NGATIAWA GYMKHANA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 60, 27 March 1945, Page 5

NGATIAWA GYMKHANA

* POPULAR SPORTS MEETING

CREDIT TO LOCAL MAORIS

Despite the uncompromising * weather first thing last Satur_ ; day morning, the decision of the Ngatiawa Gymkhana Committed -..'J to continue with the sports programme which hadl been scheduled) for that day, was warmly endorsed by the general pubwho later as the weather > cleared patronised the event in eytV-growing numbers'. The Gymkhana was a definite improvement on last - year's event and reflects the greatest credit upon those immediately responsible for its promotion. Good outside support attelided the Ting events which provided some splendid competition. Competitors l'rom Te Puke and Opotiki competed -and in the main captured most of ■" r -the major events. Such well known names as T. R. Has-,' lam and J. Pattie. figured prominently in the list of awards. The chopping competitions creat--ed intense interest and not a little enthusiasm. It was pleasing to note —<-the presence of the veteran V(. J. Costello, who in spite of liis years appeared as. active as ever and in capturing the 12" open event provided the public with a demon..stration of some of his earlier form, when he tore off Dominion cham.pionships. A. Kinnaird, another veteran of pre-war days, acted as ' -starter and judge, and carried out his duties in a most creditable man. -ner. On the athletic field there were u .some close finishes, a tribute to the careful handicapping of S. W. Burstall but the keenest interest at-* tended the school events which nev--er failed to create the wildest enthusiasm. Highlights of the day were the Maori action songs and c . hakas by the pupils of the Poroporo and Paroa schools. Without exception these were delightful displays reflecting once again the greatest - credit upon those who trained and ' coached !he various teams. Catering for the large crowd was an efficient committee who rose man-, fully to the occasion. The hangi did grand business, as did the pro-»-<3uce stall, and the refreshment booth. On the field itself a large staff of officials and stewards kept the sports in motion without a break, assisted w . .most ably.-by Mr Fred Burt on the loud speaker. Mr Burt has so established himself in, this capacity that no sports meeting in this district would seem without him. To Mr M. Tatana the hard-work-ing secretary and his committee we the congratulations of all those who attended upon the staging of a very successful event. * The Gymkhana dance in the Poro;poro hall in the evening was a fitting conclusion to a memorable day -and attracted a record crowd. Music * was supplied by Howell's orchestra from Matata, while Mr J. Kenworthy made an excellent M.C. Details of the prize list were as "under: — Best Boy Rider: G. Butler 1. *- Champion Hack: J. Tapsell 1. Maiden Jump: R. Haslam 1; W. ißatey 2. Best Pony Jumper: B. Murphy 1; *f, T. Black 2. Hunter's Style: R. G. Dixen 1; -J. Pattie 2. Best Boy or Girl Rider: B. Pattie 1; Reg Haslam 2. Best Lady Rider: B t Abbott 1; B. , Pattie 2. , . Open Jump: T. F. Summerhayes J- 1; J. Pattie 2 and 3. Wire Jump: R. G. Dixon, 1; T. "Summerhayes 2. Best Lady Rider (over hurdles): B. Abbotti 1. Cleverest Jumper: T. Summerhayes 1; J« Pattie 2. Farewell Jump: L. Jessop 1; T. Black 2. Trotting: B. Symmons 1. "* SCHOOL EVENTS Boys 100 yds Championship: M. Tiepa 1; A. Mundy 2. Girls 75yds Championship: M. Eiv1- r P. Sims 2. Girls Overhead Ball: D. Dawson 3; S. Cameron 2. - Girls Three-legged race: Isobcl -Grant and Ivy Kingi 1. Senior Relay Race: Wliakatane 1; Poroporo 2. Junior Relay Racea Paroa 1. ADULT ATHLETICS 100 yds Open: R. Dawson 1; L. J. W ZNewdick 2. p 120 Sheffield Handicap: N. SimpIk son 1; L. J. Newdick 2; A. Topp 3. 220 yds Open: A. Topp 1; R. Laurie 880 yds, Open: R Laurie li B. MexI ted 2.

1 Mile Handicap: B. Mextcd 1; R. Dawson 2. CHOPPING _ Maiden 10 inch Standing: T. Edwards 1; W. E. Hill 2; R■ P&rk 12 inch Standing: B. Edwards 1; D. H. Hunter 2; R. Akurangi 3. 12 inch Open Chop: W. J. CosteHo 1; E. J. Fugill 2, R. Park 3. 14 inch Open Chop: E. J. I'UgiU 1 F. Kinniard 2, W. J. Costello 3. ACTION SONGS & HAKAS Maori Song (school children): Paroa 1! Poroporo 2. Long Poi Dance (school children): Poroporo 1. nana lODcn): roroporo H rwoa