PIRONGIA.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 274, 14 April 1898, Page 2

PIRONGIA.

Sports.—The Waipa Amateur Athletic Club were fortunately favoured with beautiful weather for their annual meeting on Easter Monday, a numerous assemblage, and good sports. The Patcrangi Brass Band, under the leadership of Mr Partington, were present, and their excellent music greatly added to the pleasure of all. The results of the various events have already appeare:! in Tuesday's issue of The Waikato Argus, so I need not recapitulate, but special mention of the half-mile race for boys 14 years and under is deserving, as it was most undoubtedly the race that caused more excitement than any other race during the day. For this event there were only three entries—McConky (scratch), Kingsford (10yds), and A. Taylor (47yds) The scratch man, a big lump of a young fellow, won, but the race between the two others for second place was a tough one. Taylor was quite a little fellow, a mere baby to look at compared with his competitors, but the " Wee pet liliputian," as he was dubbed by the spectators, ran a galhnt race right throughout, being passed at times but never losing heart. Although beaten he was close up at the finish, and, game to the last, was the freshest of all, and was enthusiastically cheered by all present. " Tom " Kirk's win in the final heat for the 100 yards handicap was a surprise, as it was somehow (and mistakenly) thought he was not fast enough for a short distance. On the other hand his mile race and win was calculated as the moral certainty it was. All the officers of the club fulfilled their duties in a most satisfactory manner, and nothing occurred to mar the day's pleasure. The Secretary (Mr George Berry) was the right man in the right place, and was most courteous in fulfilling his most onerous duties. Dramatic Entertainment.—ln the evening our Amateur Dramatic Club gave a short vocal and dramatic entertainment in the Public Hall and had what they deserved—a crowded house. The Paterangi Band played several choice selections outside the building prior to the perfotmance in a most appreciative manner and were well applauded. Mr F. W. Lung, M.H.R., the President of the Club, presided and made a short speech, thanking the audience for their patronage, on benalf of the Club. Mr Geof. Bowden gave a song, " The Soldier's Grave," which he sang with great taste and expression and was enthusiastically cheered. Mr George Miles' song, " I Gave Them All A Turn," brought down the house ; the applause was tremendous and the demand for an encore imperative. Mr Malcolm's recitation, " The Old Cigarbox," was splendidly given and much appieciated. The trio and fan dance by the Misses Allan, B. Finch and M. Steele were well executed and vociferously received. After the concert the amusing comedy, entitled " My Lord in Livery," was staged, with the following caste :—Lord S'hilmere, H.M.S. Pheegethon, Mr E. H. Aubin ; Spigott (old family butler), Mr G. Berry ; Hopkins (footman), Mr H. Bell; Robert (buttons), Master F. Hall; Sybil Amberly (daughter of Sir George Amberly), Miss Allan ; Laura and Rose (Sybil's friends), Misses B. Finch and M. Steele. The comedy was a brilliant success from start to finish and kept the audience in convulsions of laughter. To particularise would be iuvidious when all performed so well and the ladies so charmingly. The applause was enthusiastic at the conclusion and the 'Sail before the curtain unanimous. The seats being removed, a most enjoyable dance followed, and was kept up until the small hours of the morning, when all dispersed to a pleasant ride home in the bright frosty morning.—(Own Correspondent).