TENNIS FAREWELL

Opunake Times, 3 February 1948, Page 2

TENNIS FAREWELL

THOMAS FAMILY FRIENDS GATHER A farewell to Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Thomas and Molly and Cliff Thomas, arranged by the members of the Opunake Tennis club, was held in the Masonic Hall on Saturday evening, a large crowd attending. Dancing, with several appreciated items, were enjoyed by those present, Mrs. Vincent, assisted by Mr. H. Otene (drums) providing popular dance music. Items were rendered by Miss Barbara O'Neil, "Lynda" and "The Story of Two Cigarettes;" Mr. D. Thomas and Mr. C. Thomas, "Naughty Waltz;" Miss M. Thomas, Mrs. J. Fagan and Mr. D. Thomas, "Let the rest of the world go by," and Miss B. O'Neil and Mr. T. Roach rendered a popular duet. A singing "Monte Carlo" judged by Mrs. E. G. Snell and Mrs. F. J. McLaughlin created much amusement and was won by Miss N. Watt and Mr. J. Roach. At a suitable interval after supper, Mr. T. Fouhy, in the absence of the president, Mr. R. H. Hughson , made presentations on behalf of members as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Irish linen supper cloth set; Miss Thomas, gold vanity case and Mr. Cliff Thomas, leather writing set. Mr. Fouhy spoke of Mr. Thomas' services to the Club and' to the town. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas had held Club championship honours on a number of occasions and Mr. Thomas had'Feen an active official for a number of years, he said. Stating that he was speaking of 20 vears ago, Mr. Fouhy said that ' Cliff and Molly would be only one or two years old, "but they had come along marvellously," he added amidst laughter. He wished the Family every hapjjiness and success in their new sphere. Mr. Thomas in expressing thanks, recalled the earlier struggles when he was secretary of the club (for 9 years), especially during the depression years. It was pleasing to see the progress made since those years, he said, and Opunake- was fortuir» ate in having such an excellent Club and amenities. Mr. Thomas also paid a tribute to Miss E. Trotter, one of the Club's ablest members and to the Mac Lean family who had proved themselves stalwarts of the Club for many years. Mr. C. Thomas also spoke on behalf of Miss Thomas and himself, referring particularly to Mr. R. Otene's valuable coaching. The evening- concluded at midnight with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." Mr. J. Roach was M.C.