SPLENDID EFFORT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32417, 5 April 1944, Page 5

SPLENDID EFFORT

WAITAKARURU SPORTS DAY OVER 1000 PEOPLE ATTEND APPROXIMATELY €3OO MADE The gods of the weather favoured the Patriotic Committee of the districts of Waitakaruru and Mangatarata on Saturday. April 1 for conditions were ideal for the sports meeting. There was sufficient sunshine to dry out the grass, but not too«j much for the comfort of the many hundreds of people present. It was estimated that over a thousand people gained admission to the grounds and both parking areas were fully taxed. The programme attracted contestants from all over the Plains, as well as Mangatangi, Waerenga, and Maramarua.

The whole organisation was almost perfect and the committee deseiwes the credit which is being freely handed to them from all sides; The ladies’ committee, too, can feel proud of their part, as the four stalls under their charge proved a most profitable part of the day. The refreshment booth did a remarkable business and there was no lack of pies, home-made cakes, buns and tea. The produce stall, too, had been well stocked with goods of all descriptions and good prices were realised. The committee was fortunate in securing a fairly good supply of soft drinks and ice cream for another- stall and though the demand exceeded the supply, the profits from this will be a welcome addition to the funds. A flower stall with a large quantity of sprays and button holes which busy fingers made, beside plants, found a ready market, and will show a clear profit. Perhaps the most popular tent on the ground, particularly with the younger people was that occupied 'by Madame “X” who was kept busy all the day. It will be some 'time before a financial statement can be made, as there are still many competitions out and there is to be a dance later this month when trophies will be presented but there seems no doubt that the patriotic funds will benefit to the extent of nearly £3OO from this effort, and though the quota for the district is £4oo‘ this does not seem too much to hope for.

The sports events themselves drew very large entries indeed and in the horse events the fields in two instances required dividing into divisions, with more than twenty horses competing. The stewards were kept busy and the judging was ably done by Mr Stanley .Symes of Maramarua.

The running events had many competitors and the contestants were well barracked for their efforts. There was also a number of races for the school children who got their share of the prizes. Detailed results:— • Horse Events Stockman’s competition. —J. Dalziel 1, J. Conner 2. Bending competition. — Mrs E. Gardner 1, D. Morgan 2. Maiden hunter.—M. James 1, D. Morgan 2, G. Jensen 3. Open Hunter. —R. Hale 1, B. Dingle 2, W. J. Steen 3. Hairlegged scurry.—First division: W- Thomasen 1, H. Wilkie 2, B. McWatt. 3. Second division: W. Flexman 1, W. Cole 2, M. 'Green 3. Novelty gallop.—First division: Miss E. Gardner 1, J. Jamieson 2, J. H. Clarke 3. Second division: S. Tate I, R. Henry 2, Mrs E. Gardner 3. Ladies’ novelty race. —Miss Gardner 1, Miss G. Maxwell 2, Miss M. James 3. Best boy rider under 14 years.—C. James 1, R. Donaldson 2, W. McLean Best girl rider, under 14 years.— Mona Baldwin 1, A. Lawrence 2. Best 'boy or girl rider over hurdles. —Best girl: Mona Baldwin 1, B. Watt 2. .Best boy: M. Green 1, K. Hale 2. Consolation jump.—Mrs E. Gardner. Tug-o’-war on horseback, 4-a-side. —R. Mohring, W. Thompson, J. Evans, C. Stretton. Schoolchildren’s race under 14 years.—Mona Baldwin 1, C. James 2, W. Brown 3. Athletic Events 100yds. local.—J. Dalziel 1, R. Otter 2, H. Barriball 3. 100yds. open.—H. Barriball 1, R. Otter 2, R. Hayward 3. 220yds. open.—G. Vuglar 1, M. Vuglar 2, R. Otter 3. 440yds. open.—R. Otter 1, A. Donald 2, J. Millington 3. 75yds. single ladies’ race.—H. Stretton 1, M. James 2, G. Lozell 3. 50yds. married ladies.—Mrs K. Thompson 1, Mrs Bath 2, Mrs G. Yaegar 3. Tug-o’-war, eight men a side.— Mita Brown, Peter Reti, J. Johnston,

Awa Brown, W. Conners, B. Rundell, A. Beasley, W. Castle. Greasy pig race. —M. Bartalowyh. ■Stepping the chain. —A. Murray. Weight of sheep.—A. Smith. Cricket ball competition.— A. McAlly. Sand tray competition.— C. Hinton.