SERVICES RECOGNISED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 136, 21 March 1930, Page 6

SERVICES RECOGNISED

PRESENTATIONS MADE. MR WATTERS AND FOOTBALL. UNION AND SUPPORTERS. Recognition of his 21 years connection with the Ashburton Rugby Union was made to Air V . F. Watters (the retiring president) at the annual meeting of the Union last evening. • Mr F. Pritchard (vice-president), prior to the commencement of the business, said the Management Committee and players desired to make recognition of Air Watters’s services to Rugbv football in the County durjyicr his long and honourable period ot service, both as a delegate and as president. Members of the Committee had often had differences, failing to see eye to eye with him; and also among themselves, but these diffeienccs had in no way interrupted, the oleasant relationship between Air Watters and the members. He had earned a well-merited rest, and the speaker hoped Mr Watters would be spared long to enjoy it. He had worked magnificently in the interest or lootball during his connection with the game. On behalf of the Committee, he asked Air Watters to accept a framed photograph of the members o the late Management Committee, and on behalf of the players he presented him with a cheque. . ' Mr Watters was received with applause on rising to reply. He said it was a great pleasure to be back among Rugby enthusiasts again. Ho thanked Air Pritchard for his remarks and the presentations on behalf of the Committee and players. He had received many expressions of goodwill beiore he left Ashburton last year, and considered them sufficient recognition. He would always retain pleasant memories of his association with the Ashburton Rugby Union, both as a delegate and as president. AVhat little lie had dondMiad lieen willingly given in the advancement of , Rugby. He considered he had got more out of the Union than the Union had got out of him. (Laughter.) During Ins term or office on the Union lie had not met one delegate whom he had not respected. Occasionally he had experience of some who could not see oast their clubs, but the great majority had always acted for the good of football. Continuing, .Mr Watters said he had always endeavoured to lie impartial, and ‘to see the other man’s noint of view. In fact he had at times, allowed latitude almost beyond breaking point. He regretted this would be the last meeting of the Union at which lie would be present. He was sure the Union would progress and prosper, poiug on from strength to stiength. Mr Watters referred to the splendid work of the past presidents and officers He was a member of the Union first’ in 1908, and Mr F. Pritchard was the only member of that body wlio was left on the present Union. The new president (Air tS* H. Sullivan) at the close of the meeting, also paid tribute to Air Watters’ services.