MR. DAVID HOWARD

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 118, 14 November 1929, Page 11

MR. DAVID HOWARD

By the death of Mr. David Howard, at his residence, Island Bay, on Tuesday, at the age of 83 years,. yacßting ' circles • in. Wellington have lost ■ a staunch supporter, who had remarkable success as a yachtsman in regattas of former years. Mr. Howard was torn in Tasmania, where he acquired an extensive knowledge of seamanship in all its branches. He -came to "Wellington as a comparatively young man, and his experience as a yacntsnian. resulted in his being engaged to tako charge, of the Pot, a 25ft centreboarder, belonging to the late Mr. C. Hill, sen. The Pet ljad been built in Auckland by the late Mr. C. Bailey, sen., to 1" beat the champion, The Brothers, and she was successful in doing this in a memorable race. She was brought to Wellington in 1876 as an open boat, but was later decked and fitted with a keel. , Mr. Howard took a great pride in tho performances of the boat, andhis keon- ,: ness and skill resulted in numerous victories. A notable success was achieved in. a, match for £50 between the Pet and the Red Jacket, another crack boat, , the former winning by 30min. That was in 1880, when such races were regarded by the community as a whole as sporting events extraordinary. Mr. Howard continued as skipper of ,the Pet after she was sold to Mr. Arthur Dixon, of Hawker street, and when she again changed hands in 1890 he took over the Jessie Logan, owned by Mr. Dixon. and the late Mr. L. A. Williams. Once more he demonstrated his prowess as a yachtsman, and the Jessie Logan achieved a splendid record under his charge. His active connection with the pastime practically ended in 1891, but from that time until his death he maintained a keen interest in yachting throughout the Dominion. The Sanders Op contests had for him a special fascination, and he made a point of travelling each year to the scene of thj races. He was one of the Wellington contingent at Akaroa last year, and his prognostication that the Clyde would do well the series was amply borne out. The late Mr. Howard was also noted at one time for his skill in boxing, and it is said of him. that he never missed a fight at the Town Hall, if he could possibly attend.