COSTUME FOOTBALL MATCH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8490, 19 July 1907, Page 5

COSTUME FOOTBALL MATCH.

CABDRIVERS v. CARRIERS. The costume football match, Cabdrivers v. Carriers, in aid of Mr J. K. Blinkhorne and- family, was played on the Showgrounds, afternoon, before one of the largest* crowds that has been seen on the grounds. The weather was all that xould be desired. The proceedings opened with a procession from Pinhey's Stables to the .Showgrounds. The Masterton Municipal Brass Band, the Masterton Pipe Band, and Fire Police took part in the procession, as well as all the players in fancy costume. The costumes represented all classes and nationalities and the original and humorous designs were favourably commented upcn. The procession was divided into two sections, Captain J. Dixon, of the Fire Police, acting as marshal. The first section consisted of the carriers' team, headed by the Masterton Municipal Brass Band and "Mounted Constable" Young. The cabdrivers team, led by the Masterton Pipe Band and "Mounted Constable" Pinkney, brought up the rear. As the procession passed along Queen Street, the thoroughfare was crowded with people. Arriving at the Showgrounds the combatants were photographed, and then the battle for the "Ranfurly Challenge Shield" commenced in earnest. The match itself provoked much merriment among the onlooke-s and was full of humorous incidents. Various nationalities were represented in the struggle. At times a feathered Apache war-chief, with a war-whoop, would make a desperate raid on the enemy's quarters, but would be tackled by a dusky Maori "wahine" or promptly arrested by a booted and spurred policeman. Then a kilted Highlander, distinguished by many medals, would break away oniy to be brought to a full-stop by a little Jap getting a jiu-jitsu hold on to him. At last a motor-car dashed on to the field of play, and a brilliant idea seized the "cabbies." They boarded the car, and receiving a pass from the referee made for their opponents' goal line, where one of their number grounded the ball be--tween the posts. Amid deafening cheers the assistant referee, a venerable Druid with a hoary beard, tooted his horn and announced "a fair try." "Pryor" Gilbert made a desperate attempt to convert the try. but failed. This was the only "score" of the match. At the conclusion of the game, the players, and even the referee, were undecided as to who had won. The "cabbies," however, promptly seized the banner and shield and marched off the field declaring that they had won the match. The duties of referee were nominally carried out by Mr C. A. Pownall, but he had the services of a deputy, who was armed with a clock and a motor horn. Dr. R. V. Hosking and Mr F. W. Carey were the line umpires, but their duties were not onerous. The ball was seldom allowed to go out, and when it did there was a vigorous discussion as to who should be privileged ro throw it in. The other attractions on the ground were motor-car rides for children and two guessing competitions. The motor-car was lent by Mr J. C. Ewinglon and was kept busy all the afternoon. The guessing competitions, in which competitors had to guess the weight of a live pig and sheep, "were liberally patronised. The correct weight of the sheep was 116Jlbs, and the winner was Mr D. G. Brown, of Masterton, who guessed 1151bs. The pig weighed 701 bs. Mr H. W. Buttrey, of Masterton, guessed the exact weight of the animal and won the competition. Afternoon tea was provided under the grandstand by a large number of ladies, who voluntarily gave their services, and excellent business was done. The afternoon's proceedings were considerably enlivened by the Masterton Municipal Brass Band and Pipe Band, who rendered several selections in front of the grandstand. A collection was taken up at the gates and about £45 obtained. The proceeds from the afternoon tea amounted to £lO 18s 5d and from the guessing competitions £3 8s 6d. In conjunction with the football match, a dance was held in the Drill Hall, last evening, under the auspices of the Masterton Rifle Volunteers. There were about forty couples present. The floor, which was specially prepared by Mr A. 0. Levien, was in capital order. The music was supplied by Mr T. Fawcett, and Messrs W. D. Ayson and W. Iggulden were M's.C. The committee of the Cabdrivers and Carriers, and a committee of the Volunteers, consisting of the officers, Colour-Sergeant Morton, Sergeant Sayer and Privates Prentice and Levien, carried out the arrangements for the dance.