YACHTING

Evening Post, Issue 113, 10 November 1930, Page 14

YACHTING

EVANS BAY CLUB

OPENING OF SEASON

The official opening of the Evans Bay Yacht and Motor-boat Club's season took place at the clubhouse on Saturday afternoon, when, despite the unsettled weather, there was a large attendance of members and their friends, and visitors from kindred clubs. Boats were present from the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club, the Worser Bay Boating Club, and the Heretaunga Boating Club. The commodore (Mr. W. H. Wagstaff) cordially welcomed the visitors, and apologised for the absence of the president (Mr. J. Paterson), who deeply regretted being unable to attend. It was the first time Mr. Patersou had not been present on opening day. Mr. Wagstaff expressed the hope that the Anniversary Day regatta would this season be held in Evans Bay, which was ideal for small-boat sailing. The past season had been very successful, and they were looking forward to an even better season. Mr. R. Semple, M.P., complimented the club on its enterprise and progress, and wished it a successful season. He had tried during the recent session of Parliament to induce the Government to cany Sanders Cup boats on the railways free of charge, but the Minister iv charge had Faiij he was unable to accede to the request owing to' the (financial stringency. However, said Mr. Semple, he would try again. Mr. Semple referred to the proposed reclamation iii Evans Bay, and said it had, been instended to introduce a Bill last session asking Parliament to interfere, but some encouragement had been received from thie Harbour Board and negotiations were taking place in the hope that a liberal and reasonable compromise would be reached. The outlook was, he thought, encouraging, a.itd he hoped they would not ultimately have to •go to Parliament. Mr. W. Dijtacan, commodore' of the R.P.N.Y.C., congratulated the club on itschoice of a ctommodore. Mr. Wagstaff had had a gneat deal of experience in yachting, and 'he. had shown his enthusiasm by buying the Betty in the hope that the Sanders Qup might come to Wellington. Mr. Duncan added that as selector he wanted td make it clear that no favours would bei shown to any boat in the trials, which wtmld commence on 17th November. Undk?r no circumstances would the start.be dejayed in any race. Representatives of the Worser Bay, Paremata, and Heretaunga Club also spoke. The patrou GMr. A. A. George) referred to the club's progress, and complimented it on having elacted Mr. Wagstaff as commodore. The i club was anticipating a. successful season again, and was prepared for it. He than unfurled the flag aud declared the season opened. After afternoon tea had been served, a programme of eports and novelty events was carried oub, and a dance was held iv the evening.