OKATO PATRIOTIC SPORTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1918, Page 8

OKATO PATRIOTIC SPORTS.

A SUCCESSFUL GATHLRLnG. The weather y\jterday afternoon, though fine, was rather cold; yet this did not interfere with the attendance at the Okato patriotic sports, which were, held in Mr. \V- J. Gray's paddock and proved an unqualified success from every point of view. The executive —.Messrs J. S. Fox, R F. Roebuck V. Vinsen, and C. Gill—have every reason to be satisfied with the liberal way in which the public supported them, patronising everything. It is estimated that the takings will be in the vicinity of £l5O. Mr. W. J. Gray had promised a donation of £25 if the receipts reached £IOO, and early in the afternoon he brought his cheque along. There were a number of visitors present from other districts, and their welfare was looked after by an entertainment eo7nmittee, comprising Messrs J. S. Fox, C. Andrews, and C. Gill. A special committee of returned soldiers, comprising Messrs D- Fox, A. Thompson, and H. Richardson, was delegated to look after the returned soldiers presentThere was not a dull moment during the afternoon. The feature of the afternoon was undoubtedly Professor Vinpepper's side show. This gave two performances, and realised just on £23, and had there been time two more would have taken equally well. The clever work of the ponies trained by Bert Vinsen, who was the organiser of the show, the huckjumping, in control of X. Pepperill, the drolleries of the clown (\V. Willis), the card tricks by a Maori, and the wire-walking by Messrs. Woods, all combined to produce a show that proved an eye-opener to spectators. In this huge marquee was held the baby show, which was controlled by Messrs C. Andrews, ,T. S. Fox, and J. Wcoldridge- It was witnessed by a large crowd, and evoked keen competition. Mrs. (Dr.) Walker, the judge, made the following awards:—Rabies under nine months: Baby Roy Willis 1, Baby Avis Gray 2. Under 18 months: Baiby Alexander 1. The prizes were donated by Mesdames W. J. Gray and Gil! Good business was done in the sale of surprise packets. Mrs-A. Muir, Misses Jones, Wooldridgo ( - 2), and Hickford disposed of 4Gli in quick time. There were also various competitions for table centres, etc., all of which added to the

The ladies in charge of the afternoon tea—Mesdames W. J Gray, J.' S. Fox, L. A. Hunter, L Andrews, Draden, A. Muir, Ashley, and Misses Sterry and Jones—had a busy time, and their stock had to be replenished early in the afternoon, the Catering Committee—Messrs R. F. Roebuck and J. S. Wooldridge—having under-estimated the capacity of the crowd. Mr. E. Leedom did good business with the soft drinks stall. THE SPORTS, The sports wore controlled by Messrs J Carey, J. Brophy, R. C. Larsen, P. Corbett, running and wrestling; C. Corbctt, V. Andrews, H. E. Corbett, goalkicking, etc.; J. Power, R. P. Roebuck, Ainsley, tug-of-war; S. Dailey, greasy pig; B- Andrews, stepping chain; Messrs L. Wooldridge, 11. Johnston, ring tilting; H. E- Corbett, P. Corbett, J. L. Power ,novelty races. The results were as follow: 100 Yards.—First heat, G. Bell 1; second heat, J. Tuku 1; final, J. Tuku 1, T. O'Shaughnessy 2. Fifteen starters. Kicking Football.—J. L. Power 1. Forty-one entries Sheaf Tossing.—S- Daily 1. Sixteen entries. 150 Yards.-G. Bell 1, T. O'Shaughnessy 2. Stepping Chain.—E. 0- Meredith 1 (exact distance). 78 entries. Throwing the Cricket Ball.—E. Sanson 1. Twenty-four entries. Tilting in the Ring.—H. Sanson 1. Greasy Pig.—Doug. Fox 1. The Sheep Guessing was controlled by Messrs Jenkins, Hunter, and M'Lcod. It was won by Mr. Ben. Gray, who guessed 2031b, the actual weight of the sheep. There were numerous races for children throughout the afternoon, Messrs R. C- Larsen, A. Roebuck, and W. A. Corbett having charge of this department. The horse events were controlled by Messrs C. Gill, R. B. Gray, S. Daily, and A. Muir. There were large entries and iclose finishes. Mr. E. W. Wheatley I (Lepperton) judged the jumping. The results were: — Milkcart Trot—W. Duggan 1, J.Duggan 2. Turning Out.—H. Sanson 1, N. Pepperill 2. Fifteen entries. Leaping Competition.—J. M'Leod's Biplane ], C. Gill's Morning Star 2. Tilting in the Ring—H. Lett and Harrison (dead heat) 1. Twenty entries. A number of prize-winners re-donated their prize-money. All the committee worked hard to ensure the success of the but special praise must be given to the secretary (Mr. .T. MT.eod), who had an arduous task to perform, but carried it out most efficiently. The dance in the evening was very largely attended, the committee responsible being Messrs C. Corbet, V. Andrews, H. Johnston, L. Wooldridge, and IA- Roebuck, who had nAde complete arrangements.