YACHT SQUADRON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22444, 13 June 1936, Page 16

YACHT SQUADRON

ANNUAL PRIZE NIGHT

ASSOCIATION WITH NAVY COMMODORE'S INTEREST Success attended the annual prize night of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron held in the clubrooms last evening. There was a large attendance of members and guests, the commodore of the squadron, Mr. A. E. Gifford, presiding. The prizes won during the past season were presented by Commodore the Hon. E. R. Drummond, commanding the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. Other guests included Commander J. B. Hall, of H.M.S. Wellington; Comwander 0. B. Tin ley t of H.M.S. Philomel; Major A. Purvis, military secretary to the Governor-General, Viscount Gal way; Mr. D. Holdcrncss, actingsuperintendent of the Auckland Harbour Board; Captain 11. IT. Sergeant, harbourmaster; Colonel C. White, vicepresident of the Officers' Club; and Mr. C. H. T. Palmer, chairman of the Auckland Yacht and Motor-boat Association. Mr. Gifford welcomed the guests and thanked Commodore Drummond for accepting the invitation of the squadron to present the prizes. He spoke of the progress that had been made during the past season, in which the squadron had gained 47 new members. Much unsuitable weather had been experienced, but that had in no way affected the interest members had shown in the racing. Mr. Gifford emphasised the need for additional mooring space.

In proposing a toast to Commodore Drummond, the chairman said the squadron's association with the Navy had always been a liappj' one. Its interest in the Navy had been increased now that tho yacht Viking was flying the white ensign. Mr. Gifford wished Commodore Drummond every happiness during his stay in the Dominion. Commodore Drummond, in reply, said the Navy had been most unfortunate in not being able to take part in any regattas in the past season, and consequently the excellent liaison that had always existed between the Navy and yachtsmen had not been so much to the fore as previously. He hoped next there would .be an opportunity of making up for what had been lost I last season.

The task of teaching "sea sense" to the youth of New Zealand, Commodore Drummond continued, would bo greatly assisted by Mr. Ernest Davis' generous gift of the Viking. With the wonderful Hauraki Gulf, ideal for sailing as well as for gunnery and torpedo practices, the Viking would be a very great asset. In conclusion, he wished the squadron every success in the coming season.

The toast, "Kindred Clubs," was proposed by the vice-commodore of tho squadron, Mr. H. J. C. George, and replied to by Mr. Palmer. A cup presented to the squadron by the Governor-General, for some form of competition among members, was greatly admired. Musical items were given during the evening.