SPORTS AT MANAIA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 262, 15 April 1915, Page 7

SPORTS AT MANAIA.

' IN AID OF THE BELGIAN FUND. A SUCCESSFUL HAY. In common with every other township . in the Dominion Mantua has made sev- j eral successful efforts to assist the Belgian Relief Fund, the latest being a big sports meeting, which was held on the Domain yesterday. The sports were arranged by an energetic committee, and much credit is due to the very able and hard-working secretary, M. A. Hansen, on whom' most of the work devolved. The day was gloriously fine, and ti-e attendance was very large, numbering nearly 700. The Domain presented a very "bright and lively appearance, the summer weather attracting a number of ladies, whose light attire added much to the gaiety of the scene. The programme was a lengthy and interesting one, including a great variety of events. The most popular were undoubtedly the equestrian competitions, of which there were several, and each drew a large entry of good class animals. The judges in these events were Messrs F. F. Stevenson, of Kapuni, Alex. MeCracken, of Manaia. Members of the committee, assisted by numerous wiling helpers, ab"ly filled the other positions as required, and all spent a very busy day. The finishes were generally close and interesting. The Manaia Brass Band was present, and rendered several patriotic and other selections, which wove much appreciated. There were also numbers of side-shows to provide amusement, and these tvere well patronised throughout the day. One very popular one was "The Three Happy Clowns and the Jumping Bull-dog." This was under the sole management of four lads, Masters Alan Candy, Rob. Donald, and Arthur and Lorrie Christie. These lads determined to make a special effort in aid of the fund, and decided on this novel and effective way. Their j takings formed a most welcome contribution. The shooting gallery and honpla also did good business, together with minor small-change magnets. The afternoon tea tent was crowded throughout the afternoon, making a substantial sum. The results of the various events were as follow: — Cycle Road Race Handicap, ab-iut three miles.—W. Budd (60yds.) 1, A. Parkes (scr.) 2, A. Hansen (40) 3. The competitors were all out to win, and the handicapping being good, the contest proved interesting. There were not many lengths' between the placed men. Best Gig Horse.—G. W. Sharp 1, ,T. Guy 2, George Cruickshank 3. There were six entries for the event, and the judges had no easy task in making their choice. The third was a very good j animal, but it was unused to the ring, and its behaviour lost for it a better position. Best Paced Gig Pony (under 14/2: -- R. Putt 1, Dorothy Cleaver 2, J. Patterson 3. There was again a remarkably good class of animals entered in this event. Maiden Flat Race, 100yds.—J. Murphy 1, Bicketts 2, Riordan 3. A good race, won by a yard, inches only dividing second and third. I Best Gig Turnout. —G. Cruickshank 1,! 'E. C. Evans 2, G. W. Sharp 3. 'I e.e majority of the entries were of particu-1 lariy smart appearance, and Cripekshank's horse, having become quk'tcr, deserved first place. j 75 Yards Dash.—First heat: Rutland' 1, Slight 2, Copestake '3. A good race, j the finish 'being very dlose. Second heat: Borrie 1, Hickcy 2, Harrison 3. . Another very even run, inches dividing j the placed men. Final: Slight 1, Upland 2, Copestake 3. The result was j never in doubt. | Utility Horse.—M. McDonoughue 1, J. Burgess 2, G. A. Berry 3. Youths' Championship of Tnrannki. i 100yds.—Copestake 1,-Hickcy 2, Grant-: ham 3. Another very close finii-h, j Copestake getting home on the tape. 100 Yards Handicap.—Slight (scr.) 1, Rutland 2, Borrie 3. Won easily. I Open Jump.—J. and J. O'Donald's Grey Star I, A. Mitchell's Umaroa 2. Harry Crocker's Tarpot 3. Fourteen (n----tries. The jumping was very good, all the competitors showing considers ule ability and fairly good style. Many were sent round several times before ihc final decision was given. Old Men's Race.—Lennon 1, Putt 2, Harcourt 3. The veterans showed a good turn of speed, and the run was a good one. Tha winner donated the prize to the Belgian Relief Fund. Hop, Step, and Jump.—L. W. M->uli (Ift.), 40ft. 3Jin., 1; Grantham (3), 3?ft. lOin., 2; Hurley (1), 37ft. Slin., 3. Pony Jump—C. Patterson's Flora 1. J. D. Mitchell's Princess 2, C. Patterson's Entry 3. There were nine entries, and the jumping was again remarkably good. The greasy pig was the centre of a great deal of amusement, and led the numerous entrants a long chase before submitting. Several much interested "poodles"' assisted in the round-up. Aka Mana was the successful competitor.

THE BABY SHOW. j i The lml)v show was one of the popular I Horns of the day. The entry was a good I one numbering nearly twenty. The fond 1 mothers with their children were lined I up in front of the grandstand, the judir-1 ing being done by that greatest of ai l j critics—the general public. It was, no j doubt, very fortunate for them that the youngsters' were unconscious of the ordeal. The comments passed were most amusing, and caused much merriment. 1 A large number of the spectators exeicised their right to a vote, ,ind the ballot was found altogether too heavy to be dealt with during the afternoon, iir.d it was decided to announce the result at the dance which was held in the evening. Altogether, this show, which was arranged by Mr. Meuli, was a most successful one.

DANCE IN THE EVENING. _ I In the evening a dance was held in j the Town Hall, at which there was a ! large attendance. The floor had l>c;m put in Kond condition, and the Cosgrovu orchestra supplied capital music. Messrs, C. Davis and .T. Bailey proved ofiicient ai'« c. The result of the lialiv show iv:n '!< - clared as follows:—Alec. Butler (Okinawa) 1, Iris Hyiulnianii (Manaia) 2. The was fiiirlv even, and the nthw competitors were' all close up. It is expected that the total proceed.) will amount to approximately £7>>.