SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 104, 29 October 1940, Page 13

SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE

VALUE OF YACHTING

PRIME MINISTER'S TRIBUTE

"The training and the spirit of adventure which these boys gained through following the sport of yachting on their own harbour has done much towards moulding their character," said the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, patron of the Evans Bay Yacht and Motor-boat Club, at the official opening of the club yesterday afternoon. Mr. Fraser was referring to the fact that 45 members of the club were serving with the armed forces — 15 in the Navy, 15 in the Army, and 15 in the Air Force. Already two of the boys had been lost.

Mr. Fraser referred to the spirit of self-reliance which had been fostered in the people of New Zealand since the pioneering days, and which in some older countries was lacking, because the huge industries ground down the people's individuality. Undoubtedly the whole environment of New Zealand, although it would ultimately become a great industrial country, tended towards creating resourcefulness and self-reliance, and these were qualities that were standing the Empire in good stead at the present time.

"I don't know of anything that has contributed more towards that moulding of character than sport," said Mr. Fraser, "particularly a sport of such a hazardous and adventurous nature as yachting and boating. We are an island country, and our future will depend to a very large extent upon the ships that come to our shores and upon the ships that defend us and the men that defend us. In that respect, apart from the love of sport, and the pleasure that can be obtained from it, it is a valuable means of training our young manhood."

Other speakers were the president, Mr. G. T. Wilson, the commodore, Mr. E. W. Hargreaves, Mr. L. Robertson, representing the Wellington Provincial Yacht and Motor-boat Association, and representatives of other local clubs.

Mrs. W. H. Wagstaff broke out the pennant in front of the club-house, marking the opening of the season.

Unfortunately the weather wasrough, and the programme as originally planned had to be abandoned. A race for combined centreboard classes, sailed during the afternoon, drew a good field....

Results were as follows:—Swallow (4), 4.15.10., 1; Scamper (4), 4.16.8., 2; Mercury (s£), 4.16.57., 3; Torment (7), 4.24.11., 4; San Toy (2), 4.19.28, 4.17.28, 5; Nukumai (2J), 4.20.28, 4.17.58, 6; Manahau (6), 4;24.4, 4.18.4, 7; Delight (scr), 4.18.41, 4.18.41, 8; Waitangi (3£), 4.22.4, 4.19.34, 9.