THE SANDERS CUP.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17345, 18 July 1924, Page 7

THE SANDERS CUP.

VENUE OF NEXT CONTEST. STEWART ISLAND FAVOURED. The next Sanders Cup contest will not be held for sir months, but already the wrangle has commenced as to location. The rules governing the trophy state that the association which wins the cup can fix the place of contest, and that entries for the competition must be handed to the winning association. When the cup was first given in memory of the late Lieutenant Sanders, a naval officer. Iron Duke (Auckland) and Heather (Otago) raced at Auckland, Heather taking the shield to Dunedin. The second contest was on Otago harbour, the competitors being Desert Gold (Auckland). Linnet (Canterbury), Heather (Otago), Murihfku (Southland) and Iron Duke (Wellington). The next- senes of races were held at Auckland, Rona being the winner. Ron a, was then accepted as the standard- boat, but when Auckland fixed Wellington as the venue of this yeark races none of the Rona design yachts, save the mother boat, were in the limelight, the older design yachts fill—*ing secoiid and third places to Rona. The contestants were Linnet (Canterbury), Murihiku (Southland), Enyin (Wellington). Konini (Napier) and PCJggy (Otago), the last three being of the Rona design. Aiter* last February’s contest *the general opinion of yachtsmen was that the races would be held at Moon Bay (Stewart Island), but now comes an application from Napier to bold the 1925 contest there. To yachtsmen and sportsmen the application is not just! liable. Napier has been represented in onlj' one contest. Auckland has held two ' contests and Dunedin and Wellington one each. Canterbury and Southland have competed at three series, and thej r are the only provinces which have not had the opportunity to conduct the race. Really, Auckland should have to decide only between Canterbury and Southland. Yachtsmen in Canterbury are unanimous in believing that Southland should be the venue of the next races, as the southerners have shown themselves true sportsmen. When the matter was discussed by the Auckland Association recently, Mr P. B. Johnston, the chairman, said that the question was whether the races would be held at Auckland or Southland. Mr Johnston, if memory serves, expressed the opinion in February that Southland should hold the event. Wellington is-, unsuitable for small yacht racing. Napier’s claim is not strong, Canterbury’s vote is for Southland. and Auckland, in fairness, must decide on an outside centre. So Southland is entitled to the decision.