FOOTBALLER HONOURED

Putaruru Press, Volume XII, Issue 582, 26 July 1934, Page 7

FOOTBALLER HONOURED

WAIKATO “ALL BLACK” Presentations to J. Leeson A social evening was held at Morrinsville on Monday in honour of J. Leeson, the first Morrinsville Rugby footballer to gain a place in the All Blacks, for the forthcoming tour of Australia. The team sails from Wellington on Friday.

The hall was crowded, and there was a most representative attendance of the football players and officials of the Morrinsville district. Among those present was Mrs. J. E. Leeson, who has seldom missed seeing games in which - her son has played on the home ground.

After the supper interval Mr. F. Thomas extended a welcome to all present. They had gathered to congratulate “ Johnny ” Leeson on his inclusion in th 1934" All Black team. (Applause). The ICereone Club was naturally very proud because one of its players had gained the highest honours in the Rugby game—a player who had been born in the Morrinsville district, lived all his life in the Morrinsville district, and played all his football in the Morrinsville district. Moreover, Mr. Leeson was the first player to get into the All Blacks from the Waikato, and they could depend on it that he would settle down in the Waikato, too. (Applause). To the young boys the speaker would say that they also could win high honours in football if they were prepared to get fit. It required a great deal of will power to train and keep on training- as “ Johnny ” had trained. In conclusion, Mr. Thomas - wished Mr. Leeson “ bon voyage ” and games that he would be able to look back on with pleasure. His many friends hoped that next year they would gather to farewell him before he went further afield. A solid leather travelling bag was presented to Mr. Leeson with the best wishes of all present. In responding, Mr. Leeson thanked the Kereone Club for arranging the evening in his honour, and all who had attended for their gift and their good wishes. While he was pleased to gain a place in the New Zealand team he hoped he would not be the last from Morrinsville and the Waikato, for there were others who had good chances of getting in. Musical honours were accorded the guest Of the evening.

RUGBY UNION PRESENTATION

A presentation of an initialled travelling rug was made to J. Leeson by the Morrinsville Rugby Union at the dinner given to the Thames football team after the recent match for the Peace Cup. In making the presentation, Mr. D. R. F. Campbell, president of the Union, referred to the popularity of Morrinsville’s first representative in the All Blacks, who had thoroughly deserved the honour he had secured. It was an honour also to the Morrinsville district, where Mr. Leeson had played all his football since his school days .