FOOTBALL SOCIAL

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4884, 30 September 1925, Page 2

FOOTBALL SOCIAL

VEBiY SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. RECORD CROWD PRESENT. Probably one of the most successful socials and euchre tournaments held hi Paeroa this season eventuated at the Gaiety Theatre on Monday night For weeks past the officials of the Paeroa Rugby Union have been working and organising to make the social the local event of .the year, and to this end they were undoubtedly successful. A strong committee of ladies, headed by Mrs, H. Poland, took charge of the supper arrangements, and the result of their efforts is worthy of the highest commendation. Although an unprecedented crowd attended from all parts of the district, the efficient organisation ensured the smooth running of the function. The decorations, although not lavish, were appropriate for the occasion. From the centre Of the theatre ceiling was suspended a huge greencoloured football, representative of the Paeroa Rugby Union’is colours, and leading from this were groups, of ■streamers representing the colours of the various football clubs affiliated with the union. Footballs draped with the different club colours were also suspended round the walls, and coloured electric lights were interwoven among the beautiful pungas and other greenery. The decorative scheme, which was as pleading as it was unique, was carried out by Mr L>. C. Masters, and he was- deservedly congratulated on the result of his efforts.

The theatre proved all top small to accommodate the large crowd of dancers who took the floor to the strains of inspiriting music supplied by a Hamilton jazz band. Extras were contributed by Meisdames W. Pennell, W. White, Miss Rosenfeldt, and Mr E. Preston. Messrs W. Pennell J. M. Crosby, Eugene Shaw, and J. Clarkin efficiently discharged the arduous duties of M’s.C. . A record number of players took part in the euchre tournament, which was held in the Soldiers’ Club. Miss M. Shaw and Mr D. A. Vincent, with assistants, controlled this department, and had a busy time attending to so large .a competition. The winners of the .euchre prizes were : Ladies : Mrs Maloney, 1; Mrs G. H. Taylor, 2 ; Mrs W. Simpson, 3. Men :Mr J. Hall, i ; Mr A. Kerr, 2 ; Mr A. Royal, 3. , During the supper adjournment the president of the Paeroa Union (Mr W. Marshall) presented the trophies won during the season, and in a happy (speech congartulated the organisers on the success of the function and those! who had been selected for honours in the football field. Mr Marshall thanked all who had contributed towards the success of the evening, and especially mentioned the ladies, the donors of trophies, and the general public for the liberal support accorded the union, not only that night but throughout the season. Continuing, the president said .that the union h,ad enjoyed a very successful season, and the object of holding the social was to raise funds; which would be handed to the Thames Valley Union .to assist in defraying the expenses of sending a representative team on tour next season. In’conclusion Mr Marshall intimated that the Paeroa Domain w'ould be available for football next season, and he believed it would prove to be one of 1 the finest playing fields in the; province, centrally situated as it was in the heart of the town, and he-wished the union every success in the f'utuTle. Dr. W. R. Lawrence, president of the Thames Valley Union, expressed his hearty thanks to the local union for its efforts in raising funds, and s-aid that the Piako Union was undertaking a similar function at Te Aroha. He congratulated the winners of the trophies, and also the union »n having such a splendid playing-field available.

After several other officials had expressed their thanks and congratula- ’ tions Mr W. Marshall presented the trophies as follows:— \ Senior competition, the McCullay Shield, won by Netherton and received by the team’s catpain, T. Johnson; banner competition, won by West and received by XV. Taylor; junior competition, cup, won by West and received by J. E. Bigelow; thirdgrade, shield, won by Paeroa District High School and received by H. Keaney ;'primary schools’ shield, won by Netherton and received by K. Wil- ; son; medal for best representative back, won by C. McNeil; best representative forward, won by F. Thorp. The - following club medals were also presented: West Club : Seniors, best back, L. C. Masters ; best forward, V. Carrick; juniors, best back, R. Swann; most improved forward. W. ,Sotithby; most improved thirdgrade player, C. Nield; best thirdgrade forward, W. Hargreaves. A medal, for the player scoring the most points in the primary schools’ competition was won by B. Dunean. Netherton Club: Best back, L. Johnson. It was announced that the East Club medals would be presented;at a-later" date. A. Williams was the best allround senior player, F. Thorp the best forward, and G. Morrison won Mr R. Medhurst’s medal in the juniors. Two caps were handed to the-Netherton Club for decision as to the recipients. The Druids’ banner competition waswon by the Paeroa. Lodge from Waikinp. A special monogram secretary’s badge was presented to the union secretary, Mr J. M. Crosby. Each recipient was loudly, applauded bn receiving his presentation, alter which dancing was carried on until the early hours of the morning. A special word of praise is due to the chairman of the Paeroa Union (Mr W. Pennell) and the energetic secretary (Mr J. M. Crosby), to whom the signal success of the function was largely due.