PROMINENT SPORT

Timaru Herald, Issue 170299, 19 August 1920, Page 2

PROMINENT SPORT

MR. 11. GOODWIN FARBWELLED

BOXING ASSOCIATION'S TRIBUTE,

At a committee meeting of the Timaru Boxing Association last night, Uie opportunity was taken of presenting Mr H. Goodwin, who is a member oc the committee, and lias been for many years one of the' most enthusiastic members of the Association, ;with a token of appreciation on the- eve of lii's departure to take up the duties, of Australasian manager for Messrs tftndebakei- Ltd. Mr F. C. Watson presided, and there were present: Messrs 12. M. Arthur (lion, sec.), C-. I'nggs, ¥.. G. Kerr, T. Segar, J. O'Leary, and J. lmrie. ■■a The chairman at the outset stated tl.vo one of the- principal reasons for c::i!ii;g that meeting was to bid Mr Goodwin au revoir. They did so with a deep sense of regret, knowing Mr Goodwin's value to the Association as a sport, but they also felt that they must, extend to him their heartiest! C'.ingiT.tulations on what was probably the f;;o:;t important appointment that had been offered a, citizen of Timaru. lie was quite sure that Mr Goodwin would bo the recipient of the best wishes of a very large circle of friends, but ho could also assure him that none could accord him mora genuine expressions of good will, appreciation lor past services, and wishes for happiness and success in the future, than, did, each' and every member of the Timaru Boxing Association. (Hear, hear). Ho referred in eulogistic terms to the capabilities of Mr Goodwin as a, iff tree, and to the prompt and fearless manner in which Jio gave his decisions, lie was a true sportsman in every sense of the term, and a staunch upholder of clean, manly and straight forward playing of the game. Mr Kerr endorsed the remarks of the chairman. He deeply regretted Mr Goodwin's departure, as by it the. community was losing one of its best sports, and 'good sports in these days could ill be spared. From the first time lie had met Mr Goodwin in Timaru they had been the closest of friends, and had "been, intimately associated in many activities. He narrated experienced ho had had with. Mr Goodwin in deer-stalking. In thisl connection he had nothing but the gioatesc admiration for their departing friend. It was a sport fraught with hardships, trying conditions, and difficult situations, yet in that too it was a true test oi' the sportsman'a ■spirit. He could say in this, as in other sports, he had found Mr Goodwin 'Ming true," and it was on this account that he regretted his departure. He wished him in his new sphere, the greatest possible prosperity, and hoped that ho would be able to revisit his many friends in Timaru during the course of his business, at a not far distant date. (Applause). Mi- Triggs referred to Mr Goodwin's many laudable, qualities, but dealt specially with his sendees as a citizen of the town. In all matters civic he had taken a lively and practical interest, and liad strived for the advancement, of Timaru. He was a gentleman who always had the courage of his convictions. No doubt at times he might have differed in his views from others, but he had not mot any one who had an ill-word to say of Mr Goodwin. He felt sure that the confidence which had been reposed by the fc&tudebaker management, would be more than upheld. His departure would be a loss to the community, but he (Mr Triggs) questioned if he would make more genuine friends, or experience greater happiness than bad been his lot in Timaru. (Hear, hear).

Mr Arthur thanked Mr Goodwin for the great assistance Mr Goodwin had always been ready and willing to give, and for his obliging and courteous manner at all times.

Mr O'Leary said that while tlic-y all recognised the Boxing Association was losing one, of its most; valued mem'oers, other sporting organisations also deep, ly regretted Mr Goodwin's departure He referred, to the yeoman service Mr Goodwin had rendered the Caledonian Society during the most trying period of fts history—l9ls-1918—during a. portion of which he acted as president 'ihe Society's present position was due in no small degree to the advice, foresight and business acumen of Mr Goodwin. The Rugby Union also knew his work as a sportsman, whilo the swimming clubs too had a. loyal and keen supporter in. their departing friend. Mr O'Leary in conclusion, said that very little was seen or heard of Mrs Goodwin, hut many families upon whom fortune had not smiled had reason to be thankful for her unostentatious'yet liberal kindness. (Applause). Mr Imrie and Mr S'egar also expressed their personal appreciation of Mr Goodwin as a fellow sport, and congratulated him on his appointment, and wished him every success and happiness.

The chairman then presented Mr Goodwin with a case of pipes and a case of razors from the members of the Boxing Association, as a very small token of the regard in which he was held as a true sport by one and all. Mr Goodwin's health was pledged right royally, and with musical honours, and cheers were also given for Mrs Goodwin.

Mr Goodwin returned thanks ifor the-' many good things said of him, and for the good wishes expressed for' the future success and prosperity of his family and himself. He felt, however, somewhat selfish in accepting them, | and also th'eir very valuable and use- ; ful presents. His participation in ' sport during the 14 years ho had been j in Tfmaru had been to a, very great ! extent to his own benefit. Ho • had j derived untold happiness and plea- * sure from every form of outdoor sport, | and lie could not but feel selfish that | he should be rewarded for that. He i had also formed many friendships, ■ which he counted amongst his most ; cherished possessions, through his as- j sociations with local sportsmen. Also j from a family point of view he had j reason to be thankful for his interest I in sport, and lie thought he could i claim every satisfaction for the j athletic, as well as. the scholastic (and I he thought the two were closely as- < sociated) successes that had come to them. He spoke of the great happiness he and his family had had in Timaru, - everything seemed to have come his way, and he assured those present that his. decision to leave the town and district was not' lightly made. He knew he could not be more contented or happier than he had been here. He also referred to his connection with the firm of Adams and Co., which dated back 23 years, and traced the firm's growth from its inception here. He had evor aspired to and lie had every reason to Relieve, he ■had succeeded, -in giving a fair and' a square deal. He "was out for business even'. time, but, believed that only by giving sound value and honest dealing could any concern flourish. (Hear, hear). So far as civic matters were concerned, he considered it was the duty of young and energetic men to take their part in such affairs. He war. of opinion that the community was inclined to .ha a little parochial, and thought, it was only bv completely eradicating the different factions that bad sprung up that the town could hope to go ahead. So far as Timarii was concerned he saw a bright and prosperous future, and he reckoned that in the near future, with the completion of the Midland railway Christ)- v church would be the largest' city in the Dominion. There was a great future ahead of Canterbury, and Timaru was bouud to reap its share of prosperity. I n conclusion he thanked those present for their flattering remarks and for their good wishes,, which j