RUGBY WORTH RECOGNISED

Shannon News, 11 September 1925, Page 4

RUGBY WORTH RECOGNISED

PRESENTATION TO MR H. JACOB. IIIS FINE RECORD. 1912 — jiuuior Horowhenua. 1913 N.Z. Maori Team (Australia). 1913 Horowhenua Rep. Team. 1914- At tile War (•Pioneer 13 ail alien team in England and France) 1919 North island Representative. 1920 Cliosen as All Black (toured Australia). 1921 N.Z. Maori Teams (CaptainAustral ia). 1921—Captained llorowhenua-Mana-watu against South Africa. 1921—North island Team (Captain). 1923—Chosen All Black. 1919-25—Captained Horowhenua. 1925—Captain Manawatu-Horowhenua Reps.

Upwards of 130 people gathered at Mr Winiata’s homestead to participate Tn the presentation of an illuminated address to Mr Jacob, who since 1913 has been prominent in football circles in Horowhenua. The party was entertained at afternoon* tea, served by the men’s committee, the arrangement of which must have provided . very acceptable relaxation to the ladies present from their customary duties as hostesses. Early in the evening tea was served under the control of Mrs Ingram, and partaken of by the whole assemblage, followed at a later stage by a happy function in the meeting house. Mr J. W. Riminer, chairman of the Management Committee of the Horowheoua Rugby Union, whoi was, in a large measure responsible for organising the function, said, in Ins introductory remarks, that it gave him great pleasure, as it would give . every member of the Wanderers’ Club, to have the company of a man who had risen to such fame in the football world as Mr Jacob. (Applause). The gathering could not I have been more truly representative, not only of this district, hut also of the Manawatu. Mr Rimmer stated that the movement was by no means in the nature of an individual effort but was joined in by footballers throughout the Horowhenua and Manawatu Unions l 'as well us the supporters Of the Wanderers’ Club. The Mayor of Levin, Mr T. Hobson, said it gave him pleasure to make a presentation to one living and in liis prime, instead of adopting the usual course of singing a man s praises long after his death, and in handing an illuminated address to Mr Jacob he hoped the recipient would be able to carry on for a long time to come. The manager of the representative team had informed him of the pleasure it gave in managing a team captained hy Mr Jacob who had always insisted on the team upholding the honour of the Union, and had set the example by his own conduct while playing away from home. On many occasions he had been called upon to> play away from home, and it was to compensate, in part, for the absence of her husband that Mrs Jacob was to be presented with a, gold wristlet watch. I,n handing Mrs Jacob the watch, Mr Hobson mentioned what pleasure it had given his wife to work with Mrs Winiata and Mrs Jacob at the Mann Gras and similar functions. “For they are jolly good fellows, accompanied by tremendous cheering marked the handing ol the watch to Mrs Jacob. Mr Lindsay McDonald congratulated Mr and Mrs Jacob on the presentations, and in so doing said that never before had he seen a footbailei presented wit.li an illuiiiinated &d----dress—lie thought it was only Gov-ernor-Generals who received them. (Laughter). , , , ' Mr Jacob, during his acknowledgment, on Mrs Jacob’s and his own behalf, of the kind thoughts expressed. by previous speakers, thanked one and all for the great surprise and trie way in which they had turned up for fire occasion. No mean part, of nis success had been due to liis wife, who had always urged him to take his place in travelling teams—even though it often meant separation for long periods. He had always been keenly interested in Rugby, and loved the bit’of leather with a little wind m Mr* Robinson (Foxton) said be was very pleased to he associated with the presentations, of which both recipients were worthy in every way. Mr Jacob was one of the finest helpmates a touring manager could have and he had little to he afraid of while he was in the front rank, as every man always paid attention to what he had to say. (Applause). Messrs Grotty, R. Smith and M. Winiata confirmed wliat the previous speakers had said, while Mr Peters (Weraroa Club) said that all other Clubs held Mr Jacob in great respect, and he hoped, that when lie was unable to play lie would still give the clubs the benefit of his knowledge, and experienced generalship. Mr Harkness added a few words in a , similar strain.. It was then Mr Winiata, Scnr. s, turn to receive a “surprise packet” in the form of a handsome pipe arid a supply of his favourite tobacco. This house, said Mr Rimmer, had been for years, an open one, and i 1 was a pleasing thing to be able to acknowledge Mr Winiatn’s hospitality. Mr Hobson, on handing the gifts to the popular patron of the Wanderers’ Club, said he hoped Mr Winiata would live a good many more years, and that his children and his children’s children would worthily carry on the traditions he had handed down. Mr Martin Winiata responded on behalf of his father. A smoke concert and dance wound up a very happy occasion. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs W. Ryder, Les. McDonald M. Suhan, Elleray. and Ban-nay, President of the Manawatu Union, the latter, unfortunately, having suffered a domestic bereavement. “HIGHEST IDEALS OF SPORTSMANSHIP.’’ The text of the address was as follows: — “Mr B. Jacob, “Dear Sir,—On the occasion of { your election as captain of the first

representative team of the combined Horowhenua-Manawatu Union, the signatories feel compelled to place on record their sense ol' the great and valuable services you have rendered to Rugby Football. In 11)13 you had the unique experience ol stepping, from the junior ranks into an inter-' colonial team and the promise indicated by so singular an event has been amply fulfilled on many fields in many lands. Whether playing in your Club colours, or representing your Union, or wearing the Silver 'Fern a,s a >New Zealand representative, you have at all times demonstrated the theory and practice ol Rugby at its best, and by your personality and example have maintained the highest ideals of sportsmanship. Our teams have felt it a privilege and an honour to take the field under your Avise generalship, which has inspired them Avith confidence and determination. We recognise that—as one avlio has always “played the game for the game’s sake”—you have made many sacrifices ol liuic and inclination in order to represent your Union, and Ave wish to publicly thank you lor your services to football in Horowhenua, and to congratulate you on the high honours you have Avon upon the Rugby field. We ask you to accept the accompanying gift on behalf of Mrs Jacob, and trust that the national game Avill long continue to enjoy the benefit of your wise counsel and ripe experience, “And we take leave to subscribe ourselves, your sincere friends and Avell Avishers—”

Here follow the names of the signatories.

Tlie address was very beautifully hand-lettered and illuminated by Mr S. E. Aldwinckle, the decorations being in black and white (Wanderers), red and blue (Horowhenua) and green and white (Manawatu—Horowhenua). It was tastefuiliy bound and the cover artistically printed at. the “Chronicle” Office. Mr Rimmer said the promoters were endebted to Mr Aldwinckle and the “Chronicle” for their gratuitous work in this connection, while they also owed a great deal to Mr A. L. Williams for his assistance in the commissariate department and-to Mr Klue for further assistance.’