STRATFORD EN FETE

Taranaki Daily News, 3 December 1926, Page 8

STRATFORD EN FETE

PEOPLE’S DAV AT SHOW LARGE CROWDS ATTEND NEW RECORD ESTABLISHED THRILLS IN STEER RIDING AU roads in Taranaki led to the Stratford showgrounds yesterday on the occasion of People’s Day at the A. and P. Show. An unprecedented crowd commenced to arrive early in the morning, and for over two hours a continuous stream of motors and horse vehicles from north and south took possession of the Mountain Road. Over 750 cars were parked in or near the showgrounds and though the usual gate arrangements had been made, extra ticket sellers had to be put on during rush hours. Naturally the gate receipts reached a record, the handsome sum of £423 being taken in entrance fees. The morning dawned fine and sunny, but a warm, light rain fell between 10 and. II o'clock. The prospects, however, ail pointed to better weather, and the rain was no deterrent to visitors. Before lunch the grounds were thronged and the side-shows and amusement devices did good business. ' In this con? nection it was pleasing to note a decided improvement in the appearance of the show. As usual a large number of trade exhibitors were interesting their farmer friends in modern machinery and improved mechanical devices for agricultural work. Over sixty demonstration cars were parked at the stands of their agents, and it is understood good business was done by the watchful attendants. High-class productions vied with each other in general attractiveness. Promptly on time, the parade marshal (Mr. A. Stewart) ushered his wellorganised parade of prize winners into the oval. There were 184 animals massed in lines before the crowded stand w’hen the horse classes were added io the stock previously paraded. The parade was led by the Friesian classes, but the Jerseys were most numerous, 72 out of 134 cattle belonging to that breed. Behind the Jerseys came the Ayrshires, then the Shorthorns, crossbreds. grades and calves. The parade passed without incident so smoothly was it organised. A competent judge afterwards said it was the best grand parade he had witnessed in New Zealand, both from the point of view of the stock exhibited and the conduct of the event, STEER RIDING TONTEST. The innovation of riding wild steers was not introduced into the show programme without some apprehension, but the event undoubtedly drew a great deal of attention to the show. There were 13 steers and all bucked, twisted and doubled as though to order. The riders entered into the spirit of the sport, but once their steeds were released they needed all their “horsemanship” to cling to the heaving backs. ’ As a precautionary measure the steers were all dehorned and the riders were allowed a single rope round the barrel on which to hold. Only one rider (Mr. E. C. Johnson, of Inglewood) rode his mount to a standstill, but several others put up very creditable performances. Unfortunately the sport was marred by two accidents. Mr. C. Thompson, of New Plymouth, was struck on the forehead by a flying hoof just as he was thrown and sustained a painful cut, necessitating medical attention, while Mr. I. Routledge, of Midhirst, broke his wrist in saving himself fom a spill. The winning riders were: — E. C. Johnson (Inglew-ood) ~ 1 A Harrison (Hawera) 2 J. Bryant (Hawera) and J. Mannings (Hawera) equal 3 The steers bucked well and truly, and the first two easily displaced their riders. The third rider, the winner, held on till the end and rode his mount to a standstill, but this steer seemed slightly heavier than some of the others and did not appear to buck quite so furiously. This successful ride was succeeded by a really vicious bullock which swung its rider round its neck and. thence to the ground. The fifth rider did not anticipate a swift side-step and went straight ahead while the steer bounded off still bucking on an altogether different tack, the venturesome rider executing a neat hand-spring on to the ground. The sixth steer bucked its rider over Its head, but he held on by a precarious leg hold for a brief period, creating a tumult of applause for his skill. By distinguishing itself prior to being released by nearly leaping out of the race, the seventh steer created an atmosphere of expectation that was fully realised when the gate was swung open. This was the steer which- injured C. Thompson. The eighth rider retained his seat in a. series of bucks that proceeded right across the oval, finally being deposited near the rails from a swerving side leap. For only a brief interval the ninth rider was seen on top and then he was precipitated swiftly to the ground. This ride contrasted with the next, which was a great struggle between beast and rider, the steer bucking sideways and nil ways and displacing its burden only after an excellent exhibition. After bucking its way across the oval the eleventh steer found its rider still on its back. It seemed to calm down, but a venturesome official crossed its path and the steer made a swerving rush at him. In a fury of bucking the. rider was displaced. The twelfth steer gave a display of contortion, and gave its rider a very rough spin, but the last entry was disappointing, the rider being thrown off almost at once. Little “Hoot” Johnson, of Inglewood, gave an entertaining exhibition of buckjumping on his especially trained yearling prior to the release of the steers. The balance of the afternoon was made up of hunting and leaping events. For the convenience, of mothers, a ladies’ rest tent was established by the Stratford Plunket Society, and was greatly appreciated. During the afternoon a child four years of age became lost and was eared for at the rest tent until claimed by the distracted mother. As on the opening day, thp luncheon rooms had a busy time catering for the crowd, estimated" at nearly 8000 people. Throughout the afternoon the Stratford Citizens’ Band, under the conductorship of Bandmaster F. Kear, rendered enjoyable selections before the grandstand.