PATRIOTIC FETE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 257, 9 April 1915, Page 7

PATRIOTIC FETE.

AT INGLEWOOD.

IN AID OF POOR OF BRITAIN AND BELGIAN FUND.

Yesterday was a gala day at Inglewood, when a big fete was held in aid of the Poor of Great Britain and Belgian Relief Fund.

The function was organised by the Patriotic Committee, and "no stone was left unturned" to ensure its success. The. town was thoroughly canvassed for prizes for the. various events and for donations for the gift auction, and u good response was met with, a large quantity of goods of the most varied description being given. Fortunately for everyone, Mr. Bates proved very kind, and the glorious summer weather that prevailed enticed many people from a distance to attend the fete. That there was a large attendance of townspeople goes without saying. The proceedings commenced with a gathering in the town of the committee and those engaged to take part in the fancy dress cricket match, which was one of the big items of the day. A procession was formed, and proceeded to the Recreation Ground, where a good number had already gathered, to whom the Inglewood band was discoursing various selections.

CRICKET MATCH.

The cricket match was the first item on the programme, and the game created a good deal of fun and amusement. The contestants were "Ragworts" v. "Blackberries," or West End v. East End, the teams being as follow:—Ragworts: W. Matthews. O'Carroll, Thomson, Oanilin. A. Lile, Williams. Morton, dimming, and Robb. Blackberries: Percival, Winfield. Young, Ward. Kennedy, Calgher, T. E. Ffamcrton, Messenger, and Esse. The former batted first and as soon us the play commenced the fun. too, began. The costumes of the players were of a most varied description, including the national dresses of many countries, a number of dames, Father Christmas, and other well-known characters. We will not attempt to describe the play except to say that the bowling was somewhat weak, the fielding of an indifferent character, and the batting of a verv varied nature. Unfortunately, no official scorer was appointed, but at the conclusion of a very pleasant game the umpires, Messrs T. Nicholls and A. Smith, were unanimous in declaring it a draw, to the satisfaction of all, players and spectators alike. '

"SPLASHO THE KAISER!"

Everyone then adjourned to an up-to-date and improved form of the everpopular Aunt Sally, termed "Splasho the Kaiser," which caused a lot of laughter among the spectators, but which must have proved a rather wet and cold game for the "Kaiser," who was plunged bodily into the water every time the mark was hit. Mr. L. E. Hoffmann, of New Plymouth, was a most successful and amusing showman, no less than about £7 being netted during the day.

TUG-OF-WAR.

A tug-of-war followed, in which gre.it interest was taken. Three teams entered, and two good pulls were witnessed. The first was between a team of cricketers and "the world," which was won by the latter after three minutes. A "scratch" team pulled the winners, but could not prevail against them, . "the world" gaining the victory at the expiration of 1\ minutes. The teams competing were:—Cricketers: G. Young, W. Matthews, (!. Morton, A. Smith, A. Lile, Winfield, de r.aunay, A. Oamlin. Williams, and Rev. Kempthorne. Scratch team: Trimble, Curtis, Bracegirdle, Merry, Marshall (2). Darlow. T-ongstafi", Grant, and Filzgiblinns. The world: Henry Lamb, Father O'Beirne, F. Salisbury, T. Knoil'lock. Ross. Petch, Burgess, J. Dunn, Stratford, and Ward.

The jrift miction -was then held, Mi\ Walter Matthews wielding the hammer, or ratlier the hockey stick, in a most efficient and vigorous' manner. The offering was a very varied one, and many articles wore returned, and sold a second i timo. Although the bidding was not brisk, a good safe resulted, netting £l7. The donors of the goods were as follow: —Messrs C. 0, Roberts, D. Clegg, Sutherland Bros., Nieholls & Srm, A. Kennedy, C. 0. Hawke, J. AVinficld, It. Tlavies, L. de Launay, \V. Roberts, Caney, Matthews, Gamlin & Co., Carter & Co. H. W. Humphries, J. Rivett, W. Lile, R Maetzig, D. O'Dowd, McLean & Steven-j son,"Drake Bros,, Larscn, JT. Frewin, Bert Clough, H. Luke, A. B. (iamlin, Cross- ' man, .T. Cleave, Melbourne Clothing C 0.,1 T. Rolston, B. Oeddes. XV. Robb, Painter, Nightingale, A. Lile, .T. Drake, Buiek & Fariiiilinr, ("I. fliulgeon, Caldwell, and Mesdames Grant & I!urni().

GIFT AUCTION.

BABY SHOW.

Meanwhile .1 baby show was held, for which there were nearly thirty entries. The'judges were Mesdames Nutting and T. Drake, and they experienced no little difficulty in picking the winners in the different classes, as (he proud arid fond mothers brought their offspring before their critical eyes. Each point was taken very carefully into consideration, for these young New Zonlnnders were all fine specimens of the race. The decisions met with general a/pproval, and the following babies, all of Inglew'ood, were awarded the prizes:—■

tinder four months.—Phyllis Rchwietcrs 1, Ivan Peterson 2. Under nine niinths.—John Burrcll 1, Zelda Bovett 2.

Under eighteen months. Bertram Peterson 1, jean Patterson 2.

OTHER EVENTS.

Several ladies' races were held. The first, for a "Belgian" sausage, was won by Miss Murphy, who showed a good turn of speed, Mrs. Patterson being a good second. The married ladins' race was won by Mrs. Patterson, and the single ladies' by Miss Murphy. The slippery pig, always a popular item at a gathering of this description, drew a large entry, and resulted in a long and exciting chase. It was eventually caught by M. A. Smith. .the afternoon tea and fruit and lolly tents were well patronised, the committee of ladies in charge being kept very busv throughout the afternoon. There was a large immbcr'o[ children's events, and lolly scrambles, and . the vnuugslers all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Some of the monetary results were (approximately) :-tlnir ':C2K, sale £l7. afternoon tea €(i. fruit, and lollies £7 Ills, sheep-guessing £O, splanho £O, greasy pig ' Co. Belgian badges £2 Bs. The total takings are expected to reach t'RO, and the expenses are practically nil. Altogether, the fete was a most enjoyable and successful one.