WEATHER AFFECTS ATTENDANCE.

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 2930, 27 October 1925, Page 5

WEATHER AFFECTS ATTENDANCE.

COLD WIND AND DULL SKY,

BUT SUCCESSFUL NEVERTHELESS.

A change in the weather in the early , hours of yesterday morni.'.ig made conditions unpleasant at the Southbridge Labour ■ Day Sports yesterday, but 'did not interrupt the programme, and the events all passed off successfully- as scheduled. The Athletic Club had been looking forward to a record day yesterday, a«d there was -every indication that its hope.^would have been fulfilled had the bright weather of. the previous w,eek held out. In view of the weather, the gate takings, totalling £52 13s 6d in shilling, sixpenny and motor car tickets, is considered as satisfactory, about £20 short of last year's takings. £ When they heard the dismal sound, of rain falling on their roofs at daybreak yesterday, many people were in. fear that the holiday would be entirely , spoilt. But arrangements were all i complete to the last detail, and.it was decided to continue with the sports, Although a biting south-west wind swept **"*' across the ground all day, there was practically no rain after the programme / had , started, and i,n the afternoon the . sky cleared a. little. The district peopie rolled up in good numbers, but the cold wind drove many of them under the shelter of the grandstand or into their cars. A special train of twelve carriages from Christchurch was.poorly patronised, there being only about 250 passengers. Heavy showers of rain in town just before the<xleparture of the train caused many intending holidaymakers to turn homewards. Although, late i.n starting, the races were put through without loss of time. A number of • competitors who had entered for races failed to appear. The cycling events drew a heavier entry than foot races and post entry field events were mostly well contested. The da.neing and piping contests were again popular. The officials were all on the . • spot when wanted, and there was no room for complaint in the conduct of the races. The cycling track had been put i,n good order, and while the rain might have made it a trifle heavy to b^gin with, it was effective in clearing it of dust. The running track had received as much attention as time would afford, and the remark Avas heard that it was in better order tha,n that at English Park, which is surely a compliment. A vast improvement was , made this year in the manner of displaying the results. The number of the event and the wi,nnii.g competitors' numbers wero shown in large plate letters as soon as the race: or heat was finished, the apparatus being borrowed on trial. The Club hopes to procure similar equipment of its own next year. ,Good catering was provided at a re'freshme,nt booth conducted by Mrs Home and at a drink and fruit stail gallons of cordials went west. Several visiting showmen conducted side" amusement stands] In the evening a dance was held in the Town Hall. Mr D. Taylor is president of the Club and Mr F. A. Strack, assisted by Mr D. Hayes, performed the secretarial duties. The results were as follows: —