OKATO PATRIOTIC SPORTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 May 1917, Page 7

OKATO PATRIOTIC SPORTS.

IN-AID OF THE Y.M.C.A. .Tlip weather on Thursday was perfect for tho Pntriotio Sports, held at Okato 'in aid of tiie funds of the Y.M.C.A., and there was a good attendance. The fete was held in a paddock alongside the sale yards, generously loaned by Mr. W. J. Gray. Despite the recent wet weather the paddockjuvaa quite dry under foot, and as, the sports were kept moving m'errily an enjoyable day was spent. It k expected tiiat over £IOO will he realised. A strong committee, with Mr. L. A: Hunter as chairman, J. WooMridge treasurer,, and A. Walls secretary, deserve to be complimented upon the completeness of the arrangements and the success of the gathering. The Mock Court created considerable amusement' and added to the funds. A milk waggon was pressed into service as a Court house, and herein Julge McLeod presided and dispensed justice with a lavish hand. Mr. J. Wooldndge, K.C., was prosecuting counsel, and Constable Larry Carey, assisted by Detective Hunter, brought prisoners forward very quickly and kept tho court busy. Pine's were inflicted as follows:—A. Sanson, Weeping mugs da. the premises, £1; J. S. Fox, selling things and working on Sundays;• £1 la; E. Meredith, too dry, to tell the truth, fls; Chas. Andrews, tearing up the road' with his motor car, 10s 6d.

Misses "Roberts, Lee, Sanson and Eoebuck did excellent business, disposing of 350 surprise packets in an hour and a half. These surprise packets contained Orders for items varying from a packet of Epsom salts or a baby's dummy to a bag of flour, a fat sheep, or a trip to the mountain. Practically everything was donated, and the funds were increased by £l7 10s as a result.

The afternoon tea tent was in charge of Mesdames Hunter, J. Wooldridge and Bridgemari, who were kept busy, as was also the refreshment booth, which was in charge of Mr. E. Leedom. There were several guessing competitions including a sheep and bottle of peas. Mr. J. H. Anderson had charge of a side show, "Aunt Sally," ajjd did good business. The bottle contained 2367 peas, and the nearest guesses were J. H. Anderson, 2350 arid Mrs. Carter 2350. SPORTS. "A varied and'interesting sports nro-. gramme. w.as put through, controlled bv Messrs;""A'.* L. Hunter, J. J. Carey, J. Corbott, H. Dunn, A. Walls, P. Cor'bett. H. Brennan, L. Andrews, J: McLeod, J. Wooldridge, E. Leedom, J. H. Anderson, L. Carey, 1 T. Healin, P. Brophy. W. A. Corbett ;and J. Brophy. The winners of the events Were:

Goal kicking competition—C. Sanson 1, N. Gordge (returned soldier) 2. Twentyfive entries. Sack race—L. Carey I, J. Carey 2. Five started, Three-legged race—L. Carey and H. E. Corbett 1, A. Wall and F. Anstci 2. Five couples started. Sweepstake chop of ss, first prize £4, second £l—T. Corbett Ssec 1, J. Green ISsecs 2, E. Gibson ISsecs 3. Also startjed, R. Julian 4secs., J. Fraser 4secs., W.' ,T, Brjrlgeman loseca. Won with very little to spare. A good finish. Time db sees.

Turning competition on horseback—H. Breiman 1, R. Kelly 2. Over 20 entries. Tossing tho sheaf—L. Carey 1, H. Hunn 2." About 23ft. Trotting',milk cart horse—E. Honevfleld's Anything I, T. Putt's Duko 2." Sweepstake chop—E. Gibson Usees. 1, J. Green Usees., 2, R. Julian, Ssccs., 3. Also started, P. Corbett scr., J. Fraser, scr., A. L. Hunter, 20sec8. Won with little to spare; olsecs. Stepping tho chain—,!. Dennis 1. About SO entries. Tilting the ring in wheelbarrow—D, O'Neill 1, L. Carey 2. About 30 entries. Sheep guessing—J. Clelow 93%1bs (actual weight 98) 1, J. S. Fox fMlbs. Throwing the cricket ball—P. "Corbett 1. School boys' mile—L. Julian 1, E. Julian 2. About 12 starters ;\a good race. THE DANCE. , The hall was crowded in th.B ing, when a dance was held. Mr. P. Corbet was M.C., and excellent music was, provided by Mr. R. B. Barnett, extras" being played by Miss Aylwsird and Mr. Doyle. At intervals songs were ■ contributed b_y Private E. Andrews (returned soldier)' and Mr. W. Perry (New Plymouth), and a musical monologue by Mr. Bert Vinsen. All were encored. Supper was handed round.

The funds were increased to the extent of nearly £0 by sheep donated by Messrs J. Wooldridge'and E. Shaw, a'porker W. H. Bridgenjan and a hay fork T. Street, these'articles finding ready sale. Before the conclusion Mr. L. A. Hunter, chairman of the committee, announced, amidst applause, that the proceeds ha'd totalled up to within a reasoni able reach of £IOO, and the committee would not be satisfied until £IOO had been raised. Accordingly the mock court was again invoked, and in the course of a few minutes Judge McLood had mulcted various offenders in small amounts, sufficient to bring the total to the "century." ■ ..