A POPULAR SPORTSMAN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 3780, 15 March 1913, Page 5

A POPULAR SPORTSMAN.

SEND-OFF TO MR K. S. j WILLIAMS. SOME HIGH ENCOMIUMS. A pleasant wind-up to the visit of the East Coast cricketers to Gisborne was held at the Masonic Hotel last , evening, when members of tho East Coast and Poverty Bay elevens and a large number of friends met to farewell Mr K. S: Williams, organiser of tho East Coast team, who, with Mrs Williams, left by the s.s. Takapuna last night on a lengthy visit to England and the Continent. Mr K. S'. Williams, in proposing the toast of “The Poverty Bay Cricket Association,’ said he wished to return thanks on behalf of the Coast'players for the hospitality which had been extended to them since their arrival in Gisborne. He knew it was not easy to get teams together on week days to play matches, and he especially "wished to thank those who had gone to the trouble of getting the elevens together to give his team a game on Monday and Tuesday. Regarding the representative match which had concluded that day, he had no excuse to offer for the defeat of his side, as they had brought down the full strength of the Coast, and they had been fairly and squarely beaten. They hoped, however, before long to get a side together on the Coast which would give Poverty Bay a better game and perhaps beat them. (Applause.) In responding on behalf of the Poverty Bay Cricket Association, Mr H. E. Maude said it had given that body the greatest pleasure to welcome the Coast .players. The match which had concluded that day had not given a true indication of the strength of the Coast eleven, which a very strong side, and one which was capable of giving any team a good game. He especially thanked Mr K. S. Williams for his generosity in providing afternoon tea on both days of tho representative match, and said that that gentleman had been able to do what the cricketers of Gisborne had been unable to do—attract the ladies in large numbers to see the match. He hoped that the Coast players would go ahead with the formation of a sub-Association, and when they combined forces Poverty Bay could then with some chance of success approach the N.Z. Cricket Council with a request to he graded as a first-class Association, and when this had been granted they could make a bid for the Plunket Shield.^ In proposing the health of Mr and Mrs K. S. Williams, Mr W. Oates, senr., said that they had all assembled to say good-bye to Mr and Mrs Williams 'prior to their departure from Gisborne on a well-earned holiday. He had known Mr Williams for many years, and everyone on the Coast knew him and his good works, which had been continuous over a long number of years. Mr Williams was one of the best patrons of sport on the East Coast. He was President , of the Waiapu Racing Club, had for many years bemi a prominent member and performer at the Waiapu sheep dog trials, and had played and fostered cricket and Rugby football for years. When donations were wanted for any worthy cause, Mr Williams was always the first to subscribe liberally and cheerfully. In addition, their guest of the evening was Chairman of\ the Waiapu County Council, and lie could tell them t'flat their Council ranked high among such bodies in the Dominion. Thiswps in a large measure owing to the public spiritedness and capable guidance of their Chairman. They all knew that if it. had not been for Mr Williams the visit of vne Cast Coast team would not iiare taken place. They a-.' wished Mr and. Mrs Williams a' very pleasant holiday. They would depart carrying with them the best wishes cf everyone in Poverty Bay, and particularly on the East Coast, where they had lived so long and done so many good works. He trusted they would .come hack reinvigorated in health, and once more take up the good work on the Coast which none but themselves were so capable of carrying out. The health of Mr and Mrs Williams was then enthusiastically toasted with musical honors. Mr Williams, on rising to respond, was received with prolonged applause. He thanked all present on behalf of Mrs Williams and himself, for the many kind remarks which had been made concerning. them. He thought Mr Oates had exaggerated theii' virtues somewhat. (Cries of “No! ) The reason that he had taken such an active part in organising the team was because he lived in a central part of the Coast, and could get in touch with the players more easily perhaps than anyone else. They were going Home for a holiday, but he could assure them that they were truly sorry to part with their friends if only for a short time. He was certain that the dav they landed hack on the Coast would he more enjoyed than any they might experience while abroad. Mr and Mrs Williams were farewelled at the wharf last night by a large number of friends, including the members of the East Coast and Poverty Bay cricket teams. Mr and Mrs Williams expect to leturn home in September or October next.