YACHTSMEN WELCOMED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18929, 29 January 1925, Page 11

YACHTSMEN WELCOMED.

THE SANDERS CUP CREWS. VALUE OF THE COMPETITION. AN INSPIRATION TO YOUTH. A civic reception to yachtsmen competing in the. Sanders Cup' contest was given in the council chamber in the Town Hall last evening. Representatives of the crews from Wellington, Southland, Otago, Hawke's Bay, and Canterbury were present. In welcoming the visitors the Mayor, Sir James Gunson, commented upon the previous Sanders Cup contests and referred to the friendliness existing between all participants. "We welcome our visitors not merely in our formal capacity as citizens, but from the unofficial standpoint of sportsmen greeting friends interested in aquatic matters," said Sir James. "Our guests come primarily as the representatives of aquatic interests in various centres. I know of no pastime which brings together so many enthusiastic and representative sportsmen. We welcome them in recognition of the extensive part aquatic sport plays in New Zealand. It is second only to Rugby football and is the greatest summer sport in the Dominion," Sir James indicated the exceptional facilities enjoyed by New Zealand yachtsmen. Hie natural harbours and attractive cruising grounds were unequalled in the world, and these, features afforded opportunity for tho extensive development of aquatic interests. Tho promotion of tho Sanders Cup contests had given a, great impetus to yachting. The popularity of the com petitions was due in a large measure to the support, of public-spirited citizens who devoted themselves to encouragement, of the races. These men set an example by their continued participation in yachting. In spite of some little discomfort they maintained their keenness and this served as an incentive to the rising generation. Among tho outstanding examples of genuine yachtsmen was the former Gov-ernor-General, Lord Jellicoe. His enthusiasm and support had resulted in considerable development of aquatic pastimes. Great praise was also due to Mr. ,T. P. Johnson, chairman of the New Zealand Yacht and Motor-Boat Association. In conclusion Sir James said: "-We, aro in for a keen contest and when the winner has been declared, we know we can look forward to a continuation of the goodfeeling which has always characterised the Sanders Cup races." (Applause.) Addresses in reply were delivered by Mr. A. B. Moffatt on behalf of the South Island visitors, and by Mr. W. Duncan for the Wellington yachtsmen. Mr. A. Hatrick, of Wanganui, spoke on behalf of visitors concerned in speed-boat racing.

YACHT SQUADRON'S WELCOME. PROSPECTS FOR THE CONTEST. A large and representative gathering of yachtsmen assembled at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron's Clubrooms last evening to welcome tho Southern crews and representatives, attending the Sanders Cup contests. The squadron commodore, Mr. A. E. Gifford, said one great advantage of the Sanders Cup contest was the opportunity it afforded New Zealand yachtsmen to compare notes. Auckland wanted the best boat to win. Personally, if the cup were to go South, he would like it to be won by the Murihiku (Applauso. j Commodore Duncan, of the Royal Port Nicholson Club, had remarked that everything seemed to he moving in the Waitemata Harbour. The visitors would have to watch that a certain little brown boaw the Queen March, did not move too fast. (Laughter.) "I don't know," said Mr. Gifford, " whether Mr. Duncan was referring to the water or to the wharves — they move sometimes, too." (Laughter.) ' Numerous toasts were honoured during the evening, which was also enlivened by musical items.