CRIBBAGE LEAGUE

Taranaki Daily News, 15 October 1934, Page 12

CRIBBAGE LEAGUE

PRESENTATION OF TUI TROPHY. NEW PLYMOUTH PLAYERS GATHER. The increasing popularity of cribbage as a winter pastime and the good-fellow-ship created were the subject of comment at the annual smoke concert of the Tui Cribbage League on Saturday night. Mr. W. P. Nicol presided over a large attendance. In proposing the toast of the donors of the Tui Shield, Mr. W. De Malmanche referred to the fine spirit of sportsmanship that had prevailed throughout the season. The season was most enjoyable and everyone worked hard to assure success. A feature of the contest was the way the lower teams stuck to the play till the last. Fire Brigade, the winning team, was fortunate in securing an early lead, which proved the deciding factor during the later stages, when several of the lower teams turned the tables and secured wins. There was always a good feeling of comradeship and a feeling of sympathy towards members in distress was manifest. The evenings had played an important part in making the lot of some a little happier. The thanks of the league were due to the chairman, the secretary, Mr. G. E. Jago, and the Press. Mr. Neil Gow briefly expressed appreciation of the manner the toast was honoured.

Mr. Jago proposed the toast of the Fire Brigade team. Fire Brigade was apparently invincible and he congratulated the team on its performance. Three years ago the Tui Shield was presented and 10 teams entered and to-day 14 were competing and there was every indication that increased entries would be received next year. The league was characterised by a lack of class distinction. Its members were drawn from all walks of life and were brought together in a fine fellowship. The league was an asset to the town.

In the absence of Mr. J. Inch, Mr. A. Courtenay accepted the shield on behalf of the Fire Brigade team. The captain of the runner-up, the Herald, Mr. H. Moon, and Mr. G. Mills, captain Of the Diggers, the last team on the ladder, also accepted presentations. Mr. Courtenay thanked the donors of the shield. He considered the spirit of sportsmanship that maintained during tire competition had never been better in New Plymouth. The Fire Brigade team was referred to as being invincible. Tha element of luck played an important part in any card game. Fire Brigade was fortunate in having the luck during the earlier stages of the competition. Mr. Moon said his team had thoroughly enjoyed the contest. * Although its attempt to gain the coveted shield had failed the Diggers team had enjoyed every game, said Mr. Mills. He hoped that the tables' would be turned nevt year. He congratulated the commit-? tee on the way it had conducted the tournament. Mr. W. P. Nicol proposed the toast of tlie visitors. The Mayor, Mr. E. R. C. Gilmour, said he realised the value of the cribbage league. He appreciated the kindly action of tire donors which was bringing enjoyment to many. Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P>, said he waa struck by rhe remarks of Mr. Jago. The club was undoubtedly an important body. It provided cheap entertainment of an educational form. It enabled its members to momentarily forget their troubles and spend several enjoyable hours in good fellowship. Mr. Courtenay proposed the toast of the other teams. They had all played the game in the right spirit and he hoped such conditions would continue. He was able to endorse his remarks of earlier in the season that never had a better spirit been in evidence than was the case this year. It was very creditable that the league had conducted the competition without the slightest friction. The co-operation of the teams was responsible for this success. The team captains replied. Other toasts were: “President and Exofficers” (Mr. J. McDonnell—the president), “The Artists and Press” (Mr. L. Hoffman—Mr. J. McDonnell). Items were given by Messrs. A. Wright (songs), A. Howlett (songs), N. Gower (elocution), G. E. Jago (elocution) and C. Ferry (ventriloquist). Mr. W. Stewart led .the community singing, and Mr. C. Fox played the accompaniments. A sketch “Dry Land Sailors” was also staged.