YACHTING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 303, 14 May 1896, Page 3

YACHTING.

As an appropriate way of winding up the past yachting season, the members of the Auckland Yacht Club decided upon a smoke concert, and with a number of their friends, the large and tastefully arranged dining-room of Host Gallagher, of the Metropolitan Hotel, was comfortably filled on Wednesday. Mr J. L. R. Bloomfield, Commodore of the Club, occu-pied-the chair, and expressed his gratification at seeing so many present. The season, from all points of view, had been the best the Club had yet had. The weather had been good, and the number of members to the Club and yachts had considerably increased. The prizes won by members of the Club in races, etc., were presented during the evening, Dr. Coates (Ladye Wilma) was handed the first prize for 5-raters and the champion flag presented by Mr George Goldie, Messrs W. R. and F. Wilson (Moana) second prize ; Messrs Chatfield, Cossar, and Co. (Mahaki), first prize for the 2£raters and the Commodore’s Cup and champion flag, presented by the Club. A flag was also presented to Mr W. Lind, of the Daisy, his yacht having held the Commodore’s Cup last year. After the presentations, Mr Bloomfield proposed the toast of “ Yachting,” which was enthusiastically received. Dr* Coates responded, and in the course of his remarks said that the past season had been the most interesting of any in which he had taken part in Auckland. Yachting had made wonderful strides in Britain of late years, but taking the population and the means of the people of New Zealand into consideration, the development here was marvellous. He had visited the various ports of Australia, but not one port took such interest in yachting as Auckland. After the routine business was finished, Mr Bloomfield left the chair, asking all present to make the remainder of the evening as sociable as possible. Mr George Gilmer called for three cheers for the Commodore, which was heartily responded to In acknowledging the com- > pliment, Mr Bloomfield said he had the best interests of the Yacht Club at heart,/ and he hoped yet to see it the premier club of the Australasian colonies, a