MANIAPOTO RUGBY UNION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 54, 1 November 1907, Page 2

MANIAPOTO RUGBY UNION.

Annual Social

The first annual smoke social of the Maniapolo Rugby Union was held in Helct's Mall, on Kriday night lasl, when there was a good attendance. The occasion was the presentation of caps to the Oparure team (winners of the Union Championship for the past season). Considerable interest was taken in the function, and visitors were present from far and wide, including several from Hamilton. Excellent preparations had been made for the entertainment, ami a firstclass programme was arranged. Mr H, Monlaunt, president of the Union, presided. Ureal credit is due to Mr E. A. Power, the Union Secretary, in connection with the social, the success of which was chiclly due to his

efforts. After the usual loyal toast was honoured, Mr 11. T. Gillies proposed the health of " Kindred Sports " and, in a neat speech, pointed out the effect of good, manly athletics on the race in general. Sport was such an important factor in social and nation al life that it was worth keeping < clean, and supporting'in the interests of the race. As a preparation for the battle of life, in addition to being a pleasure medium, the importance of good spoil should not be overlooked. He trusted the players under (lip Maniapolo Union would maintain the reputation for clean sport and goodfellowship, which they had already established.

Mr K. Cashel proposed llu- toast of " Absent Friends," ;nitl, as ;i very old resident ol' the district, expressed his pleasure at the growth and progress of the district, as evidenced by the gathering of young people present. lie felt sure the older identities would do all in their power to advance the interests of tine sport. Mr N. C. Matthew, in speak in.-; to the toast of " Veteran Footballers," eulogised the good old Rugby game, and exhorted the Maniapoto players to strike a hi;..\h code and lly the Hag in the interests of clean sport- ll always gave a (|iiicker beat |o bin pulse, --and an added sprin,", to lib step to see a good game, and the younger generation t>\' Kueby players could always count upon the hearty assistance of the veterans as Ion;.'; as the best traditions of (lie K'in;; ol' winter panics were adhered to. The Chairman, tin presenting the caps to the players, expressed satisfaction, on behalf of the Union, at lke_ manner in which (he names had bee-iy* played, and tendered a lew appropriate remarks to each of the members of the successful club. Messrs T. Wilkinson (Captain of the Oparnre team) and 11. O'Neill, returned thanks on behalf of the ch|b. ' " ' Songs were rendered by JV|ess|'s lilackman, Turner, favlor, Hirt aii() others, and hakas, led ' by Mr 11, Hetel, contributed to a highly sue cessful cnlertammonl.