PUKEHINA GYMKHANA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 46, 9 February 1943, Page 5

PUKEHINA GYMKHANA

AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS

SUM OF £1500 RAISED

Those who' know the countrydistricts of Pongakawa, Pukehina and Otamarakau, hard by the pretty little township of Te Puke will gasp with astonishment to learn that as a result of last Saturday's sports meeting and gymkhana no less than £1500 was raised. This astound w ing result from country areas with little more than a store and a public hall to signiilise thei'r centres has been h'ailedi as ani absolute record which can; only reflect the greatest possible credit upon the indtefatiguable workers who promoted it.

Well over a thousand people l attended the gathering which lor a comparatively inexperienced committee was a remarkable achievement. Every conceivable type of sport and competition was included.

The Mounted Section of course catered for the usual spectacular events which so thrill the Bay spec-' t a tors, but besides this colourful diAdsion there 1 Avere flat races for young and old, tug-of-Avar contests, and keenly contested wood chopping competitions. In the- well Avorn expression "there Avas not a dull moment' 1 throughout the six hours programme . Popular Highland Section The Highland section fostered by Mr' J. T. Reid of Pukeliina, and run by the members of the Whakatane Pipe Band furnished, a novelty which Avas a never ending source of interest and satisfaction. The Whakatane Band Avas augmented by pipers from Tauranga and gave a series of marches and selections. Never however has the Avriter seen the national dancing meet Avith so much approbation and delight. Though the entries Averei small, tfie standard Avas high and AA r e had pleasure in noting the 1 local competitors —Phyllis Rivett, Pat Ferguson, Mollie and Wallace Walton, giving an excellent account of themselves. The judge Avas Mr Cameron of Tauranga. Mr Reid was a host in himself and made all Avho contacted liim firm friends. It Avas only due to his enthusiasm and personality that the Highland section Avas included in the programme, but Ave haA'e no fear that it Avill not be ommitted from any further sports gathering in that locality in future.