SKATING.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 363, 24 May 1911, Page 5

SKATING.

OPENING OF ALEXANDRA RINK

The above rink, situated in the northern portkn of Rora street, was opened to the public io;: ska tins on Saturday evening last. There was a largo gathering of spectator", as well as skater:.'.

Mr Si ma, who opened the. rink in the unavoidable absence oi the Mayor, spoke of the genuine pleasure to be obtained from this pastime, and 3aid the proprietors were to be congratulated upon their enterprise in catering so completely for the public requirements. Me said that To Kuiti had advanced rapidly in the last few years, and the opening of the rink that evening marked another step in the advancement of the town, as well as providing a clean and healthy pastime for ail. Mr Sims, in concluding, said, as was quite evident that evening, the proprietors would undoubtedly receive the support which their enterprise deserved, and asked for three cheers for there.

Sir Coles, on behalf of Mr Grinter and himself, thanked those present for their good wishes, and generous support. He said they intended running the rink on up-to-date lines, and hoped to provide an enjoyable pastime for all. There would be no foul or fast skating allowed, and the rink would be conducted on the lines of the city rinks. There would be a novice race on Monday evening, and other sport would be provided, and he guaranteed a good programme of fun for those who patronised the rink.

Skating was then indulged in vigorously bv all, and the antics of beginners afforded ample amusement for the onlookers.

During the evening, Miss Davina Dare rendered two songs, and Mr Coles gave an exhibition of trickskating, which was highly appreciated. Mr lla>vley took a flashlight photograph of the skaters and spectator-), and a most enjoyable evening was brought to a close at 10.30 p.m.

On Monday there was a good attendance at the rink, and in the evening the novice race was run. Ibis item attracted eight competitors, and was run in three iieats. The final heat will be run to-morrow, and a hockey match on the rollers will also take place. Old skaters say the rink floor is a very good one, but there is little doubt that the bumps some of the novices received caused them to regard the floor as a rather "hard" opponent.