MAKAHU.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 15, 18 May 1915, Page 7

MAKAHU.

A correspondent writes: —Our annual picnic sports held on loth April was a very successful gathering. The day was particularly line, and mild. We had visitors from all the surrounding country townships, and six ear loads of prominent business men from Stratford, who, in their usual good hearted manner, helped to make the sports the success they wore. The children were having the time of their lives running races until there was not a run left in them, and these were arranged principally by genial “Dan,” and other Stratford visitors. Our member, Mr Mine, also Airs. [line, honoured us with a visit, and expressed their pleasure at being able to attend. Air Hino presented a trophy for the winner of the young ladies’ race. 1 may mention that Air Hine has presented a trophy to us every year since the sports started, and stipulated that the ladies run for it (keen competition amongst the . ladies’. Our officials worked hard for a successful' gathering, though unfortunately, some were laid up with the grip, which made it harder lor the others; however, we have a good working committee, and they stood up to it like Britons. Our ladies had a very strenuous time, managing the catering, both for lunch and afternoon ten, but I must say that nowhere else have 1 seen ladies work so cheerfully together to make a success, and a special word of thanks and praise is due to them. Mrs W. Good, of Pohokura, may be specially singled out, as her efforts were most praiseworthy. The Belgian Relief Fund will benefit considerably by the effort of the ladies, who had various ways of enticing the coin from the public. Airs Good, from Ngatimaru, Mrs S. Brewer (Alakahu ', and Mrs S. Martin (Makahu), by thenefforts, collected £5 on the grounds, and Air J. M. Jones’ gift of a sheep kindly auctioned by the Loan and Mercantile Company of Stratford, netted £8 6s 6d. This amount added to the sports club’s donation will be £25, which is a remarkably good collection for a way back country settlement. The tilting in the ring was won by A. Walker in fasttime, Sam Brewer a very close second. Hunters’ followed, and was won by Aliss Guigley, of Ngatimaru, who rode her horse extremely well.. The open hunters was won by Air Al. Ford’s John. This horse fairly revels in the game, and in this event and high jump for horses for a trophy presented by Air J. Rentoul, as splendidly ridden by Ken Summerhayes, of Ngatimaru. The pony jumps was won by Willie Hunter. of Stratford, R. Meredith’s pony was second, being also well ridden. The 100 yards was won by C. Coultnn, S. Dons second. The 150 yards was "'on by J. Brown of Te Wera. A dark horse! As soon as the hell rang/ was off like a shot; must have had a great head of steam on. The 75 yards married men’s race was the event of the day, about twenty lined up. There were many dark horses, and many familiar faces were seen in this race. AV. Foley, Fred Webb, AV. Manning, S. Brewer, AV. Pratt, J. B. Hine, AI.P., W. Hewitt, R. Neilson, Dan Alalone, J. Liversedge, AV. Good, A. J. Davey, and others. You will see that the Stratford district was well represented. At the word set, you could see that they were after it, and at the word go, some fell, others ran wide, and some with a do or die expression, raced on, and in a very close finish, Davey, of Stratford, touched first, and our AI.P. second. ’Plie young ladies’ race for Air Hine’s trophy was won by Aliss Alyers, with AT ss Reed second. The married ladies’ race was won by Airs Neilson, and Mrs S. Martin and Airs Joe Alanning second. In nail-driving, Airs S. Alartin was first, and Aliss A. Coyne second. The chain-stepping was won by AA r . Pratt, who gave his prize to the Relief Fund. Sheep-guessing was also won by \V. Pratt. I must here remark on the way that AV. Pratt and J. Ren ton I assisted us with the horse events, and a special word of thanks are due to them. Air T. R. Mounsey, handicapper and starter, worked hard and had some very close finishes, which I think is a feather in his cap. as all foot events take more time to get going than horse events. Mr A.

Coyne and Mr. W. Ward were judges, whoso decisions were never questioned, and this speaks for itself. Jim O’Connor had charge of sheep guessing and judging by the results must have had a very enticing way with him. The dance in the evening was crowded and every one enjoyed themselves. The dance committee had the floor in splendid order. The music played hv Mr. Ted Williams was all that could be desired. Our energetic chairman, Mr Sam Brewer, worked hard to make our sports a success, and is the right man for the position, always willing and right up to time.