VALEDICTORY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13728, 18 August 1908, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

There was a very pleasant gathering of members of the New Plymouth Cricket Club at the Red House Hotel la3t evening to bid farewell to Mr. £. 0. Lightband, a popular member of the Club, and captain of its East End team. Mr E. Whittle. Club captain, who presided, expressed the regret of members at their guest^s departure. Mr Lightband had been one of the mainstays of the Club, and it was

largely due to his skill as captain that the East End team had won the Rob-

ertson Cup last season. As a mark of appreciation it was intended at the annual meeting that Mr Lightband should be elected a life member of the dub. Mr Whittle then called upon Mr S. Hill, president of the North Cricket Association, to present their Club mate with a handsome dressing case, the gift, of his fellow "lemoors. In doing this Mr Hill paid a uarpi tribute to Mr Ligh^band's interest in the game, and regretted that ho should

be leaving New Plymouth when, i<\ing \ to the improvements to the Reersution Grounds, the prospects of cricket in New Plymouth seemed so uriirht. Messrs V. Elliott. A. H. Speeds, West on and J. Smith also exptf'^sed the pleasure it had always been to meet their guest on tho cricket ritid, .aid wished him every succtss in his new home. Mr Lightband in thanking the members expressed his regret at leaving New Plymouth, where he had lrndc many friends. He hoped at Oh-iknne lie uoutd still bo able to take pu-t in

the game. Ho wished to thank tlu.members of the East End team tor their great assistance to him as captain.

Mr Westoii, on behalf of thos<* jivc-st-nt, thanked Mr and Mrs Whittle for their hospitality that evening. The gathering was only one of many \ cry pleasant meetings for which fhev had to thank their hosts. Those present

then joined in singing "AuM Lang Syne.*' Mr Light band left this morning for Ohakune. where he will start in ! usi-

ness on his own account. During his ' stay of over seven years in New Plymouth, as manager for- Messrs H illonstein Bros., he has made many mends, who will join in wishing him .^very success in his new sphere.