SUMNER GALA.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11483, 16 January 1903, Page 3

SUMNER GALA.

A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING.

Despite the tlireatening weather, and a few drops of rain which fell during the passage of the 1 p.m. tram from Cathedral square to Sumner, the annual festival proved an unqualified success, the -one inevitable "fly in the ointment" being represented by tie lack of wind, which rendered the finislh of the sailing race an impossibility. All the officials worked ■well, and the secretary, Mr W. Brien, was indefatigable. The weather turned out all that could have 'been desired. The pleasure-seekers rapidly took advantage of every advantageous nook and coign, and beach, sands, and rocks were soon occupied. Tbe pier was decorated with green aiches and flags, and the Cave Rock, with its three lines of parti-coloured streamers, presented quite an at-raclave spectacle. There were"a large number of side-shows, including the camera .obscura, merry-go-round, and rifle gallery. The children's races and the baby snow attracted much of tne puu.ic attention, and the reckless temerity of the man who was rash enough to set himself up as a judge of babies will not find many imitators. The Darktown Brigade provided a great feature of amusement. vvlun the five minutes "Get rcadv" gun was fired for the sailing race, the Brigade hoisted its very dirty-looking bath-towel sail, and c.min.nc-d its evolutions, one of tli. most important of which ■was the distribution, by means of ihandthrowing, of -he con'Lcn-ta of a of oranges to the children ashore. When this part of the programme was completed one nold boy, disregarding his conventional costume, strain out and secured the empty case. In tho meantime the Sumner life boat, of wthich Pilot Day, with his steeroar of the abnormal length of 23ft, was in charge, was dipping into the surf on the norta spit, his crew being Messrs W. Hines (stroke), Peterson (3), Dunns (2), and J. Hines {bow). Though the water was far from oeing dangerous, the exhibition showed what a really well-built, equipped, and handled boat could have accomplished under more trying circumstances. Finally, the Dark'town Brigade's ship capsized, and the lifeboat- coming gallantly to the rescue saved the sinking "crew, and towed the water-logged talk ashore. The greasy pole competition caused roars of laughter, and Donovan, the winner, was tihe only competitor who wag successful in removing "tine flag. The evening trams were also well loaded, and a musical coinpiny. under the direction of Mr C. Edgar, gave a successful open-air concert in Mr Drew's paddock. It is estimated that the gala will produce a profit of some £50 over and above expenses. Following are the results of the sports: —

75yds Amateur Rice—R. R. Rollitt 1, C. 100 yds Amateur—-D. MoPhail 1, C. Beliraer

■Single "Women's Race—Miss Grainger 1, Mis 3 Cookesley 2. Fis-herm. n's Race —J. Heaton 1, J. Carter 2. Sumner Firemen's Race—W. Bumford 1. J. Msrritt 2. Thrce-i?gfeod Race—McCoil and Taylor 1, Patterson and Dacre 2.

Boys' under 16, 75yds—J. E. Gieen 1. R. Simpson 2. Campers' and Bachelors' Race—A. Olliver 1, McColl 2. Bahy Show—Mrs M. llmea 1. Married Women's Race—Jlt3 Eastwick. Oreasy 800m —Donovan 3. Committeemen's Eac3—Biakeiy 1, Tayior 2. Tug-of-War, 10 men asides—R-dcliffs Team 1.