VALEDICTORY.

Grey River Argus, 26 March 1928, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

Mr A. S. Dunford FAREWELLED BY SPORTS CLUBS. Mr A. S. Dunford, who after a residence of about a quarter of a century in Giuymouih, where he has held several i\ .sponsible positions in the Locomotive Slaii of the Railway Department, is leaving to-morrow for (Jammu, to take up the position of Assisttaut Loco Foremen, was on Saturday evening farewelled by various local organisations with which he has Jong been connected, and was the recipient of quite a large number of presentations, testifying to the high esteem in which he is held by a host of friends. There was a large gathering at the Fire Brigade Hall, where Mr Dunford was the guest of the Star Football Club,at a smoke social, and occasion was taken also by the Greymouth. Cycling and Athletic Club, and the AVest Coast Rugby Union to join in bidding goed-bye to the guest of the evening. Mr AV. Bring (Captain of the Star Club) in presenting Mr Dunford on the Club’s behalf with a travelling bag, together with a bag for Mrs Dunford and a piece of Dou - ton ware for Miss Noellc Dunford, p.*id an eloquent tribute to the long and creditable record of Mr Dunford in the sphere of sport. He -was perhaps the best-informed sporting enthusiast in the district, and ever since coming over 34 years ago to the AVest Coast. ha<l identified himself with football, cricket, athletics, cycling and other branches. He was noted for the fact that he had always put the ga*ne itself first and his club second. He had officiated in many capacities in numerous sports organisations, ami life departure would leave a big gap in tho ranks of the sports here. The Star Club would miss him, and he had a’so been a valued supporter of the AVest . Coast Cricket Association. He tendered Mr and Mrs Dunford and family their united good wishes. On behalf of tho Greymouth Ceding and Athletic Union, Air T. Clarke (President) asked Mr Dunford to

accept a handsome sot of pipes as a small token of their regard, staling the recipient had proved as referee at their meetings a. most* reliable judge indeed, and they could ill afford to lose him. They all were glad to see him still mounting tho. ladder in his service but deeply regretted his departure. For the AVest Coast Coast Rugbv Union Mr J. Guy presented the gmst with a wristlet watch, suitably inscribed and said there had been no mon' whole-hearted upholder of the National Football Code than Mr Dun ford, who always did his best in the interests of clean and wholesome sport. The health of the guest was proposed in a felit icons speech by Mr 1 - Ryan, who referred to the fact that Mr Dunford was one of those men who seemed never to grow old, maintaining the enthusiasm of youth in every sporting direction. Mr T. Oxenham supporting the toast, said there was no better known figure in local sporting circles than their departing guest, whose many-sided interest in tho doings of the playing fields the speaker cletailed in an interesting spech. Messrs B. Ryan, A. White N. AV. Jones, H. Steel and C. Neville also spoke to the toast, and paid a unanimous tribute to the fine sporting atributes of Mr Dunford. In reply, Mr Dunford, who was cheered by the gathering, recalled the history of various branches of sport on the West Coast during the past thirfiy-five years, mentioning many famous figures in cricket, football, athletics and cycling. It had been simply a pleasant hobby with him to main ta.in his interest in these pursuits, and his only regret was that at long last had come the parting with the very many good fellows with whom ho had for so long been associated. He did not expect to find a better set of sports anywhere. He had, however, been surprised to learn -.that they ha-1 such an opinion of him as had been voiced that evening, and h e only trusted he had been partly worthy of their tributes. He sincerely thanked them on behalf of his wife and daughter and himself for their valuable gifts and cordial good wishes. lie would always have the Coast in mind, whereever ho went, and it Would be his pleasure to return on occasions when the opportunity offered.

The Locomotive staff of the Westland Railways also farewelled Mr Dunford on Saturday evening at the Railway Social Hall, where, in the presence of a large gathering, he was made the recipient of a substantial cheque, regret being expressed by several speakers at his departure, after such a long association with Grcvmouth, together with congratulations on his advancement and the best wishes for the future. M’r Dunford made a very feeling reply, and expressed his gratitude to his fellow workers for their cooperation on every occasion, and his regret at leaving the district.

Another presentation of a ssd smoker’s requisites was also mad? to M’r Dunford on Saturday by a gathering of friends. He leavff; with Mrs Dunford and family for Oamaru tomorrow.