MANAIA SPORTS CLUB.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 17 July 1924, Page 3

MANAIA SPORTS CLUB.

ANNUAL SMOKE CONCERT. AN INTERESTING GATHERING. A. representative gathering assembled in the 'Manaia Town Hall on Monday evening on the occasion of the first annual smoke concert organised under the auspices of the Manaia Hibernian and District Sports Club. Though the number present was not as large as had been anticipated, those in attendance combined in making the evening most enjoyable, and if succeeding functions prove as pleasant, the annual event should prove highly popular. During the course of a lengthy toast list, a great deal of interesting discourse in both serious and humorous vein took place, additional entertainment being provided in a number of well rendered items in song and story, while the contributions of Piper J. Hamilton also proved very popular. Mr. J. Landers, president of the club, presided. In extending a welcome on behalf of the club to those present, he expressed the hope that the occasion would prove an enjoyable one for all, and after proposing the “Loyal Toast,’’ which was duly honoured, called upon Mr. J. Hickey to propose the health of the New Zealand Athletic and Cycle Union. Mr. Hickey said it gave him much pleasure to note the presence of so many sports, notably Messrs. A. J. Hansen, J. Paterson' A. Melville and Burke, who were oliieials of the union. He referred to their efficient and enthusiastic services in the realm of •'■port, stating that such gentlemen could always be relied upon to uphold its best traditions. He coupled the proposal with the names of Messrs. A J. Hansen and A. Melville. In responding, Mr. Hanson dealt in an interesting manner with the history of the union which, from being primarily a movement to foster running sports', bad subsequently widened its'scope to include cyclists, choppers and sawyers. He gave figures showing the growth of the union, which now numbered between 1 000 and IbOO season registered competitors, with between 1200 and 1300 day registered eornpetitors. and referred to the methods adopted to purge the sport and maintain it on olean, healthy lines. He intimated that the- union presidency would probably be vested in Taranaki in the near

future. Mr. Melville made praising reference to the gentlemen connected with the union. He had once contemplated resigning his position as secretary of the Taranaki centre, 'but on ascertaining that he was associated with such fine advocates of sport, had decided to continue the work as long as he was able. ”

The “Daily Industry” was proposed by Mr. E. Burke, who remarked upon the. big advance made since the introduction of factories and machines. He thought that much still remained to be done in marketing the produce, and they would watch with very great interest the work of the control board from whom, however, little could be ex! pected for some time to come. Messrs. vr all c ! Russell responded. Mr. Burke referred, in amusing fashion, to the dependability of the province on the offerings of “Peggy,” adding, in more serious vein, that every endeavour must be made to sustain and improve upon the fine standard realised in New Zealand dairy products in order that their high reputation on the world’s markets should be maintained. M*‘ Russell said the dairy' industry represented the mainstay uf the- Dominion, and, after drawing attention to the haid.shius of the early settlers who had toiled at length for'but little return, expressed the. opinion that even to-day the farmer did not receive benefits commensurate with his labour He considered the industry should be •given the assistance of a much-needed re-assessment of land values, and stressed the necessity for the gradual lifting of the 'moratorium.

j.lr A. .Melville, hr proposing the health of “Local Bodies,” referred to the excellent work they were doing in the public interest throughout New Zealand. Messrs J. Goodwin and J Hickey responded, both calling attention to the accomplishments in road construction effected by local bodies in lai anaki, ATr Hickey adding e. special tribute to the Waimate West County Council, who had carried out the work without the assistance of t-oli gates The toast of “Club Officials” ' was proposed by Mr J. Landers, who said the utmost satisfaction had always attended the administrative work of the oflicials. Mr \\ . Adams, who shared the response with Mr .). Paterson, made mention of the send cos londcred to sport by referees, and Mr Paterson sjionkiiig. as an official of the Manaia Club, said that the organisation was such that the performance of the individual dutv became a pleasure. Speaking to the toast, Mr W. Slattery added his appreciation of the

ability displayed by the Manaia club officials, whose efforts had made it one of the leading snorts homes in the Dominion.

“The Land We Live In” was proposed ■in suitable manner by Mr W. B-ourke, Messrs C. Burge and G. Steuhensou responding. “Sports and Pastimes” was proposed by Mr .1 . Paterson, who said that in sport, as in everything else in life, thewinner had to devote ins whole energies to the task in hand. He referred to the admirable influence uf sport on the character of those who adhered to its precepts, adding that only the true gentleman could be a true'sport. 'Hie toast was honoured witii an enthusiastic rendering of the song “On the Ball.” The response was made by Messrs -J. Russell and A. Hislop. The former congratulated the Hibernian Chib on the inauguration of a mixed committee fostering combined sports. In mentioning prominent athletes who had been members of the club, the speaker made special reference to several who had made the supreme sacrifice during the Great War. He also thought mention should be made at the gathering of the 1921 All Blacks, who could be relied upon to worthily uphold tire tradition of the game.

Other toasts were “The Visitors,” proposed bv Mr .j. Daley, responded to by Messrs E. Thurston and J. Goodwin ; “'Kindred Sports,” proposed by Mi- .J. Russell, responded to by Messrs W. Adams and A. Melville; “The Ladies,” proposed by Mr .J. .McKenna, responded to by Messrs E. nnc! A. Ryan; “The Press,” proposed by Mr t. Burke: and “The Chairman,” proposed by Mr J'. Paterson. Messrs J. Hickey, W. Slattery, E. Rourke, A. J. Hausen. C. Burke and J. Daley spoke to the last-named toast, and added tributes to me proposer’s eulogies of Mr Landers’ services as president of the club. In reply, Mr Landers thanked the speakers for their complimentary ‘remarks, and expressed his appreciation of the co-operation aecoided him by club members in all work entered into on its behalf. At intervals between the toasts items were coiicti ihnted bv the following:— Messrs W. McDonald, W. Budd, E. Thurston, and J. Hamilton (songs); Soundy (monologues; ; J. Hickey (recitations); J. Hamilton (bag pipe selections). For the excellent arrangements made for the evening's entertainment, the thanks of the gathering are due to the president (Mr Landers), the secretary (Mr W. Brad(ey), and the. committee, consisting of Messrs A. .T. Hansen, ,J. Paterson. C. Burke,, and J. Daley.