OLD THAMESITE.

Thames Star, Volume LXII, Issue 17389, 29 March 1928, Page 4

OLD THAMESITE.

FAREWELLED AT MATAMATA. " MR. T. A. COOPER. On Thursday evening Wa-irere House,; Okauia, was the scene of a very enjoyable complimentary-social, held by the Matamata Rugby Referees' Association in honour of their, president, Mr T. A. Cooper, who is leaving the 'district .to reside in Hamilton. Mr J. P. White, vice-president of the Association, presided over about •30 representatives of the football clubs and the ■ Rugby Union. I Following the' toast of the King, Mr H. Mason proposed the toast of the guest of the evening. Mr Mason stated that he had only a limited knowledge of Mr Cooper's football of those present knew the -life history of Mr Cooper, and he would later ask the chairman to give them an opportunity to-express their views of Mr 'Cooper's work. As president of the [Referees' Association, Mr Cooper had been a very keen and interested member, and had given much encouragement to the referees of Matamata. He had done everything in his power 'to help the association along, and had won their highest esteem. Tn other directions he had always done his utmost to improve the game, particularly in regard to representative players and teams. Mr Cooper, as selector, made his selection and then endeavoured, to father his team. He went out of his way to make the players at home with one another and become one happy family. Mr G. Collins took the meeting back 30 years, "the time when the Thames Rovers beat the cream of Auckland." Mr Cooper, ,he stated, was a member of that team. '•Tommy" Cooper, as he was known in the Thames district, was always recognised as a white man, a man of his word, and, above all, a good sport. . "Mr" Cooper was unknown in Thames, but 5" "Tommy" Cooper was extremely well known. Mr J. P. White, on behalf of the Referees' Association, presented Mr Cooper with a miniature shield upon, which was inscribed: "Presented by the M.R.R. Association to their president, T. A. Cooper, Esq., 22/3/28." "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" was sung and cheers followed.