STAR CLUB'S SOCIAL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 193, 6 September 1900, Page 2

STAR CLUB'S SOCIAL

The annual social of the Star Football Club on Wednesday evening took place under most favourable circumstances, i Not only was the evening sufficiently bright and fine to tempt all pleasure seekers to the Theatre Royal, but the presence of the Otago football representative team as well as several members of the Taranaki Union gave the occasion an added interest, and in addition to these attractions it was known that a presentation was to take place, the recipient being the popular explayer, Mr. Louis Allen. Of course by far the larger number of those present were for the dancing alone, and from the stage it looked as if the whole of the floor was occupied by dancers, all of whom seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the exbilorating pasture. Certainly with such excellent music as that produced by Mr. Garry's famous orchestra, no one could help feeling that daneing was a real pleasure.' The supper tables (always a ckefd'wuwe at their socials) was this year a perfect blaze of yellow and white flowers artistically arranged by Misses Hursthouse, and Miss Lawson, who deserve great praise for the pains they must have taken to bring about such a successf ull result. But the supper itself was a veritable triumph, of which the ladies who Supplied, and those who collected and arranged it, might well be proud. In this important duty Mrs. Dockrill was assisted by Misses E. Bellringer, Crocker, and Humphries, who must have all worked indefatigably to have ensured such a magnificeut collection of tempting delicacies as those which were done ample justice to, and thoroughly appreciated by the large assembly present at the social. The duties of M.C. were most satisfactorily carried out by Messrs. Thomson and E. and A. Humphries, who did their utmost to promote the pleasure of the dftncors WELCOME TO THE OTAGO KEFS.

In the course of the evening His Worship the Mayor (Mr. E. Dockrill), addressing Mr. Duncan (captain) and the members of the Otago Football Union, said it afforded him the greatest pleasure to give them a very hearty welcome, and to congratulate them on their win that day. At the same time he could say for the Taranaki team that though beaten they were not vanquished, and they took their defeat in good part, and did not feel inthe slightest sore on account of losing. (Cheers). He hoped the Otago players would enjoy themgelves that evening as much as they must have enjoyed the triumph of defeating such doughty champions as the Taranaki representatives had proved themselves in the past. No doubt, said His Worship, the Otago Union would undergo the same experience as Taranaki—the veterans would pass out" and give place to younger players, who required time and experience to fit them to wear thai laurels of the veterans. Addressing Mr. Young (captain), and the members of the Taranaki reps, the Mayor extended to them a similar hearty welcome, and he consoled them for their defeat by remarking that it was chiefly owing to the want in the team of the experience of the veterans, and that it was in no measure due to the absence of the old " grit." They must, he said, take heart of grace and give a better account of themselves in the future. (Cheers). He hoped that in New Zealand, whether the teams were North or South, they would always maintain the character they held in tho p'st, and that wherever a battle was to bo fought and a victory to be won, either in football or in the Transvaal or elsewhore, they would show that pluck and determination that characterised the footballers of the colony. (Loud cheers). 'PRESENTATION TO Mn. LOUIS ALLEN,

His next duty, said the Mayor, was of another character, and had reference toia member of the Star Football Club who was retiring from the field. He alluded to Mr. Louis Allen. (Applause.) Mr. Allen had gone through what all mm were expected to do (Loud hughter), but that was not the solu reason for bis retirement, as ho had received ir-juries which, had he acted on the advice of the doctors, would have stopped him from playing some time before he actually gave up. Referring to Mr. Allen's cannection with football, His Worsh'p said that it might interest many present to know that he j)incd tho Star Club in 1891, had be?n a consiftint member ever since, and, on many a hard fought day, had carried his team to victory. In playing with tho Rflps, he was one of tha mrsfc sturdy champions tho team hid over had. Both in 189G and 1897 he hid ben selected as one of the team jto visit Queensland and New South IWalep. He was raspected by every tmrn wherever he went, and his play greatly admired. As five-eighth or three-quarter there had been no more brilliant player in Australia. Addressing Mr. Allen, the Miyor said he had much pleasure in handing him a purse of sovereigns which had boen subscribed by his New Plymouth admirers as much by way of appreciating his personal qualities as for his brilliant play. (Loud applause.) Three hearty cheers were then given for Mr. Allen and an extra cheer for Mrs. Allen.

Mr. Allen briefly returned thanks for the presentation. Mr. Hutohison, manager of the Otago team, also returned thanks for the invitation "to be present, and for the hearty welcoma extended to them. He said they had thoroughly enjoyed their visit, and thoy had mot that day opponents whom ho f«lt would give a very good account <,f themselves in Auckland. On behalf of his t o am, ht expressed their high approbation of Mr, Allen's service, with which thoy were well acquainted, and Ivi couH say that the was raiier glid-tj (i-nl that redoubtable player was aba- r,t t-lutdny from the ranks of their opp mnt u , Mr. Young, captain of tho Taranaki Reps, also briefly returned thanks for the welcome accord-d to tho team.