MATATA SPORTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 57, 16 March 1945, Page 5

MATATA SPORTS

SUCCESSFUL GALA DAY

BRIGHT & VARIED PROGRAMME

Willi ring, chopping and athletic events well to the fore, the Matata Patriotic Gymkhana Committee's field day last Saturday drew a gratifying attendance to the local sports field. The weather remained fine, and sunny and the whole aspect, of the :;ports was one of energy and enthusiasm. In this respect we once again tender our congratulations to the committee on their teamwork and enterprise. The programme which obviously had been carefully considered was interesting and well-balanced. Never was there an idle moment in the ring and the steacly procession of events kept 'broadcaster' Freddie Burt on his toes throughout. The crowd was particularly amused with pedigrees, of the various horses competing in the numerous free-for-alls which were the highlights of the afternoon's proceedings. The. horse events brought some splendid competition to light and the finishes never failed to whip up the greatest excitement. Some of the hurdling was exceptionally good. The 'chopping contests produced possibly the best exhibitions; of axen manship seen in the district this year. There can be no doubt that the fostering of this splendid sport has built up the standard displayed hitherto t> and we can look forward to a steady improvement in the future as the sport continues to capture the public imagination. Athletics produced fairly good fields, and some close fmishes } but were not as high in standard as in past, years. A small Highland dancing section attracted considerable interest though it was composed mainly of exhibition dances by those champions of Tauranga Miss L. Bellve and Mr D. ° J Bothwell, assisted by little Janice Mayo and Loraine Roberts. The highland aspect was further increased by the presence of the Whakatane Pipe Band looking 'braw' in its summer uniforms. The band was ever a popular rallying point and served to brighten the proceedings very considerably.

Matata has never been backward in supporting its own sports meeting, and from the row of marquees on the ridge, the ladies of the committee dispensed and ran produce stalls and generally did a roaring trade which added not a little to the successful financial outcome of the day.

The. executive officers and their assistants are to be warmly compli-. merited, upon their worthwhile effort which lias served to demonstrate that public support can still be guaranteed for sports and gala days Avhen a bright attractive programme is promised. The. list of. winners in all events was as under: — Horse Events' Maiden Jump: Read 1; Haslam 2; Miss Pat tie 3. Champion Hack: Tapsell 1; Pattie 2. Flag Race: M. Stuart 1; Cavcrhill 2. Lightweight Hunter: Roan 1;, tie 2; Holmes 3. Heavyweight Hunter: J. Thompson 1; Webber 2; Dickson and Davis 3. Home from School: Haslam 1; E. Howell 2. Best Hunter's Style: Ilutton 1; J. Thompson 2; Dickson and Davis 3. Open Jump: Pattie 1; Rewi 2; Paviour 3. Wire Jump: J. Pattie and EL Pattie tie. Ladies' Hunter: J. Pattie 1; Rewi 2; E. Pattie 3. Best Lady Rider: E. Pattie; 1; J. Bird 2; P. Cradwick 3. Fastest Pony; P. Cradwick 1. Consolation Jump: Dickson and Davis 1; Fivers 2; Tapsell 3. Chopping Eyenls Novice Chop: Park 1; Webber 2; Hartley 3. Maiden Chop 12in: Webber 1; Fu* gill 2; Nicholas 3. 12in Handicap Chop: Broad 1; King 2;. Tahana 3.

14in Handicap Chop: Taylor 1; Tahana 2: Agnew 3. 14in Underhand Chop: Bell 1: Gasson 2; Taylor 3. Athletic Events 100 yds Maiden: Morteirscm 1; Simpson 2; Flover 3. 120 yds Open Sheffield: R. Dawson 1. 220ytls Open: Newdick 1; Simpson and Glover tie 2. 440 yds Open: R. Laurie 1; Glover 2; Ross 3. One Mile Open: B. Mexted 1; R. Dawson 2; D. Dawson 3. 75yds Ladies' Open: M. Elvers I; B. Mexted 2. Relay Race: Parkinson's team 1. 880 yds Open: B. Mexted 1; D. Glover 2; Simpson 3..