AQUATICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3774, 13 July 1926, Page 58

AQUATICS.

NORTH-EAST HARBOUR CLUB. A meeting of the North-East Harbour Boating Club was held on the evening of July 7, when there were present Commodore E. T. Moller (in the chair), Messrs S. Brown, Cormack, Free, Grigg, Gibson, Hill, . Hook (secretary), Macandrew, M’Hutchon, Robinson, Timms. Outward and inward correspondence was read and received. Accounts amounting to £2 10s 9d were passed for payment. Mr M‘Hutchon brought up the matter of the annual regatta for the purpose of having the question thoroughly discussed. In doing so he referred to the apparent lack of interest taken in the gathering by those moso directly concerned, with the result that the worlc of running the function devolved on a few. It was just a question whether the results warranted the expenditure of such a large amount of money and whether, if more interest was not displayed by those interested in aquatics, the regatta should not be dropped. The Commodore thanked the speaker for bringing the matter forward, and was of the opinion that it was worthy of careful consideration. Several other members spoke on tho subject, all being agreed that the interest was on the wane. It was suggested, however, that the question could be fully discussed at the annual meeting, when members would have a ohance of snowing their practical interest. At the conclusion of the boating club meeting, an adjournment was made to Malcolm’s Tearooms for the purpose of a social half hour. Mr M'Hutchon, vice-commodore, presided, and in a few remarks, mentioned that the function was held for the purpose of honouring the local members who corntested the Oornwel] Cup contests, and also to mark their appreciation of one of their number who was removing from their midst. As it was nearing the close of the present committee’s term of office, it was an opportune time to bid farewell to each other. After the Royal Toast had been honoured the chairman said he felt privileged in being asked, as representing the NorthEast Harbour Beating Club, to make the presentation to Messrs A. M'Donald, C.

Moller, and H. Riddell of a medal each in commemoration of their efforts in connection with the contests for tie coveted Cornwell Cup. Although the cup had not been secured for Otago, the members all felt that the club had been well repre-' sented, and although defeated they were not disgraced. It was indeed a credit to the club and to these young members to be chosen to represent Otago in the contest, Mr Cormack also said he was pleased to add his tribute to the boys’ performance and their sporting efforts in connection with the contest. As representing “Gold Crest”—really the pioneers of boating and regattas at Macandrew Bay—he had great pleasure in handing each a memento of the occasion as a mark of esteem and apprecia-. tion from the members of his “crib.” Commodore E. T. Moller expressed his pleasure at being present to do honour to their young members who had so ably upheld the honour of Otago in the con-, test. He was proud of them, and predicted even greater honours for them in [ the sport of yachting in the future. After referring to the various races and the efforts of the crew throughout the contests, he wished them the best of success in their future efforts. Messrs C. Moller, A. M’Donald, and H. Riddell returned thanks to the donors for their tokens and congratulatory remarks. Mr Macandrew referred to the departure of Mr S. Brown from their midst, and expressed his regret at the loss the club would sustain thereby. He referred to this valuable work at regattas and for boating generally, and the toast was honoured in royal fashion, after which Mr Brown suitably replied. The toast of “The Commodore of the Club” was proposed by the chairman, and wns suitably responded to by the eommodore. The toast of “The Secretary and Treasurer” was proposed by Mr Brown, who referred to the good work being done by Messrs Hook and Grigg. These members also replied. The toast of “The Vice-commodore” was duly honoured, and Mr M’Hutchon acknowledged it. The toast of “The Press” was also honoured.