CRICKET CAPTAIN HONOURED

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 22, 18 August 1932, Page 5

CRICKET CAPTAIN HONOURED

MR. WALTER HALL ENTERTAINED PRESENTATION FROM CLUE y Yesterday afternoon several members of the Stratford Cricket Club met at the Windsor Tea Rooms to honour the captain, Mr Walter J. Hall, on the occasion of his approaching marriage. Mr. C. Mel. Young presided and aJso, present were Messrs. W. A. Brown (president), L. B. Sandford, (secretary), C. Massey, R. G. Cutfield, Q. Williams, Gower, Lyons, C. Jackson, S. Lay, J» Henderson, Brennan, Hancock, and Wilson. , There were several apologies for unavoidable absence.

Mr. C. Young, in proposing the toast of .the guest, speke of the sportsmanship displayed by Mr. Hall. Two years ago, said Mr. Young, Mr. Hall as a, first-year member of the team did gocd work and last year as cap. tain he led his team to victory in the South Taranaki championship, but had the bad luck to be beaten in the final. "We hope he will continue to play cricket. We all know his virtues both as a companion and as a cricketer and being a gcod cricketer he will undoubtedly mUke| a good husband. Among his accomplishments is that of being a good entertainer and so there will be no need of q wireless set." (Laughter.)

Mr. W. A. Brown said that Mr. Hall had made a success of every branch of spcrt he had taken up. Ali would wish him the very best of luck in his married life and hoped that he would have every happiness. "At a gathering like this," said Mr. Ci Mas'sey, "it gives me great pleasure its a married man who has recently celebrated his silver wedding to say that I think Mr. Hall is taking a "wise step and one which he will never regret. Speaking as a cricketer I can say that I have had opportuni. ties of seeing Mr. Hall play. He is a fine sport—a better one, cne oculd not wish to meet either on or off the field. We all wish him health, wealth, happiness and prosperity." Mr. J. Henderson briefly extended his good wishes, as did Messrs. S liav and M. Beere. Mr. Wilson remarked that he had had a long and enjicyable cricket partnership with Mr. Hall and the lesfeons learnt in cricket. partnerships should stand him in good stead in the long partnership upon which he •was now about to embark. Mr. C. Jackson said he could claim *"> be one i,t we oldest cricketers in Stratford and as such felt competent to say that Mr. Hall had. put new We into the game in this town. Everyone knew him as a good sport, highly respected, both on and off the field.

Mt. L. Hancock expessed appreci. at ion of Mr. I? all's interest in and encouragement given to young play, era*. He hoped that he would again take his place at the nets. "There has in the past," said Mr. Hancock, "been something of a break between junior and senicr cricket which has had its effect in the downfall of the game here in past years. However, Mr. Hall has bridged that gap and his work In that direction has been much appreciated." "I cannot add to the remarks of previous speakers," said Mr. Sandford, "but 1 have very much pleasure in endorsing them and in wishing Mr. Hall every happiness in the future." Mr. Young, on behalf of members cf the team, then presented Mr. Hall with a crystal cruet set as a mark of esteem. Mr. Hall was received with musical honours upon rising to reply, and as. sured those present that he deeply appreciated tbe honour they had dont him. He felt, however, that some ol the remarks though uttered in all sincerity had been over flattering. He wiculd always lock back to the happy time spent in the cricket club and his cricketing day s had been among the happiest in his life. "I intend to keep on with the game," he said, amidst applause. He hoped that if possible even a greatei interest would be taken in the game in Stratford. During the proceedings Mr. Eren nan presided at the piano.