A POPULAR CRICKETER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 17 April 1926, Page 4

A POPULAR CRICKETER.

mr. b. McCarthy honoured. A HANDSOME PRESENTATION. .\" . , The services to cricket, both on the playing field and the council, of Mr. B. McCarthy, president of the Association, were fully recognised last night at the cricket social, when a presentation was made to him from the whole body of cricketers by the Mayor (Mr. E. A. Pacey). Mr. McCarthy’s health was drunk with enthusiasm, and many compliments were paid him by speakers who had worked and played with him. There was a large attendance. In making the presentation Mr. Pacey referred to the great playing record of Mr. McCarthy, extending over thirty years. He recalled the first time he had seen him play as a young fellow, and remarked on the qualities necessary for a good player, physical fitness, a keen, quick eye, and the opportunity for practice. He recalled many of the good players who had represented the district in the earlier years, and some of the feats of bowling and batting achieved", by Miv McCarthy. Mention was also made of Iris association with and success in hockey and football, and also to his success in professional work and the high and deserved esteem iu which he was held by all, “a man whose' word was his bond.”

In conclusion he made, on behalf of all cricketers, a presentation of a handsome smoker’s cabinet, and ex-i pressed the hope that Mi*. McCarthy s would live long to use the cabinet and to recall the kindly thoughts of the cricketing fraternity in Hawera. Remarks endorsing the Mayor’s happy references were also made by Messrs Furrie, Nichol, Thomas, Page, H. S. Elliott, Jennings, Little and Neilsen.

On rising to reply, Mr. McCarthy was greeted with hearty and prolonged applause. He first thanked all for the very* handsome present and for the kindly Sentiments expressed by so many of his friends. He said he was indebted to players who came from a distance to be present at the gathering. . He went on to say that he had great pleasure in participating in the game in Taranaki, and that a successful player needed the highest ideals and real honesty of purpose. He recalled how cricket was really originated in the district by the officers and men of the A.C. force established in the military camps in various parts, away back in 1876 to 1881, and - mentioned specially Major Gudgeon in Manaia, Lieutenant Vincent and two privates, Matheson and Good, all good players and sports. They had time to spare, and kept the Manaia Domain so well that it was acknowledged to be the best wicket in the district. * The force was disbanded after some years, but they had laid the foundations arid tlieir work was continued by men like Messrs W. G. White, G. T Ba.yly, F. Riddiford, and others. His own association with cricket in Taranaki dated from' 1894. when he played at Manaia, 'and about 1898 lie came to Hawera. His first representative match was against Fiji, captained by Hon. Mr. Tidal and containing five native players. He referred also to the matches with Hawke’s Bay aild to the fine wicket possessed then Napier.: perhaps the best in New Zea£ land. 'Ever since then, he added, hie had been connected with cricket in Taranaki. He thanked all most sincerely "for the magnificent presentation made, but most of all, he added, for thfe happy sentiments which accompanied the gift. , C /