ROAD RACE CONCERT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 48, 18 August 1911, Page 8

ROAD RACE CONCERT

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. There was a very enthusiastic audience at the Theatre Royal last night, when the successful riders in the great race round the Mountain and also in last week's Waitara road race were presented with the prizes won. A splendid programme had been arranged by Mr. Renaud, and the first part -of the evening was devoted to this. Several of the items were encored, but it was evident that the audience regarded the presentation of prizes as the principal business of the evening. The following programme was rendered: —Piano duet, "Slavische ffanze" (Dvorak), Miss Warren and Mr. R. N. Renaud; song, "My Old .Shako," Mr. Smith, and as an encore "Benedict's Lament"; song, "An Emblem," Miss Fenton, encore number, "Dawn"; song, "In Old Madrid," Mr. Clark; song, "Daffodils aUlowing," Miss Ainsworth, encore number, "When the Swallows Homeward Fly"; song, "My Beloved Queen," Mr. Johnston; Pianoforte duet, "Hungarian Dance" (Br&hm), Miss Warren and Mr. R. N. Renaud; pianofortevSolo, "Marche Militaire" (Schubert), Miss Warren; song, "Drum Major," Mr. Smith, encore number, "Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind"; song, "The Wreath," Miss Fenton; song, "Time was I roved the Mountain," Mr. Johnson; song, "Gondola Dreams," Miss Ainswortb. The accompaniments were played by Mi«s Warren and Mr. Renaud.

The prizes, which were nicely displayed on the stage, were presented by Mr and Mtb. E. Dockrill. Mr. Dockrill, in his •remarks, referred tathe death of the late Mr. Tisch, who was patron of the movement, and expressed the deep regret ot 41k committee at an ©vent which had deprived the district of the services of such a man. The committee that orgaised the event were, he said, true sports. They realised that this was an ideal district for such a race. This was the only place south of the line where there was a road race which began and ended in the same place, a most desirable factor. Accordingly, the committee had decided to run the race, and the first step towards the desired end was the presentation of the magnificent challenge cup by the Britannia Tyre Company. Other outside cycle firms had also been liberal in their donations of cycles, etc. Tb« local people were also enthusiastic and had responded well, and, as a result, the cash prizes amounted to £125, and the tropliiesi to £175, totalling £3oo—a larger prize-list than any south of the line, a record that New Plymouth should be proud of. The committee wefre so pleased with the response made by both the public and the competitors who entered from all over the Dominion that they intended to endeavor to make it an annual event. He pointed out that the race had ibeen run under the worst weather conditions, and hoped that next time better weather would prevail. He hoped the visitors would carry away some pleasant recollections of their stay in New Plymouth. In conclusion, on behalf of the committee, he thanked all those whose loyalty and support had contributed to the success of the event; the competitors for coming so far to take : part; Mr. Remind for organising the splendid evening's entertainment; and the various performers who had taken part. The prizes were then, awarded. J. Clarke, whose list of prizes is a very lengthy one, was greeted with vociferous applause, a wag remarking "take the lot, Jimmy!" His little bag was as follows:—Britannia Cup (valued at 50 guineas) and £SO cash; New Zealand Athletic and Cycling Union's gold medal; £2O cash and Mr. J. Bennett's medal for fastest time; Adams,' Ltd., "Swift" cycle for fastest time under 21; and the Continental Tyre Company's prize for fastest time on these tyreß.

The other winners were also ovationed. The winners proved very shy as orators, and it was only after much persuasion that a speech could be obtained from Mr. Clarke, who modestly said that he was pleased to be the winner, and that the promoters deserved great credit for the way in which they looked after the competitors. Mr. A. B. L. Smith endorsed this . Three hearty cheers were given for Clarke, Roebuck ( winner of the Wftitara race), and the promoters, and the gathering dispersed.