AN ENJOYABLE FUNCTION

Hokitika Guardian, 8 November 1929, Page 5

AN ENJOYABLE FUNCTION

A very pleasant and enjoyable evening was spent last evening when the President of the Excelsior Club, Mr H. M. Coulson, entertained members and friends at a banquet held at his residence “The Gables,” Gibson Quay, borne forty persons sat down to the well spread tables, including members of the W.S.R.U. and representatives of other local Clubs. Various apologies for absence were received including one from the President of the W.C.B.U, After full justice iiad been done to the good things provided, a lengthy toast list was gone through interspersed with musical items. Mr A. L. Pawn presided at the piano and the following contributed items:—Mr D. Stevenson (cornet solo), Mr J-; Stopforth (solo), Mr J. Bannister (humorous solo), H. M. Coulson (recitation), Messrs T. Giloolly, C. Preston and A*. Thompson (songs), A very amusing interlude was provided by Messrs A. Thompson and 0. Preston in a melodramatic dialogue. Mr J. Stafford, in propoisng the toast to the Excelsior E.C, congratulated them on their ’splended performance during the past couple of seasons. He stated that they had indeed helped to put the Westland Un on on the Rugby map by providing such sterling players as Freitas and in the past Bannister, both of whom had obtained All Black jerseys. He wished the Club every success in the future. The following toasts were honoured: “The King”; “Westland Sub-Union” proposed by the President of the Excelsior Club and responded to by .Messrs J. Stafford, E. Heenan and D. Williamson; “Kindred Clubs” proposed by Mr A. H. Lawn, responded to Messrs Hagar and Stopforth (Kiwi), and Mr Stafford (Arnhura); “Referees'' proposed by Mr Coulson, responded to Messrs Heenlin and Williamson; “Kindred Sports” proposed by Mr R.. McDonald, responded to by Mr M. Houston,! jun. (boxing), Mr .'Williamson (tennis), Mr Lawn (swimming), 'Mr Christiansen (golf), Mr R. Nightingale (cricket); “Black Hand Society” proposed by Mr Christiansen, responded to by the High Master: “Excelsior F.C.” nroposed bv Mr Stafford, responded to bv Messrs H. M. Coulson, F. Freitas (capt.) and M. Houston (vice-oapt): “The” Ladies” proposed by Mr R. Thomas, responded to Mr J. Howat. Mr W. Ross in proposing a toast to Gie “Ho*t and Hostess” in a neat little speech mentioned the good work done for the Club by the President and bis family. Mr Coulson had always taken a very active interest in the affairs of the Club and it was largely due to his help in past season* that had ena’ded the Excelsiors to reach the position they held to-day. TTe wished them continued good health and prosperity. Mr Coulson on rising to reply was greeted with a roud of applause. He stated that it had been many years now since he first became an Excelsior and that he had always done what lie thought was in the best interest, not only of the Excelsior Club, but of football generally. He assured those present that lie had been fully repaid for what little lie had done by the knowledge that his efforts had been appreciated.

Tlie sinking of “Auld Lang Svne” and “God Save the King” concluded wliat was unanimously voted to he a very happy and enjoyable night out.