“FATHER” OF GOLF

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 116, 12 April 1930, Page 8

“FATHER” OF GOLF

HONOURED BY CLUB. ADDRESS PRESENTED. Golfing parlance dominated a unique ceremony last evening, when devotees of the royal and ancient game gathered in Palmerston North from many centres at a banquet to do honour to Mr L. A. Abraham, pay tribute to his Remarkable record of service as honorary secretary of the Manawatu Golf Club, and to present him with an illuminated address to mark his retirement from that office after 35 years of gratuitous service. Mr Alfred Seifert presided at the dinner and the visitors present included several from Dannevirke, Napier, Wanganui, Marton and other centres. Numerous apologies were received from those who, by reason of circumstances, were precluded from attending, including Mr R. P. Abraham and several members of the Manawatu. Golf Club, Sir James Coates (Auckland), Mr R. D. Bell, Colonel Hughes. Messrs V.’ and D. Riddiford, F. G. Nathan, T. H. Horton (a member of the Kirk-Windeyer Cup team), G. L. Stanford (Marton), T. A. Moodic, D. 0. Sutton, G. Lloyd (Dannevirke), N. Blackmore, G. Strang and the presidents of the Napier, Wanganui and Otaki Golf Clubs. Numbers of letters were received from various sources testifying to the many kindnesses and courtesies of Mr Abraham, and conveying the wish that he would long be spared. Pleasant associations were recalled and tributes were paid to his efficiency. The new secretary, Mr G. K. Chamberlain, expressed his appreciation of Mr Abraham’s work, and referred to his offer to assist ut the Easter tournament. AFTER THIRTY-FIVE YEARS. “Proposing tho toast of “Our Guest,” the chairman stated that it was 35 years that day sinco Mr Lionel Abraham first filled the position of secretary of ■ the Manawatu Golf Club. During the time the speaker had known Mr Abraham, the latter had always had his greatest respect. - Not only ha,d Mr Abraham been a most remarkable man in himself, but no man could have a more fitting . helpmate than Mrs Abraham. Furthermore, the family had grown up to„be most worthy citizens of tho town. Tho speaker stated that it was the late secretary who had extolled the merits of the game to him and prevailed upon him to take up the 6port of golf. Looking over his career as a golfer, said Mr Seifert, Mr Abraham had always been in evidence, and had always been very considerate. He was a man who understood human nature and he had, the speaker felt sure, helped other members to be better citizens than they might otherwise have been. ' TEXT OF ADDRESS. Before calling upon other speakers, the president presented the following illuminated address to Mr Abraham:— “To L. A. Abraham, Esq.—We, the undersigned members of the Manawatu Golf Club, desire to express our appreciation of the splendid services performed by you as honorary secretary over a period of thirtyfive years. To have filled such a position from the day of the club’s inception on April 11, 1895, till your retirement on March 28, 1930, is a record of service and achievement probably unique in the history of golf in New Zealand. During your occupancy of the post of secretary you have seen the club grow from modest beginnings to become one of the premier organisations in the Dominion, and its success has-been largely due to the ability and wisdom you have displayed as its chief executive officer, combined always with the unfailing courtesy and consideration extended by you both to members of tho club and visitors. We trust that in the honoured position of patron you may lo.ng remain with us to enoy that veneration and affection which you have so richly earned.” The address, which' ,\vas beautifully bound in book form, containing a photograph of Mr Abraham and pictures of the familiar “Cliff View” and “Land’s "End,” was received amidst prolonged applause and cheers. » ‘ * A LIKEABLE PERSONALITY.

Mr C. J. Alunro, one of the first presidents of tho club, stated that it had been his privilege to know Air Lionel Abraham over since lie took up his residence in the district 34 -years ago. He had known the retiring secretary as bachelor and benedict for nearly half a century, and he fully appreciated his likeable qualities. But for the personality of Air Abraham the club might never have survived the incipient stage or reached adolescence. There were many difficulties in the first year of existence, principal among which was a fear that after driving one might never see the ball again. The speaker recollected driving down to tho lipks with a trap load of torches to burn the ankle-high grass on which was termed, by courtesy, a fairway. At tho inception of the club, only two members had ever played golf before. Mr Monro referred to tho assistance given by Mrs Abraham and concluded by wishing the guest speedy restoration to sound health, long life and happiness. Air J. A. Nash, AI.P., said he considered it a great honour and privilege- to be present. He had known the guest of the evening for many years v He was very glad to hear the highly complimentary, references to Airs Abraham, with whom the speaker had had tho privilege of working in- local institutions for over twenty years. He felt sure any success Air Abraham had achieved in life had been due to the wonderful help that he had received from his wife. The speaker had known the guest of the evening in many capacities and was very glad to wish Air Abraham long life, health and happiness. HALF LIFETIAIE'GIVEN.

Mr H. 11. Cooper said that according to the allotted span,' Mr Abraham had given up half his life doihg his best for others all the time, and that was no mean service. The retiring secretary had been the life and soul of many a touring golf party. There was no doubt that they had been a very happy family and their guest that night had been the “father” of the golf club and his wife the “mother.”'AH would agreo that the retiring secretary had done his work worthily and well.- ! MR ABRAHAM’S REPLY. , Rising to reply, Mr Abraham was greeted with sustained applause and cheers. He stated that every speaker bad put his ■finger right on the spot. That was that they could never have stood him for thirty-five years without the'guidance and commonsense of his wife to put him right when ho was on the wrong track. Mr Abraham also stated that when his son, Mr Martyn Abraham, was made a _ niember of the committee he received very great assistance from him, especially with the running of competitions. The presentation had been. a delightful, charming and extraordinary one. It was magnificent, and his family would greatly appreciate it,' treasuring it through future years. He felt the warmth of the occasion that night. He wanted all'to know that he felt most deeply all they had said and done and that he had not deserved half of it all. As patron he urged all members of the club to pull together for the common good, saying that they had an expert committee. EFFICIENT SERVICE. Proposing “The ' Royal and '■ Ancient Game,” Mr W. L. Fitzhfrbert. said it had altered tho whole social outlook; and tales now reforred not to the fisherman, but' to tho golfer. He thought the present state of the Manawatu links was greatly duo to tho very efficient service given for many years by ’Mr Lionel Abraham as secretary. He asked all to drink to the health of the gani6 coupled with the name of Mr B. J. Jacobs.- . -i. Mr Jacobs briefly replied. The club captain (Mr A. E. Ekstedt) proposed tho toast of' the visitors, saying that it was most gratifying to see so many present. They welcomed them individually, but preferred them in teams'. The game would be very tame if it were not for the exchange of visits. ■The toast, was, coupled with the names of Messrs J. Harrison (Wanganui), L. Gordon Feilding), E. Laurie (Napier), Christiansen (Marton) and Chadwick (Martou).Responses were made by each of those named, and each paid his tribute to Mr Abraham. Mr P. L. Sim, as one of the old members, fully endorsed all the sentiments re-

garding Mr Abraham, and took the opportunity of referring to tho wonderful service of Mr R. S. Abraham' in connection -with the acquisition of the links. The '4! ttor ' speaking on behalf of the Oid Brigade,” stated that his brother was fully deserving of tho honours paid He stated that the Manawatu Gqlf Club came into existence "when a-, number, including himself, found that the site was to be subdivided for building purposes. Thev 1 formed the Athletic Park Company to acquire the area for polo and golf. It had been a very great satisfaction to see the growth of the club and the estimation in which it was held. “Kindred sports” was another toast proposed, coupled with the name ,of Mr A. M. Ongley, who replied.