STAR FOOTBALL CLUB.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1922, Page 4

STAR FOOTBALL CLUB.

THE ANNUAL BALL. The annual ball given by members of the Star Football Club was held in the East End pavilion last night. The hall was gaily decorated with festoons of flags and ribbons, rendered all the more effective by the display of quietly subdued lights, contrasting with brilliant clusters of colored ones. The walls •were beautifully decorated in the club colors over masses Of greenery, the •whole scheme reflecting great credit upon an energetic committee under the able direction of Messrs. W. Hughes .and T. L. V. Hoffmann (social secretaries). The supper-room was resplendent with punga fronds, bunting and bamboo, while the predominance of amber and black draperies gave the function a distinctive “Star” appearance. The sumptuous array of inviting dishes was a tribute to careful preparation by a capable ladies’ committee, comprising Mesdames J. McKenzie, C. Sullivan, J. Drury, S. Stroud, W. Hughes, S. Sarten, F. Bremnuhl, W. Roch, H. Olliver, and A. Handley. The floor was comfortably filled by numerous dancers. During the evening Mr. J. McLeod (chairman of the Taranaki Rugby Union) presented Mr. A. G. Bartlett’s cup to the winners of the. .third grade. In introducing the chairman, Mr. A. Humphries said it was many years since the Star Club had won a competition, but the performance of their third grade team was very decided, only two matches being drawn and one lost. This was very creditable for a junior teamIf young fellows would give more attention to the game and go in for more training their efforts would be rewarded. One other necessity was good (feeling and better combination among the personnel of the teams. In presenting the cup, Mr. McLeod said Star had not won a trophy since 1902. He was & Tukapa man himself, but it was with pleasure he noticed a Star team again to the fore. One message he wished to impress upon players was the necessity of loyalty to Rugby, as there was no room for two similar games in this province. He hoped no members would revert to Northern Union, and by playing the game he hoped to see the Star Club regain'a premier place in Rugby football. He then presented the cup to Mr. W. Hoffmann (captain of the third grade team), who suitably replied. Mr. P. Pike (chairman of the executive committee) then presented Mr. J. Hoskin’s medal for the best all-round senior player to Mr. W. Deane; Mr. T. Hurley’s medal for the most useful member, on or off the ueld, in the third grade, to Mr. A. E. Pollock; Mr. W. L. Hughes’ medal for the most improved player (third grade) to Mr. A. Kendall; Messrs. F. C. Ferry and C. Hoskin’s medal to the most improved back in the third grade to Mr. A. Bullott; Mr. W. Deane’s medal foY most improved player (fourth grade) to Mr. J. Sturmey; and Mr. T. C. List’s special medal for the most useful member off the field in the seniors to Mr. W. Deane.

The club’s secretary (Mr. J. A. Clafrke), who has hed the position for many years, is to be congratulated upon the capable manner in which the affairs of the club have been handled during a difficult season.