WAITARA SEASIDE FETE.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 March 1919, Page 3

WAITARA SEASIDE FETE.

A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. WAITARA RETALN'S TABOR SHIELD. The Waitara Seaside Improvement Committee has during the past two or three years done great work in the direction of popularising and improving the Waitara beach and its approaches. Evidence of this is shown by the fine con-, crete bathing sheds that have been erected for ladies and men, the latter having actually been put up by an enthusiastic band of eight men. The society was, therefore, much encouraged yesterday by the large crowd which, despite the threatening aspect of the weather, gathered on the beach on the occasion of the annual picnic, which was held to provide funds for further improvements. It was hoped to raise £SO, and, judging by the enthusiasm displayed, that amount should easily be attained. The committee, which comprised Messrs. Ogle, (president), L. H. Sampson, Geo. Nosworthy, E. C. Jones, H. Hawker, L. Oldham, E. Huffam, A. Puzzey, C. Dugdale and J. Laing, had made complete arrangements for the gathering, and deserve to be congratulated on its success, towards which a willing band of helpers con- ] tributed. A special word of praise is due .to the secretary (Mr. A. J. Arms). The ladies, as usual, were prominent in rendering invaluable assistance, and the luncheon and afternoon tea stall controlled by Mesdames A. ,J. Arms, C. Aubrey, H. Spurdle, F. Clare, B. Mustjen, H. Langman, C. Blanchard, Brabant, Morrison and Miss Sutherland, had a very busy time, as did also the soft drinks, ice cream and lolly stall under the control of Mesdames G. Nosworthy, Young, Taylor and Miss Purdie. Guessing competitions for cakes, etc., also added to the funds

The Waitara Band, under Bandmaster H. E. Cudby, enlivened the proceedings with a programme of music, their playing b' ing l'avoi'ab.'y commented on. The principal event was, of course, the the life-saving competition for the Tabor Shield. Two teams competed., viz.. Waitaii, who hold the shield at present, and New Plymouth Girls' High School. There was keen disappointment at the nonappearance of any New Plymouth team. It was understood that East End intended entering a team, but tbroi.gli time misunderstanding they missed their nomination. The competition was a very good one, and was closely followed by spectators. The Waitara team consisted of B. Baker (support), J. Brough (belt), Roy N. George (captain and first linesman), C. Keigh (reel), R. Butcher (second linesman), H. M'Garvie (third linesman and resuscitator), and E. Proctor (subject). The team went out in 3min 51sec and returned in 3miu 20 2-Ssec, being awarded !)3 points as follows: Drill before entering water, 10; going out, 13J: returning, 14; signalling, yy 2 ; resuscitation, 9; warmth, Si; drill at finish, !H; command, discipline and general, 19, They thus retain the shield.

The New Plymouth Girls' High School team comprised M. Sladden, D. Brown, C. Fairbrother (captain), C. Musker, A Leslie, F. Cameron and E. Ballantyne. Tliey went out in 4min 12sec and returned in 4min ISscc, being awarded S7J points, as follows: 8, 12{, 9, 9, 9, 9, ISi. The girls were given hearty applause, led by their opponents, for their line performance, when the result was announced by Mr. S. G. Smith, M.F. Mr. P. A. Mathieson acted as judge, and Messrs. ,1.. Bennett and A. J. Arms as timekeepers. It could not be said that the sea was easy, and in this the home team possibly had some advantage, being familiar with the beach. The girls deserve great credii for getting within appoints of the men's team. Some swimming events ' were held in the Waitara River, Mr. P. A. Mathieson acting as judge, Messrs. P. A. Mathieson and X. A. Christensen as handieappers, and Mr. T. Buchanan as starter. The results were:

Waitara Schoolboys' Race.—W. Skelton 1, C. Tate 2, C. Fairley 3. Girls' Diving— M. Sladden 1, D. Brown and C. Musker (dead heat) 2. All New Plymouth Girls' High School girls. Boys' Diving.—D. Telfar, 1; C. Tate, 2C. Elliott, 3. • Girls' Race, under 10 years,—May Smart (ssec) and Marjorie Sladden (uer.l, dead heat. Also started: Flora Cameron ("sec). Young Ladies' Race, over 1G years M. Sladden (lOsee) 1; D. Brown "(scr) 2, A. Leslie (losee) and C. Musker (20sec) .The tug of war for the society's challenge cup provided great contests. The boys being evenly matched, the pulls proved very strenuous, and the society will have to consider placing a time limit. Waitara (H. SkeH.on, W. .Toll, L Hoskin, W. Limmer, K. Anderson, C Fairley, M. French) beat Tikorangi (C Puree, K. Jury. R„ J)., 8., A. and E. Foreman) after two great pulls, but were beaten in the f ma l after a strenuous tussle by Waihi (Miki Mason, Joe Butler. Ken Stockman, Hoy Sarten, E Stewart. J. Clare and K. Jones). The half mile relay race for the Rewi Foto Cup (presented by Mr. T. Buchanan), resulted: Waitara No. 1 (H. Skelton, K. Anderson, W. Joll, C. Fairley), 2mm Msec 1; Motnnui (Stewart, J. Butler, Sarten, Mason), 2min lgsee, 2- Waitara No. 2, 2min 21 2-ssec. Also started: Tikorangi, 2min 2Msec„ and Waitara No. 3 2min 291-Sscc. The winners receive silver buttons. Stepping the Chain.—R. Brown, 1. Ladies' Nail Driving.—Mrs. Watson, 1; llrs. K. George, 2. Messrs. E. C. Jones and Godinagh looked after the interests of the children, who had a great day, numerous races being provided which produced large fields and keen competition. Mr. T. Buchanan had no envious task as judge. A social held in the evening was largely attended. ° J