A DEPARTING BOWLER.

Shannon News, 3 May 1929, Page 4

A DEPARTING BOWLER.

GIFT TO MR. WILMOT. j Prior to the members of the New-tow-n Bowling Club returning home after visiting the Otaki Green occasion was taken. to say farewell to Mr. D. H. Wilmot, who has accepted an important position at the Westport School. Mr. Suhan,- speaking on behalf of the Levin Club, referred to Mr. Wilmot as one of the outstanding sports of the Manawatu "district, and said that in the many matches for the Kinniburgh Feathers Mr. Wilmot, defeated or otherwise, always had his usual smile, and win or lose, it made not the slightest difference. While on tour with the N.Z. bowlers, said Mr. Suhan, he was in Ireland, where both he and Mr. Wilmothad relatives, and it was in the match with Ireland that he received a badge which he desired Mr. Wilmot to accept. He knew the little gift would be appreciated, especially as .it was awarded after N.Z, had won their first test match at Belfast. Amidst applause Mr. Suhan pinned the badge to Mr. Wilmot’s coat, after which “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” was sung. Mr. Wilmot, in returning thanks, said that he was delighted with the gift which he would always treasure. Ho thanked Mr. Suhan for his kind remarks and spoke of the many fine and enjoyable games he had had with the Levin Club. He had always endeavoured to be a true sport, and had advised his school children to always play the game and thus make a success of life. He would leave Otaki with mixed feelings. He and Mrs. Wilmot had made many friends in Otaki; ,their five years’ stay had been most enjoyable. There was, however, such, a thing as ambition, and it was on this account that he was leaving Otaki. He was going away to better himself, and was pleased to report that he had now reached tbe top rung of the ladder, a thing that he had always aimed at. He would never forget the many .happy times spent in Otaki and Levin, and when he retired in seven or eight years’ time he hoped to return to this district to tako up residence. Mr. Wilmot then referred to the visit by the Newtown Olub and said that he could not let members depart without expressing thanks for their visit. His club had been delighted to have them, and said their visits were looked forward to (with more interest than any other club. On •behalf of bis dub. lie asked Mr. Laughton, of vthe Newtown Club, to accept a badge, and trusted that it would .be • a reminder of his visit to ,Otaki. (Applause). Mr. Laughton said this was the first ocifision ho had been presented with a badge although ho had placed in matches from the North Cape to the Bluff, including Dominion tournaments. He extended his thanks to Mr. Wilmot and his club mates for their hospitality to his team, and referred to all as “jolly good sports.” They always fel ! t at home in Otaki, and he and the others were pleased to hear a rumour, that the Otaki Club was again going to join the Wellington centre. This would be the means of .more teams coming to Otaki, and he saw no reason why City teams should not also visit Levin. Mr. Laughton undertook to see that matches were arranged, and in conclusion congratulated s£r.Wilmot on his well-earned promotion. It would be, be said, a great step to him in the final days of his career as a teacher. Mr. Laughton spoke highly of Mr. Wilmot ; s connection with the Education Board, and said if all gave as little trouble as Mr. Wilmot the Board’s staff would be greatly reduced. Mr. Laughton, himself a member of the Board’s staff, looked upon Otaki a,3 one of the gems in the service. (Applause).