Published: Thursday, March 27, 1947 A complimentary dinner was tendered to Mr. A. L. Blackshaw by the St George Cricket Club on Wednesday evening, March 19, in the Memorial Hall, Hurstville. The president of the club, Mr. F. Cush, presided, others at the official table being Mr. Clive Evatt (Minister for Housing), Aid. 0. A. Olds (Mayor of Hurstville), Mr. S. Smith (president of the-N.S.W. Cricket Association), Mr. A. Oxlade (chairman of the Board of Control), Mr. R. Jones (chairman of the Cricket Trust), and Messrs. Bill O'Reilly, C. Mclntosh, G. Barter (secretary), Primrose (assistant-secretary), E. W. Adams (treasurer). The large gathering was indicative of the high esteem in which Mr. Blackshaw is held, not only in the sporting world, but in business, civil, .and municipal life. A more fitting tribute could not have been paid to any man.
Mr. Cush said the gathering was arranged in recognition of the honourable and conspicuous service rendered by Mr. Blackshaw to the St. George Cricket Club, not only during his seventeen years as president, but right from his first contact with the club. Mr. Blackshaw first played cricket with the Glebe Club, a district which trained its young sportsmen to "play the game." In March, 1904, he came to this district, and played his first season in 1904-5 with the Hurstville-St. George team in the St. George Cricket Association. He was elected* hon. secretary of the association in July, 1905, with Mr. E. W. R. McMillan as president. The following year he played with the Penshurst team, and when in the next year Penshurst and Hurstville teams amalgamated, he was elected hon. secretary. He continued to act as secretary of the St. George Association until district cricket was formed in 1913, when, in that year, he moved out of the district to Epping, Mr. S. Mackenzie being appointed in his stead. However, Mr. Blackshaw came back again, holding the office of secretary of the district club in 1913-14 and 1914 15. Mr. Blackshaw was the first; man to see the necessity of a turf wicket, in this district, and it was on account of his inspiring leadership and energy that the present Hurstville Oval was established. He was the first delegate to represent the St. George Club on the N.S.W. Cricket Association. He played with the district club in 1912 and for a number of years afterwards, and played his best role as captain of the third grade team, looking after the young members of the club. Mr. Blackshaw proved himself a man of many parts, and a leader in all his activities. He took a great interest in municipal life, and was an alderman of Hurstville Council for many years, being elected to the mayoral chair in 1911. He had the honour then of being the youngest mayor in the State. He also associated himself with all patriotic movements, and was the Government nominee for the repatriation schemes for returned servicemen from World War I. He is a life patron of Hurstville and Penshurst Sub-Branches of the R.S.S.A.I.L.A. He was recognised by the Federal Congress of the R.S.S. and A.I.L.A. for voluntary services rendered to returned men by being presented with a gold badge and certificate of merit, which is awarded only once in the whole State each year. In Mr. Blackshaw's case it was a unanimous selection. He had closely associated himself with kindred sporting bodies of the district, viz., Air Force League, Boy Scouts, and was a member of St. George Male Voice Choir and St. George Choral Union.
Mr. S. Smith said that in Mr. Blackshaw the district of St. George had a very worthy citizen. He was a good administrator, and they were necessary -o produce good sportsmen. St. George had produced some good cricketers, of whom all were justly proud. The cricket association would always remember what Mr. Blackshaw had done to inspire young players in such a clean and noble sport.
Mr. Oxlade said the meeting itself showed in what high esteem and with what respect Mr. Blackshaw was held. Not only in sport was he revered but in business life his word was his bond. "To be honoured as Mr. Blackshaw was honoured," he said, " was the best kind of honour, and designated the type of man we could all admire and look up to." He expressed the hope that Mr. Blackshaw would be spared to carry on for many years, not only as a cricket enthusiast but as a man.
Mr. Evatt said the spirit of cricket should permeate right throughout the life of the community. He congratulated Mr. Blackshaw, on behalf of the State Government, for having the respect and esteem of everyone in the district. He called upon eight members of the original Hurstville team, who were present, to stand. They were Sid Mackenzie, Jack Docking* Charlie Mclntosh, Jack Culey, Dick Culey, Rex Bruce, Arthur Smithson, and the guest, Les Blackshaw.
Other speakers also included the Mayor of Hurstville, Bill O'Reilly, C. Mclntosh, R. Jones, Code, and Ald, N. Macpherson.
Opportunity was taken during the evening to present Mr. Blackshaw with a framed oil painting, also a rut-glass vase and basket of flowers for Mrs. Blackshaw. In making the presentation on behalf of the members, Mr. Cush hoped the family would be long spared to enjoy the many friendships they had made, and that the small tokens of appreciation would ever remind the honoured guest of the fine tributes truly paid to a great sportsman, a great citizen, and a great man.
In responding, Mr. Blackshaw thanked the various speakers for their kind tributes, and to all those who were present for their co-operation. He spoke of the enjoyment and happiness he had received over the years and said that if he had to travel the road again he would have no hesitation in traveling the same way.
Entertainment was provided by George Brown (pianist and entertainer), Ron Dowd (tenor), and Roberts and Broomhead (entertainers). |
