CRICKETERS’ FUNCTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 160, 8 June 1939, Page 5

CRICKETERS’ FUNCTION.

MR R. CARTER FAREWELLED. itcm tiers of tlio Feilding Cricket Club gathered last evening to bid farewell to Air It. Carter, a popular member of the club who lias joined the Royal Air Force and leaves Auckland on Thursday for England, where lie will serve a short commission. The function took the form of a complimentary dinner and was presided over by the captain of the club (Air N. Fitzpatrick). Representatives of Nomads, Publir Service and Old Boys Clubs were present. An apology for absence was received from tile president of the, Feilding Cricket Club (Air V. E. Smith), who was unavoidably absent. The chairman also apologised for the 11011-attendance of Alessrs J. G. Eliott (president of the Feilding Cricket Association), A. Benner, T. h. Donaldson (secretary of the association) and J. Hart. “Wo feel sorry that we are losing Feilding’s best cricketer,” Air Fitzpatrick said. Air Carter possessed outstanding ability as a cricketer and a charming personality, and his departure would make a gap in the team. The name of Carter was familiar in cricket history, and locally Air Carter's name meant much to the club. Air Fitzpatrick asked Air Carter to accept a handsome week-end set as a token ol esteem, lioping that it would be of some into to him and serve to remind him of his cricket days in Feilding. Ai r Carter.' acknowledging the remarks and the gift, said lie found it difficult to express liis appreciation. He had been happy to be associated

with tho Feilding Club and would billow local cricket news with interest. He concluded by washing the club success. Air J. Dewe, on behalf of the Old Boys Club, added his tribute to Air Carter’s capabilities as a cricketer and stated that his club would follow liis career with interest. Air T. James, on •behalf of tho Nomads Club, said that lie hud found Air Carter one of the best sportsmen on and off the field, and in liis new sphere his club wished Air Carter “many happy landings.” Afr H. AV. Smith, representing the Public Service Club, said that when lie arrived in Feilding it had struck him how fortunate the Feilding Club was in having in its ranks such ail outstanding player as Air Carter, whom lie descrilied as a true cricketer in that lie did not let his emotions come to the surface in face of success or failure, but remained composed and calm. All cricketers would join in wishing Air Carter a successful career. Afusical honours followed and at the conclusion of the dinner Air Carter was the guest of honour at a picture party in Palmerston North. Afr Carter lias been a member of the Feilding Cricket Club for ten years, and for one season played in Palmerston North.