R. C. BLUNT’S DEPARTURE

Evening Star, Issue 21216, 24 September 1932, Page 1

R. C. BLUNT’S DEPARTURE

LOSS TO OTAGO CRICKET CAfIISBROOK CLUB FUNCTION Further eulogistic references to Mr R. C. Blunt’s services to Otago cricket were made last night at a farewell dinner at the City Hotel which was tendered to the departing cricketer by members of the Carisbrook Cricket Club. The President (Mr G. Pi-. Ritchie)! proposed the toast of the,guest of honour, and eulogised Mr Blunt’s services to the club arid Otago and New Zealand cricket. Ho had always set a fine example to the ■ younger members of the club on and off the field, and had borne his achievements with modesty. His departure Was a great loss to the club' and to Otago cricket, but everyone joined in congratulating him on his good fortune and wished him success in his new sphere. Mr Blunt, he felt sure would continue to perform as a cricketer as successfully as in the past, and his club mates would follow his play in England with a great deal of interest. On behalf of the club, Mr Ritchie presented Mr Blunt with a miniature bat, autographed by members present at the function, and also with a pipe. In conclusion, the President addressed the following quotation to Mr Blunt:— Whatever game we fancied most. You joyful played it too. And rather better on the whole— Good-bye, good luck to you. :Mr Blunt’s health was then drunk with musical honours. lu replying, Mr Blunt said that it was quite unnecessary for him to say how much he had enjoyed his association with the club. Ho knew that its future was in good hands and that the time had come when the younger members could be relied upon to uphold its reputation. He recounted various incidents which had occurred during his six years” association with the club, and added that they would be among the most cherished memories of his experiences as a cricketer. He was pleased to be able to say that he was not severing his connection • with the game and that he had accepted an appointment which would afford him sufficient leisure to play what he considered the most enjoyable type of cricket.. He had always looked upon cricket as a game to be enjoyed, and, although ho had in the past received various offer's of professional cricket engagements, he had preferred to retain his: amateur status. He could imagine no more pleasant was of spending his last evening in Dunedin than with, his fellow members of the Carisbrook Club. :Aa he left for England he wanted to thank everyone for their kind expressions of goodwill and for the tributes which they had paid to him. He hoped that the time would come when he would be able to return'to Dunedin and join up again with the club. (Applause.) On behalf of the Otago Cricket Association, Mr J. M. Fraser expressed appreciation of the service that Mr Blunt had rendered to Otago cricket and said he could assure him of a warm welcome if he should ever return to Dunedin. (Applause.) “ The Future of Otago Cricket ” was then proposed by. Mr Blunt, and the function concluded with the singing of ‘ Auld Lang Syne.’ '

FAREWELLED BY LARGE CROWD. Further striking tribute to the esteem and popularity in which Mr Blunt is held in Dunedin was conveyed at the railway station this morning, when a large crowd assembled to bid him farewell as he entrained on the through express for Christchurch prior to joining the Port Huou at Auckland next week for England.

The Carisbrook Cricket Club officials and members were present in force, practically all of the Dunedin clubs were represented, and in addition to representatives of the Otago Cricket Association there were also present many leading supporters of the game in Dunedin, representatives of kindred sporting bodies, business interests, and personal friends. Mr Blunt was given a rousing farewell, and as the train pulled out of the station those present joined in singing ‘ Auld Lang Syne,’ and three vociferous cheers were given for the departing cricketer.