APPRECIATION.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3522, 8 July 1920, Page 4

APPRECIATION.

SEND—OFF- To‘ MR E. A. BELLISS. There was alarge gathering ‘at the Fire Birgade Hall last night, when :1 smoke concert vfias held as a means of giving a send-off to Mr E. A. Belliss, who is leaving for Australia shortly with the New Zealand representative Rugby team. The gathering, which was fully representative of all sections of the Sporting commun—ity. was presided over by Mr E. Lenihan_ \

The following toasts were honour-~ ed: “The King”; ‘Sport,” proposed by Mr H. Absolum and responded to by Mr Cowie; “The Borough Council,” proposed by Mr J. Quirk and responded to by Mr Sep. Reid; “The Rugby Union,” proposed by ‘Mr R. Maher and responded to by Ml‘ W. V. Kelsall; “The Ladies.” proposed by Mr 0. Murphy and responded to by Mr R. Smith.

. In proposing the toast of “Our Guest,” the chairman referred to the: excellent qualities of Mr Bellies. Those who knew him_would agree that he was not only a good footballer, but was a sport in all other respects. They would also agree that he had thoroughly earned a place in the New Zealand representative team. Many of those present had known him in his capacity as a soldier, and it was his experience that the best sports had been the best soldiers, as they had during their term of active service made full ‘use of the qualifications which had made them sports Taihape had previously" been represented in Wellington plro~ vincial teams, and in the North Island rep. team; but this was the first ocCasion on which a 'l‘aih'a;pe player had‘ got into the New Zealand rep. team. He was quite sure that their gnest would hold his end up, and do hon—_ our to the tearfi in Australia. They had other good players here, but there was not much chance, in the‘ absence of a separate Union, of any’ of themcatching the eyes of. the-' selectors, who did not come here. It, was regrettable that local teamssllould have to go to Wanganui and play there in order to give their play-_, ers a. chance of being selected with the .Wanganui rep. team, especially as

"he thought. they could fxick a. better ’ le'<--:n'11 here than-the Wanganui reps. ion behalf of the numerous su'bscrib--gears, who represent-eii all classes, he}had much pleasure in handing to Mr’ 1 Bellies ja token of the esteem in which: {he was held, and in doing so he’ ex~

pressed‘ the opinion that their guest would honour them in‘ Australia more than they had hon-cured him ijhat

‘evening.

Messrs Rangi Halbert, Punch Pine, and R. Hegley also spoke in appreciafive terms of the splendid attributes

of their guest.

In responding, Mnlielliss, in a‘ few words, expressed his keen apf)recia.— tion of the honour they had done him-,, that evening, and indicated that he. would do his {Jest to deserve it}

’ Vocal items were rendered by the f'°‘lloWillg2——Messrsr L. Walker, Sep_ [Reid, Cowie. G. Murphy, R. Healey, 3‘Dal'y, E. Sinclair. and R. Bray. Two concerted items by the Maoris present were much appreciated, and were enflmsizastically received.