SKATING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 873, 2 August 1910, Page 2

SKATING.

There was a very large attendance at the local skating rink last night to witness the various skating competitions, and keen interest was evinced in the various events. The seating accommodation on the stage was taxed to its utmost capacity. The Foxtou Borough Baud discoursed music at intervals, but in the opinion of many, pianoforte music would have been preferable. The various events were arranged by a committee consisting of Messrs Dr. Adams, McCarthy, Mitchell, J. Gillies, Healey Gibbs and Ashmore, while Mr Eevett supervised. Messrs Clemett and Hornblow officiated as judges. The events were not got off as quickly as one could have wished but this was due to the backwardness of competitors in not coming forward, and we are informed will be obviated next time. The hurdle race and musical chairs provided immense fun and keen interest was evinced in the flat race. The antics of Mr Peter Robinson, who is a past master on the tollers, created much amusement. The winners in the various events received handsome trophies. Mr R. Watson, out of a large number of entrants, secured first prize as the most graceful male skater. A good deal of interest was taken in the most graceful couple event. The judges had a little difficulty in choosing between Miss M. Eevett and Mr Stevenson and Miss Vida Walker and Mr IS. Huntley. The former couple were declared the winners and the latter secured a special prize for second place. Miss Vida Walker secured pride of place for the best lady skater who had learnt the art on the local rink and her win was deservedly popular. The potato race was responsible for roars of laughter as each competitor attempted to glide between the potatoes without scattering them. This event was run in heats and won by Mr P. Robinson. The hurdle race was also very funny. The original way a number of competitors attempted to negotiate the obstacles and were more or less successful, created a diversion. One young fellow got round after the method of a cat looomoting on hot bricks. The race was run in several heats and was finally won by C. Edwards. P. Tuohy managed to annex the flat race. The musical chairs was one of the livliest items on the programme and was finally narrowed down to a contest between P. Tuohy and J. Hennessy. The former secured the chair but in doing so ran inside a marker and the prize was awarded to the latter. The tug-of-war between teams skipped by P. Tuohy and J 4 Gillies was won by the latter. A fancy dress carnival is to be held at the end of the month when a number of novel competitions will be provided.