GYMKHANA AT OTAKI.

Shannon News, 11 December 1928, Page 4

GYMKHANA AT OTAKI.

A UL FUNCTION. I £l2O RAISED.

*For some time past a committee has been energetically at work for the purpose ' of 6rganising a gymkhana to raise sufficient funds for muchneeded improvement at the Otaki State School grounds. Many members ' pur in considerable time .and went to much trouble to see that the function would be an unqualified suceess, while others gave liberally and otherwise did much for the project, but no one dreamt that such a sum as that raised Avould be realised. The day broke gloriously fine, and in consequence school children turned up in full force in fancy costumes, while quite a number of adults also took part in the proceedings. At 10.30 o'clock several persons congregated at the post office corner to see the procession start off, Messrs Wilmot and Witehell being marshals. The ‘procession was headed by members of the Otaki Brass Band, who played-several fine selections as .the procession wended its way to the domain. There were several nicely-de-corated cars, children representative of all Nations, boy scouts, and children with decorated bicycles, etc. At the domain the children walking fell out of the procession while the dccorate.d , cars, headed by Mrs. Knight's, arrang- ‘ ed as a fully-manned launch, journeyed : to the railway via WacTenga Road and back via Domain Road to the domain. Here the cars were arranged on the oval and fully admired by all. Stalls had also been- arranged, and did the ladies in charge every credit, it being very evident - that they had worked well for the success of the function. The following were the stall-holders: —Produce, Mesdames Olliver, Manz, and R. Thomson; cordials, Mesdaffies Twist and Box; fancy, Mesdames Allan and Lowry; sweets and ice-creams, Mesdames Gillespie and Synnott; kewpies, Mrs. Knight; refreshments, Mesda/nes Wilmot, Milne, Symonds, Hawk, Cockrell, Nicolson, Ejarlow, and Misses S. Brandon and Lee; sheep-guessing, Mr. T. O'Rourke,/ There were also side-shows presided over by Messrs Allan and Saveli, while Messrs Ralph Thomson and Jack‘Palmer were the • “funny men" of the day. They carried out their parts splendidly, and caused amusement for old and young. Mr. Elderton also helped well, and the .ladies especially desire to thank him. Mrs. Knight was also instrumental in raising a sum of nearly £2 by placing her car at the disposal of those desiring joy rides. Among others who worked well were Mr. Wilmot (secretary), who carried out his multifarious duties most creditably. He was assisted by Mr. Nicolson. Mr. PalmeT, sei., acted as judge and handicapper, and Mr. Witehell also lent valuable assistance, est. Dr. Milne, ikessrs Barlow and Taylor also worked well. Among the hardest workers “behind -■ the scenes" was Mr. A. E. Twist, who deserves kudos for splendid. work. Others willingly helped; and to all the . committee is very grateful. Among . the many pleasing costumes worn was one that was prominent in the Shackleton expedition to the South Pole, this being displayed to advantage by Master Guerney, who 'received a well-earned-prize. The costume was of reindeer with boots; and other equipi ' meat, and was quite a source of interest. -

