OLD BOYS CLUB FAREWELL TO POPULAR LEADER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22907, 29 March 1949, Page 6

OLD BOYS CLUB FAREWELL TO POPULAR LEADER

The popular esteem in which Mr. N. ("Chopper") Summersby is held as the result of his association with the Old Boys sports, club in Gisborne was evidenced by a large assembly at the club rooms on Saturday evening _ when he was tendered a farewell in view of his departure to take tip residence in Hastings.

For 13 vears Mr. Summersby has been a prominent member of the club. Prior to the Second World War, in which he served overseas with the New Zealand forces, he was one of the successful junior Rugby combination and since 1943. when he returned from active service, he has been the field captain.of the senior fifteen and has been included each season in the P.B. representatives. being the captain during three seasons, including that of 1947 when the side was unbeaten. Revival of Club Activities

In cricket he has played in the Rugby Old Boys Senior A and Senior B elevens, being the captain this season of one of the club's Senior B teams and also captain of the representative players, who recently defeated the side from the corresponding Hawke’s Bay division. His club team has been defeated only once this season and with one game less played in the uncompleted championship holds equal leading position with H. 5.0.8. In Rugby Mr. Summersby is an emin-ently-suecessful front-row forward. In cricket he is a capable all-rounder, being a noted hitter of sixes as well as a capable medium-pace bowler.

He was one of the leaders in the movement which resulted in the establishment of the dub rooms with the excellent amenities now enjoyed by club members and was largely responsible

for the post-war revival of the club in district Rugby and the formation of the several combinations which, as Rugby Old Boys elevens, have played an important part in the competitions of the P.B. association. As a member of the committee Mr. Summersby has been a leading organisor of the club’s social activities. Presentation Made As chairman of Saturday’s gathering Mr. G. J. Jeune. president of the Old Boys Rugby Football Club, paid appropriate tributes to Mr. Summersby and made the presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Sumjnersby of an electric clock and a pressure cooker.

Mr. Jeune’s remarks were supported bv Mr. A. J. Elder, president of the Rugby Old Boys Cricket Club and Mr. J. A. Crawford-Smith, president of the P.B. Cricket Association. Sustained applause endorsed the remarks of the speakers and the presentation. In reply Mr. Summersby expressed thanks for the kindly expressions and the handsome presentation and, after indicating that their contact with the club had been a source of great pleasure to Mrs. Summersby and himself, extended hearty wishes for its future success.

The club captain, Mr. P. A. Fargher, officiated as M.C. during an enjoyable dance programme, music for which was supplied by Mrs. Gordon.