YACHTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 94, 22 April 1926, Page 11

YACHTING.

ROYAL N.Z. YACHT SQUADRON. GOVERNOR-GENERAL, AS A YACHTSMAN. The fifty-fourth annual prize night of the Royal Now Zealand Yacht Squadron was held in the Club Rooms, Endcan's Buildings, last evening. Commodore A. E. Glfford presided over a large gathering, Including the patron, his Excellency Sir Charles Fergusson, naval officers, , representatives of local bodies and kindred clubs. Mr. Gilford, in extending a welcome to Sir Charles Fergussoti, said they greeted him not only as their Sovereign's representative, but as a brother yachtsman. »nd they were proud of the fact that he had accepted the position of patron. For some years past they had been fortunate in that several gentlemen who occupied the position of Governor had taken a keen interest in yachting, and he was sure Sir Charles would spend some time next season on the water. In responding to the toast of "Our Patron," his Excellency said he was delighted to be "amongst them as a brother yachtsman, and thanked the members for electing him to the position of patron. They had been fortunate in having Lord Jelllcoe as Governor. Lord Jelllcoe had told him all about their 14-footers, but warned hl*n they were "a bit wet." His Excellency said he was brought up with 1 love of the sea. In IS6B his father had (i cutter yacht in South Australia, and he went with his father on week-end cruises. When they came to New Zealand in 1873 they brought- a schooner yacht built in Scotland, and during the following two and a-half years they cruised all round New Zealand in her. Later in Ireland he owned a yscht and raced her at all the regattas around the coast. They were a general nuisance to the sailing officials, he said, amidst much laughter, and they once won a second prize. He had hopes before leaving New Zealand of getting another yacht and trying to do better. (Applause.) Yachting, said his Excellency in conclusion, brought out all the good qualities in young men and had helped to make history. , Mr. J. W. Frater. Vice-Commodore, proposed the toast of "Kindred Clubs." They were pleased to so? so many clubs ■ represented, Mr. Frator said, and he referred to the good spirit now. existing between all local clubs. ; This was largely due to the efforts of the Auckland Tacht- and Motor Boat- Association, under the chairmanship of Mr. 3. B. Johnston. Mr. J. B. Johnston, in responding on behalf of the clubs, said the spirit of goodwill was as important in yachting as in anything else. The clubs had all worked together for the general good of the sport, and this goodwill was never so pronounced as at present. The old rivalry had gone for ever, and a mutual interest and sympathy had taken its place. This good feeling was not confined to Auckland, said Mr. Johnston. Thanks to the annual competition for the Sanders Cup they had met yachtsmen all over New Zealand, and in ■pite of little differences about 14-footers they all displayed the same true spirit of the%sea. Mr. W. P. Endean, Rear-Commodore, in proposing the toast of "Local Bodies," said that In spite of the demands of finance and other Berious matters, local bodies did find time ; to encourage the manly sport of yachting, which would provide men in time of need if they were again required. Mr. Eric Inder, in responding to this toast, said he knew they wanted a boat harbour, and this matter was being pushed on as fast as possible. As citizens, they recognised the necescWy of providing facilities for the training of young men in aquatic sport They were part of the British Empire, which relied on the navy for its existence, and this must be kept going by young men. . Sir Charles Fergusson presented the prices won" during the .season, a fnll list of which has appeared In ,cur aquatic column-, fcawone won the Maeky Memorial Cup and th_> special prize for the highest points on the season's racing; Waitangi won the Gftvernor-Qeneral'a Cup; Rangi w_a tha long distance race; Prire won the Httron Bequest. Of the launches. Lady Mars*ret, Adelaide and Kathryn R. were most -rueeessfal. The H class prises were well distributed between Mollle, Matarere, Manene and Maroro. Musical items were rendered by Mr. F. Amodeo's string quartet, and Messrs. Alan McElwain, Stan. Pritchard and M. Ballance, Mr. H. Worsley acting as accompanist. ••--.'•'