The programme on the domain resulted as follows: - Boys' Handicap Bicycle Race, halfmile, under 16 years: A. Tudor 1, Rex. .Nicolson 2. Five starters. W. Barlow and V. Pike made the pace, but Tudor came through 200 yards from the win- ? ning post and won comfortably. Bojrs’ Tyre Race, 50 yards: Joe Webby and partner 1, A. Webster and partner 2. Seven entries. This was a good race and caused plenty of fun. Dog Parade: There were fourteen entries, all sizes, and breeds. Awards were made as follows:—Ray Greathead for biggest dog; R. Merwood for ugliest dog; Mrs. Hawk for prettiest dog; Mrs. Reynolds for smallest dog; and Miss Wilmot for best-dressed dog. Miss Peggy Palmer received a special prize while those who gained second prizes were: Mrs. Atkinson, Mrs,. Morgan, Mrs. Jarmey, Missßeay, Neville St. George, Gerald Greathead. Decorated Bicycle: John Milne 1, Maurice Buckrell 2. Four entries. The judge considered the class a difficult one to judge as all entries were worthy of prizes. Decorated Tricycle (child’s): Boris Baughen (airplane) 1, G. Cooksley 2, Barnett Smith 3. The winner’s exhibit was a very fine one and showed that much trouble had been gone to. Attendants in fancy costume: R. Thomson (clown) 1, H. Nicolson (Michelin tyres) 2. A. G. Allan' (Pierrot) and Jack Palmer (clown) were good seconds. Decorated Car: Mrs. Knight 1, A. G. . Allan 2, E. S. Morse 3. Dr. Milne, T. Dixon and D, Taylor also competed. All ears were beautifully decorated and reflected every credit On the owners. Mrs. Knight’s was a particularly good exhibit, being a launch with crew in . nautical rig. Children’s.procession: Most Original, Ronald Guerney 1, Aubrey Guerney 2. Best Fancy, Mary Hawk 1, Doris Morgan 2. . There were some 30 or 40 entrants and all were pleasingly dressed. In this class the judges’ task was a very difficult one. Slow Bicycle: Race: Merle Fogden .1, Den Lowry 2. Nine entries. The winner proved quite a professional in handling his cycle. Balloon Blowing: L. Higgott 1, J. iSimcox 2, Fourteen entries. Baby Competition: I—61 —6 months: Baby Monk and Baby Noble (boy and girl); 6—12 months, Baby Colin Taylor and Baby Morgan, with Baby Milne .second; 12 —18 months: Baby Betty Edwards and Baby Michael D’Ath, with Baby Reg Taylor second; 18—24 * months: • Baby Fiebig and Baby Thom-

son, with Baby Nola Taylor second; twins: Mrs. Lumley’s. Decorated pram: Mrs. (Dr.) Milne i (goose, a particularly fine exhibit). Sheep-guessing: Mrs. J. C. Scott, 871bs (correct). Special for most original pram: Daphne Bills. Art union, dressed baby doll. — Myra Champion. Shoe Trees, Mrs. McGill, No. 22. Afternoon Tea Cover, Miss Zita Watkins, No. 34. Cushion Cover, Miss Roach, No. 360. Cake Basket, Mrs. Reynolds, No. 34. Straw Hat, Jean Merwood, No. 7. Powder Puff, Vera Littlejohn, No. 50. Chain Stepping, Dr. Milne and Bruce Ferguson. Sheep Guessing, Mrs. J. C. Scott, 871 b. Mrs. Knight's Doll, Eve Simcox. Bath-room Set, H. Nicolson. Cushion Cover, Mrs. W. Bevan. Mesdames Bryant, Nees and Miles, all of Manakau, judged the decorative ‘sections, and although their task was a difficult one they gave every satisfaction. Dr. Irwin judged; the babies and likewise did splendidly. During the afternoon an exhibition of Maypole dancing, under the guidance of Miss Miller, was given and delighted all, while members ,of the Otaki Fire Brigade were also well to the fore and gave a pleasing demonstration of their worlti The Otaki was al&o in evidence and during the afternoon provided choice selections. Bandmaster R.* Fielding proved an able conductor.

Credit for the success of the affair is largely due to the ladies' committees, with Mrs. A. G. Allan as an energetic and very capable secretary. This lady did splendid work throughout. As a result of the gathering the sum of £l2O was raised, and as this carries a Government subsidy of £1 for £1 the sum raised for ground improvement is a substantial one.

Considering this vvas the initial effort of the committee to raise money by a gymkhana we consider all concerned did remarkably well, and on the next, occasion of a similar gathering it is hoped to raise even a larger amount—the committee having profited by experience. It has already been suggested that another,such function be held in February. Guessing competitions resulted: Doll, Evo Simcox; doll (art union), M. Champion (Te IIoto); duck, Mr. A. E. Twist; iced cake, Mr. Ralph Thomson. It is hoped to publish the balancesheet in Wednesday's issue. Prizes may be had on Tuesday next from Mr. Wilmot. . The Concert.

