built a boat to enter the rowing races at the

Charlottetown Regatta. He would also act as helmsman and coach of his four man crew: Joseph Boates, John MacKay, Alexander MacKay, and Donald

MacKinnon.

On the big day, Neil was on the road early with his precious craft loaded on a two-wheeled cart or truck. Well aware of the temptation of strong drink to his crew at three taverns on the.way the wise coach ordered the men to travel by sea and had them sail

away on the early morning tide.

The writer can well remember the description of this race from an old neighbour in the district, "Jimmie Hector" MacKay; of how, when the DeSable crew marched down to take their place' with their hemlock oars

and their hemlock shirts" a roar of derision went

up from some of the smartly uniformed men at the start- ing line. Entry crews were not only from Charlottetown,

many came from Pictou, Shediac and other ports.

Stung by the ridicule and with a great pride in them-

selves and their boat, the DeSable men were, it was