N.E. HARBOR BOATING CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 18280, 21 May 1923, Page 3

N.E. HARBOR BOATING CLUB

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING. A MOST SUCCESSFUL YEAR. The first annual meeting of the Northeast Harbor Boating Club was held in the boat shed, Macandrew’s Bay, on Saturday evening, Mr A. MMTutchon presided, and there was a large attendance of members. In presenting tho first annual report the committee reported an exceedingly satisfactory state of affairs, and that the club had been firmly established. This could be attributed to tho enthusiasm of the original promoters and the members generally, assisted by a generous public, who had* subscribed the funds, which left the club in a sound financial position and a boat shed free of debt. Members were well aware of the negotiations which led up to the purchase of tho Dunedin Amateur Boating Club's shed at Vauxhall io tho good work performed by Mr Wilkie and Mr Robertson, of the Harbor Board’s staff, in its removal intact to Macau drew s Bay to its present site. To finance tho above operations tho committee promoted a queen carnival and bazaar, which resulted in a generous response to the committee’s appeal for funds—a, net sum of £289 7s 7d. This result was achieved by the activities of the country queen (Miss Gilmour) and her committee, the town queen (Miss Butler) and her committee of willing helpers. The bazaar also contributed substantially to the funds, and the committee, while recognising the merit of a host of willing workers, desired to place on record the excellent work of the stallholders and their assistants. The committee also desired to place on record its appreciation of the services of the club's first secretary (Mr T. M. Dickinson) for the satisfactory manner in which he devoted his energies to the welfare of the club. Owing to pressure of business, Mr Dickinson resigned from office, and Mr C. Hook was appointed by the committee to sneered him. The official opening of the boat shed was a matter of common interest to all connected with the sport, and the committee recorded its appreciation of the Otago Audit Clubs action in joining forces for the opening day, its thanks to the representatives of other clubs for their attendance, and to the large number of visitors who attended to make the opening day a memorable event in tho annals of the club. club, being affiliated to flic Otago Aachh and Motor Bait Association, was called upon to assist in financing tho venture to recover tho Sanders Cup. In view of the splendid response to the appeal for funds to pay for the boat shed, the committee did not deem the lime opportune to make a personal canvass for contributions. With the assistance of the Regatta Committee (£10) and voluntary contributions, the committee paid its quota (£25) to assist in this worthy object. It was hoped that, with the facilities now at the disposal of members, every effort would be made to preserve the best traditions of the. sport, and that the coming year would witness an increase not only to the fleet, but in the interest taken in the welfare of the club. The balance-sheet showed 1 a credit balance of £36 10s 2d, with liabilities nil, and a boat shed valued at £4OO free of debt. It .was pleasing to report that the Regatta Committee had arranged a basis of amalgamation with the chib, and that for the future this annual fixture would be under the auspices of the North-east Harbor Boating Club. It was hoped l that this union would result in joint action to further establish Boxing Day regatta as the event year at the bay. To further tho interests in the club’s activities, Mr 0. B. Elliott had donated a cup for the sailing dinghy race, and l the committee desired to thank him for his gift. The committee wished to convey its thanks to the ladies of the district, to the Improvement Society for the use of the hall, to the Press, and to all who had l assisted to make tho first year's existence of the club such a success.

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said these gave in detail the operations for the past year, and showed that the affairs of the club were in a most satisfactory position. The club had made wonderful progress during the past twelve months, and its success was in a large measure due to the splendid support by tho residents of the district. The club had made an appeal to the bay people, and they had responded most generously. Ho trusted that members would take every opporunity to make full use of the shed, both for boating and bathing, and get all the enjoyment possible out of the building. Mr L. Kellett seconded the motion. In speaking to tho motion, Mr J. M'Donald said he was a new resident at tho bay, but ho was beginning to take a. keen interest in the club and boating generally. The committee had accomplished wonderful things during the year, and it was pleasing to see the residents taking such an interest in the affairs of tho club. It was indeed a fine thing to see such a splendid shed erected at the bay. He hoped tho dub would continue to bo successful. It had a groat function to perform, in addition to providing facilities for its members, by making accommodation for the young people of the district. He had been particularly struck by tho healthy children to be seen at the bay, and the club should look after the pleasures of the young folk. There was a. great future before Macnmlrew’s Bay, and ho hoped that some flay it would bo the big playground and picnic ground for the people of Dunedin. He congratulated the commodore and the club on the great success won during the past year. The report and balance-sheet were adopted, Mr F. P. Brown wrote staling that in the event of the amalgamation of the clubs being confirmed ho would present a trophy to ho competed for at the next regatta. In replv to a question by Mr G. Bewley, the Chairman explained how the amalgamation of the Macandrew’s Bay Regatta Committee and the Boating Club had been achieved. The basis of amalgamation was agreed to at a special meeting of the club about two months ago, and the. decision was confirmed by the outgoing committee. He felt sure that the amalgamation was a stop in the right direction, and that it was far better to have one controlling body in connection witli the boating activities of the district. Mr Kellett, asked wha.t sized boat was to be allowed in the shed. He was conversant wifii the rule, but many members were not.

The Chairman said that Mr Kellett, as vice-captain, should be thoroughly conversant with the ruling on the matter. The captain and vice-captain should use their own discretion as to the size of the boats allowed in the shed. Mr Kellett said that the committee should specify the size of boats to be allowed to be placed in the shed.

Mr Elliott said it was a matter which should be left entirely in the hands of the captain and deputy-captain. The following officers were elected for tho ensuing year; —Commodore, Mr A. M'Hutchon (re-elected) : vice-commodore, Mr F. J. Carter; captain, Mr J. Vivian; vice-captain, Mr L. Kellett; secretary, Mr C. Hook; treasurer, Mr C. S. P. Free; committee—Messrs E. T. Moller, O. B. Elliott, H. Macandrcw, R. Luke, W. Brookman, F. Carter, V. M. Dickinson, R. Free; delegates to tire Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Club —Messrs E. T. Moiler, C. G. Smith, and L. Kellett.