Banks represented West Lancashire on many occasions, notably once at Widnes, when "Curly" Farrell and himself were the half-backs. They played against Batley, when the "gallant youths" were the Yorkshire Cup-holders, "and," added Mr. Banks, "they just beat us, though only by a narrow margin." Among other big events in which Banks took part was in a game between teams representing North Lancashire and South West Lancashire. Banks, of course, was on the latter side, being partnered by Sam Simpson, of Broughton Rangers. It was a great game from start to finish. As to the matches played with Wigan, those against Aspull recall the liveliest recollections to Mr. Banks. Aspull were victorious in the season that proved to be Bank's last. In connection with one of those games, in which Aspull were the conquerors, Mr. Banks recalled that the excitement was so intense that the crowd broke on to the field of play. This, he believed, was in 1886-7, and Aspull were leading comfortably. When the crowd appeared n the scene Banks and two other Wigan players "bolted," and did not return that afternoon. The Wigan forwards were hopelessly beaten - "run to death," as Mr. Banks put it, and Aspull won very easily. On the same occasion a wall gave way, and several spectators sustained serious injuries. He believed that 17,000 paid for admission, and many were unable to get on to the ground.

Mr. Banks went on tour with Wigan once. Occasionally he played Association football to assist local clubs, including the old Horwich team. Referring to Johnny Roberts, he ventured the opinion that the old Aspull and Wigan three-quarter had not forgotten him, because it was in the final against Aspull, when Wigan were successful, in 1884-5, that Banks showed so much attention to Roberts, and prevented him from doing the damage he usually did to opposing sides.

Respecting players whom he considered were really first-class men, Mr. Banks said he considered among half-backs J.H. Payne, of Broughton, Sam Simpson, of Broughton Rangers, and "Curly" Farrell, of Widnes, were all great men in their day. Among three-quarters, Fred Shaw, of Tyldesley, little Simms, of Batley, and Tom Gidlow, of Blackrod, were fine exponents, the first named being a particularly good lad.

The case of Mr. Banks having represented the Wigan team, and now having a son who regularly plays with the Wigan club ("Billy" Banks), is only equalled so far as the Wigan club is concerned by Elijah Prescott and his son John, who is a playing member of the Wigan club. "Billy" Banks plays with the second team, but has also appeared with the League thirteen, and is a forward of great promise.

Mr. Banks was quite as well-known on the running track as a footballer, if not better. He competed in many sprint matches, and recalled one against Lofthouse, of Adlington. It was a big match, and his opponent was a good man, in fact, it was "any price" against Banks. However, Banks ran a miraculous race, and conquered Lofthouse. His next great race was against A. Holland, who was generally known as "the little wonder," and Banks also "put him to rest," as he described it.But quite the most important event in his athletic days was his running a match against Tom Fairhurst, of Ince, the stake at issue being £70. In the old days a successful athletic meeting used to be promoted at Blackrod, and Banks competed i the sprint race of 100 yards on seven occasions, and was the winner six times.

Since retiring from taking part in sports, Mr. Banks has continued to evince a keen interest in the winter pastime and all sporting matters. He spends a good deal of his time in training young lads for various sprinting matches. We might add that just before going into retirement he challenged any collier in England rto run him in a sprint race, but no response was forthcoming. He also trained Wigan "A" when they beat Warrington in the final for the Lancashire Shield a few seasons ago. Wigan were very anxious to win this match, and included the New Zealander L.B. Todd, in their ranks. Jack Fish also played for Warrington on the same occasion.

Old Wigan football enthusiasts have the kindliest recollections of "Daff" Banks, and wish him a long life and prosperity.