STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 269, 14 April 1914, Page 3

STRATFORD NEWS.

FROM OUR RESIDENT REPORTER. Office and Job Printing Works: York Chambers (upstairs) Telephone No. 113.

THE GYMKHANA. STRATFORD'S EASTER ATTRACTION The great attraction for holidaymakers in the Stratford district on Easter Monday was the popular A. and I>. Gymkhana, which, considering the threatening nature of the weather, was well patronised. A most attractive programme.had been {provided, and all the officials worked well to ensure the success of the meeting. When the sun shone forth, as it did at frequent intervals, the scene was very pleasing., and as in the chief events the entries were large, the public had every reason to be satisfied with the day's outing. After the recent rain the turf was naturally heavy, but this did not militate against anything but fast time. The handicapping and judging gave universal satisfaction, and the greatest interest was evinced in all the events. A special word of praise is due to the secretary, Mr. B. Fearon, whose ability and courtesy largely contributed to the success which attended the gymkhana. j An early start was made, for the programme was lengthy, and by mid-day the events were in full swing, the attendance of the public by that time being very creditable. Following are the results: — Dog Trial (open)—P. H. Tocker's (Hawera) Chum 1, F. Cleland's (Hurimoana) Floss 2, W. B. Grant's (New Plymouth) Floss 3. Mr. B. Doyle was judge of this event, which created a large amount of interest,' many of those present not having seen how cleverly well-trained dogs can handlo sheep. The result clearly indicates the respective merits of the placed dogs' There were 17 entries for this event.

100 yds Handicap—N. Higginson 1, C. Kennedy 2. A close finish. 220 yds Handicap —C. Kennedy 1, W. 11. Linn 2. A close race from start to finish.

Pony Jumping (under 14 hands) —Miss .V. Viewers' Rockfellow 1, J. H. Kibby's Xgaia 2. Best Lady Driver—Mies G. W. Tarry (Inglewood) 1. 440 yds Handicap —A. T. Yickers 1, M. Say well 2. - A close finish for first and second place, the others being well left. Maiden Hunters' Competition (to carry not leas than 12 stone)—H. Crawford's Rangi 1, C. Mather's Dolly 2, A. Mitchell's Umuroa 3. The winner easily outclassed his opponents, his Btyle and performance being particularly good. Pony Trot (boy riders under 14) —J. Julian's Jack Branagan 1, Leo Shotter's Tuna 2, C. Croot's Dinah 3. This event caused considerable amusement owing to the difficulties of the young riders in keeping their mounts from breaking. Motor Car and J.''owl Competition— Miss M. Healy 1, Miss G. Healy 2, Miss Wolfe 3. This event greatly amused the spectators, each young la<ly being driven to a certain point, where she had to alight, catch a fowl in a pen .carry it to the car, be driven round the ring, and then return the fowl to the pen. i The nimbleness and dexterity of the j winner fully entitled her to the prize. Victoria Cross Race—X. Pepporell 1. A. Mitchell 2, H. Crawford 3. This event also caused much interest, especially In relation to the picking up of the dummy. The winner did his work in excelllent time.

One Miile Trot Handicap—This event was run in two heats, the lirst three in each competing in tlie final, which resulted: .1. Burkett's Koan Lady (oosec.) i, A. Davcv's Treacle Billy (o.isec.) 2, 1!. A. Pcpperell's Rainbow (*2osec.) 3. Won easily all the way. Harnessing and Unharnessing Competition for Ladies—.Miss Tarry (Inglewood) 1, Miss M. Kennedy (Kast Road) 2, Miss May Sole (Hell Block) 3. One Mile and a-half Handicap Trot— This event was sot off' in two heats. The final resulted: R. A. PeppcreH's Rainbow 1, K. Mounsev's Albert Husky 2, ■r. H. Hopsort's Waitui 3. The finish was somewhat exciting, and but for Albert Ruskv breaking close to the winningpost he would undoubtedly have taken lirst place. » Hunters' Competition (12 stone and over) —A. Mitchell's Grey Star 1, same owner's Umuroa 2, H. Washer's Xita 3. Leaping Competition—A. Mitchell's I muroa 1, A. J. Kibby's Victor 2, A. Mitchell's Grey.Star 3. Some excellent form was displayed in this event. Tug-of-War—Te Popo defeated Mangatoki, Stratford defeated Territorials, and Te I'opo won the filial by gaining a I narrow victory over Stratford. During' the day there were various ] such as sheaf-tossing, chain-stepping, sheep weight judging, and a number of side-shows helped to amuse the people. The Stratford Band played an enjoyable selection of music, which assisted ill making the time paßs pleasantly. ! here was no waiting between the events, one succeeding the other in rapid order, and in the afternoon, when the sun shone in full strength, the Large erowil .thoroughly enjoyed the procjcod,ings. -Vlr. E. Kcllohcr's handicapping in the trotting events proved very satisfactory, as d-id Mr. ]J. J. Malone's in the running. Messrs >S. Stewart and 'A. Kelleher made very efficient starters, and Mr. Tom. Kirkwood displayed groat energy in posting the events oli'ths board. It is satisfactory to find that the attendance was much larger than last year, and tlie committee deserves the greatest praise for the excellent programme provided. The receipts at the gates and stands amounted to .€125 7s (id, and from side shows about £lO, so th:it tlie financial result should be very gratifying. ♦

BERNARD'S PICTURES There was a large audience at his Majesty's Theatre last night, when the star item, "Her Second Choice," was greatly appreciated. The events surround the life of a widow and her child. The story is replete with thrilling human emotions. The film' is stated to be I'athe's best life drama. In future the new orchestra will be under the personal supervision of Uerr Van fleck, late of J. C. Williamson's leading companies. Tile programme will be repeated to-night. ; j

TOWN HALL PICTURES. A new and attractive programme will be screened at the above picture theatre to-night, all the films being speeialhselected. Mr. Richardson wiil play the latest ragtime music. The popular prices are within the reach of all,

GENERAL NEWS. ' A final reminder is given of the meeting of farmers at 3 p.m. to-day at lliu Borough Council Chambers relative to the desirability of erecting freezing works. Every farjtier should inako a point of being present. The two members, Messrs Were and Walter, who resigned from the Stratford County Council, were re-elected, Mr. Fryday coming within 15 votes of Mr. Were. Mr. W. P. Kirkwood formally notifies that, acceding to the wishes of a large number of burgesses, he has decided It allow himself to be nominated for the Mayoralty, the election for which takes place on the 29th inst. On the 20th inst. Mr. Kirkwood will deliver an address at the Town Hall, when matters of interest to the borough will be dealt with, with special reference to the license proposed to be issued to the Electrical Supply Co. Those wishing to act on Mr. Kirkwood's committee are requested to forward their names to P.O. box 11.

Stratford men who are travelling, golfing, or "gymkaning" at Easter, will find their new suit, topeoat, hat, shirt, or tie at "The Kash," Mullen and Marshall, proprietors. Eight sticks of dark Havelock tobacco for 6s; eight sticks of Derby, 6s; eight 2oz tins Havelock, 7s 6d; eight 2oz tins Derby, 7s fid. These are specimen prices from Stan. Sharp's stock of smokers' requisites. Next Bellringer's, Stratford. Your photograph will please them all —some of your friends have been expecting one for a long time —don't be satisfied with one taken years ago. just as yo« are to-day, in your,, everyday attire. Having your portrait taken is as pleasant as an informal call on good friends. Make on appointment to-day with Mr. McAlister, Stratford.