WEST COAST ALL BLACK

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1924, Page 2

WEST COAST ALL BLACK

HONORING JACK STEELE.

There was a very crowded attendance at the Soldiers’ Hall last night to do honor to Mr J. Steele, the selected West Coaster for the All Black football tour to the northern hemisphere. In addition to the guest, who was accompanied by Ills mother and several other relatives and friends, the Mayor of Greymouth (Mr W. H. Parfitt) being present also. There were mifmcrous visitors from llio north and lteighbouring districts. Mr 11. M. Coulson (I)e----piuv Mayor). Mr F. McGregor (President of the local Sub-Union) and the officials of the Union, were present also. The hall presented a guy and animated appearance. Both the tiiain hall and the supper annexe were brightly decorated with tlie popular football colors and tbo scene was made the more notable by the variety of coloring in the costumes of the ladies present. Dancing began about 9 o’clock anil music "as supplied by the Royal Orchestra ami several ladies who volunteered much appreciated assistance with tho musical programme. Mr O. Walker was the master of ceremonies. The supper arrangements were in the hands of the Ladies’ Hockey Club assisted by other ladies. The party of guests arrived about 9.45 and were received with musical honors on* being escorted to their seats by the Deputy Mayor of Hokitika. Dancing was continued, and supper was served in the annexe to parties of relays. After the supper had been served, there was an interval for speech-making.

Mr Coulsoli, Deputy Mayor, apologised for the absence of the Mayor (Mr Perry) in South Westland, and took occasion to welcome the Mayor of Greymouth to the gathering. (Applause). Referring to the object of the social, Mr Coulson (liaised the many good qualities of their principal guest, Mr Jack Steele, who must feel Uattereil by the great gathering in bis Honor. Westland was justly proud of the selection of their representative, who had a charming personality ami was a good citizen anil first class sport. Jack Steele was lmrii in Kuinara to which town New Zealand owed so much. Mr Coulson felt sure Steele would acquit himself in tho field of action as one of the best wing-three-quarters the world has ever seen. Steele was joinig a team which would do much to advertise New Zealand

abroad, and lie wished Mr Steele and the team all possible success. .Mr Parfitt, who had 11 very cordial

reception, joined in the congratulations to Steele on his selection. Ho referred to the previous All Black— Harry Butland—who had upheld tho reputation of the Coast on the field of play in former years, and also mentioned the names of several other

prominent players of the former days who had done yeomen’s service for tho game anil the renown of their district.

He wished Steele good luck and a safe journey, with a victorious homo coming from a trip which he (tho speaker) was sure would do much to cement the bond between this land and 1 lie Homeland. Mr .McGregor added his congratu-

lations to the guest of the evening, and on behalf of the people of the town and the footballers generally, presented Mr Steele with a gold Eversharp pencil. This was a signal for musical honors for the guest, followed by hearty cheers.

Apologies were made for the absence of the representative of the \\ est , Coast Fne Brigades Association, and for Mr T. K. Y. Seildon, who sent a very cordial letter of good wishes to Mr Steele. The Acting Mayor took occasion to thank all who had helped to make the gathering so very successful. specially mentioning Mr Albert Lawn, the Organiser of the citizens’ function and the young ladies of the Hockey Club and those nssist-

ing them. Mr .1. ,Steele e.n coining forwaul to receive the presentation anil acknowledge the remarks made, received another ovation, when eheer.s were given also lor his mother. Mr Steele said he thanked thorn very sincerely for their presence in such numbers. Tho to counteract tho number of loadaud he hoped as time went on ho would he able to do them justice, and be worthy of all that had boon said. 1... s selection as a mem.,or of the team, he recognised, was a great honor and he could assure them he would do his best, and he hoped to he able to participate in all the principal games abroad. Referring to the pleasure of seeiim so many present, he said ho was sure the gathering would lie a pleasure also to his father anil mother, on whose behalf also he returned thanks. Dancing was continued with great vim far into the night, all appearing to have a most enjoyable time. Tho gathering was voted to he one of tho best and brightest held here for a long time past. Mr Steele leaves the Coast on Tuesday next to join his All Black cornratios at Wellington, and will take part probably in the final match of

the team at Palmerston North, before leaving New Zealand by tho s.s. Tlomuera in about- ten days’ time.