OTAUTAU

Southland Times, Issue 24243, 28 September 1940, Page 16

OTAUTAU

FAREWELL TO MEMBER OF CRICKET CLUB PRESENTATION MADE TO MR A. S. H. CUTLER After the annual meeting of the Otautau Cricket Club a social hour was spent to bid farewell to Mr Ai S. H. Cutler, who goes into camp with the 4th Reinforcements. Mr E. Matheson, president of the club, in proposing a toast to Mr Cutler, said the club was losing its star player. The club was sorry to lose him, as he had proved the mainstay of the game, not only in Otautau, but throughout the whole district. He had carried a name which might be envied by all In asking Mr Cutler to accept a money belt Mr John Fisher said it was a pleasure to honour a man who had proved himself a sport on and off the field. He had brought honour to the club and district as a citizen as well as a player. Not only had he played in district cricket but he also had represented the province, and was one of the few who were selected to play for the Otago province in the Plunket Shield games. The good performances of players had been due to his tuition and example, and the gift carried with it their best wishes. , Mr Fisher also welcomed Mr H. Burton, a fellow teacher of Mr Cutler’s, and said he was sure he would take an active interest in the sporting activities of the township. Mr J. G. C. Baker, speaking as a spectator and cricket enthusiast, said that Mr Cutler’s sportsmanship, coupled with his outstanding performances as a batsman and fielder, had been an inspiration, and he was of the opinion that the marked improvement which had been shown in local cricket had been due to his presence. Messrs H. Smyth, K. McDonald, A. Chisholm, H. Burton, C. Nicholson, W. Owen, W. G. Melton, R. Laing and S. M. Millar also spoke. It was stated that Mr Cutler’s name as a cricketer would live in the district for a long time, and wherever he went they would follow his doings with interest. In reply Mr Cutler said that during his stay of four years in the district he had had an enjoyable time, and paid a tribute to the sportsmanship of the Otautau team. He appreciated the gift and remarks which had been made. It would be a pity, he said, if the competition was not carried on this year, but friendly matches could be arranged. He trusted at no distant date to be back among the club members and wished the club every success.