FOOTBALL “ SMOKER.”

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4603, 19 September 1923, Page 4

FOOTBALL “ SMOKER.”

PRESENTATION OF CUP. GATHERING AT WAITAKARURU. A very successful smoke concert was held in the Waitakaruru Public Hall on Monday evening, the occasion being the presentation of the cup donated by Messrs W. Stretton and F. Pinchess for competition among the senior clubs of the Plains to the Waitakaruru Football Club. Mr C. A. Hayward presided, and there were present about sixty men, representing the Waitakaruru club, the settlers of the district, the Rugby Union, and the Referees’ Association. In his opening remarks Mr C. A. Hayward, president of the Waitakaruru Club, thanked the vice-presi-dents and supporters, and particularly Mr W. Stretton, for supporting the club, the players for the way they had “played the game,” Mr A. McClean for catering for the home and visiting .teams, the officials of the club for the work they had done, and the Rugby Union and Referees’ Association. The it,oast to the Rugby Union was entrusted to Mr A. Wylie, who wished it continued success. In responding Mr J. Costello, the president, said that football during the past three years had been worth £sooo' to the Hauraki Plains. It had been the means of bringing numerous teams from outside and had put the name of the Hauraki Plains in the newspapers of the country. What had been done in the past was only a fraction of what would be done in the future. The material was there, and he was sure t,he Plains would continue to make a name for itselfIn speaking to the toast Mr D. A. Vincent said that though the Rugby Union had made mistakes the actions had been for the nest. He urged greater support for the union in the future. Mr F. Wallis, in proposing the toast to the Referees’ Association, said that a strong referees’ association meant good football. Players looked to the association for guidance. The referees of the Plains had proved themselves equal to those imported from elsewhere. They had been severely criticised, but only by men on the line. The players had always upheld the local referees. Mr G. T. Davidson, president of the Referees’ Association, responded, and said the association was only a young body and had had a hard row to hoe. The membership had sadly decreased o.wing to various reasons. He urged that greater support be given the association so that tried referees would be available in future. In presenting the cup to the Waitakaruru Club Mr J. Costello, president pf the Union, said that each and every branch of the union was pleased that Waitakaruru had won the cun. They had won it fairly and squarely. They had had the skill, the ability, and the backing. He complimented the donors of the cup and eulogised the spirit that prompted them to do so much to foster the code. He then presented the cup to the president of the club and expressed the hope that the club would continue to prosper. Mr C. Hayward, in replying, returned thanks for the kind remarks expressed by the president of the unionMr B. Wallis, captain of the club, also spoke, and said that it was a great pleasure to accept the cup od behalf of his team. He was thankful for the support accorded them and for the confidence in him. Other toasts honoured were : “Ngatea Club (runner-up), proposed by Mr L. Skelly and responded to by Mr D. A. Vincent; “The Donors of the Cup, Messrs Stretton and Pinchess,” proposed by Mr D. Vxncent, and responded to by Mr W. Stretton, and Mr J. Donaghy on behalf of Mr Pinchess ; “The Selectors,” proposed by Mr. J•Donaghy and responded to by Mr CHayward; “The Patetonga Club,” “The Kerepeehi and Turua Clubs,” “The Ladies,” and “The Press.” Musical items were contributed by Messrs F. Stanley, H. Wallis, C. Clark, and S. Pole, and were enthusiastically encored. Mr R. Hunter officiated at the piano. The function was brought to a close at midnight by the singing of “Aul l Lang Syne.”