CYCLISTS HONOURED

Kaikoura Star, Volume LVI, Issue 88, 9 November 1936, Page 2

CYCLISTS HONOURED

PRESENTATION MADE TO LOCAL RIDERS Those responsible for the organisation of the function held in the Drill Hall on Friday night, in honour of local cyclists who had won honours outside the district, are to be congratulated on the success of the affair. There was a large attendance, the music supplied by .Airs Sabiston’s orchestra was bright and tuneful, extras being played by Mrs F. Smith and Misses K. Smith and E. Wareham. Mr F. Smith was ’master of ceremonies. The suppci arrangements left nothing to be desired. Apologies were received for the absence of Messrs C. AVarcham and T. Slack, and Air and Mrs S. Eaton. Air E. P. Mcachen, M.P., was present at the function. Mr V. Wright, chairman of the committee, explained the object of the gathering and invited Air F. J. Monk (County Chairman) to make presentations to the guests of the evening. Air Afonk said they had with them that night four young men who had not only done honour to themselves, but also to Kaikoura. Mr D. B. Aitken had won the road race—Oamaru to Christchurch—in 1931. Mr ('. Wareham was second in the Wai mate to Christchurch road race in 193,1, Mr B. G. Allies had secured a second in 1935, and had won the Christchurch-AVaimatc race in 1936, Air C. Stack being ninth in the same race. These performances were wonderful when one considered the lack of training facilities and the conditions existing. There wore between 76 and 80 riders competing, 'most of whom had excellent facilities for training for the event. Under the circumstances the success of the local boys was no moan achievement. Air Monk referred to the performance of Dr. J. E. Lovelock, a groat runner, who had been trained to the hour. Had our boys the same opportunity for training, he felt sun* there would have been no seconds—tthey would all be winners. “Given proper training facilities,” said Air Alonk, “our local boys would have finished the race, had their bath, and bo dressed before the other riders reached home.” (Laughter). Was it fair that our boys should go out without, proper training and be pitted against the best riders in the Dominion? It was a question whether proper facilities should not be available, say, by way of a gymnasium? He felt sure the people of Kaikoura would not be backward in assisting to provide training facilities for our youths. He congratulated the winners on their success, and on behalf of those as-

sembled presented Air D. B. Aitken with a set of carvers. Air B. G. Afiles with a set of fish cutlery, Air C. Wareham with a dressing set, and Air C. Stack a dressing set. “AVith the gifts,” said Mr Afonk. “went the heartiest of wishes from the people to the recipien ts. ’ ’ The guests briefly replied and all joined in singing “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows.” The large silver cup associated with the road race was displayed on the stage.