OFF TO OLYMPIC GAMES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 26 April 1928, Page 7

OFF TO OLYMPIC GAMES.

MR, STAN LAY FARE WELLED. SEND-OFF BY HAWERA ATHLETES Members of the- Hauer a Amateur Athletic Club- and of the Hau-era Athletic Football Club assembled in strong force at the Carlton Tea Rooms on Tuesday evening to bid farewell ro Taranaki’s representative, Mr Stan who leaves New Zealand with the other members of the Olympic team, next Saturday from Wellington by the S.b. Remuera. The president of the club, Mr W . A. Spragg, after proposing the Royal toast, said that it gave him great pleasure indeed to preside at- such an auspicious gathering, and to do honour to the guest of the evening, w-ho, said the speaker, had every chance of defeating the world’s best in; his particular line of athletes. The Hawera Athletic Club uas founded some 19 years ago, but had, not met with the support it was entitled to-, and since the club lias been reformed in recent year® it has never looked back, being recognised at the present time as one of the principal and fore most- clubs in the Dominion to-day. Quoting figures as regards New Zealand s share in past Olympic Games, Mr Spragg pointed out that in 1912 there were 27 nations competing, 1924 there- were 43, and this year there would be GO nations- aepresented. This was the first- time the Dominion had been represented as £ separate nation, but New Zealand had already ivqn great honour at the Olympiads when attached to the British Empire teams, and he mentioned the names of H. Kerr, Darcy Hadfield, H. El.- Wilson, Davison, Miss Shand, C. Purdy, Dr. Porritt, M. Champion and many others. Mr M. R. Jones, in proposing the toast of the “Olympic Team,” said that it was a great honour for New Zealand to be represented at the Olympiad. This was the first time since the inception of the Games that the Dominion was represented as a separate nation. The -speaker quoted the French tennis star (Jean Borotra) who once said that the representatives of countries .on the field of sport, were the real ambassadors of peace throughout the world, and would do- more ioi world .peace than all other methods. He, the- speaker, was. sure the present representatives of the New Zealand team would be a great asset and a striking advertisement for the- Dominion, and he felt' sure- that Hawera s representative, Mr Lay, would -return to the Dominion with the world’s championship honours. Mr H. L. Spratt, responding .to -the toast of the “Olympic Team,” gave a brief but interesting outline- of the history of the Olympic Games, which, he said, were instituted 1222- 8.0. No nation in the world had excelled more than .the Greeks and Spartan® on the field of athletics. The original games were composed of running, wrestling, chariot racing, javelin throwing, etc., and with regard to the latter it was very encouraging to see a man in New Zealand throwing almost world’s championship form and hoped that Stan. Lay would return with the honours. Continuing his speech with reference to the methods employed in the olden days, Mr Spratt mentioned that then, no man was allowed to- compete unless lie had had ten months training, and they saw to- it that competitors ii-ad a thorough and proper course of training, and all competitors concentrated upon their own particular line of athletics. That, said the speaker, was the secret of success. In conclusion, Mr Spiatt. said that the team were bound to meet men who were Very antagonistic to other competitors, but lie felt sure the Dominion team would do- exceptionally well at the ,o’lympiad, and return with useful knowledge- which could be handed to tiiose to follow in the world .oi sport. Tire team had the best wishes of the Dominion, and they were awaj to- represent the best that was in New Zealand.

Air W. A. Spragg, on behalf of the Hawera Amateur Athletic Club, presented Air Lay with a handsome “gentleman’s companion” and congratulated the recipient on being selectee, to represent ‘ New Zealand at the Games.

A letter of introduction to the manager of the Olympic Games at Amsterdam was also- handed to Air Lay. Dr. R. G. J». Sinclair, oil behalf oi the Hawera Athletic Football Chib, spoke in eulogistic terms of the guest of the evening, presenting him with a shaving set. On rising to respond, Air Lay was greeted with enthusiastic applause. He had, said the speaker, been looking forward to the trip for the last 18 months and he had to thank the Hawera Amateur Atletie Club for the work it had done to enable him to make the trip. The members had worked unceasingh to collect sufficient funds and if it had not been for the Athletic Club he would probably have not- taken up javelin throwing at all. “I wish to particularly, thank Messrs Hunt, Jar-r-ett and O. Dahl for the excellent assistance and hints' these gentlemen have given me,” said Air Lay. The speaker also extended his heartfelt thanks to the general public of Hawera for their excellent response to the- appeal for funds, and said that if he could not win, it would not be for the want of trying on his part. Mr AI. R. Jones took the opportunity to- introduce Mr Tukere, of the Alanaiapoto tribe, who is well-known in the tennis world: M.r Tukere express ed pleasure at being able to sav a few words of farewell and on behalf of the New Zealand Alaori Lawn Tennis Coun-

cil he extended the best wishes for every success on the tour and a safe return. ' L" “The Borough Council’.’ was proposed by Air H. L. Spratt, who emphasised the initiative shown by municipal authorities in many ways, but in no more interesting way, he added, so far as the present big scheme was concerned than by giving a donation towards the expenses of the Olympic tour. Replying, the Alayor (Mr- E. A. Pacey) -said that the vote was made unanimously aiid they would like to have made it more, but it had to come out of unauthorised expenditure, which was strictly limited. He said that the popularity of Mr Lay was proved as far as he was concerned, by the number of farewell gatherings he had attended at which Stan was the guest pf honour. He added once more most cordial good wishes for his success at the Games. Or. Simpson endorsed the remarks of the Alayor and said that Stan. Lay went forth on the great adventure sjKieded by the hearty g<?od wishes of his many friends and admirers and. nothing would' please them better than to hear he had achieved world honours. “The Ladies” was proposed by Mr Renwick and responded to by Mr P. Lawn and “The Press” (Air ■ Alarter— Air Page) concluded the toast list. The chairman briefly acknowledged their indebtedness” to- the performers and the accompanist and organiser, Air John Renwick, to the proprietresses of the Carlton Rooms,, who had gratuitously given the evening’s fine spread, and to all others who had in any way helped to achieve success. In addition to the previous speakers Messrs L. Hunt, O. Dahl, C. AleFadyen, A. Guy and L. Alarter also extended their felicitations. During the evening an entertaining programme of songs, musical items and monologues l were, contributed- by the following: Messrs J. Fraser, IX St-ra-. hrw (• 1T -rtirk and O. AfcFadgen. Air J. Renwick officiated at the piano. A hearty vote of thanks to the chair was carried and then the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem brought the’ function *"to a close. •-. At the conclusion- of the arranged programme Air Lay was met by a deputation from the Hawera Association Football Club, consisting of Messrs W. Adams and W. Ramsay. Final wishes on behalf of the club for the success of Air Lay were voiced by Air Adams, who also presented Air Lay with a pocket book, which it was hoped would prove useful during the voyage do- the old world. '