ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21514, 10 June 1933, Page 11

ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION

A SUCCESSFUL YEAR

LORD BLEDISLOE'S PRAISE

The annual prize evening of the Rojal New Zealand Yacht Squadron was held last evening. The Gover-nor-General, Lord Bledisloe, was present and as patron distributed the prizes. Among those present were: Commodore F. Burges Watson, Captain Y. A. C. Crutchley, Commander E. L. Berthon, Commander 11. Bamsbotham and Colonel J. E. Duigan. The commodore, Mr. J. H. Fratcr, who presided, said that for economic reasons some falling-off in the activities of the club was expected. However, the full programme of 19 events was carried out, with 192 entries, making an average of over 10. Onlv one boat had remained hauled out. because the owner was out of Auckland. This was a good testimony to the keenness of the members, who, if these were dark days ashore, did not allow their days afloat to be overcast. Mr. Frater spoke with satisfaction of the results attained in tlio C class, instituted at the beginning of the season. Although not yet very large, its separation from the B class had been fully justified. Squadron and Navy

In speaking of tho happy relations between tho squadron and the Navy, he mentioned that Commodore Burces Watson had sailed the Ariki in a harbour race. Commander Berthon had been one of the most enthusiastic members, and his departure next September would be much regretted. As showing the active state of the squadron, Mr. Frater said the membership had risen from 439 last August to 457 at present, and 13 of the new members were juniors. The efforts to encourage young men to join had been most successful, and negotiations were being carried on with the Harbour Board for better accommodation for their boats.

In proposing tho health of the Gov-ernor-General, Mr. Frater said the members had a sincere regard for His Excellency personally and admired the way in which he carried out his duties in a difficult time. He had got close to the people, understood their difficulties and encouraged them in dark days to which, happily, there were definite signs of an end. It was their hope that His Excellency and Lady Bledisloe would still be in New Zealand when better times returned. Governor-General's Reply

Lord Bledisloe, in replying, congratulated the squadron on a most successful year, and particularly upon the increase in membership. This, he said, was strong evidence that the so-called depression was not affecting the squadron. He saw no reason why it should. To judge from the faces ho saw before him, especially that of the veteran Captain William Ross, there must be an element in yachting that preserved from youth to age a fine degree of physical fitness under the untoward conditions of business life. He was glad to see so many 3*oung men who were obviously keen and capable yachtsmen. Yachting in New Zealand was quite obviously not a monopoly of the well-to-do, and in this the Dominion offered a saultary lesson to yachtsmen throughout the world. He was glad to find such happy contacts between the Royal Navy and the squadron, and to know that naval officers had competed in races and carried off some of the awards. The toast of "Kindred Clubs" was proposed by Mr. E. H. Northcroft, vice-commodore, Mr. C. H. T. Palmer, chairman of the Auckland Yacht and Motor-boat Association, responding. The commodore presented to Commodore Burges Watson an album of photographs as a memento of the weekend regatta at Kawau. Commodore Burges Watson, replying, said he hoped a similar reunion would be possible in the coming year.