FOOTBALL SMOKE CONCERT

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1410, 26 June 1923, Page 5

FOOTBALL SMOKE CONCERT

PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES.

A SUCCESSFUL EVENING. A smoke concert, under the auspices of the Waipa Rugby Union, was held in the Town Hall on Saturday night, when there was a large gathering of both players and enthusiasts. Tbe concert was arranged to make an official presentation to last year’s winners of the senior and junior championships—Ngahape and Rovers respectively—of the caps and trophies which go with the winning of the championships. Mr L. G. Armstrong (president) presided and read apologies for absence from Rev, H. White and Messrs J. Cruickshank and Prendeville. After honouring the toast of the King, the chairman said be bad a ceremony to perform which was one of regret, but one well worthy of remembrance -a presentation to Mr S. H. West, who bad been connected with football in Te Awamutu for tbe past IS years. Mr West was one of tbe live wires in Rugby circles, and it was mainly through bis efforts the game bad been kept going during the war years. A deep debt of gratitude was due to him not only from footballers but. from tlie town for bis efforts. During bis term as secretary of (lie Union Mr West bad met with many difficulties but. had always stood up for bis own convictions and always played the game. He was sure any differences of opinion at meetings were brought about owing to Mr West's earnest endeavours for doing tbe right, tiling irrespective of club. Tn asking Mr West to accept a solid silver watch, suitably inscribed, be said it was not given in any sense to recompense him for his services, but as a token of the esteem in which be is held by the footballers of the district. Tbe presentation carried with tt the best wishes of all and trusted it would serve to remind the recipient of his many years association with Rtigbv in this district.

On rising Air West was loudly applauded, and “Jolly Good FeUowed.” He thanked the chairman for his kind remarks. He had done a. little for Rugby but might have done a lot more. He could not find words to express bis thanks for the presentation as during bis connection with the Union be had seen other secretaries better than himself who bad retired and had not received a presentation, and in view of this fact be felt it a great, honour. Tt had always been bis policy to be on friendly terms with all clubs and by tbe reception that night he thought, he had been successful. A Union secretary’s job was not always what, it was said to he, and although lie bad spent much time carrying out his duties he never regretted it. Although lie had resigned from the Union lie was not falling out of football altogether, but was only having a “holiday” and would always take an interest in the game. Mr West concluded by stating lie was past the playing stage, hut would always do his bit in other ways when wanted. The chairman then presented the Spear Cup and set of caps (donated by Mr X. F. Goodall) to the Ngahape seniors, last season’s champions. The action of Air Goodall in donating caps was one worthy of praise, and one that would do much to foster football. By winning the championship Xgahalie’s performance was a very meritorious one owing to the number of teams competing, and he congratulated them. He was only expressing the views of other clubs by saying they did not begrudge Ngahape and all joined in wishing them good luck. Ngahape are in the running again this season and he trusted this success would lead to still more. He implored players to treasure their caps. Perhaps they did not. value them much at the present time, but when their football days were over they would look hack with pride to their football days, and the caps would always serve to remind them, if any reminder was required. Air Brisco (last season’s captain) accepted the trophies on behalf of his team, and in doing so assured the assemblage it would not he their fault if they did not repeat the performance again this season.

The caps won by the Rovers juniors were next presented. In doing so the chairman said too much encouragement could not he given juniors, as they were the footballers of the future. There were many games competing with the Rugby game, hut if the young players were encouraged there was no fear of any other game displacing Rugby as our national sport. Mr H. Dwen, in returning thanks on behalf .of the Rovers Club, thanked the chairman for his appeal on behalf of the junior players. The speaker also appealed to senior players to coach the juniors at every opportunity as their knowledge would do much to bring the younger players up to a better standard. By this means they would not only keep up the prestige of the district but also largely that of New Zealand as the premier country in the Rugby field. Although the boys hoped to again win the championship this season, they would join heartily in congratulating any other team who may win. Other toasts honoured were “Waipa Rugby Union” (proposed by Mr D. Bradley and responded to by Mr F. Quin); “Kindred Sports” (Mr W. Culley—Messrs A. Reese, Jourdain and Maddern); “Donor of Teddy Shield” (Mr West —Mr Teddy); “The Ladies” (Mr G. M. Blair—Mr J. Edwards); “The Chairman” (Mr F. Quin—Mr L. G. Armstrong).

Songs were contributed by Messrs Mather, Mulavev, Mcßurney, Stitt and Aldrich. Mr Hopper ably played the accompaniments.