YACHT SQUADRON’S 55TH PRIZE NIGHT

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 110, 30 July 1927, Page 18

YACHT SQUADRON’S 55TH PRIZE NIGHT

MAYOR PRESENTS TROPHIES small beginnings the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron advanced a step in 1902 when it received its Royal Charter, and, continuing in steady progress, has attained the fine record of between 400 and 500 members in 1927.” The Mayor of Auckland, Mr. George Baildon, spoke in terms of hearty congratulation to about 200 members of the squadron at the 55th annual presentation of prizes last evening. Mr. Baildon presented the trophies and there were also present Mr. H. R. Mackenzie, chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, and ‘Commander Bradley, of H.M.S. Philomel. Briefly reviewing the year’s activities the commodore, Mr. J. W. Frater, said the last season had been eminently successful and everyone had had a fair opportunity to win prizes. He referred with satisfaction to the advent of the first-class yacht Ngatoa which had added much interest to first-class yachting. He congratulated the Winstone brothers on the success attending their initial efforts. He could forsee a promising season ahead and things augured well for the future of the squadron. Mr. Frater made special reference to the enjoyable club picnic held during the past season and expressed the hope that the e\ r ent would become an annual fixture. FINE SPORTING SPIRIT In. presenting the prizes Mr. Baildon. referred to the fine sporting spirit found in the squadron. Yachting was one of the greatest of sports and he congratulated members on the squadron’s prosperity. He expressed the willingness of the City Council to assist yachting whenever it could do so. The Ross Cup, presented by Captain W. Ross seven years ago for compe*tition in the 14-footer class, had been won by Rona two years in succession and now went permanently to the owner, Mr. C. G. Macindoe. Mr. Macindoe paid a tribute to the sportsmanship of the donor who had done so much in the interests of yachting. He wished to perpetuate the name of Captain Ross by the presentation of a similar cup. Mr. Mackenzie said that the Harbour Board realised it was its duty to encourage yachting. He instanced the provision of the St. Mary’s Bay boat harbour as evidence of this willingness to assist. The new harbour would be the finest in the world and would embrace an area of 290 acres. Wellington’s boat harbour consisted of only six acres. Mr. J. B. Johnston, chairman of the Auckland Yacht and Power Boat Association, said there were now 13 clubs affiliated with the association, and there w r ould shortly be 14, when the “Hobson Bay Lake Cruising Club” came into being . any time now. (Laughter directed at Mr. Mackenzie.) Photographs of the picnic held last season at Matiatia were presented to Mr. Baildon and Mr. Mackenzie. A programme of musical and vocal items was given and several toasts were honoured.