CENTRAL CYLING CLUB.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2672, 14 June 1894, Page 4

CENTRAL CYLING CLUB.

On Tuesday evening at the Oddfellows' Hall, Geraldine, the members and friends of the Central Amateur Cycling Club held a private social in connection with the distribution of prizes won at the Queen's Birthday Inaugural races for members of the Club. The Hall was moat appropriately arranged with the Club's monogram, etc., and some handsome samples of " bikes," of the latest improved styles. On the mantel-shelf were several large group photos, of the club's races ou May 24th, taken by Mr J. McCaskey on the domain by the instantaneous process. A table on the platform was set out with the numerous trophies and other prizes to bo presented, while the refreshment table, amply supplied with good things, and prettily laid-out by lady friends, ran down the centre of the hall. Mr R. H. Pearpoint, president of the club, occupied the position of chairman, and said that he had a pleasing duty to perform, viz., to present prizes to the winners at the club's first meeting. The Geraldine Club was only in its infancy at present, but he was confident in stating that it was making very rapid strides. At the present they had a membership of about 40, and considering the short time since the club had been formed, it showed that the public generally were taking the greatest interest in the sport. Cycling, it was true, at the present time was making rapid strides, not only ir New Zealand, but all over the world. It was a sport that required a considerable amount of training, and was conducive to the building up of manly young fellows. Songs were then £.ung by Messrs Calder, Sugden,Morrison, Mines, Bryant} and Master J. Pye; after which the president handed out the prizes to tho successful wheelmen as subjoined : JVIr J. Kifihards —Ist in 1 Mila Handicap* president's trophy and the club's gold med'4 for yaiu « °* e ° tr * D^. I m 2? e y» and suitably eng^ 6 * ; lsfc >" 2 M *» Handicap, Mr R. Hood's tro7 W ' a b,BC £ barrel; 2nd iu 3 Mile Handicap, Roach's trophy, a Kaiapoi ru<r; 3rd in 1 Mile Novelty Race, umbrella°presonto:i by Mr Farrell.

In handing the prizes to Mr Richards, the president meuiioned that, any youii" man that could cany oii'su many trophies would require hard training and much time given in preparing himself fur so arduous a task. Uo cjuid nut allow Mr Richards to go without complimenting him on the admirable manner in which ho rodo on the Queen's Birthday, and hoped that it would bo an example and a stimulus to othor members of the club. Such riding would certainly place cycliii" on a high footing iu Geraldino. The next prize-taker was Mr Robert Rae— Ist iu 'J. Mile Handicap, Mr \V. S. Maslin's trophy, an accordeon, also the club's engraved gold medal for value of entrance money; 2nd in 1 Milo Handicap, Zealaudiu Company's trophy, a

pair of boots; 2nd in 2 Mile Handicap, Standard Company’s trophy, a pair of boots. The president also complimented Mr Rae on the able manner in which he rode for a young rider. The next three prize-winners were not present, viz., Messrs Alex. Love, Alex. Graham, and J. Henry. The prizes won by them were Alex. Love, Ist in Consolation, Mr A. White’s trophy, silver butter dish and club’s silver medal value of entrance money; 2nd in Novelty Race, Mr Gill’s trophy, an umbrella; 3rd in 1 Mile, Mr J. Mcllroy’s trophy, a silver dish; 3rd in 2 Mile, Mr Buchanan’s trophy, pair of slippers, Alex. Graham, Ist in Novelty Race, Mr N. Dunlop’s trophy, silver chain, and Mr Hardy’s silver medal (special prize), also club’s silver medal, value of entrance money ; 3rd in 3 Mile, captain’s trophy. Jas. Henry, 2nd in Consolation, Mr J. McCaskey’s trophy. Mr J. Pearce, who was present, was presented with the deputy-cap tain’s trophy, a hunting crop, for 3rd in the Consolation.

The president intimated that an extra prize had been allotted, but the committee had decided to keep this for a road race at the opening of next season, when it was their intention to hold another social similar to the one held on May 24th. The club had now a credit balance in the bank of £lO placed on deposit, and was in a most healthy condition. It only required members to stick together to make the club second to none. (Applause). Mr B. R. Macdonald, proposed the toast of(“ Cycling, and the Central Cycling Club in particular” coupled with the name of Mr J. W. Pye, captain. He was pleased to see the Cycling Club going ahead at Geraldine, and the success he thought was largely due the captain. —Mr J. W. Pye, in reply, did not take credit for the success of the club, but he could assure them he had many pleasant experiences amongst the members since he had been elected their captain about four mouths ago. The club had been formed about ten months back, and thoy would see by a photo, on the shelf that the club then consisted of about half a dozen members with one or two solid tyres and two or three ordinaries, while to-day he scarcely thought they had an ordinary amongst them but only first-class machines of the latest types. He trusted that next year the club woud go in for a good race meeting on their own account. He was sure they could do it if they stuck together as they had done in the past. He hoped they would go on prospering and make the club one of the best clubs in Canterbury. (Applause). Mr A. White proposed, the toast of “The Winners”—responded to by Messrs Richards, Rae,and Pearce; Mr G. Bethuno the toast of “ The Losers ” —responded to by Messrs Hardy, Rae, and J. W. Pye ; Mr J. W. Pye, “ The president and vicepresidents, Messrs Pearpoint, Hood, and Farrell;” Mr Mcllroy, the toast of “ The secretary,” who, he considered, was a most efficient one, and very valuable to the club—responded to by Mr W. Bryant; Mr F, Wilson Smith, “ Kindred sports,” coupled with the names of Messrs Sugden (cricket), Muller (football), and J. Mcllroy (sword dancing). In responding to this toast Mr Muller said he came from one of the most “ sporting ” little places in New Zealand, viz., Ashburton, and he thought that Geraldine people should go in for a first-class swimming bath in their domain, such as they had at Ashburton. Then all kinds of sport could be combined—swimming, cycling, etc. Mr R, H. Pearpoint proposed the toast of the gentlemen who had given trophies. Mr A. White responded for the trophy givers. Mr R, Hood the toast of “ The visitors,” coupled with the names of Messrs W. Campbell, A. White, F. Wilson Smith, Hodges, Muller, McKenzie, Macdonald, Mines, and C. Pye. Mr A. White “ The ladies,” coupled with the name of Mr Morrison ; Mr Pearpoint, the toast of “ The Press;” Mr F. Wilson Smith “ The hosts;” Mr B. R. Macdonald the toast oi The chairman,” The proceedings closed about 12 o’clock with “ Auld Lang Syne.” Interspersed with the toasts, songs were contributed by Messrs Morrison, Kemplen, Calder, McKenzie, Muller, Erskine, A. White, Richards, and Pearce. Mr Sugden accompanied the singers on the piano.