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New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10289, 26 May 1919, Page 3

Few men havo spent more inoney on a hobby than Sir Thomas Lipton, whoso challenge to contest tho America Cnp has been declined on the ground , that "this is not au appropriate or litting time" for a sporting event. Tho expense of the great contests has been enormous, for each of the famous Shamrooks cost over £IOO,OOO, and on the last occasion", in addition to tho yacht itse'.f, he had to requisition a fleet of thirty-three different craft. It has been estimated that he has £500,000 on the races, but, though unsuccessful, ho declares the money well spent, if only because it has done so much to 'create good, feeling between Great Britain and tho United States. His opinion of American sporting honour is of tho highest. When at last Sir Thomas tried to wrest tho trophy from tho Americans, mascots wero simply showered upon him by his weliwishers—from white heather and horseshoes by the score to rabbits' oars and a broom to mount at the masthead of tho Shamrock. Livestock ulso was ecnt him "for luck,'' including several dogs. Tho mascot ho prized most, however, was a ciirlouo walking-stick, presented on behalf of 900 sailor meu.