MA [OR f. C. TAIT 



67 



it led to their presenting him, on the 26th August, i<'>94 with 

 a beautiful silver goblet, upon which was inscribed: - 



" Presented by the West Essex Polo Club to Major Tait as a mark of 

 their sincere regard and high appreciation of his long services as Secretary, 

 and his valuable support as the most determined and consistent player." 



In the matter of polo ponies, the Major was perhai)s 

 exceptionally fortunate, "Qui Vive " and " Kitty " l)oth having 

 a good turn of speed, and being remarkably handy. On the 



Major John Crawford Tait 



former he won the Club Hurdle Race in 1887, and at the same 

 meeting drove the pair to victory in a grand tandem race, for 

 which there were ten entries. Always a keen player, anyone 

 lo(3king on at a match could see that the Major's heart was 

 thoroughly in the game, and that he played with the tactics of a 

 good soldier, always taking his bumps and knocks, of which he 

 had his share (breaking his leg on one occasion) with perfect 

 good humour and sano- froid. his only fear in an important 

 match being lest he should break his eye-glass, which had to 

 be fixed to any cap he played in. None of his friends will 



