TESTS FOR RIDERS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22339, 26 May 1947, Page 4

TESTS FOR RIDERS

THRILLING RODEO N.Z. TITLE CONTEST BIG SHOWGROUND CROWD Riders of all calibres had their opportunity to show their skill at the Gisborne showgrounds on Saturday, when the P.B. Agricultural and Pastoral Association drew a big crowd with its annual rodeo, and found good support for a series of competitions which included the New Zealand steer-riding championship. The attendance of country and town residents clearly indicated the continued popularity of this form of open-air entertainment, and gate proceeds of well over £3OO gave much satisfaction to members of tire association who had contributed to the hard work involved in preparing for the rodeo Weather uncertainties which for country people included the possibility of finding roads blocked on the way home did not appear to affect the public support, and a number of attractions, of which the sideshows probably made the strongest appeal to the young folk, all did well. The New Zealand steer-riding championship was won by D. Baldwin, who gave a great exhibition on a thoroughly roused mount. L. R. Witters and John Smith tied for second place, and Durkie Cooper ran them close to secure fourth position in the big field. The steerriding events were more exciting than the buck-jumping class, in which one of the mounts proved refractory and declined to play his part satisfactorily, to the obvious disgust of those whose exhibitions were, thus robbed of spectacular value. Sandy Scott, adjudged the winner, was seen in a thrilling ride, and minor places were secured by C. Seymour and A. A. Bruce. Steer-riding teams were specially catered for. and Mahaki proved the stronger all-round team. A. Jones won the novice steer-riding event, and S. Smith a calf-riding event for juveniles. The awards were made by the judges, Mr. Clem Black, Opotiki, and Mr. G. Eivers, Gisborne, as under: Teams’ Steer-Riding Contcst.-Mahaki 1; Gold Top, 2; Whangara, 3; Ruakituri, Buckjumping Competition. Sandy Scott, 1; C. Seymour, 2; A. A. Bruce, 3. N.Z. Championship Steer-Riding Contest. —D. Baldwin, 1: L. R. Witters and John Smith, tie, 2: Darkie Cooper, 4 Novice Steer-Riding Contest.—A. Jones. 1; K. D. Tombleson, 2; M. Fitzgerald. 3: C. Denton, 4. . , , _ Calf-Riding Contest.— S. Smith. 1; 1 • Green, 2; Rodney Hollis, 3.