THE RINK TOURNAMENT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1005, 26 July 1883, Page 2

THE RINK TOURNAMENT.

The long-looked-for novelty in rinking was performed by the Rinking Club last evening with great success in every way. Every part of the hall was filled, although the weather was very threatening. The entertainment was opened with a polonaise led by Mr Zander and Miss S. Shury, and the audience signified their satisfaction with the same by great applause. The course was now being made ready'for the Handicap Flat Race, wherein competed some 24 members, .and resulted as follows : W. Midgley, 6 rounds, Imin 6aec . ... 1 Pavitt, 8 rounds, Imin 14sec ... . . ... 2 Clark, 7 rounds, Imin ISseo, ... ••• 3 The judges at first disqualified Midgley, stating that his skating was unfair, but after further explanation he was awarded first prize., ' Thissbfeing over, the Ladies’ Handicap ~W9.s.r.un,„aud was wan-jby...—»-Miss H. Shury, 44 rounds, 59sec ... 1 Miss B. Wilkie, 5 rounds, Imin ... 2 With this the first part of the evening’s programme closed, and after a short time rinking, music str -ok for a quadrille, which was very creditably gone through on rinks, and directly after the course was laid out for the great event of the evening—the Hurdle Race, which consisted of two durdles 18 inches high, two jumps 10 inches, and one double jump. In this race there were eight competitors, and the result was as follows : D. Zander, 5 rounds, 50 secs, fine 1 sec, 51... ... ... ... ... 1 E. J. .Zooks, 5 rounds, 53 secs, fine 1 sec, 54... ... ... ... ... 2 J Bell, 5 rounds, 54 secs, fine 1 sec, 54 2

Fooks and Bell ran off, which again resulted in a tie. Another start was made, and some really good rinking was witnessed, for it was done in less time than the first, resulting in Fookq, 49 secs; Bell, 50 secs. Fooks therefore took second prize. In judging the tinkers, we are glad to notice the improvement made by them, and especially noticed Mr K. Zander’s fancy figures. This excellent tinker seems to be quite at home on the eight wheels, and it is to be regretted that ho withdrew from the Handicap, thinking to be handicapped too much, but the public greatly admired his rinking and expressed their opinion by applause. There were only a few lady rinkers, but we were informed that six of the Club’s members were absent. The Hurdle Race was the most appreciated. Mr Brett’s comical jumping kept the audience in roars of laughter. It seems rather strange that in places like Dunedin, Timaru, and Christchurch the rink clubs could not be kept up, whereas here ,ipi j4sltKuplt>n |the sport has been carried through very successfully for three years, a result due to the energy of the hon. secretary (Mr Zander), who has served the Club as secretary since its existence. The Club wishes to express thanks to Mr D.' Thomas, as starter, and Mr S. Saunders, as timekeeper, both of whom acted as if in their capacity on a racecourse. Thanks are also due to Mr Bell for his excellent mush*. We are informed that it is the Club’s intention to give a similar entertainment to wind up the season (including the maypole) early in September, and in fancy costume. The Rink Club ball will take place in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Thursday next, 2nd August, and as they have given the public snob excellent amusement, it will probably be well patronised.