MARTON'S FAREWELL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 11, 14 January 1936, Page 8

MARTON'S FAREWELL

MR. J. C. THOMAS LEAVING TRIBUTE TO HIS POPULARITY. A CONVIVIAL GATHERING. (Own Correspondent.) MARTON, Jan. 13. Mr. J. C. Thomas, who has been manager of the N.Z. Clothing Factory in Marton for the past eight years and during that period has taken a keen interest in football principally as secretary of the Old Boys’ Football Club, was entertained by the Old Boys' Football Club at a dinner at the Martan Hotfl to-night. Mr. A. A. Mclndoe. president of the Old Boys’ Football Club, presided, and after dinner a short toast list was honoured. including '‘The King ’ and the club’s patron (Mr. W. E. Simpson), proposed bv Mr. J. C. Thomas, who eulogised thp splendid support always accorded bv Mr. Simpson to the club and football in Rangitikei. Mr. Simpson replied. “The Rangitikei Rugby Union” was proposed by Mr. A. Wav. who referred to the parly days of football under the jurisdiction of the Rangitikei Rugby Union and its progress during the last few vears. Messrs. S. McKenzie (president) and K. A. Williams (secretary) replied, referring to the fair justice that was always the aim of their guest and thp splendid manner in which Mr. Thomas had worked in the interests nf Marton in obtaining tho match with Wanganui against Hawke’s Bay at Marton. They wished both Mr. and Mrs. Thomas every success in their new sph pro. The chairman, in proposing the health of “Our Guest.” stated that , they wpip assembled to say “goodbye” to Mr. and Mrs. 'Thomas and to wish them every success and happiness in their new- home. “It can bp truly said on this occasion (hat what is Marton’s loss will be Hawpra’s gain.’’ stated the chairman. “During their stay in Marton the? had made manv friends who would regret their departure, but they were glad to know that the shift meant, advancement. “Since his arrival in Marton some eight years ago Mr. Thomas had assn ciatod himself with any movement for the welfare of the, town and had proved himself a good citizen and one whom they were loth to lns» B-D they, as members and supporters of lhe Marton 0.8. Football Club, were par tieularly concerned with his connection with their club.. Shortly after arriving in Marlon Mr. Thomas was elected secretary and held the post for seven years and then continued as treasurer to the present time. Re could truly sav that no one could ha\-p shown more zeal or worked more nssiduonslr for the benefit of thp club. Hp had also acted as thp club’s delegate on thp Rangitlkpi Rugby Union and had faithfully carried out his duties there. A rrutf secretary was its chief executive officer but Mr. Thomas, whilst holding the office, was practically the whole executive. Tn all branches of their activities he was to the fore. "He kept a close watch on the finances of the club and had attended to all correspondence in his usual thorough manner. Fie was of great assistance to thp selector and club captain in fielding teams and was always to lhe fore in arranging for transport. He was especially keen in promoting the social side of their affairs and the success of their dances was due to his assistance. There was much that could be said, but he had tried to briefly state what Mr. Thomas bad done for the club, but while recognising his help to them they were eonscieus of rhe loyal co operation of Mrs. Thomas, and he assured Mrs. 'Thomas that they appreciated the sacrifices sbe had made. ’ ’ 'The chairman presented Mr. 'Thomas with a gold watch engraved: *• Present eil to J. 'J’ho/nas by Marlon Old Boys’ Football Club, 1936,” hoping that he would accept lhe gift as some small recognition ot his services io the Old Boys’ Club an I wishing Mr. and Mrs. Thomas good health and success in their new home. Mr. Thomas was greeted with applause on rising to reply, sa ,f l that Me would have a life-long renienibraoce of his association with the club. The work he had done for the club had been ably supported by the lady supporters of the club. He thanked them for the evening tendered to hint and he would always look upon Mattou as his hon e Lown as he had made life-long friends there. He appreciated lhe loyal manner in which the club members had stood by their club, and during his term of office no protest had been made to the union. He extended a hearty welcome to ihosp present, to visit him at Hawera at any time. (Applause.) Mr. Thomas concluded by thanking the club for their splendid gift. Mr. A. S. Coleman proposed the toast of “The Lady Supporters,” ami said that he was very pleased Io see Mrs. C. E. Gibbons and Mrs A. Mclndoe present. He felt sure they would be pleased to continue their good work in keeping lhe club on a good financial footing by their help in the social life of the club. Mr. R. Bridge replied on behalf of the ladies. Mr. Thomas proposed the health of four stalwarts of the club—Messrs. R. Bridge, F. Eihs, G. Griffin and H. Barkes —who suitably replied. Mr. K. A. Williams, in proposing the health of “Host and Hostess” (Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Gatrell) thanked them for their splendid hospitality that evening and also for the keen interest they had always taken in football. Mr. AV. Gatrell responded, and the toast cf “The Tress” concluded a most i enjoyable evening. Presentation by Marton Athletic Club. After the dinner Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Thomas were entertained by the Marton Athletic Club at a social evening and dance in the Druids’ Hall, at which there was a large attendance. Dancing was interspersed with vocal items, tap dancing and monologues. Mrs, Ena Cameron sang “One Night of Love” and responded to a recall. Mr. 'Tom Barton gave a tap dance and Miss Vivian Klatt (Wellington) contributed a song and tap dance. Mr. M. Griffin gave a musical monologue. Music for the dance was played by Miss M. Taaffe and Messrs. W. H. Coles, F. Wood and T. Barton. Mr. A. Grade acted as M.C. Mr. S. B. Abel, president of the Marton Athletic Club, in making a presentation of a chiming clock engraved, “Presented to Mr. .T. C. 'Thomas by Marton Athletic Club, 1936,” as an appreciation of the services rendered by Mr. Thomas during the past eight years to rhe club.” said the Marton Athletic Club was the first club Mr. Thomas had joined and he showed such ability in the, first year as a committeeman that heh was elected secretary and had since carried out these duties in a tnan-

1 ner with credit to himself and the members of lhe club. The speaker paid a tribute to Mrs. Thomas lor her cooperation and assistance and extended to Mr. and Mrs. Thuinas every success and happiness in their new sphere ic Ha wera. Mr. E. C. Haddock endorsed the pre vious speaker's remarks and reterred to the splendid. spirit and courtesy which always characterised Mr. I'houias’ work. In apologising for the absence of the Mayor, Mr. Abel read the follow ing letter; “Dear Mr. Thomas, —On the eve of your deparcuie from Marton to take up a responsible position in. Hawera, permit me on behalf of lhe Marton Borough Council, the residents aml myself to wish yon every success and happiness iu your new position. May your well-known ability and courtesy be the cause of still further pro motion and success'. .During your sev eral years’ residence here you have never failed to tak* a. full share in all activities lor lhe advancement of lhe town and district, and we have on many occasions gratefully accepted your valuable ass.stance in civic matters. Jn ull sporting matters pertaining to athletes you have done more than your share voluntarily and without thought of reward. You could always be relied upon. We are handing to yon a copy of the borough jubilee booklet. May this always remind you of the active part you have taken in the advance ment of the town and remind you, too. that your always willing and welcome assistance was always as highly appreciated. ' ’ Mr. Thomas thanked the club tor their generous gift and the flattering remarks of the chairman and the Mayor. He had always endeavoured to do his best for the town and sport and it was pleasing to know that his efforts bad been appreciated. He would carry with him many happy remembrances of the pleasant day* he had spent in Marton and extended a hearty welcome to old friends to visit him in his new town. (Applause.) A dainty supper was dispensed by the ladies of the club and a most ha-ppy evening terminated with '‘Auld Lang Svne. ”