

Date

December 3, 1973

Digitisation id

2023N_2017-20_AO298_003

Format

B&W negative

Held In

"Other"