LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Northern Advocate, 18 November 1929, Page 7

LEAGUE FOOTBALL

HIKURANGI function,

PRESIDENTIAL REVIEW.

During the supper interval at the Rugby League Ball, held in the Criterion Theatre, Hikurangi, ou the Bth hist., the president of the League organisation, Mr C. o’Callaghan, welcomed those present and mentioned that the large number from Whangarei, Whakapara and surrounding distriets was ample evidence of the popularity of the League. Indeed, such evidence was not required, as the splendid attendance at matches during the season was sufficient indication of such popularity. The splendid spirit in which the game had been played and the open and spectacular play indulged in by the various teams competing had won the unanimous support of all true sports in this part of the district.

After stating that the League had secured a ground of its own for next season, adjoining the Hikurangi tennis courts, and eulogising the administrative officers of the various clubs, also the high calibre of the Judicial Committee and the Referees’ Association, Mr o’Callaghan handed to Mr .Scott (as president of the Waro Club, which won the senior competition), the inscribed solid silver cup presented by, Mr Morran, of Kamo, The Montcith Shield (a beautiful work of art, the gift of Mr E. Monteith, of Auckland) was presented to the same club as winner of the knock-out competition. The president complimented the club on its double victory, and expressed gratitude to the donors of the trophies, including Mr Haines, of the Settlers’ Hotel, Whangarci, whoso shield for the Thursday competition victors was received by Mr H. Croft, on behalf of the Whakapara Club. The president thanked Mr A. Finlayson for permitting use of his ground for all matches played at Whakapara. The Waro Seniors and Whakapara Juniors were then lined up in single file in front of the stage and each received their championship caps for 1929, amidst great applause. The former were presented by Mr Ray Dempster, who was heartily thanked for his generosity, and the latter were supplied by the League. Mr F. Buchanan was presented with a gold modal, the gift of Mr M. Ansell, of Hikurangi, for the most improved forward. Mr Ansell was thanked for the neat token, suitably inscribed, and Mr Buchanan was congratulated on his success, , The Cadman Gold Modal, which was presented by Mr A. Cadman for the most popular player and won by Mt C. Meyer, and the set of representative jerseys presented by Mr A. Me Millan, were disposed of at a previous function, but the president wish ed to also thank these gentlemen foi their generous gifts and continued support of the pame.

Mr Scott, on behalf of Waro Club, thanked the president for the very fine trophies that it was their good fortune to become possessed of, ant} trusted that the same fine spirit of sportsmanship between the clubs vyould, continue next year, when he hoped his club would again be successful.

Mr H. -Croft, who thanked the president on behalf of the Club, said he was proud to be connected with such a fine lot of sports who were capable of winning the Thursday Competition Shield, also the Juniors, who had won the championship caps. Mr Scott then presented two beautiful afternoon teasets to Mesdames Crackett and McDonald for the great interest taken in the Waro Seniors and Juniors respectively, and in keeping their jerseys, etc., washed and in order during the season. It was pleasing to him to be called upon to make those presentations, as a token of tin? gratitude and esteem in which these ladies were held by the members of the dub.

Mr O’Callaghan, speaking in high terms of praise of the lady votaries of the League generally, said that they wore the most ardent and enthusiastic. supporters of all. That night’s function had been due solely to their efforts. The decorations, featuring the various clubs’ colours, were a masterpiece, and the supper could not have been surpassed. On the president’s call the company accorded flic ladies three ringing cheers.