SMOKE CONCERT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 49, 13 November 1946, Page 8

SMOKE CONCERT

POPULAR RUGBY GATHERING

RANGITAIKI UNION’S SEASON

■ Held in the Edgecumbe Hall by the Rangitaiki Rugby Union a Smoke Concert attracted a very large attendance of football enthusiasts. Chairman was Mr E. Nauman of Matata, who kept proceedings moving in a particularly bright style following the Loyal Toast. The toasts were honoured in traditional fashion and were as follows: Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, Messrs. O. Lord and W. Henderson; Referees’ Association, Messrs. Herb Anderson and J. Parkinson; Returned Players, Messrs. B. Magee and A. Hegh; Rangitaiki Reps, Messrs. J. Boulcott and D. Waldergrave; The Ladies, Messrs. B. Magee and B. Topp.

Songs contributed by Messrs. J. Marr and B. Topp, piano accordion numbers by Mr G. Webber and items by Maori players were appreciated. Opportunity was taken during the evening to farewell a prominent and popular player Peter Burke. In making reference to the trials of football during the war years Mr C. E. Thomson, Secretary of the Edgecumbe Club, said that Peter though only fifteen years of age quickly proved himself a player and his reflected keenness did much to hold the team spirit to the ultimate benefit of football in this district. His progress in the sport had been outstanding, having graduated a Rangitaiki representative and latterly a Bay .Rep. “His future progress will be watched with great interest,” said Mr - Thomson, “and I feel sure we will hear of his success in City football.” Mr, Theo Anderson, Captain of the Edgecumbe Club, also spoke on behalf of his team mates and wished Peter good fortune. Following a presentation made by Mr Thomson, Peter replied to the compliments paid to him. -

The gathering dispersed at a late hour with a free expression of opinion that. an evening of that description should be held annually. Mr W. J. R. Thomson was at the piano. ;