OROUA DOWNS SPORTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1366, 25 February 1915, Page 3

OROUA DOWNS SPORTS.

The sports held at Oroua Downs yesterday afternoon, on Mr Hammond’s property, was the most successful event in this connection yet held in the locality. The oS.jecc of the gathering was to assist the Belgian Fuad, and the results obtained were beyond expectations. The weather was ideal. Farmers and their families were in attendance from miles around, and also a large contingent of visitors from Foxton, and they all spent a royal time. When the settlers set out-to do anything they do it thoroughly', and there is a noticeable difference in (his respect to their town brethren. There was late milking of many herds last night, but the outing fully compensated tor any inconvenience in this connection. The Foxton Band enlivened the proceedings at intervals during the day, and their efforts in this connection were much appreciated. The refreshment ami sweets stalls were kept very busy. There was no unnecessary delays in getting off a large programme of events. Mr Scott, as secretary, was the right man in the right place, and his enthusiasm was infectious. Other well-known settlers, including Messrs Hammond, Phillips, W. E. Barber, Lumsden, Christensen, Vile, and a score of others, kept the pot boiling, There were flat races for men, women, and children, horse events, including a hunters’ competition, tug-oi war on horseback, etc.

All the events were keenly contested, and some, very exciting finishes were witnessed.

Messrs W. J. Phillips, W. E. Barber and J. Rutnsden officiated as judges, and Mr Raikes starter. The lollowing are the results : The tug-of-war on horseback was won by the boxton-Moutoa team, consisting oi Messrs Smith (2), Neylon and Robinson, The ladies' nail driving competition brought out 57 competitors. Mrs Scaddeu was the winner, with Mrs M. Robinson second. Boy rider. —R. Scott 1, H. Scott 2. Nine entries. Girl rider. —G. Kilsby 1, id Hartley 2. Five entries. Tilting in the ring.—N. Vile 1. R. Rumsden 2. Eighteen entries. looyds., men (open,).—F. O’Grady 1, E. Voile 2. Right entries. Boys’ race, over 13 years. —C, Wright 1, W. Fa weal 2. Seven Entries. • I/idy’s driving competition.— Miss Cobb 1, Miss Sexton 2, 16 entries. Gent’s driving.—Wilson Scott 1, M. Hehir 2, id entries. Rady rider. —Miss. M. .Moffat 1, Miss V. Moffat 2, lour entries. Potato race. —K. Voile 1, J. Walsh 2, 11 entries, 220yds. open, men. —P. O’Grady 1, F. Carrol! 2, five entriesMotor car driving and potatospearing.—Avery r, T. Kdsby 2, 15 entries. Hunters competition, over hurdles and brushes. —Mr Rumsden’s Oroua Downs 1, Mr Hehii’s Cobweb 2, nine entries. 440yds., open, men. —V.Can oil 1, F. Carrol! 2, lour entries Married women’s race, 50yds.—Mrs Hurley 1, Mrs Houlihan 2. Niueentries. Pillow fight. —R. Hurley 1, F. Funuell 2. Niue entries. Young women’s race. Miss A'Coart r, Miss R. Molfat 2 Fourteen entries. Thread the needle race, horse and foot. —M. Hehir r, F. Hartley 2. Sixteen entries. Catching the greasy pig.—Fawcett r. Nine entries. Ramb guessing competition Mr Smith. Sheep do :Mr F. A. Mills. The social held in the evening was well attended, and a good time was spent by all present. It is expected that as a result of the effort about gj'7s will be added to the Belgian Relief Fund.