TROPHIES PRESENTED

Opunake Times, 25 October 1935, Page 2

TROPHIES PRESENTED

AT FOOTBALLERS’ DANCE A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION Although heavy rain set in shortly before the time set dovn for the commencement of the above dance on Wednesday mgl I supporters of the club turned out :n large numbers later ‘n the evening and the dance was successful both socially and financially. The committee had gone to a great deal of trouble to ensure those attending of a really good time and in this they have every reason to believe that their efforts were appreciated. The floor was in capital order and.the hall looked attractive, particularly the stage decorations, this work having been attended to by Miss E. Trotter, who as usual, put in a great deal of time and artistry to achieve a result that earned merited compliments. The supper room also had a very p’easing appearance, the tables being set out daintily with delicacies, while vases of spring flowers were arranged at intervals. Mesdaines R. S. Tenkin and J. Downey were responsible for (his work which was much admired.

Gay music was rendered by Hooker’s Merrymakers Orchestra I he perfect time and old and new tunes played with real spirit, putting an extra pep into the evening's enjoyment. Encores were generously given by this party of instrumentalists who without doubt hold pride of place amongst the dancing enthusiasts of this district. A delicious supper was provided by a committee of la'dies comprising Mesdames E. J. Wallis, 11. S. Jenkin, J. Downey, E. G. Pay!is, E. Taylor, W. Fake, P. McCullnm and Miss E. Trotter. Pre sntaticn ol Trophies

The opportunity was taken before supper to present the trophies won by club members 'during the season, the ]jresident (Mr E. J. Wallis) stating that the object of the function was" ’to carry out the above pleasant duty and also to wind up the most successful season since 1929. The local club had put, up a great record, having reached the high position of runners-up for the 1935 season for the Taranaki championship ■ together with pride of place in the Southern division. Four seniors had gained representative honours in the A team and two in the B team, while a member had player! in the final trials for the All Black selection. Later this same player, G. Harrison, had been selected as a Maori All Black and toured

Australia, critics in Australia and New Zealand regarding him

as one of the best forwards to leave these shores. Many would already be aware of the fact that Harrispn was shortly to leave for England under contract with a London League team and the best wishes of a wide circle of friends would accompany him. He was inclined to think that if Harrison produced the form shown during the past season on taking the field in England. he would quickly gain the headlines as a great forward.

In conclusion, Air Wallis thanked the public for its support of the function and during the season, 'which in, a large measure had enabled the club to make progress. The juniors had struck a lean time with early casualties and later had been drawn on to fill the senior ranks, while the thirds had been quite successful, being in the running for premier honours until the final match. He wished to sincerely thank the donors of various trophies for their generosity and support which was greatly appreciated. The winners of the gold medals were as follows:

Senior.—Best back, Allan Richards (presented by Mr D. Peat). Best forward, Alf TJpson (Mr 8. Boyd). Junior.—Best back, W. Crawford (Mr W. J. Steer). Best for-

ward, P. Burton (Mr A. D. Mac- : Lean). 1 Third.—Best back.'K.. McNae. ■ Best forward, J. Crawford (both medals presented by .Mr H. S. Jenkin). ! Other trophies were the De Tourret shield won by the Okato , juniors, and the Frank cup, won j by the Okato thirds. The winners of the above briefly returned thanks. Competitions were won by "Messrs P. Harding and J. Phillips.