TAIHAPE ATHLETIC CLUB.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 1, 3 January 1916, Page 4

TAIHAPE ATHLETIC CLUB.

GALA AND PICNIC. The Taihape Athletic Club was favoured with splendid weather on the occasion of their picnic and sports held on New Year's Day. The Recreation Ground is an ideal spot for holding such functions, it being provided with: ample shade by planted and naturally groAving trees. It is beauti-

fully level and a perfect view of the oval is obtainable from all sides, whiie the scenery and surroundings are not surpassed on any other ground of the kind in New Zealand. With such conditions it would have been matter for surprise if there had not been a large and appreciative (attendance,. The western side was a mass of moving picturesqueness, the gay 'and varicoloured dresses of the ladies thrown into high relief by the more sombre garb of the men, created quite a kaleidoscopic effect from the opposite side; and everyone, adult and child, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the outing. The Taihape Brass B'and added very much to the general pleasure by rendering a well-chosen programme of music, over which they certainly showed no spirit of meanness. It is needless to say everyone enjoyed their efforts. Mr. A. M. Ryan proved an efficient secretary; his arrangements were well-forward and all events went off successfully in consequence. In fact the hearty laugher and haupy faces of the various groups, as they regaled and refreshed themselves under the shade of trees was ample proof that the Athletic Club's annual picnic is a popular institution. The sports events were well patronised with entries, from throwing the hammer to the various horse jumping, the latter being of an excellent character and we'l above the average, the jumping, in. addition to that of the winners, being uniformly good. The children were not neglected, among other things they were treated to liberial lcllie scrambles. Altogether the day was a thoroughly enjoyable and health contributing cue, and many seemed sorry when it was over.

Financially the picnic was a splendid success, and everyone present may feel gratified in having assisted in raising a sum of from £35 to £4O to hand over to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. The Athletic Club is to be congratulated in achieving such satisfactory results. Following is the list of events and prize-winners:

Maiden Hunters: C. E. Kelly's Royal Colours 1, B. Steven's Royal Blue 2, P. Troy's Mousie 3.

Open Hunters. D. McLennan's Beeline" li-'T. Donovan's Cocky 2, D. Riddiford's Nigger 3.

Open'Ponies: (W Pines' Skylark 1, Kirepo-2, P. Troy's Mousie 3. Stockman's race: P. Troy's Dick 1, P. Troy's .Matipo 2.

Consolation Jump: T. Bradley's Loafer 1, P. Troy's Larry 2, M. Wilsons Miss Ruffy 3.

Married Ladies' Race: Mrs. C. H Jones, Ohutu, 1.

Throwing the hammer: F. Gonnoly (14ft. hep.), 78 feet, 1; W. McCombie (10ft. hep.), 74 feet S inches, 2.