PURAKANUI NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22233, 10 January 1936, Page 9

PURAKANUI NOTES

ATHLETIC SPORTS The annual gathering of residents and holiday-makers, for the Purakanui Amenities Society’s sports was held on Boxing Day in fair but windy weather. A large crowd was present, and was entertained during the afternoon by a brass band composed of visitors and crib owners, and conducted by Mr R. Jackson, of Dunedin. • The Sports Coinmittee (Messrs *J. Simpson, G. Davidson, and D. Elliott) was untiring in its efforts to make the meeting a Success, and with the assistance of Messrs C, S. Corke and J. Osborne was responsible for the smooth running of all events. The programme commenced at 2 with the children’s races (all ages), after which every child received* a bag of sweets from Mrs R. Jackson. The results were :—• Night Alarm Race.—Turnbull 1. Brookes 2. Local Boys’ Race.—G. Henry 1, D. Henry and Pauley (equal) 2. Chris. Gardner Memorial, 100yds, open (men), —First heat: K. Nisbet 1. S. Robinson 2, G. Arm(shaw 3. Second heat: J. Osborne, jun.; 1, F.'Stanton 2. Brookes 3. Final: Robinson 1, Nisbet 2.. Wheelbarrow Race. —Simpson and Isaacs 1, Nisbet and Turnbull 2. Married Ladies’ Race.—Mrs Turnbull 1, Mrs R. Lymburn 2. Men’s Sack Race.—First heat: H. Burtenshaw 1, J, Simpson, jun., 2, I. Turnbull 3» Second heat: A. W. Smythe 1, A. Gibbs 2, Mains 3. Final: Turnbull 1, Mains 2. Walking Backwards (ladies). —Miss Knight 1,-Miss E. Frye 2. Three-legged Race ‘(mixed). —First heat: Miss M. M'Lachlan and J. M'Lachlan 1, Miss E. Frye and Baxter 2. Second heat: Miss Hill and W. Parker 1, Miss Campbell and Hill 2. Final: Miss M'Lachlan and M'Lachlan 1, Miss Frye and Baxter 2. The Tug-of-war.—Purakanui beat Osborne. The prizes were presented to the winners of the various races at the conclusion of the sports, and later the president, Mr J. H. F._ Hamel, addressed the crowd on various matters. A special vote of thanks was passed to the local farmers, who allowed visitors to roam at will over their land; to all those who had assisted with donations for prizes,' toys, and sweets; and to Mr D. Elliott, the local school teacher. BOAT PARADE. The annual parade of decorated and" illuminated boats was held on New Year’s Eve. The weather was perfect, and a record crowd was present. ■ Music was again supplied by Mr Jackson’s band. As in former years, Mr H. Paterson’s motor launch, the Macraharnish, towed all competitors up and down the bay, the boats being decorated with gaily-coloured streamers, ferns, and Chinese lanterns. The winners were: Laidlaw 1, Thompson Bros. 2 Misses Paterson and Campbell 3, Timlin 4. After the boats had anchored the crowd gathered in front -of Mr Henry’s store, where the vice-president (Mr J. Simpson) presented the prizes. A short community sing, led by Messrs H. French aiid R. Jackson, was then held. HOLIDAY DANCES. I Holidav dances were held on Boxing Night, New Year’s Night, and Saturday, Jaunary 4. The music for all four dances was supplied by Miss Ethel C. Matheson. pianist, of Dunedin, while Mr D. Elliott, of Purakanui, carried out the duties of M.C. Launches visiting Purakanui during the holidays were the Rover. Marina, Stella, and Ardnamurclian". Some of the crews camped on board 'their launches, while the others pitched tents on shore. Numerous bonfires were lit at midnight on New Year’s Eve in Purakanui and Osborne, and the _ new year was ushered in with singing. Maori liakas. the ringing of bells, and a display of fireworks.