SMOKE CONCERT.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 14, 7 October 1927, Page 4

SMOKE CONCERT.

The Rugby "smoko" was held in the Gymnasium on Saturday, the 24th ult., when the president (Mr. A. Mcßain) presided over an attendance of one hundred members and supporters. The toast of the Hutt Rugby Football Club (Inc.) was proposed by Mr. J. N. Millard, who pointed out that although the Club had not done very well in the Senior Grade, due to the abnormal number of casualties sustained throughout the season, he had seen most of the junior teams in action, and was of the opinion that the Club had some splendid material to draw upon, and he looked forward to the time when the local Club would produce some big, husky forwards, which Wellington football feels the need of at the present time. The fact that the Hutt Club ranked next to Petone in the percentage of wins in lower grade football (Petone 73 per cent., Hutt 65 per cent.) was good evidence that Hutt should in the near future produce a senior team worthy of the district. Mr. McNaught replied. The toast of "The Wellington Rugby Football Union" was proposed by Mr. H. E. McDougall, who stressed the fact that the Union encouraged the younger players, by refunding train fares to Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Grade players. The acquisition of two grounds in the Hutt Valley showed also that the Management Committee was looking to the future. Mr. Millard, in replying to the toast, gave an outline of the expenses of the Union each year, pointing out that the upkeep of Athletic Park alone swallowed up £1400 per annum; consequently it would be impossible to build the new stand out of revenue, unless the public were prepared to wait many years. "The President and Vice-Presidents" was proposed by Mr. McNaught, who paid tributes to the work of the president over many years, and to the vicepresidents, who donated so freely to the Club funds each year. The president and Dr. Barron and Mr. W. Judd briefly replied. "Rugby Referees" was proposed by Mr. McGill and replied to by Mr. F. Halley. "Coaches" was proposed by Mr. E. Fisher, and replied to by Major King and Mr. Morrison. "Kindred Clubs and Sports" was proposed by Mr. Synott and replied to by Mr. Meadows (Old Boys), who called to mind the strenuous match they had against Hutt during the first round, when the referee's attention was taken up with a pram on the dead ball line, instead of with the player who scored the winning try. A representative of hockey replied on behalf of kindred sports. Other toasts honoured were "The Ladies" (Mr. Munro) and "The Press" (Mr. Grierson). During the evening presentations were made to Major King and Mr. McNaught by the members of the senior team, and to Mr. C. Cudby by the junior team. The presentations were made by Messrs. Fisher and Synott, captains of the respective teams. Major King, in returning thanks, said he thought that it was rather unique that a team which had not secured a win throughout the season should think enough of the coaches to make a presentation. Mr. McNaught also replied. Mr. Cudby, in returning thanks, stressed the fact

that the juniors during the past season had been a very happy family and he hoped that ho would be associated with them again next season. The presence of Messrs. Cooke, Porter, Q. Donald, Harvey (1924 All Blacks) and Roche, during the latter part of the evening was greatly enjoyed by all present, each of these notables being called upon to make a speech. The musical items, which were very enjoyable, were supplied by the Maori Entertainers, and Messrs. Wilkinson, Black, Archer, Cudby, Moss and Tipp. ♦ ♦ ♦ RUGBY BAZAAR NOTES. When these notes are read the above event probably will be in progress. All who have goods for various stalls are requested to leave them in the King George Hall on Thursday evening or any time on Friday. Goods which are required to be picked up will be lifted by Messrs. Morrison, A. W. Treseder and B. Matthews (Messrs. Treseder and Matthews can be communicated with by telephone). The numerous stalls will be well stocked and goods will be sold at reasonable prices. Special mention should be made of some very exquisite work done by Mrs. W. Morrison, which includes a beautiful handkerchief box. A model yacht, made and presented by Mr. Norman Alexander, is a very fine piece of work. All footballers should endeavour to attend the Bazaar and show their appreciation of the very fine effort lady supporters are making to raise funds to erect and equip a social hall for the benefit of players. Plenty of sideshows will be in evidence to hold the attention of the men-folk. Space does not permit the enumeration of all stall-holders, so this will be dealt with later. An advertisement dealing with the Bazaar appears in this issue.