OCR ATHLETES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 107, 8 May 1896, Page 2

OCR ATHLETES.

FAREWELL TO MR J. F. LOGAN.

In view of the departure of Mr J. F. Logan, of Messrs Macky, Logan, Steen, and Co., on Tuesday next for England, on business, a mosb enjoyable social was held at the Metropolitan Hotel last evoning, for the purpose of enabling tho various associations which Mr Logan haa closely identified himself with for many years past an opportunity of wishing him bon voyage and presenting him with an illuminated address expressive of their appreciation of the valuable services rendered by him in the cauaeofallkindsofoutdoorepcrte. There was an excellent attendance, the gathering being aa thoroughly representative aa could be. Mr B. J. Esam (Vice-President and Treasurer of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club) presided, and ho was supported on hia lefb by Mr L. A. Cuff (ex-Secretary of the New Zealand Amabeur Athletic Association), Mr R. Wynyard (Secretary of the North Shore Amateur Athletic Club), and Mr W. C. Speighb (Secretary of bhe Auckland A.A. and C.C.), and on his right by Mr J. F. Logan (bhe gueab), and Messrs W. Buchanan (President of bhe Norbh Shore A.A. Club) and Frank Lawry, M.H.R. Apologies for non-abtendance were read from Messrs S. Thorne George and J. Marshall (Vice-Presidents of bhe Auckland A.A. Club). In opening tho proceedings, Mr Esam said they had met together to pay honour to one in whom they recognised a true, a genuine sportsman, and it mu3b be gratifying to him to see such a large and representative gathering as.embled to pay tribute and respect to him. Mr Logan had for many years occupied whab might be considered one of the ornamental offices in their athletic associations, but in tha fulfilment of those duties he had been by no means ornamental, bub had done yeoman and useful service whenever bhe opportunity bad arisen. In hia capacity of President of the Auckland A.A. Club he had been most attentive, and the Chairman thought he was not far from stating a fact whon he affirmed that for many years past he bad scarcely been absent from any of bheir carnivals, and thab in bhe fulfilmenb of his dubiea aa judge he had given general satisfaction. In his capacity of local officer to the N.Z.A.A. Association he had worked hard, and only those closely connected wibh the inside working of Athletic Clubs have any idea of the duties such an appointment involved. Ib must, however, be very gratifying to Mr Logan bhab the delegates to tho Association had fully recognised and appreciated the abiliby he had displayed during the tenure of his office. Whilst his posibion on 'the Cricket Association had nob necessitated tha active work of the other athletic bodies, he had ever boen ready to assist the wieldera of the willow whenever requested, and he (Mr Esam) felt sure they would often miss hia portly presence and genial smile on the fields of friendly rivalry. Mr Logan had been associated with them for so many years thab bhey felt thab they were losing someone cub of the ordinary run of friends, in facb, thoy wero losing ona who had been almost an elder brother, to whom they had always looked up with such respect aa amounted to sincere affecbion. It would, he felt convinced, be gratifying to their guest to know that that evening's farewell bo him waa the joint contribution of bhe two athletic clubs, which he felt sure also meant the happy augury of future good will towards each other. Addressing Mr Logan, Mr Esam said: "We were unanimous, Sir, in the wish that you should not depart fron. these shores, even temporarily, without some expression of t'uo esteem, regard, and respect in which we hold you. What form this should take so as to snib you, caused us considerable thoughb, bub we concluded an address contained in an album with bbc names of the members of Associations, accompanied by a photograph of the officials of the two ath.etis clubs

would be tho mosb suitable to your taste, and in presenting you with this memento, of our regard I can only say on bebaif of us all, that whatever the future may have in store, whether the exigencies of business require your presence in another part of tbe world, or to return amongst us, you havo our beat and sinceresb wishes for your future happiness and prosperity, and in these good" wishes we cordially unite the oamea of your wife and daughter." Mr Esam then read the addross as followa:—"Auckland, May 7th, 1896. To James Fowlds Logan, Esq, Dear Sir,—-We cannob allow you to deparb from Auckland, for probably a considerable period, without expressing our sincere regard and esteem towards you. Aa President of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club, Vice-President of bhe Norbh Shore Abhlebic Club, local officer of the New. Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, and Vice-President of bhe Auckland Crickob Association, you have for many years identified yourself with us, and ib affordß us great pleasure to comey to you our high appreciation of the inestimable services you have rendered towards bhe development and welfare of all branches of outdoor aporfe, and the able manner in which you have fulfilled the responsible duties attaching to tho offices mentioned. Your enthusiasm has been an admirable example for many of us to imitate, and by yonr coufeesy, tact, consideration, and encouragement, onr institutions have been greatly benefited. ' wishing you good-bye, we ask your ptance of bbis memento of our regard; eh ia accompanied by our besb wishes for tbe happiness and prosperiby of yonrself, Mrs Logan, and daughber.—We are, dear sir, yours faithfully. [Then follow 336 signatures, including those of officers and members of bhe Auckland Amateur A. Club, North Shore A.A. Club, the executive of the N.Z.A.A.A., of bhe officials of the Cambridge West A.A. Club, bhe Auckland Cricket Association, and North Shore Cricket Clubj. The address wa3 conbained in a beautLul morocco-bound album, with cover showing the colours of the Auckland and North Shore A.A. Clubs. AS the top is a view of the Auckland harbour ; down the left-hand side aro artistic miniature paintings of athletes engaging in several forms of outdoor sports ; and ab the foot is an excellent view of bbc Domain, with a cricket match in progress. At the end of bhe album are bwo excellanb photos of bhe officials of the Auckland and North Shore A.A. Clubs, with Mr Logan in tbo centre. Mr E. W. Burgess, Vice-President of the North Shore A.A. Club ; Mr F. J. Ohlson, on behalf of the Cricket Association ; and Mr L. A. Cuff, for bhe N.Z.A.A.A., also referred bo Mr Logan's services in very flattering terms. Mr Logan made a suitable reply to the presentation, expressing his regret ab severing bis bies to Auckland for a lengthened period. He menbioned thab before his departure he intended offering a challenge cup, to bo run for as the Committee might decide. After the presentation Mr Burgess, on behalf of Mrs Gallagher, presented Mr Logan with a beautiful floral wreath tied with black and whito ribbons, the colours of the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club, on one ribbon being the words "Good Luck " and on the other " Beab Wishes'' in gold. Besides the toast of "Our Guest," bhe following toasts were also proposed and responded to :—" Athlobics," propospd by Mr F. Lawry and responded to by Mr G. H. Dixon {Secretary of tbe Auckland Rugby Union). "The health of Mr L. A, Cuff," proposed by Mr Logan, and "The health of the Secretary of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club (W. C. Speight)," proposed by Mr Logan. During the evening the prizes won at the recent carnival were presented. Musical items were given by the following .—Messrs S. Somerfield, M. Lewi., W. George, C. White, A. J. Simmelhag,. R. Oliphanb, and R. Hatton.