GALA DAY AT WAREA.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 March 1922, Page 6

GALA DAY AT WAREA.

A SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. SPORTS AND SALE OF WORK. The wet weather yesterday morning proved disappointing to the residents of the Warea and Puniho district, who for some time past have been working hard to organise a gala day and sale of work in aid of the church building fund. It had been proposed to hold a monster gala day in the Warea domain, which, with its swimming baths, etc., is admirably adapted for the purpose, and complete arrangements had been made, the various stalls having been erected in readiness. However, the wet weather in the morning necessitated a change of plan, and it was decided to hold the sale of work in the hall. Early in the day the hall presented a very busy scene, as the various stalls were laden with good things of every description, and the stall-holders had a' very busy time disposing of their wares. The public recognised the good cause and purchased freely. For some considerable time past a strong ladies’ committee, with Mrs. Coleman at the head, and Miss M. M. Corbett as secretary, has been working hard to ensure the success of the function, and they have every reason to feel pleased at the results, for the settlers of the two districts responded very liberally. Assistance was also forthcoming from Rahotu, Okato, and other parts of the district, and a pleasing feature was the way in which all denominations assisted, both in the equipping of the stalls and also on the day of the fair. Those in charge of the various stalls were: Drapery.—Mesdames F. Larking and R J. Beil. Children's. —Mesdames Coleman . and E. B. Cooke. Produce. —Mesdames M. C. Lawrence and H. Clark. Fruit, lollies and soft drinks. —Mesdames H. Magon and H. Chapman. Surprise packets.—Mrs. C. W. Corbett and Miss M. M. Corbett. Afternoon tea.—Mesdames F. Sole, Payne, Misses Sole, Biggen, and Ruby Hill. Bran tub. —Miss McKegg. Competitions. —Mrs. H. Clark, Misses K. Hill, M. Pearson, Schieb, Elwin, B. Wadsworth, and S. Cooke. Buttonholes. —Miss Enid Hill. In the afternoon the weather proved fine, though somewhat cold, and it was decided to carry out the sports programme in the domain. These were excellently conducted, and provided very keen competition. The principal officials were: Starter, Mr. P. Brophy; handicapper. Mr. E. B. Cooke; judges, Messrs. R. Bell and H. Chapman. The principal results were:— Boys’ race/—J. Graham 1, E. Chapman 2. About eight started. ■ Girls’ race.—E. Meiers 1, F. Chapman 2. 100 yanjs.—E. Timms 1, L. Carey 2, F. Hill 3. Six started. A great race. Won by inches. Stepping the chain. — J W. J. Larking 1 (about 1% inches out), J. Geddis 2. Forty-one competitors. Sack race.—T. Brophy 1, L. Carey 2. Novice Chop. —F. Magon 1, S. Jones 2. H. Johns 3. Five started. Won by a blow. Handicap chop.—H. Magon (scr) 1, C. Magon (3sec) 2, W. H. West (ssec) 3 . Also started: E. Gibson (3sec), B. Jones (lOsec), T. Smith (ilssec). A very close “go.” Only blows separated the placed men. Swimming race.—E. Chapman 1, E. Smith 2, W. Laurence 3. Five started. In the evening a very successful concert and dance was held in the hall. Though it was not possible to obtain details of the takings, the financial results will, considering the adverse weather conditions, prove vei*y satisfactory, and the efforts of the committee should be rewarded by substantially increasing the building fund.