SEND-OFF TO MOSES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3513, 20 July 1926, Page 2

SEND-OFF TO MOSES.

On Saturday evening members of the Foxton Football Club and friends gathered in the Masonic Hall to far well Moses prior to his departure for France and England with the Maori All Blacks. Dancing was participated in and at a suitable juncture Mr. 11. Hutchins, (President • of the Foxton Club) outlined the object of the meeting and referred to Moses' selection in the Maori All Black team. It was an honour to Moses to be selected, he said, and it was also an honour to Foxton to have a member of the local club chosen. He hoped that Moses would make a name for himself abroad. He then called on Mr. J. K. Ilornblow to present Moses with a memento of the goodwill of his friends and well-wishers in Foxton and district.

In doing so Mr. Hornblow said that Moses’ inclusion in the touring team was a great advertisement for Foxton. He hoped Moses-would not only bring honour to his home town but that the team’s achievements would be a great advertisement to New Zealand. He felt that the Maori team might even eclipse the record of the famous All Blacks. As regarded Moses, they were proud of his selection. As a member of the Foxton Football Club he’had set an example to his club mates, and if other members had trained as Moses had done, he ventured to say that the honours of senior football would come to Foxton instead of going elsewhere. Moses was a representative of one of the most famous tribes in New Zealand —the Ngatiraukawas. He hoped that, while away, he would uphold the traditions of that tribe who in the past had played the game as well as fought well. He hoped that he would not .know what defeat was. He referred to the fine spirit possessed by the Maori people —the spirit that dominated Rowi at the (Sate Pali, an outstanding incident m the history of this country. They all wished Moses and the team he was a member of every success, and they would all lie proud to know when the news came through that they had won game after game. It had been thought that Moses should carry away with him some expression of the goodwill of the people of Fox!on and in this connection he thanked all for their splendid response in connection with the send-off.

Moses’ father then S-eturned thanks in Maori on behalf of his son, which was translated by Mr. Rangihcuon. On behalf of the Native section of- the community lie sincerely thanked all for the splendid send-off accorded his son. He also expressed the hope that his son when abroad, would.not act like the “prodigal son’’ which we read about in the Good Book, hut that he would reserve his substance and not waste it on riotous living. (Applause). Mr. .Jacob (Levin) congratulated Moses on his inclusion in the touring team. He ’ hoped that Moses would, on his return, lie the same. Moses that luyl gone away and that he would help the local Club by his tuition. On behalf of the Levin Wanderers team and County, he wished Moses every success while abroad.

“For lie’s a Jolly Good Fellow was thiMi sung and cheers given for Moses." Mr. Fred. Robinson on behalf of the combined Manawatu and Horowliemm Rugby Unions wished Moses good luck.’ In doing so he said that Moses deserved his place in the team, lie had never been a man the Committee had to carry on their hacks. He also referred to Moses’ early tuition in football un* dor Billy Larkins and Jacob. There was no better character in the whole of New Zealand than Moses, lie said.

On rising to return thanks Moses was greeted with prolonged applause. He sincerely thanked those present for their send-off, present, and expressions of goodwill. He hoped that on his return lie would liucl them all in the same health and happiness. Cheers were again given tor Moses and also three hearty cheers for his wife.