ALHAMBRA FOOTBALL CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 23371, 14 September 1939, Page 3

ALHAMBRA FOOTBALL CLUB

ANNUAL SMOKE CONCERT The Alhambra Football Club’s smoke concert is invariably one of the most successful football functions of the year, and the fifty-fifth annual gathering held at Opoho last night was no exception, the president (Mr J. Scott) extending a welcome to a large gathering, among whom were many old members as well as representatives of the Otago Rugby Football Union. Music was supplied hy Begg’s Orchestra, conducted by Mr J. Hhnhurg, who also led the community singing. The “ Otago Rugby Football Union ” was proposed by Mr J. Leggett, who thanked the Management Committee for its control and management of the game in Dunedin. He congratulated the committee on the union’s very fine grounds and appointments, and assured it of the support of his club and of footballers generally. Replying to the toast, Mr C. G. Gibbons said that the union endeavoured at all times to give the assistance necessary to foster football and to do its best to help the clubs. Criticism was levelled at the committee at times, but he assured members that it did its best in the interests of football generally, and was making every endeavour to meet the requirements of clubs and players. Ho congratulated the Alhambra Club’s second B team on winning the competition, and the players who had represented the Alhambra Club in the Otago team, stating that be was sure they bad worthily upheld the honour of the club on the northern tour. Proposing the “ Alhambra Football Club,” Mr Holden congratulated the club on its fine record of achievement over the 55 years of its existence. He referred to the keen, but friendly rivalry that had always existed between the Alhambra and Kaikorai Clubs from the days of the '9o’s, when Alhambra was supreme among clubs in New Zealand football. Ho recalled the names of many famous players of the time, and expressed pleasure that the rivalry of those days was still existent and that friendship between the clubs was still maintained. The Murphy Memorial trophy had done something to further cement the spirit that existed between the two clubs. The president (Mr Scott) replied. He stated that the club was still strong in membership, and expressed the hope that it would not be long before Alhambra again won honours in several grades. He referred to the present situation, and said he was sure members would bo there if required, Just as they were in the last, a fact which was exemplified by the club’s honours board. Mr Scott said that the time was not far distant when indoor training would be catered for, as the_ winter climate here was not conducive to plavers training as they should. Mr N. A. Mitchell proposed. The Referees,” and congratulated the Otago Referees’ Association on its high standard, stating that he was certain it was the help of its members which kept the standard of football so high in Dunedin.

Mr W. Renniek responded. “ Sister Clubs ” was proposed by Mr .1, Williamson, the reply being made by Mr V. M’Domild, president of the Union Club (winners of the senior flag this year').

Mr .). Mitchell thanked the St. John Ambulance, the Press, and the performers for the assistance they had given the club, and he specially referred to the performers, who always contributed so largely to the success of Alhambra Club functions.

Mr A. Lmigley returned thanks on behalf of the performers. Mr L. Smith, captain of the second fifteen, presented the coach (Mr 0. Wahrlich) with a small token of the team’s appreciation of his efforts as a coach. A presentation, on behalf of the club, was also made by Mr D. Gray to Mr J. Himburg, on* the occasion of his pearl wedding, Mr Gray referring to the assistance given to the club at all times by Mr Himburg. Items were given by Messrs E. Kerr, sen. and jun. (cornet duet), W. Sinton (xylophone solo), H. Russell (recitation), A. Lungley, Arthur Macdonald. and N. M'Quarrie (songs).