DIAMOND JUBILEE

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 36, 11 August 1930, Page 17

DIAMOND JUBILEE

BIG REUNION DINNER

WELLINGTON RUGBY CLUB

PAST MEETS PEESENT

Sixty, years of existence —IS7O to 1930 —wore celebrated at a reunion dinner of past and present members of the Wellington Rugby Football Club on Saturday night. Closely linked with tho history of football in Wellington, the Wellington Club has a proud record, and it scorned particularly fitting that it should celebrate its diamond jubilee following tho international match between Britain and New Zealand, in which the club was represented by H. F. M'Lean.

Tho dinner, which was held in the Conferenco Hall of the Dominion Farmers' Institute, was largely attended, representatives being present of every decade of tho club's history. And it. was a most enjoyable function, with tho old heads and the young heads together celebrating in joyous manner the sixtieth anniversary of the birth of the club. Some of the old-timers were in reminiscent mood, and they carried the players of the present generation back through the years, telling them of players, games, and other incidents which, notablo to them at the time, have never become effaced from their memories.

The gathering was presided over by the- president, Mr.- John Murray, and among those seated with him at the main table were some of the first members-:of the club and others prominent in the administration of the gamo in New Zealand. BKITISH MANAGER AND CAPTAIN. During the evening Mr. James Baxter and Mr. F. D. Prentice, manager and captain of the British team, were present for a few minutes, and they were given a rousing reception. They were accompanied by Dr. P. 1\ M'Evcdy, president of the Wellington Eugby Union, Dr. G. J. Adams, president of tho New Zealand Kugby Union, and Mr. Harry Manoy, of Motueka, an ex-president of the New Zealand Union. Several well-known New Zealand representatives of former years attended, as well as H. F. M'Lean and A. I Cottrell, of New Zealand's fourth Test team, and Mr. Harding, captain of the 1908 Anglo-Welsh team. Replying to tho welcome extended him by Mr. Murray, Mr., Baxter said his sixtieth birthday synchronised with tho sixieth anniversary of the formation of the Wellington Club. "I am sorry to say I attained my sixtieth year this year," said Mr. Baxter. (Applause.) "I see no reason for applause," ho continued amidst laughter. "However, I am doubly proud to be with yon tonight." Mr. Baxter advised members to play tho game: according to the spirit of the game. Eugby was the most wonderful game in tho world; it made boys men and kept men boys.

Mr. Prentice briefly replied, expressing pleasure at being able to' be present for a few minutes at a "real football ■dinner."

During the evening Mr. Cottrell also spoke, extending to tho club the Christchurch Club's Heartiest congratulations and best wishes for tho future.

Mr. Murray proposed the toast of "Absent Friends;-" and in doing so said, that there had been a most gratifying response from old members to attend tho. function. There were, however, a number who were unablo to be present, prominent among whom were Mr. J, B. Hackworth, Mr. J. P. Firth, C.M.G., Mr. W. Francis, and Mr. E. J. Stewart) (New Plymouth). Mr. Murray read telegrams and letters from old members, expressing regret at their inability to be present. The club, ho said, was pleased to hear from these old-timers, and it was most gratifying to sco" so many players of the eai'ly days of the' club present. The club revorcd their memory. KUGBY UNION'S CONGBATULATIONS. Tho toast,. "Wellington,' Football Club," was.proposed by Mr. J. Prendcvillo, chairman of,, the Management Committee of the Wellington JRugby Union. "I wish, as representing the Wellington Rugby Union," said Mr. Prendevillc, "to congratulate the Wellington Club on the attainment of its diamond jubilee, and to say that of all tho clubs in the union there is no club, and I say it advisedly, although wo have got other good clubs, that is more loyal to .the Management Committee in all its decisions, no matter what they are, than tho Wollington Club." The Wollington Club dated back to the foundation of Eugby in Wellington. It was a question of science whether, the egg or the chicken came first, but so far as Eugby, in Wellington was concerned it was known that the Wellington' Club came first, and it wasj if, liot tho father, then tho mother of the Wellington Eugby Union. The Wellington Eugby Union; might.be referred to as the parent body, but the Wellington CJub;laid the foundation of football in Wellington. The old founders Bet up a high tradition of. football,; and he

thought he was safe in saying that the officers and players who had conic along since had endeavoured to maintain that high standard. The Wellington Club had sot an example always that every other club endeavoured to emulate. Mr. Prendevillo said that his first connection with the club was in 1891, when the members used to play on his old grandad's property at Karori. It was most amusing to think to-day of the ground the "old man" gave tho club to play on. ... He wished the club the best of prosperity in the future, and "may the best team win next Saturday." (Cheers). SOME PAST HISTORY. Mr. T. S. ("Barney") Konaldson replied on behalf of club members of the 'seventies. He said that one of his fondest recollections was his association with tho club, which he joined about 1577. In the course of his reply on behalf of players of the 'eighties, Mr. F. Fairbrother produced an old representative cap and a trophy he received when he defeated Jack Hempton in a 100 yards event. He joined up with the club about 1883 or 1884, and it .ras a pleasure to him to see so many fine look: ing men present at the gathering. (Applause.) Mr. Fairbrother -wished the club every possible success, and expressed the hope that it would regain senior A status and maintain the old traditions.

Eesponding for players of tho 'nineties, Mr. Murray paid a tribute to the work of Mr. George Faehe and Mr. Neil Galbraith, to whom, he said, the club was indebted,

Mr. V. E. Meredith and Mr. M. E. Wood replied for "The Tens." Mr. Meredith said he was prepared to take his hat off to the international players who had remained with the club, even though the senior team had had to play in the B grade. That showed that the same spirit was in the chib as in the old days.

Mr. J. Thompson, and Mr. G. F. W. Jackson replied for "The 'Teens," and Mr. G. H. Weir and Mr. F. Bond for "The Twenties." In the course of his remarks, Mr. Thompson paid tribute to tho memory of Mr. D. D. Weir. The late Mr. Weir, ho said, was one of the finest stalwarts the club ever had. What he did he did with all his might.

Other toasts honoured were: "The Wellington Eugby Union," proposed by Mr. J. G. Eoache; "Sister Clubs," proposed by Mr. A. D. Bayfield; "The Wellington Football Club's New Zealand Representatives," proposed by Mr. T. Brodiej and "The Press."

During tho evening vocal, instrumental, and humorous items were provided, which added to the enjoyment of the function.