FOOTBALL SOCIAL

Temuka Leader, Issue 2408, 6 October 1892, Page 3

FOOTBALL SOCIAL

The annual social given by the Temuka Football Clnb was held on Tuesday evening last, under most favorable conditions, the evening being fine and cool, attendance very large (estimated at nearly 70 couples), the floor in splendid order, and music, decorations, and catering, coming in for universal praise. The footballers are to be congratulated on the manner in which they prepared the floor the decorations carried out. The room was nicely draped with flags and curtains, and exquisitely festooned with evex-greens. A football, the eventful one of the season, hung from the centre of the hall, and the club’s banners were displayed in the front of the stage. The decorations and general arrangements were carried out by members of the club, conspicuous among the busy workers being Messrs G. Barret, J. Findlay, Erwood, McLeod, McCaskill (2), Fenton, and many others. During the evening several pleasing ceremonies took place; the first being the handing over of the Junior Flag for South Canterbury by Mr J. Gillespie, the club’s delegate. He, in a few words, expressed his pleasure in being able to do so, and trusted that the club would again be fortunate in winning it, and that these first victories would give new life to the club. Mr J. Findlay, the club’s popular captain, accepted the flag on behalf of the club, and hoped that they might be as successful next season as they were this. This ceremony over, another, and wholly unexpected to the receipient, was made to Mr Jas. Gillespie, the club’s delegate to the Rugby Union. Mr J. McCaskill, the indefatigable secretary of the club came forward; and in a neat, happy speech, in which he eulogised Mr Gillespie’s services to the club as delegate, and on behalf of his club mates, asked his acceptance of a beautiful album, subscribed by the players and club members. Mr McCaskill stated that but for Mr Gillespie’s energy and work at the Rugby Union the “ double event ” would perhaps not have been won by “ the Black and White.” For, said Mr McCaskill, “ if Mr Gillespie could not get what he considered right for his club he stonewalled proceedings until he secured his rights.” The album bore the following inscription — 11 Presented to Mr J as. Gillespie by the members of the Temuka Football Club, as a small recognition of hia valuable services as the Club’s delegate to the South Canterbury Rugby Union. Temuka, October 4th, 1892.” Mr Gillespie, who was taken by surprise, briefly returned thanks for the unexpected souvenir, and disclaimed having done anything more than his duty. He assured members that he would ever look with feelings of pleasure on, their valuable offering, and that, go where ho would, he would ever kindly remember u the Black and White.” Sir J. McCaskill' then read the following account of the Club’s past career « Ladies and Gentlemen,-—lt is indeed a great pleasure to the members of the Club to see so uiauy persons present this evening, and it is very gratifying to them to be able, on behalf of the players, to put such a good record befoi’e you. This past season marks a new era in the life of the Temuka Club, as they have been able to win the double event—'the Junior Flag and the President’s Trophy. We may safely say now that at no time than the present has so much interest and enthusiasm been evident amongst our players and supporters. Both our teams have come through the season with but one defeat each in the Rugby Union fixtures, and that at the hands of the Colonials, who acted as runners up for each contest. Our first fifteen has played 0 games, winning 6, losing 2, and drawing 1. They have scored GO points, and have had 29 scored against them, Oiii’ second was a much more successful and formidable team, as they scored 103 points against 23. They played 10 games, and won 9, and lost 3, In conclusion we sincerely trust that next season members will display as much energy and good feeling as they have done this one, and that the honors they have beep able to secqrp this season, may long remain their property,” Later on in the evening Mr J, T, M. Hayhurst, the President of the club, came forward, and Mr J, Findlay, the Club’s captain, banded over to his care the Junior Flag for 1892. It was a matter for general regret that the President’s Trophy, won by the 2nd fifteen, had not arrived from Dunedin, as it would also have been handed over to the President’s care.

Mr Hayhurst said ho h id great pleasure in accepting the care of the flag, ami was glad to see the chib again so successful, and hoped lie would again at the end of next season bo asked to do similar honors. He then, on behalf of Mr J. Sim, pretilled a football locket to Jlr t(as. Beoshahau for m'ost’poinis scorptl in the First Fifteen ; on behalf of Mr P. MpCashill (one of tl).o vice-presidents) he presented ;i locket to Mp J. Morton for most tries (13) scored in the Second Fifteen, and, ou behalf of Mr ,J. Gillespjo, fpifither I'o.ok.ei; j;,cf Ml’ % feip souring the fry that von the flag in the game against the Colonials in Timam ou last Tb— During gveuiim "' ..msclay. yegitatie*'- .-■cvoral songs and were given in very pleasing style by the following ladies and gentleliiyu : -->• Misses Leo and Connolly, rmd Messrs Q. Barret, and J. McCaskill, \yllllst Prufcsaor Montage gave a realistic

representation of “ Clarence’s Dream,’ from Shakespeare’s play of Richard 111. Tliis was well received, the professor giving another selection later in the evening. He was decidedly successful, and the club made a happy choice in getting his services, which were in general demand. Mr H. Rogers danced an Irish jig, which was well done, and duly appreciated. Supper, served in a very sumptuous style by the club’s caterer, Mr D. McCaskill, was announced about 12 o'clock, and, after the good things had been done full justice to, the second part of the programme was gone on with. Everything went off as merry as a marriage bell, and when the officious M.C., Mr W. McCallum (the club’s sterling half-back) announced “ The Circassian Circle,” those who had tripped the light fantastic to the efficient and appreciative strains of Messrs E. Colville and G. Levens, reluctantly found that the evening’s amusement was over, and that the football season of 1892, so auspicious a one for Temuka, was numbered amongst the past. Looked at from every point of view, the social was a thorough success, socially an d financially. The wish was expressed by all present that the club would provide many more such pleasant re-unions. The club wish to tender their sincere thanks to all who helped so loyally to make the entertainment the success it was.