KAWAROA PARK DAY

Taranaki Daily News, 10 April 1928, Page 2

KAWAROA PARK DAY

ANNUAL EFFORT FOR PARK FUNDS RAINY, THREATENING WEATHER.. Gala day at Kawaroa Park yesterday had been prepared for with the same thoroughness but on an even more extensive scale than its predecessors. The committee had provided for the amusement of a huge crowd, but showers m the morning and a threatening sky in the afternoon appreciably thinned ths attendance compared with other years, and the result was therefore not as great as usual. Nevertheless the sum of £3OO was taken, £34 of it being gate receipts.

The weather in no way dampened the enthusiasm of the organisers, however. All day long the showmen shouted “Fisho! Fisho! Try your luck in the fishpond!” or “Throw and win a box of chocolates!” Thus hoop-las vied with fishpond and shies in unceasing competition to coax shillings and sixpences from those who would try their skill. Across the way stalls did a thriving trade in balloons, fancy goods, sweets and, particularly, ice creams. Sandwiches and afternoon tea were sold in the pavilion. Beyond the rotunda, on the sloping green, attractions of a different kind held the interest of a large crowd. Here a huge white greyhound belonging to Mr. S. Lowe gave an exhibition of jumping over a scrim hurdle six feet high. Blindfold boys boxed at one another and at no one in particular, scouts gave exhibitions of first aid to the injured, the pipes skirled for the Highland dancers, and. schoolboys pulled in tugs-of-war, From 11 o’clock onwards there were races for all sizes of children, the competitors numbering hundreds.

The Highland dancing was a feature of the afternoon’s programme and was remarkable for the success of Betty Gillespie, of Dannevirke, aged nine years and tw’o months, who in six events won live first prizes and one second, including the classes for under 16 years. She received, also a medal given anonymously for the open Highland fling. Ser-geant-major McKenzie was ■ the judge, the accompaniments were played by Pipe-major Kirkland and Piper McKenzie, of Dannevirke, and Mr. R. Rae asked as judge’s steward. The results of the Highland and other events are:—

Fling (under 10). —Betty Gillespie 1, Hetty McLaggen (Inglewood) 2. Fling (under 12).—Betty Gillespie 1, Mary Anderson (New Plymouth) 2. Fling (under 16). —Mary Weir (Kent Road) 1, Betty Gillespie 2. Swords (under 12).—Betty Gillespie 1, Hetty MeLaggan 2, Swords (under 16). Betty Gillespie 1, May Weir 2. Seantriubhas. —Betty Gillespie 1, May Weir 2. Blindfold boxing.—Under 12: J. Simpson. Over 12: A. Connett. Sack Race.—l, Hodder, E. Hine 2. In the pull off for the tug-of-war, Central A (W. O’Donnell, T. Murdoch, F. Baker, H. Hardgraves, J. Stroud) defeated Central B (M. Hardgraves, A. Agnew, V. Millman, A. Duncan, R, Crombie). The men’s committee, including those in charge of stalls, was:—Messrs. V. H. Beal (president), R. G. Moverley (secretary and treasurer), J. Brown, Coad, Churchill, Russell, McCracken, Newell, Waters, Petty, Sole, Julian, Cox, Lister (2), Allen, Carter, Millman, E. Beale, Hoskin, Morris (2), Beere (2), Rae, Urry, Parker, Walker, Nodder (2), Taylor, Anstis and W. Hooker. To them and to the ladies all credit is due for the success of the gala in spite of the weather. The ladies in charge of the various stalls were:—Afternoon tea, Mesdames W.' Oliver (lady president), Petty, F. Moverley, Briggs, Nodder (2), R. Jury, Williams, Carey, Bennett, Cliff, McLean, Hunter, E. Hooker, Julian, and the Misses Brown (2), Sole, Knofflock and Bennett; ice cream, Mrs. Wallach and the Misses Beal and Barras; balloon, Mrs. Allen; variety, Mrs. Coad and Miss Irvine; sweets, Mesdames Beal and Mason and Miss J. Beal. Competitions drawn last night resulted as follow:—Coal, sugar and tea (shot in bottle, 314), Mrs. Morrow (313), Mr. W. Coates (317), Mr. R. Jury (310); Gavey basket (wheat in bottle, 539), Mrs. B. Williams (550); box of chocolates (peas in bottle, 485), Mr. R. Rae (472); bag of sugar (matches in bottle, 172), Mrs. H. B. Jones (170), fancy bag (lollies in bottle, 140), Mrs. Peterson (138); supper cloth (rice in bottle, 1350), Mr. L. Harris (1347); the bridal doll was won by Miss Edna Johnson, Waitara. A long night dance was held by the committee in the bungalow last night, there being a large attendance. Mr. J. Hoskin acted as master of ceremonies and the music was provided by Martin’s orchestra. Supper was provided by the ladies.