FOOTBALL SOCIAL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4741, 22 August 1924, Page 3

FOOTBALL SOCIAL.

WEST CLUB’S ANNUAL FUNCTION. A GREAT SUCCESS. Probably one of the most successful and enthusiastic socials so far this year was held in the Gaiety Theatie, Paeroa, last night, when the members and supporters of the West Football Club held their annual benefit dance and euchre tournament. Great credit is due to Messrs A. V. Keighly, I. Walmsley, and a strong committee for the way the function was organised, every detail being carefully thought out. which ensured the smooth running and pleasantness of the function. Long before the appointed hour every euchre table was filled on the stage and provision had to be made for additional tables in the supper-room. Miss Shaw, assisted by Mr R. Chamberlain, had charge of the tournament, and their task was no light one when it is considered that 124 players took part. Competition was keen for the handsome prizes, all of which were donated by supporters of the club. The winner of the ladies’ section of the tournament -proved to be Mrs Matkovich, and Mrs Curran was second. Mr L. Gibb carried off first honours for the men, and Mr T. H. •Hale vas a close second. The booby prizes won by Mrs R. L. Miller and Mr C. H. Butcher, caused much amusement. The dancing hall was comfortably filled during the greater part of the evening, but the onerous duties of M’s.C. were so capably carried out by Messrs J. Crosby and L. Shaw that there was no undue crowding. Delightful dance music was rendered by an orchestra comprising Miss Higgs (piano), Mr J. Sampson (violin), Waihi, and Mr P. Jennings (saxophone) Paeroa. Extras were also contributed by Mesdames W. Pennell and Spencer, Miss I. Smith, and Mr R. Hodson. The decorative scheme of the theatre comprised for the most part black and white (club colours) streamers, from which were suspended footballs and. rows of flags. ■ After the delicious supper (provided by the lady supporters of the club) had been partaken of, the president of the Club, Mr E. Edwards, presented the euchre prizes, and also trophies won by the club members during the season. The president said that the function had been arranged primarily to assist an injured club player, Mr J. Verran, who was at present an inmate of the Waihi Hospital, and also to publicly bid au revoir to the popular club secretary, Mr Ivan Poland, who had recently joined the ranks of the Benedicts and was leaving for Australia. The occasion was also epnsidered a fitting one to present the medals won by the players during the season. Mr Edwards thanked the Public for the liberal support accorded the club, and especially the ladies who had contributed so liberally towards making the social such a success. On behalf of the club Mr Edwards extended hearty congratulations to the East senior team on winning the shield competition. Special thanks were accorded Mrs Kerr for her kindness in making up a large number of rosettes. Apologies were tendered for unavoidable absence on behalf of Mr W. Marshall, president of the Paeroa Rugby Union, and Mr G. A. Bush, one of the oldest and most ardent supporters of the club. The medals were then presented as follows: Seniors, best forward, F. Jennings ; best back, I. Poland (who also won the same distinction last season). Juniors, best forward, R. Shaw; best back, L. Nield. Thirdgrade, most improved player, G. Gunn. Each recipient was heartily applauded on receiving his presentation. On behalf of his club mates, Mr E. Edwards called on Mr I. Poland to accept a solid leather suit-case as a small token of the esteem in which he was held, together with hearty good wishes for his future happiness and welfare. Mr Poland, who was received with prolonged applause, although obviously embarrassed, thanked his mates for the valued presentation and assured them that the doings of the West Club in particular and Rugby generally in Paeroa would always he followed by him with the keenest interest. Mr Poland said that after ten years’ association with the West Club he naturally felt parting from it very much, and concluded by wishing it the best of good luck in the future.