THE BANQUET

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 10 July 1914, Page 5

THE BANQUET

'In the evening the teams held a dinner at the Helensville Hotel, when a sumptuous repast was placed upon the table by host and hostess Cucksey. After the good things had been disposed of, Mr Jas. McLeod (chairman) proposed the toast of " The King," which was duly honoured in the usual way. In proposing the toast, " Watersiders," the chairman said the farmers and waterside workers were brought into conflict during the late strike. At the same time the farmers were their best 7friends ;

they were led into the dispute. The speaker said it gave him pleasure to see the waterside workers and farmers playing together in a friendly game that afternoon. He was a farmer himself and hoped his party would beat the workers every time, and was very pleased to see both parties present in full force that evening enjoying themselves. (Cheers). _ Mr I. McLeod, in responding, mentioned that the waterside workers were drawn into the late strike in. ignorance, and believed the Premier could have settled it in a few hours, and there would have been no necessity for the farmers to come to the rescue. Of course they had to protect themselves, and he was pleased to see both parties so thorough ly enjoying themselves. He was sorry the watersiders lost, but hoped for better luck next time.

Mr A. McLeod responded to the toast of "Parakai Farmers' Team," saying how pleased he was to see the watersiders and farmers playing in a friendly match, both sides putting up a good fight. His team was always ready to meet them at any time.

Mr W. Stevens responded to the toast, " The Referee, and after referring to the game said these social functions were good for all. On the field, anyone could smile if they won, but it took a good man to be a good loser.

Mr C. White responded to " Kaipara Union," and said they had started this year with a debit balance, but were now on a better footing. He thought they were as keen on the game as ever, and hoped they would be able to get a good team together. Now that the funds were growing and the insurance scheme on a good basis, all seemed going on satisfactorily.

The " Press," and "Host and Hostess completed the toast list.

It is asserted that a Te Pua player had seven helpings of turkey — proof positive of the excellence of the menu.

During the evening songs were rendered by Mr E. Cucksey, " Boy of the King," encore "My Old Shakoo " ; Mr Luttrell, " Asleep in the Deep," encore ''Absent"; Mr C. White, -'The Gathering Army; and Mr Constable. Mrs Cucksey played the accompaniments. The happy gathering dispersed at an early hour.