THE UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 October 1908, Page 1

THE UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

PRESENTATION TO MR T. SCOTT. Last evening the members of the United Football Club held a very successful smoke concert in Englort’s Hall. Mr .1. D. Lynch presided, and was suported by Dr J. W. Mcßroarty, who occupied the vicechair. After the usual loyal toast had been enthusiastically honoured, “Our Governing Body—the West Coast Rugby Union” was proposed by Mr T. Scott in an eulogistic speech. On the Union they had some of the cleanest sports in Ciremouth, and they trusted they would long remain on the body. His club thought the Union should next year inaugurate a fourth grade competition, which in the case of the United Club would be very beneficial, as they had a large number of young players, not quite heavy enough for the Presidents. Mr James Stenhousc, in reply, said the past year had been a most satisfactory cue, the results of.the English team’s visit being all that could be desired. No doubt when next a foreign team visited New Zealand, arrangements would be made to bring them to Gveymouth. A conference was shortly to be held to consider the question of revising the rules, and some reform might be recommended,_ which he thought the English Union might give effect to, especially if their recommendations were supported by Australian unions, j Rome of the amendments would make for/ a more spectacular game and generally for the betterment of rugby. Ho vigorously opposed payment of out-of-pocket expenses of players, as it was the fringe of professionalism, and would eventually result hr amateurism ircin- considerably njured. * Dr J. W. Mclsrealty, who also responded, paid there was one matter which would cause considerable discussion attire next annual meeting, and that was in regard to home and homo matches With P,idler. He strongly supported this, as a distinct advancement. He had been a member of the Executive since 1902, and could say that business was now well transacted. He congratulated 'be United Club on having.such an excellent President as Mr J. D. Lynch, who over look a boon interest in the Club and the game. Iso doubt it tiro Club was stuck next season ho (Mr Lynch) would don the jersey Mid play as w’ing forward. Mr J. A. McPherson proposed ‘lire United Chib,” which he congratulated on winning the Senior Competition and the officials”on the excellent manner in which they had carried out their duties. Iho Stars, too, suported the proposal to run a fourth grade competition. . . Mr E. Chapman, in responding, said it had been a great pleasure to him to have been captain of the Chib during the past season. Their success was undoubtedly due to getting in a few initial victories. Mr McMurlic also responded, hoping that similar enthusiasm to that which was experienced last year, would prevail next

The following toasts were honoured and icspondcd to;— „ Mr 11. Colvin proposed ‘Other Clubs, ic which Messrs Barry (Grey) and McPherson (Star) replied.- “Our Captain . (Mr Chapman) —Mr Brclmer. “Our Secret ary (Mr T. Scott)” —Mr J, D. Lynch. “IWercos’ Association,’ INIr 0. Sothciaii, i responded to by Mr J. Brown. "Our 1 Mothers” by Mr Geo. Hear. the < Ladies,” by Mr J. McMurtie and les- . ponded to, and “'t he Press.” Mr Lynch, in proposed the health ol the Secretary, referred in eulogistic terms u . ]\] r T Scott, to whose enthusiasm ho attributed a great deal of the success which the club bad achieved. On behalf i the members lie had much pleasure m asking Mr Scott -to accept a handsome silver inkstand in recognition of the very valuable services rendered to the Club, of which be bad been a most enthusiastic member ever since its inception. (Loud ai plaiise). He could personally bear testimony i<> the excellent manner in which Mi- Scott bad carried, out his duties—a matter which bad assisted the Club on, and undoubtedly helped them to annex the Senior Cup. I Mr Scott, in replying, thanked the members for their kind presentation. All he had done had been in the hope of advancing the Club, and be was pleased at (heir success. Next year if they required him ho would again oiler himself for reelection and do all that was possible to advance the Chib and football generally. (A pplause). Din ing the evening proceedings were enlivened by a number of songs excellently rendered."’ Mr T. Callinan presided at the piano in bis usual efficient manner. A very pleasant evening was brought to a close by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”