Animated Scene In Main Street On Saturday

Chronicle (Levin), 11 October 1949, Page 2

Animated Scene In Main Street On Saturday

Main Street, Otaki, presented a gay and animated scene on Saturday when the large field of 42 riders who competed -in the 50mile junior road race assembled In the vicinity of t'he post office and the school gala day procession entrants congregated a short distance away. Both events were very efficiently organised and reflected the utmost credit on those xesponsible. The first group of cyclists were despatched promptly at 1.30 p.m., with the-.remainder following at varying intervals until the scratch men took their departure at 1.58 p.m. Traffic Ins.pector C. L. Davis, with a willing band of assistants, was in charge of traffic and had arranged a, clear run from Otaki Post Office to the Otaki Bridge, with the Waikanae Bridge also patrolled to ensure that there was no delay. Prior to the commencement of the race Mr. C. R. Hack, president of the Wellington centre of the New Zealand Amateur Cycling Association, conveyed the thanks of his organisation to all donors and those who had helpe'd towards ensuring the success of the big junior race. A collection taken up resulted in the sum of £8 14s being donated. The following trophies were secured by Ocaki riders: — Otaki Shield, valued at £15 and trophy valued at £6, E. Walsh; Otaki Transport Coy's Cup, valued at £7 10s, for first O.aki rider to finish, E. Walsh; Eustace Cup, valued at £7 10s, for first Otaki rider to Paekakariki, Warren Walsh; trophy for first Otaki rider to 'Waikanae, S. Snowdon. Snowdon and W. Walsh started off ihe 22-minute mark, with E. Walsh off 20 minutes, and the successes earned are most encouraging, not only to hte riders themselves but also to ' the Otaki Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club. The club, wii'h organised practice rides as a preliminary to the big race, furnished members with some realiy solid race training. Des. Smith, Otaki's fourth competitor, found his handicap mark of eight minutes beyond him, although in finishing 20th he performed well.