WAITARA.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 October 1919, Page 3

WAITARA.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Oct. 28. The Clifton Football Club were fortunate in having a perfect day for their sports yesterday. There was a very fair attendance, though not as large as was expected considering the object in view and the attractions advertised. Possibly counter attractions in New Plymouth and othef places had some effect on the attendance. His Worship the Mayor, in a short speech, started the programme of opening the/ memorial gates. He instroduced the speakers, Mr. W. T. Jennings, M/P., and Revs. Gavin and Lawrence, and Mr. C. E. Perkins, who all made brief reference to the boys who had laid down their lives for the safety of the Empire- Mr. \Y. T. Jennings then cut the tapes which held the Union Jack across the gateway, and declared the gates open. His Worship the Mayor, with Mrs. W. Chapman, senr., were the first couple to pass through, with Mr. Jennings and Sir. W. Chapman, senr., next, then the crowd passed through to the Sports Ground, and the sports were commenced.

The children's tug-of-war was won by Tikorangi, who defeated the Waitara Public School and the Waitara Catholic School.

The 100 yards race was won by P. Rackley, as also was the 220 yards, after very close finishes in both events. The standing high jump, for a medal presented by Mr. T. Fowler, was won easily by Mr. T. Fowler, who gave an exhibition of jumping, after the other competitors were beaten, by clearing the bar which had been raised about 2in. higher than before.

The Fire Brigade one-man coupling event was won by S. Crow in very fast time, with B. Murgatroyd second. I have been unable so far to ascertain what the takings were, but the day should have been very successful. The ice cream and soft drinks stall was besieged all the afternoon, and it was almost impossible to get served without waiting a considerable time. The Waitara Band played selections during the afternoon, which were much appreciated, and did a good deal to enliven the proceedings. The sports were well worth going a good way to see, as the events were run off smartly and there was something on all the time. The horse jumping competition was well contested, and the judges had considerable trouble in deciding as to the winner. This was one of the principal attractions of the day.