AQUATIC SPORTSMEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17253, 1 September 1919, Page 5

AQUATIC SPORTSMEN.

MUMPERS INCREASING.

LARGE SUMS EXPENDED.

It is estimated that there are about 4000 men participating in yachting and motorboating in the Auckland cruising grounds in normal seasons, and there is every indication that this number Trail be greatly increased during the next few years. There were at the end of last season,22Q yachts and 169 launches registered with the Auckland Yacht and Motor Boat Association, while there are about 150 unregistered pleasure boats; of all classes. It is claimed by Auckland yachtsmen, who have requested the Auckland Harbour Board to provide a boat harbour for the better protection of these boats,' that these craft are an asset. to any port, for although they may not be aotuaa payers of dues they have been, the main support of many boat-builders, who- but for this class of work would never have been in, the business. As many of the builders' slips and sheds have been on Harbour Board property it is obvious that indirectly at least the boat owner has been contributing to the -upkeep, of the port. The value of the boats turned out by Auckland firms alone is estimated at from. £20,000 to £35,000 a year, while the boata now in hand and due for delivery in time for the Christmas and New Year vacation, represent a total value of. about £10,000,