SUCCESSFUL SPORTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 7, 19 March 1947, Page 5

SUCCESSFUL SPORTS

MURUPARA-GALATEA CLUB A RECORD ATTENDANCE The Murupara-Galatea Athletic Sports Club held its annual sports and gymkhana on the Galatea grounds last Saturday, the weather conditions being ideal with bright sunshine. Mr W. Sullivan, M.P., accompanied by Mrs Sullivan was present. Entries for the ring events were far more numerous than in the past. Mr Jamaison whose services as judge of the ring events w r ere obtained by the club remarked on the high class of horses entered and the excellent horsemanship of the average rider. He was of the opinion that the hurdles used were about six inches too low.

Several riders suffered spills during the day. One youth, Ewan Howden, suffering a broken collarbone and was later transported to the Rotorua Hospital.

The public was given good displays of jumping and keen contests of all events kept interest focussed on the ring for the best part of the day. Chopping events included on

this year’s programme for the first * time drew excellent entries and provided close contests in all events. There is no doubt that the excellent prize money offered has induced many far distant competitors to attend. Music was provided by the Whakatane Pipe Band.

Buses conveyed visitors from Rotorua, Whakatane, Te Whaiti and Ruatahuna, all being fully laden on arrival. It is estimated that some thousand people were present. The club should find that its financial position handsomely enlarged after the highly successful day and the willing workers should be pleased with the success of. their efforts.

Late in the afternoon the various cups were presented the winners by Mr Sullivan, M.P.

Visiting athletes approached the committee asking that both a 220 yards and a 440 yai’ds handicap be included in the programme. Unfortunately time did not allow for their request being granted. The athletic events last year did not receive very much support and the club curtailed this portion of the programme this year.

The gala day came to an end with evening shows of a well known wild west buck jumping show and a dance. It was evident that the residents approved the committee’s action in obtaining the buck jumping show by the packed houses of appreciative audiences.

The dance held in 'the Whirinaki Hall was also a success patrons filling the hall. Dix’s Orchestra from Rotorua supplied the music and dancing continued until a late hour.

Details of the events were as under:—

Lightweight Hunter (Cup presented by Mr Armstrong, Whakatane) won by E. Eivers. Maiden Jump (Cup presented by residents of Murupara and Galatea) won by H. Tapsell. Open ’Jump (Cup presented by K. P. Dhanjee) won by J. Thompson.

Local District Cup for most points (Cup presented by D. Rewi) won by Miss G. Rossiter.

Chopping events in each case the prize money was supplimented by a Cup valued at £5 ss. The principle events of the day were as follows:

Best Rider under 12 years without saddle: G. Geogham. Best Rider under 12 with saddle: •C. Geogham and E. Eivers dead heat. Best Cared for Pony: S. Eivers. list. Hack: H. Tapsell 1, J. Stodhart 2, R. A. Patron 3. 13st. Hack: H. Tapsell 1, R. Haslem 2, L. A. Warner'3. 15st. Hack, Cob Class: W. Black 1, J. Thompson 2, B. Lyons 3. Pony Jump, 14.2 and under: G. Black 1, S. Eivers 2, H. Tapsell 3. Best Lady Rider, Ring and Hurdles: Miss J. Berg 1, J. Tapsell 2, W. Black 3.

Lightweight Hunter: E. Eivers 1, ?G. Black 2, J. Berg 3. Maiden Jump: H. Tapsell 1, Mrs C. Fendrup 2, W. Walker 3. Bending: R. Revell 1, D. Thatcher -2.

Open Jump: J. Thompson 1, D. Ivers 2, T. Ferguson 3. Flag Race: E. Wairiki 1, E. Hill 2. Local Jump: Y. Rossiter 1, H. Turnbull 2, E. Wairiki 3. Stockman’s Event: J. Haslam 1.

Creamer Heavyweight Hunter: G. Hill 1, D. Rewi 2, H. Turnbull 3. Pony Race: H. Revell 1, Marka Isaacs 2.

Consolation Jump: S. Eivers 1, J. Berry 2, W. Baty 3.

Chopping

Local 12 inch: C. Whitehead 1, H. Smith 2, J. Smythe 3. Open 14 inch: H. Smith 1, F. Dunster 2, C. Whitehead 3. Underhand 14 inch: C. Whitehead. I, R. St. Paul 2, F. Dunster 3.