RED LETTER DAY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10285, 21 May 1919, Page 8

RED LETTER DAY

FOR AMOKURA BOYS. There was a red letter day last week for the boys of the training ship Amokura. A special feature was a surprise visit paid by the Hon. T. M. "Wilford, Minister for Marine, and Mr G. Allport. Secretary to the Marine Department. On arrival at Thorndon Esplanade the visitors were sailed to the ship by the boys, arriving on board at noon. An inspection of the ship took place immediately; and later the boys were inspected at their dinner. Then followed the event of the day, a sailing Tace between the port and starboard watches of the ship, each b<at being manned bv a crew of ten boys from their respective watches. The sailing course, the length of which was aboat one mile and three-quarters, commenced and terminated •at the side of the ship. The course was covered twice, the boats' crews changing boats between the races. The races commenced with a flying start; both crews handling their; boats quite skilfully. ■' .... In the first heat the whaler, sailed by boy Hall, of the port watch, crossed the starting line 10 seconds after the cutter, sailed by boy Sherman (starboard watch). The first race was completed in 17min 34sec (starboard), and 18 min 36sec (port). In the second heat, the cutter, sailed by boy Hall, of the port watch, crossed the starting line 5 seconds after the whaler, sailed by boy Sherman (starboard);- and the race was completed in 17min SOsec (starboard), and 17min 52sec (port). The times occupied in completing the two heats were 35min 24seo (starboard) and 36min 28sec (port). Vhe starboard watch {Sherman), therefore, won by lmin 4sec. The judgment shown by the boys in both watches was excellent, and both crews exhibited the true sporting spirit throughout the _races. At the conclusion of the match, the Minister, who had shown keen interest in the races, addressed the boys. Having complimented Captain Hooper and Lis officers on what he had seen, and the boys on their general appearance and work, and on the skill and judgment with which they had handled their boats, Mr Wilford announced his intention of presenting a cup for the winner of the annual boxing contests, and a trophy tor the runner-up. The boys' approval of this was very evident. ' The handsome "Myers Cup," which v as recently presented by the Hon. Mr Myers for competition in boat-sailing, was then presented to boy Sherman, coxswain of the starboard watch, amid much cheering.

Prior to his departure from the fhip Mr Wilford requested Commander Hoop,ed to grant the boys a special half-holi-day. The visitors left the ship amid hearty cheers from all on board.