TOKO SETTLERS' PICNIC.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 71, 26 March 1915, Page 2

TOKO SETTLERS' PICNIC.

A SUCCESSFUL DAY. Ploasantly situate close l>.v the rail and the main East Road, the Toko Settlers' Sports took place on the Toko Domain yesterday, the weather being fine, -though cold. As one approached the ground from the main road the Hying of the Union Jack and the Belgian Flag on the Coronation Hall—(the hall by the way is certainly a credit to Toko)—gave some indication that it was a special Toko Da?, the combined Hags serving as a link in the minds of some between the British and Belgian Fund, towards which worthy I object the proceeds of the day are to ! be contributed. Bearing in mind this, Lis well as the special ararngements made by a hard-working committee and obliging secretary (Mr G. E. Bocock), it is somewhat disappointing that the support by the outside public was not more encouraging; other attractions, surely, must account for the comparatively small attendance. The Patron of the Society, Mr J. B. Hine, M.P., was unable to be present. Mr F. Walter, one of the judges, was absent on account of sickness in bis domestic circle; and his place was filled by Mr T. A. Bocock. The results of the various events were as follows:

Schoolboys' Race : Ist heat —C. Reed 1, H. Downs 2; 2nd heat—A Gall ], Alf. Downs '2. Final—C. Reed 1, H. Downs 2. Girls Race: I. Burkett 1, F. Rutherford 2.

150 yards Maiden (local) race: C. Mathers I, H. C. Bennett 2. Srhool Boys' half-mile—W. Gemhoe. for 1, A. Downs 2, M. Hintz 3. 76" yards Handicap: Ist heat—C. Mathers 1, A. Cheer 2, W. Pratt 3. 2nd heat—L. Marfell 1, E. W Miers 2. Final—Mathers and A. Cheer (dead heat) 1, E. W. Miers 2. ,

100yds Handicap.: W. Pratt 1, E, W. Miers 2, W. Burgham 3. School Girls' Race (No. 2): N. Burgham 1, F. Jones 2. 120yds Hurdles: L. C. Marchant 1, H. Burgham 2, E. W. Miers 3.

.Married Ladies' Race: Mrs G Harris 1, Mrs R. Richards 2.

Hop Step and Jump: P. Butler 1, J. Kilpatrick 2. 220yds Handicap: E. W. Miers 1, G. Corbett 2, J. W. Pratt 3. Single Ladies' Race: Miss Hewson 1, .Miss X. Leydon 2, Miss M. Dyball 3.

The Ladies' Bracelet Race (600yds) created a good deal of interest, those breasting the tape being G. Mather 1, G. Corbett 2, L. Marfell 3

Ladies' Cycle Race, i mile: Miss Harris 1, Miss M. Leydon 2. Gent's Cycle Race: J. Caskey 1, C. Fincham 2, L. Leydon 3. There was a good deal of excitement in this race of two miles, the scratch man, J. Cas. key, being winner. Id the Farmers' Race, of 150yds, there were eight entries. J. E. Hine, who ran well, unfortunately fell when close upon the tape, and the result was H. Burgham 1, J). Smith 2, J. Lucena 3.

One Mile (open) was keenly contested, and the result was G. Mather 1, G. Corbett 2, L. Marfell 3. At this point a' move was made to the sheep pen, Miss Clark, of Toko Road, having kindly given a sheep towards the Belgian Relief Fund. Mr G. Pugh, auctioneer of Mr Newton King's staff, wielded the hammer, and starting at 5s it rose to 255, Mr W. Were being the purchaser. Put up again, Mr Anthony Ferguson bought it at £1 Is, re-offering it Mr G. Sexton secured it at 12s 6d, and on being re-offered was secured at 10s by Mr Anthony Ferguson. In this way, .altogether £3 8s 6d was realised, which goes to the Fund. Even at wrestling some of the" local "lads" try their skill, and the only two who entered caused an interesting ring of spectators. C. Beloe and Alex Ferguson competed, J. Caskey acting ias judge. The former wa.s declared the winner.

The 440yds race was well contested, the result being G. Corbett 1, A. Cate 2, Coleman 3.

The Committeemen's Race: D. B. Smith 1, J. Lucena 2, J. Mclvor and G. E. Bocock (tied) 3. The catering by Mrs M. H. Brooking, of Stratford, oif the ground was carried out in her us'iial good style.

During the day, much to the satisfaction of all, the Stratford Municipal Baud, under the baton of Conductor T. Marshall, rendered a good programme of music, enlivening the proceedings. Those who contributed special prizes were: Messrs Masters and Son, C. E. James, J. Kilpatrick, Mullen and Marshall, D. J. Malone, A. Aagaard, Stewart Dawson and Co., E. Robins, Eguiont Clothing Co., A. H. Herbert, j Hannah and Co., C. and E. Jackson, Bellringer Bros., 11. J). Lewers, J. Butcher, H. Wilson and Son, R. Currin, T. W. Smith, T. Mercer, J. Yandle, J. I'etrie, G. Morrison and Miss Clark of Toko Road. In the sheep guessing competition the correct weight of the two sheep was 47Glbs, and tbose who were the nearest the correct figures were Miss Corbett and .Mr I? 1 . P. Uniacke each 476Jlbs, and .Mrs A. J. Chainey 475ilbs. The Judges were Messrs T. A. l3ocock, J. Butler, H. Milne and Ewan Jones, while Mr J. Lucena Avas appointed starter. Some handsome presents and trophies were presented at the close. In the evening under tho guidance of Messrs M. Gernhoefer and J. Caskey as M.C.'s, a good number assembled at the dance in the Coronation Hall, Mrs Bianchi's orchestra playing the dance music, this bringing to close an event in which many gave their time and services towards a successful (lay. It is gratifying to learn that the

result of tlio sports and dance was an unqualified success., and that Toko's efforts will be rewarded l>y a substantial sum towards the British and Belgian Relief Fund.