BELFAST AND DISTRICT MOTOR CLUB Smoker and Prize Distribution Arrangements were made to hold the Club’s smoker and prize distribution on Thursday 25 November in the Cafe Royal, Wellington Place, Belfast. A press cutting (Ireland’s Saturday Night, 6 November 1920) regarding the event reports that: “A handsome exclusive design has been secured for the club medals and they form very attractive prizes. The medal is circular in shape, with the figure of a racing motor-cyclist on one side surmounted by a ribbon scroll bearing the name of the club. These medals, together with the cups and other trophies are on display in the window of Messrs R McDowell and Co Ltd, High Street.”
Mr George B Hanna, BL, MP was invited to preside at the smoker and an interesting entertainment programme was arranged, the artists including Miss Florence M Watters, Miss Lilian Savage, Miss Agnes Crawford and Mr W H S Brown. Tickets for the event were to be 3/6 each. The club, after lying dormant during the war, was reorganised during the past year with events beginning in June, and has had a most successful season. There was large attendance of ladies and gentlemen belonging to the club. After an enjoyable tea the loyal toast was given and accorded musical honours. The chairman said he was glad to be associated with that club, for he knew the members were real good sports. In coming to be present on that occasion he knew he would meet those who were possessed of all those good qualities that are inculcated by the pursuit of true sport. He understood that the animation of the club was practically suspended during the war, and if the members were not riding races many of them and many of their friends were riding in the “big race.” and using with great advantage to King and country all of those good qualaties that they had learned and practised during the time they were with the club before war caused its activities to temporarily cease. (Applause.)
He desired to congratulate them on the success of the club. He was assured by the secretary that they had a membership of over 80, and he saw no reason why it should not reach 800. There was not any section of the public more circumscribed by the laws of the country than motorists, and no people more good natured. He thought that motorists realised the circumstances under which those whose duty it was to provide decent roads have had to labour for the past few years. The Antrim County Council were alive to the requirements of the of roads, and in that respect he would counsel patience in regard the matter. (Applause.) The prizes having been distributed to the successful competitors, whose names have already been published, the toasts of the prize donors, Ulster Centre M.C.U.I. and the prize winners were enthusiastically honoured. At intervals during the evening an interesting and enjoyable musical programme was contributed, the artistes including Miss Florence McWatters, Miss Agnes Crawford, Messrs W H S Brown, J E M Brown, and the chairman. The hon. secretary of the club (Mr J E M Brown) was made the recipient of a tangible token of esteem, and the proceedings concluded. Belfast News-Letter Friday 26 November 1920
