YACHT SQUADRON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22741, 29 May 1937, Page 15

YACHT SQUADRON

ANNUAL PRIZE NIGHT GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S VISIT AUCKLAND'S FINE HARBOUR In an atmosphere of happy informality, typical of yachtsmen's gatherings, trophies won during the season were presented by. the Governor-Genei-al, Viscount Gal way, at the annual prize night of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, held in the club rooms last evening. His Excellency said he did not know of any other city which could equal Auckland for charm and the facilities which it presented for the sport. The commodore of the squadron, Mr. A. E. Gifford, presided over a large attendance of members and guests, which included the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, Captain I. G. Glennie and officers of H.M.S. Achilles, Commander C. B. Tinley, officer in charge of the Devonport Naval Base, and officers of H.M.S. Philomel; Captain Peter Dawson, Mr. D. Holderness and Captain H. H. Sergeant, superintendent and harbourmaster respectively of the Auckland Harbour Board; Colonel C. White, president of the Officers' Club; Mr. C. H. T. Palmer, chairman of the Auckland Yacht and Motor-boat Association; the town clerk, Mr. J. Melling; and Captain W. Ross, one of the oldest members of the squadron. Season in Review The past season was notorious for the fact that, from the point of view of weather, it was the worst experienced since the formation of the squadron, Mr. Gifford stated, before expressing appreciation of the attitude adopted by the Harbour Board in its wonderful effort' in providing a boat harbour. " Perhaps we did not really expect to get it, but it will prove a great asset," Sir. Gifford said. Reviewing the races conducted during the season, Mr. Gifford said overt seas inquiries had been received for details of the design of the M class boats 1 which were sailed in Auckland. He ; mentioned the splendid seamanship and 1 skill displayed by crews in the mullet boats, which he regarded as affording a fine training in yachting for young enthusiasts. Mr. Gifford concluded by expressing appreciation of the assistance lent the squadron by the ships of the Royal Navy at Auckland and by the owners of motor-boats. Replying to the toast of " The Patron/' which was proposed by Mr. Giffordj Viscount Galway said he only regretted that he had been unable to take part in the squadron's activities before, but circumstances had been rather against him. However, he hoped that when he returned at Christmas time he would be able to participate in yachting, the popular sport of Auckland. Auckland Unequalled "Auckland is wonderfully situated for yachting, and I do not know of any city in the world that can equal it for charm and facilities for this sport," His Excellency declared. "And it is well to know that full advantage is taken of these kindly blessings of Nature by so many who are fond of the open air, the sea and particularly the sport of yacht racing. We wish them all the best of good luck, and I hope the sport will develop more and more, and that Auckland will continue in its pride as a great yachting centre in this part of the globe." Viscount Galway explained that yachting had not come his way much, for he lived in the very middle of England. However, yachting in England had a great hold, and he thought they might look back to the late King George V. as probably one of the greatest and most enthusi astic yachtsmen in England for a great, many years. In fact, hp considered that all who knew him would agree that probably the happiest time? of King George's life were spent in sailing the Britannia, which he frequently steered himself. j A Sailor King •'Now we have a sailor King, and I we hope he will build another Britannia to show that he is following his father's Tootsteps, and to reveal his interest in one of the most magnificent of sports," His Excellency added. Proposing the toast of kindred clubs, the vice-commodore of the club, Mr. H. J. C. George, said there were 15 clubs operating on the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, and their members bad revealed a very good spirit, of comradeship and sportsmanship. Hicongratulated the Royal Akarana Yacht Club on the Royal Charter which it had received from the King. "The clubs are a very happy body," stated Mr. Palmer, in reply. He referred to the building of the St Marj r 's_Bay boat harbour to accommodate 670 craft, and expressed thanks to the Harbour Board and to the Government for its subsidy of £IO,OOO. A musical programme was contributed during the. evening.