BOAT RACE, CUP

Chronicle (Levin), 30 December 1947, Page 3

BOAT RACE, CUP

PRESENTATION BY CITIZENS The keen interest shown by the citizens of Shannon in the Palmerston North to Foxton boat' race conducted during the Christmas holidays was illustrated on Saturday morning, just prior to the- departure of the boats from the Shannon bridge on the last stage of their journey. Mr. V. J. Bateman, on behalf of the citizens, presented to the skipper of the first boat to arrive at the bridge, a cup donated by the people of the town. In making the presentation, Mr. Bateman said that the public of Shannon were very interested in the event, and it was hoped that it could be made an annual funetion. He predicted a gala day at the river when the boats arrive next year. This year the fixture was new to the people of the town, and it was not until a few days before the race that any enthusiasm had been shown. Now that it was known how the event was conducted, much more interest would be taken in the future. Mr. Bateman then presented the cup to Mr. A. R. Yates, and extended congratulations to each member of the crew. In accepting the cup on behalf of boat No. 7, Mr. Yates extended thanks to the citizens of Shannon, and stated that he was very pleased to see such an interest taken by the townspeople. The crew of boat No. 7 were Messrs A. R. and J. C. Yates, J. Hornblow and O. K. Mitchell. The cup will be held by this crew for one year. It is later to be returned to Mr. Bateman, who will have a suitable inscription engraved on it.