RETURN OF CONQUEROR

Taranaki Daily News, 7 May 1930, Page 11

RETURN OF CONQUEROR

WAITARA GREETS DONOVAN PRESENTATIONS FROM PUBLIC. tributes to sportsmanship. A tribute to the popularity and prowess of Tommy Donovan was displayed by residents of Waitara and the surrounding districts, both pakeha and Maori, in- the wonderful welcome they accorded him last night on his return . from Dunedin after his third successive victory over Pete Sarron. . For some time prior to his expected arrival at 8.15 p.m. the streets were thronged with expectant crowds eager to voice their welcome, and with the band giving enlivening music Waitara presented a carnival appearance. Envoys in ,the' persons of Messrs S. George and > A. Rawles met the car driven by Mr. A. F. Aldie and containing .Tommy Donovan and his trainer, Angus McGregor, and escorted them to the centre of the town, where the popular hero was enthusiastically acclaimed, hoisted ■willy-nilly on the shoulders of supports and carried into the Clifton Hall. He appeared on the stage on the shoulders of a stalwart native, Oke Taylor, to the accompaniment of vociferous applause from a crowd of. about 1500 that packed the hall, and after an informal welcome by Mr. E. Waters, who apologised for the temporary absence of the Mayor, the guest retired for an hour. Among the crowd was a large number from,.New Plymouth, including Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., Father Minogue and practically the whole executive of the Taranaki Boxing Association. Upon Donovan’s re-entering the hall accompanied by the Mayor there was another. burst.

The Mayor remarked that they had assembled for the purpose of welcoming Tommy Donovan and doing • him the honour he certainly deserved, and lie took the opportunity of congratulating him on behalf of the citizens of the town. By his third success over a man ■of the calibre of Sarron he had reached the forefront in the boxing world, and they were all proud to think that a lad from the town of Waitara had gained; that distinction. Since he had started he had shown wonderful improvement and it was difficult to say how high he would go if he continued to improve. Not only had he proved a great fighter but he had been a splendid sport and a regular gentleman. Indeed, as -n citizen he was so highly thought of by the people of Waitara that they■had decided to present him with a memento of his stay in Waitara. He then handed Donovan a gold watch, suitably inscribed, and gold chain. GIVEN A GOOD START. After the cheers had subsided Tommy, who in response to a unanimous request had stood on a chair, remarked that he was not expecting such a welcome, hut he thanked them for their good wishes and their , handsome present. He. thanked the Waitaia people for their support,-, which ’had given him such a great start. They had had a splendid trip to Dunedin, though the weather had been cold. The Mayor referred to the part that Trainer Angus McGregor had r taken in Donovan’s success and stated. that residents of Waitara wished to show their appreciation. He handed the trainer a clock suitably inscribed. In expressing thanks Mr. McGregor remarked that Tommy did not take much training as he did not stay out late at night, and was always up first in the morning. He paid a tribute to the assistance given by his sparring partners. Kapinga, a chief of the Te Atiawas, in picturesque Maori language which was interpreted by the Rev. K. Hadfield, extended a welcome on behalf of the Maoris. “I extend to you greetings,” he said, “on this memorable occasion. From the Maoris’ point' of view it is a significant fact that Tommy, who has made such a great achievement, comes .from Waitara, which is only a small town, while his opponent comes from a big town a great distance oil and has travelled much.” Handing Donovan a carved mere the Maori said; “I would like to explain that such a weapon in the olden days, was never given to anybody but a hero, and as he is our hero now we make this presentation to him.” In reply Donovan said the Maoris had always been great supporters .of his.: CLIMBED TO TOP OF TREE. Father Minogue added his tribute, remarking that he was pleased to be associated with the welcome because Tommy had in a short time climbed to the top of the tree, and his success had ibecn mainly due to his good, clean living and In.? sportsmanship. His trainer, sparring partners and Mr. B. lippens were also to be associated in the welcome. He was pleased to see that Wai- • tara had given him such a great welcome, as it showed that they appreciated clean sportsmanship, and there was nothin" much wrong’with a community that°<lid that.' The-sisters of the eonvent, he said, also forwarded their con;' • grafiliations; • 1 ■ ' ' ■■ . ■ ’-MA S‘. G? Smith M.P., added-his trii bate “to the achievements of '‘a great sportsman;”'for it must be remembered that" Torn in y had defeated one 'of the world’s foremost, fighters on three occasions under three different reierces. His success was due to his clean living, 'lds'skill,-speed : and courage. In the time that elapsed prior to thd Father Minogue in happy mood recounted anecdotes that -kept the crowd in a ripple of laughter. ; Stings' were rendered by Mr. Hadfield, •'■(Mrs."Cramer,' Misses Rowe and McDon■'•ald 'and “Mr. J. Halpin, practically all being encored. Community-singing was led by Mr. Hadfield. The' accompaniments we>r© ; played by Mr. P. Parker. The- orchestra comprised Mr. P. Parker (piafrisl), Mrs. Locke and Mr. H. J. M. Wells (violin) and Mr. L. Sole (corxidt); '■ Messrs E. Waters and F. Lceke were •masters of ceremonies, but once the crowd entered there was no chance of ' dancing. The supper arrangements were in the hands of a committee of ladies beaded by Mrs. M. Fahy.