FEATHERSTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 April 1939, Page 7

FEATHERSTON

WRESTLING ASSOCIATION. PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES. (“Times-Age” Special.) • On Monday night there was a large and representative gathering, of the executive of the Wairarapa Wrestling Association held in the supper room of the Town Hall. The Mayor (Mr J. W. Card) presided and during the evening presented the cups to the champion of the Wairarapa. In his address, Mr Card said that wrestling was probably one of the oldest of sports. He related that during his travels abroad he had been particularly taken by a statue carved out in solid rock of two early Grecian wrestlers, men of powerful build. Now in the hall he was looking at similar men in real life, proving that the calibre of man today, if trained, as was quite apparent. Judging by the men present and the great array of trophies they had been won, were just as good as the early Greeks. A neat compliment was paid to Mr McLeod and his team when Mr Hansen (Eketahuna) said that the physique and general demeanour of the Featherston wrestlers was the best in the Wairarapa. Toasts were proposed by the following:—Messrs A. E. Snelgrove (Wrestling Union), J. Blair (tennis), Mr R. F. Watson (boxing), Fred Brough (Gun Club), O’Regan (sister clubs), McNamara (bowling), W. Orange (Masterton), N. Hansen (Eketahuna) and Bell (secretary of the Masterton branch).

Trophies were presented as follows: Bantam, W. Chastin (Featherston); featherweight, A. Neilsen (Eketahuna); lightweight, G. Wenden (Featherston); welterweight, R. Sutherland (Masterton); middle, I. Sutherland (Masterton); light-heavy, H. Hill (Masterton); heavy, J. H. Dryden (Featherston). Dryden also holds the Wellington provincial and New Zealand heavyweight championships, and Hill was the runner-up in the Wellington Provincial light-heavyweight championship. Featherston winners of trophies: — Dewar Cup (best wrestler over 11 stone), J. H. Dryden; Moriarty Cup (for the most scientific wrestler in the school), Guy Wenden; heavyweight, J. H. Dryden; light-heavy, Guy Wenden; bantam, W. Chastin; under 18 years of age, J. Price; most improved featherweight, D. Jensen; most scientific bantam, Ray Benton; keenest and most improved juveniles, M. and N. Leighton. ■ j The supper tables were artistically arranged by Mrs C. Wenden. Mr J. Buck presided at the piano and recitations were given by Mr Harry Graham. Golf Season Opened. The Featherston Golf Club opened the season on Saturday. In a mixed foursome, Mrs H. Lovegrove and G. Jackson were the winners with a net score of 29. . An entrance fee was charged, the proceeds being donated to the Plunket Carnival. The first round for the Stableford competition (Mr T. Lang’s trophy) will be played next Saturday. Dawn Parade. Fifteen members of the local branch of the R.S.A. journeyed to ‘Wellington yesterday to take part in the Dawn Parade. All were much impressed with the service.