AQUATICS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 205, 30 August 1926, Page 13

AQUATICS.

N.Z. POWER BOAT ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL PBIZE NIGHT. The New Zealand Power Boat Association held the annual social and distribution of prizes won during the past season in the clubhouse, King's Drive, on Saturday evening, Commander C. H. Palmer presiding over a large attendance of members and visiting yachtsmen. Mr. Palmer was supported by Captain H. H. Sergeant, Mr. A. G. Lunn (excommodore), Mr. R, C. Renner (vice-com-modore), and Mr. J. T. Lloyd (rear-commo-dore). The social and supper rooms were tastefully decorated with streamers and bunting, while the trophies made a fine show, including the Masport, Burt, Walker and Hall, and Palmer cups and Big Tree shield. The proceedings opened wtth the firing of the starting gun. Mr. Palmer welcomed the visitors, and said the past season had been one of tfte best in the history of the club. They knew that power boat events did not attract "the attention a yacht race did, but for the past three seasons they had endeavoured to encourage speed boat racing, and this had resulted in some keen competi- [ tion, and was proving very popular. The prospects for the coming season were very ! bright, and a number of new fast boats were Ito be built. Mr. Palmer referred to the I fact that the principal trophy, the Masport Cup, for the interprovincial speed championship of-New Zealand, had been taken to Wanganui by Messrs. Hatrick's boat Miss Virginia, and it was their duty to try and get it back next season. Mr A. G. Lunn congratulated the club on the success of the past year. He was inclined to think it had slowed down at times, but now he was sure it had been rejuvenated. The fine array of trophies made him sorry that he had retired from active participation in the sport. Mr. Luun eaid the club was acting wisely in the encouragement given to speed boat contests, and he hoped in time to see boats from Australia taking part.

Captain Sergeant distributed the prizes, and also spoke of the high standard of racing conducted by the Association. The principal prize winners were:—Burt Cup, Grace Darling, steered by Miss Renner ; Palmer Cup, Lady Margaret; Big Tree Shield. Lady Margaret; first cruising race, Esther G.; second cruising race, Lady Margaret ; final cruising race. All Bell. Speed boat: General handicap. Baby Dcv; speed boats over 25 knots, Miss X ; under 25 knots, Spot; all speed boats handicap, Ngaro; Auckland speed championship, Ngaro; New Zealand speed championship. Miss Virginia. During the evening musical items were ably given by Miss Murphy and Messrs. Girr and Davidson. ' Supper was served by the Ladies' Committee, after which dancing was contined until a late hour.