YACHTSMEN TROUBLED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22946, 26 January 1938, Page 12

YACHTSMEN TROUBLED

REGATTA DAY GUNFIRE 1 A POTENTIAL DANGER MILITARY AUTHORITY'S REPLY Auckland yachtsmen are concerned that from 6 a.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Saturday, when numerous small craft will bo making their way up the harbour. from Howick, Tamaki River and Ponui Island for tlio opening of the Auckland Anniversary Regatta, gunnery practice with live shells will bo directed from tho fort on North Head toward Brown's Island. Mr. H. J. C. George, commodore of tho Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, said last night it was unfortunate that the military authorities cho.se such a day for gunnery practice, since unless great care was exercised some small yachts might come within tho line of fire. Tho military authorities reply that every precaution will be taken. Mr. George communicated with Major F. N. Nurse, district artillery officer in the Northern Military District and officer commanding the Royal New Zealand Artillcr3', and asked whether tho firing could be postponed until ,a later date or put forward a day. Between 20 and 30 boats would bo coming up the harbour between eight and 10 o'clock on Saturday morning, and shelling from North Head would place them in a dangerous situation.

Major Nurse replied that every possible safeguard had been provided against the chance of a jvieht being struck. The military authorities recognised that tho regatta was a notable day for Auckland yachtsmen and tho public generally, but the defence programme was so full that it did not permit of alterations at this stnue. In any event, yachtsmen need have no fear for their safety, as if their boats came within the arc of fire, shooting would immediately cease. Tho hours of practice had been arranged so that firing would be over long before the beginning of the first race.