The concert in the evening -was a grand finish to a perfect day, and Mrs. Barclay is to be commended for providing such a bright little entertainment. The concert items were all enjoyable, especially those given by the pupils of Miss Williams, of Levin, who recently staged “Jack and the Beanstalk" to a packed audience. The programme opened with “God Save the King/' and then ‘followed a nicelyplayed overture by Mrs. Barclay. The next item was a pleasing one, being entitled “The Fairies' Chorus." A large number of children in fancy dresses, with Miss Pat Gillespie as queen, were arrayed on the stage and sang sweetly. Solo parts were well taken by Misses Pat Gillespie, Norma Whyte, Daphne Cooksley, Betty Baughen, Betty Cockrell, and Marjorie Taylor. Miss Williams' pupils were seen to groat advantage in the next item, and their dancing, etc., showed that they had undergone .very careful training. .The children did splendidly. At frequent'intervals in the programme Miss Williams supplied other dancing items, and on each occasion the children were loudly applauded. Encores were demanded, but on account of the lengthy programme .these could not be given. Miss Norma Whyte sang sweetly “The Telephone to Santa Claus." This young lady lyis a pleasing little voice and has a future ahead. Master Gordon Allan recited very nieely “John Davidson and His Wife," while Miss Daphne Cooksley acted well in a sketch, “Sleep, Dolly Sleep." The doll dance by Miss Christie Walkley (Levin) was a very fine item, while Master - Paul Powell was heard to advantage in his elocutionary item. The musical comedy dance by pupils' of Miss Williams was splendidly given, those, taking part being Misses Joan Williams, Celia Ryder and Rosie Pike. Miss Barclay contributed a humorous recitation in good style, and, then followed an interval. During , this Mr. Wilmot, as headmaster of the school, heartily thanked the people of Otaki and district for valuable help and the fine manner in which they had supported the gymkhana. It was his desire, he stated, to see the ground greatly improved, and the money raised would do much towards this. Next year, said Mr. Wilmot, it was hoped that the whplc town and district would be asked to combine, and put on an even bigger affair. In conclusion; he thanked his committee, especially the ladies, and wished all the compliments of the season. Mr. Wilmot also thanked Mrs. Barclay and Miss Williams for their great help which had been fully appreciated. (Applause).

The Boy Scouts opened tho second part of the programme with a vocal jtem and march, pleasingly given, and then followed the Russian dance by Celia Ryder, of Levin. This was splendidly done and loud applause followed. Master Frank Bignall, also a pupil of Miss Williams, sang very nicely a ill was heartily encored and also presented with a large box of chocolates. Misses Daphne and Brownie Cooksley pleased the audience with their recitation, “80-Peep,” while Miss Pat Gillespie sang sweetly “Her Majesty the Baby.” The “Ballet of Youth” by Miss Williams’ pupils, was a fine item splendidly given, while Miss Mills was heard to advantage in her elocutionary item. Master Paul Powell sang nicely “Coming Home,” and then came a pice dance by Miss Williams’ pupils. At this stage Mr. Wilmot again ex-

pressed appreciation of the services rendered by Mrs. Barclay and Miss Williams, while Mr. J. Palmer, on behalf of admirers, presented Mrs. Barclay with a beautiful bouquet. Mr. Ralph Thomson, on behalf of the committee, handed to Miss Williams a lovely bouquet, and expressed appreciation at the fine services this lady had rendered.

A dramatic sketch by Misses Mills, Barclay, and M. Gillespie was well carried out. Then followed “Auld £>ang Syne.” The Levin party were afterwards entertained at supper by the ladies’ committee and again thanked for their services.