OTOROHANGA SPORTS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 62, 27 December 1907, Page 3

OTOROHANGA SPORTS.

* A Successful Cathering. The Otorohanga Athletic Sports and Axemen's Carnival was held on Thursday, December 19th, and may be classed as the most successful gathering of the kind yet held in the district. The meeting had been well organised and record entries were received for the various events. As usual the chopping competitions attracted a large number, and considerable interest was taken in the contests, both by competitors and the public. The popularity of the chops was justified, all of them being keenly contested by very large fields. It was expected that the champion performers (Casey and Pretty) would put in an appearance, but unfortunately they were delayed at the last moment, and did not attend. The running and field events were also well contested, and some excellent performances were recorded. Mexted was the hero of the sprint events, gathering in the hurdles and cup, while McMillan won the mile and half-mile events. The members of the executive are deserving of warm praise for the manner in which the cirnival was organised. The arrangements all round were complete, and there was no delay in getting off the various events. Every member knew his duty and performed it excellently. The Secretary, Mr F. Forster, had a very busy time, and must be accorded special praise for his efforts towards the success of the gathering. The weather was fairly good though one or two smart showers fell. However, after the recent spell of hot weather the change lap]peared to be appreciated. Fortunately the rain was not sufficiently heavy to spoil the day's outing. The attendance numbered about 700 and about £3O was taken at the gates, which constitutes a record. With a rapidly growing district like Otorohanga, and the established popularity of the Carnival it is not too much to say that a record in receipts should be established each succeeding year for some time to come.

The following are the results of ihe various events: — Boy's Race, 440 yds, handicap: Tommy Potou I, George Turner 2, Frankton 3. The winner though quite a youngster ran a most plucky race, and just managed to get home first. Maiden Race (local) I2oyds: F. Kerr I, J. Clark 2, H. Ellison 3. This was a good race, and there was only a matter of inches between Ist and 2nd. Open Chop Handicap : Ist Heat — M. Andreson I, J. R. Vickers 2, T. Palmer 3. Time, 3m 4s. 2nd Heat —W. Mithcell I, A. Andreson 2, R. Osborn 3. Time, 2m 325. Final —Mitchell I, Palmer 2, Andreson 3. Time, 3m 5 3-§s. I2oyds. Hurdles: Ist Heat —M. Kelly I, H. Prince 2," H. Forkert 3. 2nd Heat. —C. Mexted I, E. Eli 2. Final —C, Mexted I, M. Kelly 2. Time, 17m 2-ss, Double - handed Saw Handicap; McPherson and mate I, Andreson and mate 2. A very close finish between the Ist and 2nd. Otorohanga Cup, 130 yds: Ist Heat —C. W. Mexted I, A. J. Elder 2, H. Prince 3. Time, 13s. 2nd Heat —M. T. Kelly I, W. McColl 2, Rangi Katipa 3. Time, 13 l-ss. 3rd Heat—J. Clark I, F. J. Kerr 2. Final —C. W. Mexted I, Kelly 2, H. Prince 3. Time, 12 4-SS. Local Saw Handicap, 20in. blocks : McGrath and mate I, Andreson and mate 2. Time, 26 3-SS. Boy's Chop, under 16 years, I2in. blocks : Tau Toka I, Green 2. Time, Ira Bs. Half-mile Handicap. T. McMillan I, E. Eli 2. Time, 2m 3 3-ss. Handicap Chop, 20iq blocks : Ist Heat—W. ftlitpheU I, F, Sibley 2. R. Osborn 3. Time. 3m 58 2-ss. 2nd Heat —V. H. Williams I, W. T. Herold 2, M. C. Andreson 3. Time, 3m 595. Final—Osborn I, Mitchell 2, Andreson 3. Time, 3m 43 3-Ss. One Mile Handicap: J. McMillan I, J. Ornstein 2, E. Eli 3. Time, 4m 435. Ladies' Bracelet, 220 yds: M. T. Kelly 1, A. J. Elder 2, J. Clark 3. Time, 245. This was an excellent race and the winner only won by inches. Old Man's Race, 75yds. (45 years and over): F. Gibson and Kiri Katipa tied for Ist place after a most exciting race.