Fifty Years of Progress 1880-1930

JUBILEE DINNER without feeling" There is no place like England." He hoped that when the day came for the Great Referee, against whose decisions there was no appeal, to sound that the time was up, all sportsmen would be able to walk off the field of life, feeling that they had fought the good fight and played the game. Mr. H. A. Butler proposed "The President," and thanked Lord Desborough for consenting to be the President of the A.A.A. in the emergency which was caused by the death of Sir Montague Shearman. He referred to the President's wonderful career in nearly every branch of sport, in long-distance running, rowing, swimming and fencing. In their own sport he was President of the Achilles Club and of the Bucks County A.A.A. In public life he had filled many positions with great distinction, especially the important office of Chairman of the Thames Conservancy Board. Everyone hoped that Lord Desborough would be President of the A.A.A. for many years. The toast was given with musical honours. Lord Desborough, in replying, said he felt it was an honour to be the President of the A.A.A.. The Association had more than justified the high ideals with which it was started. Everyone regretted that Sir Montague Shearman was not spared to see the outcome of his labours in the celebration of the Jubilee. The President said he hoped that the beautiful blackthorn stick just presented to him would never be wanted during the discussions which might take place with regard to the many problems of the A.A.A. The great thing the Association had done was to bring pure amateur athletics before the masses of the people. 1 33