SQUADRON PRIZE NIGHT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 430, 11 August 1928, Page 7

SQUADRON PRIZE NIGHT

YACHTSMEN ENTERTAIN The Royal New Zealand Squadron’s spacious clubrooms were crowded last evening with boating men on the occasion of the club’s 56th annual presentation of prizes and smoke concert. Included in the assembly were many yachtsmen and seafaring men of earlier days. Among the guests were:—Commander Nelson Ciover, of K.1v1.5. Philomel; Lieut.-Commander Hull; Mr. H. Wynyard, acting-chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board; Captain H. H. Sergeant, harbourmaster; Mr. D. Holderness and Mr.. J. Melling (assistant town clerk). Also present were representatives of all the yacht and launch clubs on the Waitematg, and Manukau. Welcoming the visitors, the commodore, Mr. J. W. Frater, referred to the enlargement of the squadron’s premises, which were now capable of accommodating many more members. The attendance was the largest on record. Many of the older members who had ceased to take an active part in yachting, and who had previously frequented the club very little, were now doing so again. The past season had been one of the most enjoyable for many years. The racing had been exceptionally keen. Opof the finest races had been the first contest for the T. M. Alexander Memorial Gold Cup to Te Kume, won by Winstono Brothers* Ngatoa. Mr. Frater then called upon Mr. E. V. Miller one of the oldest and most experienced members, to present the' prizes. The most important prizes were won by the following:—Hardie trophy, Rangi; Macky Memorial trophy, Ariki; Johnson Cup, Kotiri; Wilson Cup, Manene; Horton Bequest, Ngatoa; Gov-ernor-General’s Cup, Prize; Drysdale Cup, Manene. Replying to the toast of “Kindred Clubs,” Mr. J. B. Johnston, chairman of the Auckland Yacht and Motor-boat Association, referred to the spirit of goodwill prevailing among members of the squadron. He hoped the club would develop on simple lines, and not allow the social aspect to submerge the sailing side, for which the squadron was founded. A number of toasts was honoured and an excellent programme of musical items given.