MAROPIU ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 225, 24 November 1893, Page 5

MAROPIU ATHLETIC SPORTS.

The usual quiet district of Maropiu assumed quite a gala appearance on November 9th, the fifty-second anniversary of the birth of His Royal Highness, Albert Edward. It Musi not he understood however that it w«s iu honour of His Royal Highness that the district assumed its gala garb. Oh no ! I’m afraid we Clcjonialg are not that loyal, and I doubt if amongst the three hundred odd people assembled at the Maropiu Sports on that day whether half a dozen, a thought to the Prince of Wales, In

quiet, district like this, anything in the way of public amusement is a pleasant break to the usual monotony, and is looked forward to and discussed for weeks before hand, in fact me thinks that more pleasure is obtained from the 4 anticipation ’ than from the event itself. Our local sprints!ers (don’t, mistake the word for spinsters Mr Editor) were in high feather at the thought of distinguishing themselves ; of upholding the honour of the district and benefiting their pockets at the same time. One or two (natives) determined to ‘ do or die ’ and went iu fo" heavy training, and sweated themselves down and went, for steak and eggs. Such indeed was the demand on the lattor commodity that the supply ran short, and the producers of the article going out 4 on strike 1 caused a sad state of affairs to ensue. One youth thought it would be advisable to 4 time himself previously, so that on the eventful day he would not make an 4 exhibi'ion ’ *f himself, as he had no notion whether he could ‘get’ or no. He measured off a track therefore, and one evening took his watch along - , and setting his ticker down started off, hut alas ! it had stopped before he had finished. He was not to he daunted however and on the eventful day ran and—lost ! The day was fine though sultry and oppressive, and a few hours after the conclusion of the Sports the rain came down in torrents. How thankful we were that 4 Albert Edward ’ was horn on the ninth, and not. the tenth of the month A number of picnice’S came up by train and made themselves comfortable under the shade of the trees which abound in the vicinity. No doubt they enjoyed themselves. 4 And they wooed and they cooed’—but I’m deviating Mr Editor. As a whole the sports were voted a high success, though some little dissatisfaction was expressed at the handicapping and starting of some of the events. Could there be found anywhere in the Colony any man or any two men who could 4 handicap ’ without being censured by someone ? In the present instance the close finishes and the fair distribution of prizes plainly proved to unbiassed minds that the handicapping was satisfactory,. It is best just to add that it was not the competitors that complained, but those who had made bets on the result, and when their man lost they blamed the starter and handicappers. The 4 hey with ttie wicked eyes ’ did not compete, consequently spectators missed something interesting. The following are the results of the different events : Maiden Race, 120yds—1st Moses, 2nd A Shaw, 3rd Nathan Pauapa. Considerable amusement was caused by two genial heavyweights competing iu this race. The 4 hoy with the wicked eyes ’ said he thought 4 Maiden ’ meant girl or he would have been there. First Heat Cup, valued at £7 10s, 100yds.— Ist H. Lowrie (10yds) ; 2nd, W. Dunn (7yds) ; 3rd, Billy Titori (Byds). A couple of mongrel curs intervened or Dunn would probably have taken first place Boys Race.—Kuka and S. Watkins, dead heat, 3rd Pera.

Quart- r Mile.—lst H Lowrie (20yds) : 2nd J. Neil (syds); 3rd A. Stehr (15yds). There was a big field, but Lowrie was never caught. Second Heat Cup, 200yds.—1st W. Dunn (11yds); 2nd H. Lowrie (15yds); 3rd Haira Poka (4yds). Dunn here showed his superiority to Lowrie. The little crack (Haira) was not up to form.

One Mile.--Ist J. Niel (15yds); 2nd M. O’ Co'inor (90yds); 3rd J. Thompson (65yds) Eight started. Haua (native) took, the lead at a hot pace but soon collapsed. M, Doonan fell twice and threw away what chance he might have had. O’Connor took the lead at an early stage which he maintained for a time hut Neil slowly gained ground. O’Connor spurted but 4 Maropiu Jack’ was not to be denied and took a good lead before coming into the straight, but O’Connor well nigh caught him on the tape, Thompson being a fair third. Neil appeared, greatly distressed. Third Heat Cup, 200yds.—1st W. Dunn (17 yds) ; 2nd PI. Lowrie (20yds) ; 3rd Haira Poka (Byds). Again Dunn showed his powers and won the Cup. Native Race, 300yds.—1st Nathan Pnnapa, 2nd D. Murphy, 3rd W. Dunn. Half Mile.—lst H. Lowrie (35yds); 2nd A. Stehr (26yds) ; 3rd A. Shaw (35yds). This was ag; od race between Lowrie and Shaw. Stehr who appealed to be out of it made a splendid sprint down the straight and ran into second place a few yards from tape. Forced Handicap.—lst A. Stehr, 2nd W. Dunn, 3r.t Nathan Panapa. Consolation.—lst J. Scanlon, 2nd J. Thompson, 3rd A Shaw. Flaxmill was consoled .