AU REVOIR

Southland Times, Issue 20525, 29 June 1928, Page 4

AU REVOIR

A RIVERTON FUNCTION. TWO WELL-KNOWN BOWLERS FAREWELLED. (From Our Correspondent.) The Riverton Band Room was well filled on Wednesday evening, when the members of the Aparima Bowling Club met to say goodbye, and making presentations to Messrs D. Lyttle and J. J. Milligan, the former being transferred to Gore to a position in the National Bank, and the latter to Glenham, where he intends starting business. Mr J. A. Martin (the president) presided and in the course of a eulogistic address, said all members regretted the departure of the two guests of the evening for the club could ill afford losing the services of such energetic members. Mr Lyttle had, he said, ably filled the dual position of secretary and selector, and had also distinguished himself as a painstaking skip. He was a thorough sportsman, always played the game, and was the same jovial fellow in victory or defeat. In business Mr Lyttle was most democratic, a pleasant smile and a cordial good morning was extended to all when entering the bank, and his courteous and obliging manner had won him many friends. Referring to Mr Lyttle’s bowling feats, the chairman said he held a unique record as “Doug” had won the champion singles, handicap doubles, handicap singles, the Trotter and Harroway Cups, and also the president’s trophy—a handsome coloured photograph of the green and pavilion showing the competitors in the Otautau-Aparima match taken a short time back. In asking Mr Lyttle’s acceptance of a handsome ink stand, Mr Martin said he hoped the recipient would like his new home at Gore, that he would enjoy the best of the health, and that he would reach the top in his profession. Referring to Mr Milligan the chairman said he had given of his best to the club and had rendered yoeman service in looking after the grounds. He hoped Mr and Mrs Milligan and family would prosper in their new home, and any time he paid a visit to the seaside he could be sure of a right cordial welcome by the bowling fraternity. (Applause).

Mr H. E. Philp said the departure of Messrs Lyttle and Milligan was a serious loss to the club at the present time, for he failed to see how the gap was likely to be filled. As secretary and selector, Mr Lyttle had a somewhat difficult task, but he was always equal to the occasion, and his deliberations had never been questioned by the other players. He congratulated him on his promotion, and wished him every success for the future. The departure of Mr Milligan would be keenly felt, for he had worked hard also. The club had been rather unfortunate of late as regards their members, for no less than four prominent players had removed to other districts, and now they were losing two more. He referred to the work carried out by Mr Milligan to the grounds, and said his energies had saved them a considerable sum of money. Since coming to reside in Riverton Mr Milligan had been unfortunate, and was a heavy loser by fire, but he (the speaker) trusted that better luck would be theirs in their new home at Glenham. On behalf of the club he then presented him with a case of pipes, and concluded by expressing the hope that as he smoked round his fireside the small present would help to remind him of his stay at the seaside, and his association with the Aparima Bowling Club. (Applause.) Mr Lyttle who, on rising to reply, was received with applause, said he sincerely thanked them for the kind remarks and the present, which he appreciated very much. When he came to Riverton he joined the Aparima Club and he had never had cause to regret his choice, for he had been treated very well by members. As their secretary and sole selector he had endeavoured to do his best, and no one could do more. He was pleased to win the cups, but it must be remembered the contest was a keen one, and he had carried off the honour with a majority of one. He felt sorry at leaving Riverton, but he hoped to frequently meet them in the future at club matches. He concluded by again thanking them for their kindness, and hoped the Aparima Club would be successful during the coming season. Mr Milligan said he had never made a speech and hoped they would excuse him on that occasion. He thanked them for the present, which he greatly appreciated, and trusted that the club would be to the fore next season.

The others toats were “The chairman,” “The Treasurer,” the Press and “Success to All Blacks in South Africa.” The last-nam-ed was ably proposed by Mr Philp and was most enthusiastically honoured. The chairman moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Brass Band, who had kindly granted them the use of the room for the function.

Chi the previous evening, Mr Lyttle was met and entertained by members of the Football Club, Mr J. A. Martin presiding, and was the recipient of a handsome travelling rug. ■_