Phil's Return

NZ Truth, Issue 1202, 13 December 1928, Page 6

Phil's Return

TO the younger members of the Auckland rowing fraternity, Phil. Stephenson is little more than a name, but when he paid a visit to his old North Shore club the other day, the earlier members were waiting on the step to give him- the glad hand, for, although he has been absent from Auckland rowing circles for some time, his name is still spoken when, club members refer with pride to the pioneers. It was m 1910 that Phil, commenced to take an active interest m the North Shore Rowing Club, and then for four years he had a, hand on the reins oil administration. • He played an important part m the management of the club and was an active member of the regatta crews. At the end of his four years of office, however, Phil, donned khaki, and at the end of the war took his discharge m England, thus severing his connection with the oarsmen of the Waitemata. On his 'return to Auckland on a visit this season, however, it was soon seen that his interests lay with the old club across the harbor, and he was an interested visitor at the club's opening ceremony. ■ There was a good, long round of handshaking when Phil, made his appearance, and he had some complimentary things to say about the progress the ' club had made, and expressed the wish that future members would carry on m like manner.