THE SANDERS CUP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21578, 24 August 1933, Page 8

THE SANDERS CUP

The controversy over the Sanders Cup contests and the control of the symbol of victory is most deplorable. Before they carry iC any fur-, ther, at least in public, all parties might pause and reflect upon the unseemliness of a wrangle over a sporting event which commemorates the name of a very gallant New Zealand sailor, the late LieutenantCommander William Edward Sanders, R.N.R., V.C. Better far that the contests should cease and the cup be put in the crucible than that the hero's honoured name should bo bandied about in this way. Because of the superb valour of this son of Auckland the name is more than a name; it is a living thing, an inspiration, and an example. Therefore, it should not be used as a mere title of a cup and a sailing race. It is unnecessary to enter into the details of the dispute. Doubtless each party is convinced of the correctness of its attitude. But the very fact that all are so engrossed in contention makes it self-evident that the purpose of promoting friendly rivalry and encouraging young men and boys to become skilful in the sailing of small craft is being defeated. It is suggested that for some time the tests have tended to excite more interest in the a t of boat-building than in that of sailing. Be that as it may, it is of pressing importance that the race should not be allowed to become so fiercely competitive as to be unworthy of the spirit of the man in whose memory it is held. Under the unfortunate circumstances perhaps the best procedure would be for the Auckland Yacht and Motor-boat Association to surrender the possession of the trophy to the donors, thus disposing of the question of who holds authority over it, and for the donors to ask the

New Zealand Yachting Council to release them from any commitment made about it. This granted, they should lock it away against a day when the government of the sport has smoothed out its difficulties. New Zealand-wide competition is to ba encouraged, but there is no reason why each centre should not hold a Sanders race for which the prize might well bo the leaf of a bay tree Sanders knew or a button from his uniform. There is no need to have a trophy of any intrinsic value. Indeed, there seems to be good reason for avoiding the influences that may attach to cups.