ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Thames Star, Volume LIX, Issue 16645, 16 November 1925, Page 5

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

CONCLUDING FUNCTION. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. A VERY HANDSOME TROPHY. . At tlio invitation of the Thames Association Football Club, a large number of officials, players and friends, as well as representatives of other sports bodies, attended a pleasant function at the Fire Brigade Hall on Saturday n lit. The President of the Club (Mr. D. Mackay) presided, and there were also present Mr. Cox (of the South Auckland Association, Hamilton), Mr. J. W. Dauby (President of the Thames Pugbv Union), as well as members of the° Kerepeelii and Waihou Soccer teams. Prominent in front of the chairman was the Goldfieids Cup, and on his right was the Howden Shield, which the Thames Club would hold for three months. The trophy that, attracted all eyes was that presented for competition bv the English Football Association. It is valued at £4OO, and is made of sterling silver. The pedestal is polished, and resting on either side are emblematical figures of Britain and New Zealand, each holding a shield whereon is engraved each country’s coat-of-arms. Standing on the pedestal is a. footballer, ball held above bis head. The trophy stands about 20 inches in height. The workmanship and design are excellent, and it will, beyond doybt, give-'a great impetus to Soccer in New Zealand. Mr. Mackay, in welcoming those piesent, said it was a red-letter clay for Thames Soccer. He was proud to meet so many under such circumstances. He gave a hearty welcome to the visitors, and also®to the officials of other sports bodies. There was room for all classes of sport in Thames, and much good fpeling existed, which he hoped would always be a feature. The Thames Club had been most successful in their first season in winning the Goldfields Cup, and they had a claim on the Howden Shield, which Mr. Cox would present later. Mr. Cox, who had come specially to present the Cup, Shield and medals, said this was the second occasion he had visited Thames. The Howden Shield was on its first tour, and as it had not been possible to arrange for the final games, it had been decided to let Thames, Huntly and the Hamilton Wanderers hold the Shield for ilnee months each. The Goldfields Cup had been won by Thames, and he bad much pleasure in handing it over to tlie President. He also had medals for each player, and presented them to Messrs. Grover, Galley, Welch, H. Lang. Blakeman. Monks, Yates, Oak-, ley, Hughes, Ilately, Sharp, W. Lang, Jack, Gardner and Harrison, in token of their win. Mr. Cox said lie had a surprise presentation to make also. He had examined certain candidates for referees’ badges. Tlie district had secured five clear passes, two of which came from Thames. He presented Messrs. J. A. Bailey and J. A. Briggs with the coveted badges (Applause.) Mr. Mackay thanked Mr. Cox for his able address. The Club was proud to receive these trophies, for which they had fought manfully and well. As each victory had been made they bad received congratulations from their sister clubs. They hoped to make a better show next Tear, when four teams would operate. This meant a lot of work for the executive, who had to get in touch with kindred associations to arrange matches. They had also to arrange for a playing ground. He assured players they could iely on the executive to look after their interests.

Later. Mr. Cox, in replying to the toast of “The South Auckland Football Association,” said he was glad to see an old member of the South Auckland Association present. There was also present Mr. McKinsty, of Wailiou, who was the only international player in the district. He was glad to let his merits be known. (Applause.) The South Auckland Association was affiliated to the N.Z. Association, which in turn was affiliated with the English Association. The S.A. Association was composed of seven men who were not connected with any club, which resulted in no bias being held in their deliberations.

Mr. J. W. Danby, in replying to the toast of “Kindred Sports,” eon gratulated the Thames team on winning the handsome trophies. He was quite sure there was plenty of room for both codes in Thames. He was entirely opposed to any suggestion that any particular form of sport belonged to one town alone. (Cheers.) He had the greatest pleasure in wishing the Club continued success in the future.

The following was the toast list;— “The King,” “South Auckland Football Association,” Messrs. D. Mackay and Cox; “The Thames Football Club,” Messrs. Cox and Miller; “Fire Brigade,” Messrs. Morlcy and Hoskings; “Rugby Union and Kindred Sports,” Messrs. J. Hogg and J. W. Danby; “Local Press,” Messrs. A. Grundy and G. Scrymgeour; “Our President,”

Messrs. J. A. Bailey and D. Mackay. A fine musical programme was given as follows:—Songs, Messrs. J. A. Bailey, J. A. Briggs, McTlvride, W. Jack, A. Yates, T. Verran, H, Beech and H. Braekenridge; recitations, Mr. J. McLeod; whistling solos, Mr. J. White; pianoforte solo, Mr. G. Scrymgeour. Mr. Webb acted as accompanist to the singers. “Auld Lang Syne” concluded a very pleasant evening.