VALEDICTORY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 17 January 1928, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

On Friday evening members of the various sporting bodies'met in Bower's sa ; niple rooms for-the purpose of farewelling Mr 0. A. Banner on.the eve of his departure,for Wellington, where he is taking up the position of head master of the LvaU Bay school. Tp the unavoidable absence of Mir Harry Manoy, who was delayed in Wellington, Dr. A. K. Green occupied the chair. In his opening remarks Dr. Green spoke of the'gbod work done by Mr Banner in thfe interests of clean sport in Motueka.' Ever since his arrival he had ■eri'deaVed himself to ©very-one and had ? by his example striven to impart the value of good - citizenship to all with whom he came in contact. His departure would be/'keenly felt by many citizens of Mb.t'ueka, who however were rejoicing in his promotion, whilst sorry to lose his counsel and advice. Mr R. P. Hudson, M.P., supplemented the remarks of the chairman and "wished Mr Banner and family well in their hew activities^ References to Mr Banner's good work vtere also made by Mr S; B. Canavan (Bowling Club), Mr T. Drummond (Ti.kabkas Football Club), Mr J.- C. Smith (Huias), Mr R. Rowling (Wanderers), Mr G. W. Bo'undy {Rugby Union), Mr J. A. McGlashen (citizeiis of Motueka), Mi- 11. R. McGregor (Caledonian Society), Mr Erie Trevena (Cricket Association), and Mr S. G. Smith (Golf Club). The presentation, which took the form of a-purse of sovereigns and an illuminated addresa, was then made by Dr. Green who, amidst cheers, called on Mr Banner to accept the same iiv appreciation of his services, from the members of the various sports bodies, with which he was associated.

Mr Banner- in responding, expressed his gratitude for the practical manner in which, appreciation 6t his services was being shown. He had spent a happy time in Motueka, and hat! entered into the spirit of things with the one idea of creating good fellowship and good feeling between the various sporting bodies. He regretted, in many ways, the necessity for his departure from their midst, but would carry away with him many'happy recollections of the days spent amongst them. His work at the school had been stremions, but he was gratified to know and to learn from the remarks of the 'variois speakers, that those passing out,of his hands had learnt to play the game "clean." This was the greatest compliment that could be paid him.

During the evening the company was entertained with musical selections from Messrs Browning, Thorp, Mears, and Hamilton. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne"' brought the 'evening to a close. •