PRESS FUNCTION

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 136, 10 June 1924, Page 4

PRESS FUNCTION

PRESENTATION OF CRICKET CUP.

■ The "Walter Blundell Cup," presented by Mr. W. J. Blundell for competition be.tween ' teams representing the newspaper offices in Wellington, was handed, over to "The Dominion" at a social gathering in Dustin's Rooms on Saturday evening. The function was well attended, and to a-.i present it was most enjoyable. Various toasts were honoured, and an excellent programmo of musical and elocutionary items was supplied by well-known local artists. ' ' .

Various speakers during the evening re-, ferred to the benefits to bo derived from friendly rivalry on the field of sport, and also from 'social gatherings, and proposals were made that further athletic competitions bo held, and that a press club,'open to everybody engaged on the local newspapers, be formed. Those present heartily endorsed the 'proposals. ■ Spea'ang- to tho toast, "The Donor of the Cup," Mr. A. Sando said that tho friendly competition for tho trophy had done a great deal towards bringing the' staffs of the newspaper offices together, and to promote a spirit of comradeship. The donor, Mr. W. J. Blundell, had always been eager to foster healthy sport, and his action in regard to cricket had been particularly successful. During the evening other speakers mada references to the keon interest which the members of the Blundell family had shown ill sports activities. Mr. W. J. Blundell, in reply, congratulated "The Dominion" team on winning tho competition, last season, and referred to the fine sporting spirit which had been shown during tho progress of tho competition. Ho then handed the cup to the captain of the winning team (Mr. W.A. J. Gibson). Other toasts honoured were: "The King" (propose-d by the chairman, Mr. H. JR. Wright); "The Winning Team" (proposed by Mr. W. Keys, and replied to by Mr. Gibson); "Our Opponents"., (by Mr. M. A. Kelly, Mr. J^D. Howitf replying); "Kindred Sports" (by Mr. (J. Mummery, replied to by Mr. Bt. R. Clayton). Votes of thanks were passed to "the committee, which.had organised the.gathering, and to all who had assisted to make it a success. Announcements were made that a cup had been presented for competition between the Stage and the Press, and .that tho "New Zealand Trath" team was open to accept challenges for the baton for relay racing. A proposal, by Mr. A. Sando, seconded by Mr. A. F. T. Choilton, that a Press Club be formed, was carried.

A splendid programme of items included jazz selections by Taylor's Orchestra, a clevor character 6kctch and sleight of hand tricks by Mr. George Tollerton, humorous recitations by Mi\ Oswin, a tenor song by Mr. Horace Archer, who introduced community singing as an encore; baritone songs by Mr. Will Gdudio; Irish songs by Mr. Joe Carr, a well-known Wellington tenor; numerous selections, making- up an entertaining performance at the piano, by Mr. Frank Andrews; monologues by Mr. Norman Aitken, the popular elocutionist; pleasing songs by Mr. Pat Fitzgerald, who was responsible for arranging, the excellent programme, and a recitation by Mr. Tully. Mr. Leslie Jones fulfilled the duties of accompanist in a capable manner. A hearty voto of thanks was passed to the performers for their very fine programme.