WELLINGTON YACHTSMEN

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 211, 25 May 1918, Page 3

WELLINGTON YACHTSMEN

ANNUAL "SMOKER."

The animal "smoker" of tho Port Nicholson Yacht Club, held in tho rooms of the "Charley's Aunt" Club, was a highlyenjoyable gathering. Amongst the guests were Mr. T. Ronnyno (president of tho Motor Boat Club), Mr. J. F. Mills, whifee family, lias done so much for yachting in Wellington, Captain J. Dnwson (harbour master), Captain A. V. Ba*e-M-unro(whar-lingeri, arid Captain H. D. Johnson (exharbourmaster). Tlie commodore (Mr. W. Duncan), who occupied the chair, congratulated the club on harms had n most successful season. The club was now in a strong position, both numerically a.nd financially, arid had been well lepresented in the military forces sent away to the war zone. The toast of "The King" hnung been honoured, Major A. J. Petherick proposed "The Boys at the Front." He referred to the large number of Wellington yachtsmen who had given their services to their country during the present crisis, and said that if it were not ■ for our boys at the front there would not be much yachting in Wellington at the present time. After the war he predicted a. great impetus to the sport of yachting, with the result thnt the boat harbour would be found not nearly large enough for the increased local fleet. Sergeant-Major M'Keegnn, who has boen at the front, made an interesting speecn in replying to the toast. Mr. C. J. Ward, one of the vice-presi-dents, in proposing "The Port Nicholson Yacht Club," stated that the very successful year which the club had had was owing in a great measure to the energy and ability shown by the officers. The president (Mr. J. J. Clark), in responding, touched upon a proposal to erect a clubhouse. He approved of the scheme, but thought it should he deferred until building material was lower in price and a larger fund was available. The toast of "Kindred Clubs" was entrusted to Mr. H. M'Comish, and was acknowledged by Mr. T. Ronayne. The remaining tonsts were "The Wellington Harbour Board" (proposed by tlie commodore nnd replied to by Captains J. Dawson and A. V. Uale-Munro), and Tlip Press" (proposed by Mr. F. Kicrnnn and*' acknowledged by Mr. J. R. Gibbons, one of the present vice-presidents, and a founder of tlie club). Contributors to a capital programme were Messrs. L. Barnes, Norman Aitken, A. Wilkinson, Montague Gillmore, Albert Russell, C. Latigsdowu, Frank Thomns, F. Wolfgang, and F. Hupftins. Mr. H. M'Comish was in charge of the musical arrangements, nnd Mr. H. Schladt, secretary of the club, did much to contribute to the success of the "smoker." During (he evening the president presented the past si'iisur.'s prizes.