PATRIOTIC GYMKHANA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 78, 5 June 1945, Page 5

PATRIOTIC GYMKHANA

NGATI PUKEKO EFFORT POOR DISTRICT SUPPORT Very poor support was accorded the Ngati Pukeko Gymkhana which was held at the Showgrounds in Whakatane on Saturday. This was in no way due to the committee which had prepared a very attractive programme and had spared no expense or effort to make the day a success. Tlfte gate money } which amounted to only £27 is indicative of the crowd which was and naturally the events suffered correspondingly through lack of entries. Very few horses were present to take part and the chopping was the only part of the programme which was held as intended all the athletics and children's events being cancelled. Tlie lack of support can very probably be accredited to the other fixtures in the district which took place on Saturday. The Dog Trials at Te Teko attracted residents from that area while the three football matches in Whakatane also claimed their measure of spectators. Despite the thin attendance proceedings did not lag ) and those who were, present did not appear to have any regrets as to the manner in whicli they spent their day. The Whakatane Pipe Band supplied a considerable touch of atmosphere in its own inimitable manner, and served to brighten things up no end. The. Whakatane Citizens' Band which is also usually in attendance at such functions was not present owing to the fact that, it was otherwise engaged at Te Puke where a Queen Carnival is. being held.

The stalls which were run by a very efficient committee of ladies were well patronised. The ice cream and produce stall combined under the charge of Mrs Tunui and Mrs Romana King was attractive while the run bj* Mrs Kaliaki and Mrs Ranapai was also popular. One of the best patronised, perhaps was the afternoon tea kiosk which was capably managed by Mrs Kelly and Mrs Phillips. Mrs Jaram filled the position ol' supervisor over the three .stalls. Mr Fred Burt who has somehow come to be looked upon now ?.s the official announcer for all gymkhanas was once again the mail behind the 'mike' and did not fail to keep the j public up to date in all proceedings.! Father Curly judged the horses and jumping and from all knew Ills job down to the last letter. Mr J. Ken worthy was in charge of the chopping events, which by the way, more or less saved the day while the handicapper and .s'arter for these was Mr W. Cunningham from Rotorua. Judges of the chopping were Messrs Simmons A. Kinnaird and A. L 5. Goodwin.

Mr Goodwin was also responsible lor a great amount of the secretarial work in connection with the fixture. Mr G. Kelly was secret Ary. A number of rallies and competitions were going the rounds (.luring the day the winners of these oeing announced at the dance whicn followed the Gymkhana and was. held at Poroporo on Saturday These will be printed at the earliest opportunity. Although the effort fell below the mark expected, the date set for the Ngatj Pukeko Gymkhana next year is in January in the early part of the season so a full measure of support can be expected. The results of the events held were as follows: — Horse Events Maiden Jump: Kana Kelly 1. Pony Jump: J. Berg 1. Open Jump: Summer hay es 1: J. Thompson 2. Farewell Jump: Dixon and Davis 1; J. Thompson 2. Chopping Events Maiden Chop: K. G. Wood 1, A. Hill 2; W. Wctini 3. 12in Open ('hop: A. Knapp (,iun) 1; A. Knapp (sen) 2; W. Costello 3. llin Open Chop: W. Costello 1; I. Jarbov 2; A. Knapp (jun) :{. Consolation Chop: Hodges J; Franklin 2.