FOOTBALL SOCIAL.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 9 October 1912, Page 3

FOOTBALL SOCIAL.

The Football Social, under the auspices of the Kaipara Rugby Union, held in the Foresters' Hall last Friday evening was attended by about 170 people, and proved a very enjoyable finale to the football season. Mr Coates, M.P. for the District, had practically given his week end from Parliamentary duties to be present to distribute the handsome caps, presented by Mr Cucksey to the Union for the winning team during the season, together with a medal presented by the late Mr Thos. McEwin. for the best back player in the Helensville Club, and a medal for the best forward in the same Club.

After a few dances had been indulged in and several songs rendered, Mr Jas. McLeod, (chairman of the Town Board) explained that the social evening had been arranged principally to present in a public manner, the caps and trophies so generously given by well-wishers for successful sports. Mr Coates, M. P.,had accepted an invitation from the Kaipara Union to be present, coming right 'from "Wellington after a hard week of Parliamentary duties to do so. He (Mr McLeod) was sure the district had now an active man to represent them, and since Mr Coates had been in Parlia* ment he had been a worker, and had already done a lot, and had the welfare of the district at heart. (Applause) Mr J. G. Coates, on rising, received hearty cheers and " He's a jolly good fellow." He stated it was a surprise the way he was cracked up, as he was only yet feeling his way in Parliament, but he appreciated the courtesy meted out to him in the township, After three years if he was received in the same hearty manner he would be very pleased indeed. It was a pleasant week-end off for him. He was asked, and pleased to accept the honour of dischaiging the pleasing duty for which they were assembled. He could say a few eulogistic t words how they had upheld their end of the leather; Football was an English game, and we have made it our national game, and if it was to be the national game they had to stick to the Unions. (Applause). He thought the N.Z. Rugby Union was the most conservative body in the Dominion, and the only chance of making themselves heard at headquarters was to be well represented, therefore it was absolutely necessary to get full representations on the Auckland Rugby Union. Continuing, Mr Coates said 'he was a keen footballer, and contended that it was every public man's duty lo assist the game. He congratulated the Parakai team on winning the Caps, It was only by good leadership and solid training, that any club could be successful, and the Captain, Mr L. McLeod, was to be congratulated on his team's success. The Caps presented by Mr Cucksey were really handsome, and he thought that the district was richer in possessing a sport who made such a presentation to the Football Union. (Applause). Mr Coates then presented the following with caps, each recipient being cheered :—Messrs H. B. Bradly, B, Bradly, A. McLeod, G. McDonald, J. Dickey. J. Nieholls, R. Hart, G. Nicholls, H. Newman, D. Biadly, W. Rirnmer, C. Russell, C. McLeod, H. Russoll, M. McArthur, L. Russell, R. Bradly, G. Bradly, and Captain L. McLeod.

Cheers were then given by the Helensyille footballers for the Parakai team, which were heartily reciprocated by the winners.

Mr Donovan, in rising to thank Mr Cucksey for his gift, said he had been a footballer in the district for some long time, but it was something new to have a sport of Mr Cucksey's calibre amongst them ; they had never had a person to make such a handsome do* nation purely for sport before. Three cheers were then given for Mr (Nudger) Cucksey.

In replying, Mr Cucksey thanked them for the good words anent his present He thought that next year they would have more teams in tho Union competition ; and he would always do Avhat he could to forward sport while he was in the district. (Cheers). Mr Coates then called upon Mr V. McLeod, and presented him with a medal given by the late Mr Thoe. McEwin for the best back in the Helensvitte team; and also presented Mr J. Hafford with a similar trophy for the best forward player, both players receiving hearty Cheers. Mr Coates called on Mr Cr. Bennett, Sem., and said that the last presentation he had to make was not the least pleasing by any means, Mr Bennett having won the esteem of footballess through the efforts he had put forward in assisting them during the season. Mr Bennett was one of the best old sports in Kaipara, and he had much pleasure in presenting him with a biscuit barrel, subscribed by the footballers geneially, (Cheers). He also presented Mr Bennett with a cigarette holder, given by Mr Cucksey as a mark of appreciation to a, good sport.

Mr Bennett thanked the footballers for the reward. He was a good sport he knew, although he was an old man; but he. had a heart, and would do all he could for the footballers. He hoped the young fellows who did not win this year would go in and win next year. (Applause).

Mr Coates asked for cheers for the Hdies, which were heartily given ; the presentation proceedings terminating with cheers for Mr Coates and " They are jolly good fellows."

The assembly then sat down to supper, supplied and nicely laid out by a number of lady football enthusiasts, the good things being much appreci-* ated.

The. social proceeded until well after midnight with songs and dancing, Miss Donovan supplying the dance music in her usual good time, and also

accompanying songs given by Messrs Drower, Cucksey, Screaton and Lowe, which were well rendered and receive cd. The M'sC. did their duties ably. and all present spent a pleasant time.

Mr Tui McEwin, who acted as secretary, deserves great credit for his untiring efforts in arranging the affair, and it is to him in a great measure that the success attained was due, together with the assistance of the ladies and members of the Union Committee.