MOTOR CYCLISTS’ SOCIAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 19 February 1926, Page 8

MOTOR CYCLISTS’ SOCIAL.

RACING VISITORS ENTERTAINED.

GUESTS OF HAWERA CLUB. A notable gathering numbering approximately sixty riders and motor* cycle racing enthusiasts assembled in the Boy Scouts’ Hall on Wednesday evening, on the occasion of the spcial tendered by the Hawera Motor-cycle Club to the competitors at the annual race meeting held during the day and other adherents of the sport. Mr W. ,T. Claringbold, president of the club, presided. Appropriate toasts, interpcrsed with excellently rendered items of song and story, were pleasingly combined in an interesting programme which, together with the opportunity provided for the exchange of opinions and reminiscences concerning the sport, made the function enjoyable to all participants, and afforded a fitting conclusion to the day’s events.

During the evening a brief report of the meeting was presented by the secretary (Mr W. G. Walkley), who intimated that the financial results had been satisfactory and were practically on a par with the results of the previous year. He explained that 50 per cent, of the proceeds were to be handed to the South Taranaki Automobile Association to assist in meeting the expenditure entailed by the association in providing locality, danger and general traffic instruction signs on the district highways. In arranging its awards, continued the secretary, the club endeavoured to provide the sum of £2OO as prize-money, which represented the highest figure at such meetings in New Zealand with the exception of the Auckland Club, which was being conducted as a limited liability company. The secretary also expressed appreciation of the efficient manner in which the officials had co-operated in conducting the meeting, and appreciation of the assistance given by the Women’s National Reserve in conducting the tea kiosk, the profits from which were •to be divided between the club and the Hawera Boy .Scouts. As the result the latter would receive approximately £2O. The prizes won during the day were presented by the president, also presented the trophies annexed at the recent reliability trial.

Following the loyal toast, the health of "Visitors and Competitors” was proposed by the president. Mr Claringbold said the club had been honoured by the presence of numerous visitors, many of whom had journeyed considerable' distances to be present at the race meeting, and, it being the aim of tlie club to make its fixtures attractive to all who attended, he hoped that they would be able to remember with pleasure their visit to Hawera. Referring to the competitors, the speaker thanked them for the support given, and expressed the club’s appreciation of their excellent conduct throughout the day’s events, all of which had been contested in accordance with the true principles of sportsmanship. Responding on behalf of the visitors, Mr A. A. Wood, vice-president of the Manawatu Motor-cycle Club, said lie thought they had cause to be exceedingly well satisfied with the day’s programme and the hospitality extended by the Hawera Club. His own club had made an ambitious bid to arrange the biggest of tlie Dominion meetings in the matter of prize-money, but had found that the total was £SO less than that offered, by the Hawera meeting. He wished to congratulate the Hawera Club on that distinction, and also on the excellent organisation maintained at the meeting, which was of a standard it would be difficult to excel.

Suitable response on behalf of the riders was made by Mr W. H. Herbert, of Auckland. THE PREMIER MEETING.

The toast "New Zealand Auto Cycle Union” was proposed by Mr. W. W. Davv7 a vice-president of the club. Mr. W. A. Spragg, president of the New Zealand Union, who responded, expressed his pleasure in congratulating the Hawera Club on the success of the day’s meeting, which was one of the most successful in its history. As one who attended the majority of contemporary meetings, he thought the Hawera Club could fairly claim that its meeting was the premier of its kind in the Dominion,' and was deserving of the highest commendation on its maintenance of such a reputation. Giving details of the progress of the union Mr. Spragg said that 106 riders were registered and the sum of £SOO was invested for the purpose of a benevolent fund. He cpioted further figures dealing with the finances of the union, and, after reviewing the various meetings conducted during the previous year and the future prospects, intimated that indications pointed to the successful maintenance of the sport in New Zealand. RACING CLUB’S ASSISTANCE. Proposing the toast "The Egmont Racing Club” Mr. Walkley expressed sincere appreciation of the sporting spirit evinced by the racing club in allowing the motor club the use of the Hawera race course, which the speaker stressed, was recognised by racing authorities as one of the best in New

Zealand. For the courtesy received, the motor club was greatly indebted to the racing club officials who in their dealings with the speaker’s club had shown the same admirable principles of sportsmanship for which they were noted in their own sphere of activities. Mr. H. L. Spratt, who responded, apologised for the absence of the president of the racing club, Mr. J. Gray. Mr. Spratt said he had no doubt that the two organisations would work in harmony while such good sports w r ere at the head of the two clubs and while those associated with the respective activities combined as they had done in the past. Evidencing the manner in which they had co-operated, the speaker thought that Mr. A. Moss, the caretaker of the course, had been one of those originally responsible for the suggestion which resulted in the formation of the motor cycle racing club. Mr. Spratt wished the motor club every and continued success. “Officials of the Hawera Club” was proposed by Mr. .T. Kay of the Auckland Motor Cycle Club. Mr. Ivay endorsed the remarks of previous speakers concerning the organisation of the home club. He had noted the co-operation at the meeting and wished to urge officials and members to combine in that spirit, by means of which the success of future projects would be assured. Referring to a remark previously made- by' the secretary, Mr. Kay explained that on one occasion the prize money offered at Auckland had oeen slightly in excess of that offered at Hawera, but compared meeting for meeting Auckland had to take second place to Hawera. Other toasts Were: “Kindred Sports” Messrs. J. J. Goodwin —Mr: W. Adams; ‘ ‘ The Catering Committee ’ ’ Mr. W. J. Claringbold—Mr. W. Adams; ‘'The Entertainers” proposed by r the president and “The Press” proposed by Mr. R. P. Morrissey. Concert items were contributed. by the following: Messrs. Guy Hessoll, F. Low, W. J. Woolletts, E. Mee, 11. L. Spratt, and .T. D. McQuin. Mr. H. Taylor officiated as pianist.