Tom French Cup Presents Presentation Problem

Northern Advocate, 28 October 1949, Page 4

Tom French Cup Presents Presentation Problem

AN air-freight package of considerable proportions arrived at Whangarei yesterday. It contained the Tom French Cup, which is to be presented to J. B. Smith at the Bay of Islands Rugby Union’s annual ball at Kcrikeri tonight.

The tropny was on view in a Whangarei shop window yesterday and today.

However the problem is overcome, lhe modest “Johnny” will find solace in one fact. COULD HIDE BEHIND IT

Now, Whangarei people are wondcring just how Mr French is going to accomplish the presentation. Reason for their mystification is the prodigious proportions of the magnificent trophy. Those who viewed the cup stood back and whistled in admiration.

If lie is overcome and confused he can execute one of his famous sidesteps and hide himself and his embarrassment behind the cup. He will still have to face the problem of “filling it up.” Captain Morris; the donor, is a brother of the late Mr G. N. Morris, S.M., who was stationed at Whangarei for some years.

One man gasped, rubbed his eyes, and murmured: '‘lt's the biggest aspidistra in the world.” Not altogether a correct statement, but it certainly conveyed the general impression. It has to be seen to believed. Standing nearly Bft high, the cup is of outstanding design—-a truly magnificent example of the silversmith’s art. Its main body is about 12in. in diameter and two massive handles add to its hugeness. MASSIVE, BUT BEAUTIFUL A shapely top is surmounted by a set of goal-posts, against which a silver football, the size of a hen's egg, leans negligently. The black base is cylindrical for Bin. below the cup before spreading to a substantial foundation.

So pleased and thrilled was Captain Morris with the performance of the Maori team in Australia that he decided lo donate a trophy. , He was certainly impressed in a big way, for it is doubtful if any trophy in New Zealand can compare with the Tom French Cup.

J 2-INCH MINIATURE

J. B. Smith is to receive a miniature.

Naturally it is of the same family as the main trophy, and not of the egg-cup variety.

It stands exactly 12in. high. After the presentation tonight the Tom French Cup is to be displayed for several weeks in each of the NARU sub-unions.

It carries four silver plates 6in x Sin. For all its massiveness, however, the cup has beautiful proportions. Reading from the top the inscription is:

Bay of Islands will naturally come first.

Accompanying the trophy on its tour will be the Prince of Wales Cup, the To Mori Rose Bowl, and the Jack Ruru Memorial Cup, trophies won and held by the Tai Tokerau team since 1946.

The Tom French Cup

“To be awarded to the best Maori player of the year and to be held by the player’s union for one year. “Donated by Captain John Morris, 1.A., Retired, of New Zealand and Sydney, Australia. “A tribute to the great services 'fom French has given to Rugby Union football generally, and as coach of Sonnie West’s grand Maori team to Australia, 1949 in particular.” One of the plates is inscribed with details of games played in Australia and the other carries the names of the 1949 Maori team.

ONLY NICKNAMES The latter inscription is one with a difference. It is unique. There are no initials only nicknames.

Take the four Northland members of the team.

There are “Brownie” Cherringlon and “Pete” Smith.

Both these seem to be quite ill order, but then comes “Korokl” Beazlev.

Beazley has been approached, but refused to throw any light on the subject, although be refuted the rumour that he was retiring from Rugby to take up the mallet-and-hoop game. No less startling is the epithet bestowed on Charlie Stirling, who earned a reputation throughout Australia for his vigorous forward play. No—it v'as not “Dynamite” or anything nearly as fiery.

It is ‘"Pixie”. Pixie means, without the word of a lie, “being akin to an elf”. “Kingi” Matthews, from the Wairarapa, is well-known as such to Northlanders. “Kiwi” Blake seems natural enough, too.

‘‘LIGHTHOUSE*' Jack Davcy, famous Australian radio personality, was responsible for at least one of the nicknames. During a broadcast all the Maori players were brought to the microphone where they were introduced over the air by the inimitable Australian. “What is your name?” he asked one player. “Kippa,” was the reply. “Oh yes,” said Davey. “I know your brother ‘Lighthouse’ well!” And so the inscription shining brightly on the Tom French Cup reads: “Lighthouse” Kippa.

AH this, however, does not make the task of presentation any easier for Mr French, who travels up from Auckland today. Just how he will manhandle the immense trophy, and how Johnny Smith will receive it can be told only after tonight. As Northland’s weight-lifters have not yet returned from their triumphs at the New Zealand championships there is little prospect of help from that quarter.