Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), Thursday 11 July 1929, page 5


ALAN RIDLEY

Farewell Functions

That the unions and sporting bodies of Canberra be circularised requesting their co-operation in a subscription list for the purpose of presenting Alan Ridley with a cheque, was resolved at a public meeting of sporting bodies

last night.

It was agreed that the most appropri ate farewell function would be a pict ure night at the Capitol Theatre, where

a large number of Canberra residents would have the opportunity of fare welling Alan Ridley on the eve of his

departure for England with the Australian Rugby League team. To this end a deputation of representatives of sporting bodies will wait on the proprietor, Mr. W. B. Freebody, to secure his consent to the project.

The Chief Commissioner, Sir John Butters, will be asked to make the pres entation on behalf of the citizens of

Canberra.

The F.C.T. Rugby Football League will tender Mr. Ridley a complimentary dinner, on the same evening, to which function citizens of Canberra will be invited, and a nominal charge made.

Mr. P. Douglas was of the opinion that Alan Ridley's selection to represent Australia in the Rugby League role was all honour to Canberra insofar as he was the first person so honoured in the history of the capital, and he thought that it would be a good thing for Mr. Ridley to go abroad with the feeling that he had the good wishes of the people of Canberra behind him.

A fine all round sportsman, Alan Ridley is well fitted to represent the National Capital in the Australian team. His career in the game has been ro mantic in the meteoric nature of his achievements.

Only 18 years of age, but weighting 14 stone and standing five feet eleven inches, Mr. Ridley first resumed active play in 1928 since playing at school

in 1925.

During last season he played with the Acton Rovers in the F.C.T. competition, which they won. In that year, too, he displayed form as an athlete, winning the 100 yards F.C.T. championship foot race in 10½ seconds, and the 100 yards F.C.T. footballers' championship footrace in 11 [??] seconds. He was also winner of the High Jump and Hop, Step and Jump events, at Environa on Easter Monday, 1929.

Mr. Ridley commenced the season 1929 as a member of the Queanbeyan "Blues" Club, played in four elimination matches, and was selected to represent the Southern Districts at the Country Week carnival in Sydney. Twice chosen to represent combined Country 1st XIII against combined City 1st XIII, he was finally selected in the Australian team to tour England.

In response to a request the Canberra Times" will be pleased to acknow ledge all subscriptions to the fund. The following were received last night:

Mr. A, Johnson. 10/6 Mr S J. Addison. 10/6

Total

£1/1/0