OTAGO'S MISFORTUNE IN CORNWELL CONTEST

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 259, 23 January 1928, Page 11

OTAGO'S MISFORTUNE IN CORNWELL CONTEST

FINE SPORTSMANSHIP SHOIVN AUCKLAND SYMPATHY Otago’s misfortune in not winning the Cornwell Cup was referred to at a ceremony at the Taka puna Boating Club’s boathouse on Saturday evening, when the Auckland boys received the trophy on behalf of the club. Mr. O. Moller, the chairman of the contest conference, presided over a large attendance, which included Mr. J. XV. Williamson, Mayor of Taka - puna. Mr. A. E. Oreenslade, Mayor of Isorthcote, Mr. J. Hislop, deputy-Mayor of Devonport. and Mr. A. Harris, M.P., for Waitemata. The chairman referred with appreciation to the manner in which the crews had conducted themselves. Success and disappointment had been encountered in the several races, but every competitor had shown splendid, sportsmanship. Speaking of Otago, Mr. Moller said that that crew had. met with bad luck la not winning the cup. The boys had actually crossed the finishing line first on four consecutive occasions. This was a remargable performance. Out ,of these they had secured two wins. RESAILING FIFTH RACE Although some controversy had been roused in certain quarters on the decision of the Sailing Committee to resail the fifth race, there was no doubt in the minds of the committee that the decree was sound and correct. Eminent authorities on the rules of yacht racing were entirely in agreement with the committee’s decision. The speaker said he sympathised with Otago in having to resail the race in question through no fault of their own. . Air. Moller said that the contest had proved that a true one-design boat had been evolved and -was the only one in the Dominion or Australia. Auckland had won with the best crew and the port was prepared to defend the cup anywhere in New Zealand next year and pay the: expenses of its own boat.

The Mayor of Takapuna then called on the Auckland crew, I. McMaster (skipper) and D. Rogers (forward hand), to receive the cup on behalf of the Takapuna Club. Mr. Williamson expressed a hope that the contest would be continued for many years to come. The boys made short speeches in reply.

Mr. Hislop presented the winners each with a medal, while Air. Clreerislade handed each of the boys a Cornwell Cup badge. Mr. Harris thanked the residents of the North Shore boroughs for their assistance in carrying out the arrangements for the contest and entertaining the visiting crews and delegates. Returning thanks on behalf of the crews and delegates, Mr. G. F. Bewley, Otago, said the arrangements made by the Takapuna Boating Club for the contest were all that could be desired, and, generally speaking, the .sportsmanship had been the best he had seen at any time. Otago nearly won the cup, but owing to unfortunate circumstances it was no fault of the crev; they were not taking it away with them. The Otago crew was keenly disappointed, but the boys had accepted the committee’s decision in a true sporting spirit. All the lads had behaved as perfect gentlemen and were a credit to the places from which they came.

Messrs. P. F. Carter (Tauranga), A. H. Pickmere (Whangarei). N. W’ilson (Manukau), and R. Lidgard (Hawke's Bay) also spoke. The Otago crew, which had won a scratch race, was presented with the prize, consisting of a wireless set.