PRESENTATION.

Otago Witness, 14 December 1893, Page 33

PRESENTATION.

A number of the members of the Pirates Football Club assembled at the City Hotel on Friday night for the purpose of making a presentation to Mr James Hutchison, who for two years occupied

the position of hon. secretary to the club, on the occasion of his approaching marriage.

Mr J. 11. lloskinij, president of the club, in making the presentation, said that Mr Hutchison played as full back in the team most of the season in which the club had an unbeaten record, and al3o iv the match at Invercargill, when the Inveroargill Club was beaten for the first time on its own ground. — (Applause.) Although he afterwards retired from the football field he did not cease to take an interest in the club, but acted as secretary for some time ; and although he resigned the secretaryship recently, the members informed him (Mr Hosking) that his interest in the club was such as they were all pleased to recognise. They were there that evening in order to convey to Mr Hutchison their best wishes for his future happiness in the step he was about to take.— (Applause.) He had much pleasure on their behalf in presenting him with a clock as a token of the regard in which he was held by them, and in recognition of the services he had rendered to the club in the past.— (Applause.)

The presentation consisted of a handsome marble clock, bearing the following inscription :—: — "Presented to Mr James Hutchison by the members of the Pirates Football Club, December 13, 1893." Mr Hutchison, in acknowledging the gift, said he should always prize it very highly pot only on account of the value which it intrinsically possessed, and of the spirit which he believed had prompted the presentation, but also because it would remind him of associations which he would always remember as among the happiest of his life.— (Applause.) Although he might be incurring fresh responsibilities, he should certainly not allow his interest in the club to diminish in any way. The Pirates Club latterly has perhaps fallen on evil times, but he trusted that its fortunes might soon mend, as he was convinced that it was a most important thing that such a club as the Pirates should continue to exist and flourish in our midst. — (Applause.) Whether it flouiished or not, however, he should always remember with most grateful feelings the kindness s,bown him upon that occasion, and also the associations he had formed through his connection with the club.— (Applause.)