FOXTON RIFLE CLUB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2264, 16 April 1921, Page 3

FOXTON RIFLE CLUB.

A pleasant little ceremony took place in the Presbyterian schoolroom last evening, when Mr S. Head, president of the Foxton Defence Rifle Club, made a presentation to Mr 11. J. Claris, on his resigning the position of secretary and treasurer; A large number of members were in attendance. Mr Head, in handing to Mr Claris a suede leather tobacco pouch, goldmounted and suitably engraved, expressed the Club’s deep thanks for liis very efficient services as secretary. He had not known Mr Claris long —not nearly as long as. some other members had —but he had always found him to be very able and obliging, in fact, nothing was too much for him to do in the interests of the -Club. He regretted very much his departure from Foxton, but all members joined in wishing him every success and prosperity in his new position. Mr C. Rapd voiced the sentiments of the previous speaker, and also referred to the many years of happy association he had had with Mr Claris. The latter had always been one of the Club’s best and most enthusiastic members.

Mr M. E. Perreau also spoke,of Mr Claris’ sterling qualities and earnest work, not only for the Rifie Club, but as a citizen. Ho moved, and Mr W. O’Brien seconded, that Mr Claris be decked a life member. Carried by acclamation. Mr Claris, in responding, very sincerely thanked the members of the Foxton Rifle Club for their beautiful little gift, which was, lie thought, quite undeserved. Everything he had done as secretary of the Club had been a labour of love, and he did not deserve all the kind things said of him. He had not been a very good shot, owing to failing sight, but lie had thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon shoots at the range. His relations witji all members had been pleasant and harmonious throughout. He was pleased to make a donation of a silver cup, of the value of two guineas, to be won annually by the member compiling the highest aggregate in A or B sections for the season (the exact details to be left in the Club’s bands). Jlr Claris kindly consented; on the suggestion of Mr A. Barnard, to act as informal representative in Wellington of ihe Foxton Rifle Club. The gathering concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Claris for his generous donation of a cup, and it wa> decided that same be named the Claris Cup. Mr IT. Frankland will till the position of secretary and treasurer until the annual meeting in September.