THE GYMKHANA.

Feilding Star, Volume II, Issue 513, 26 March 1908, Page 4

THE GYMKHANA.

MARKED BY BAD WEATHER. Yesterday's gymkhana, held on the l eilding racecourse in aid of the funds of tho Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, was to a large extent spoilt by the unpleasant weather, and, indeed, it is surprising to know that there Avill not be a loss on the undertaking. The attendance was something under 200, and the entries for the various classes of decorated bicycles, motors, traps, etc., were limited to a few. However, the various decorations which did put in an appearance were woll worth looking at, and tho gathering, keenly critical, offered many expressions of approval. The delicate task of judging was taken by Messrs Montgomery, Ledoz, and Carty, and they had considerable difficulty in choosing the prize-winners in several classes. This was specially the case with the motor-cars, child's ponies, bicycles, and umbrellas. During the afternoon, an exhibition of lancers on bicycles was given by a company of ladies and gentlemen who had been coached by Miss Long, and this was t lie most interesting feature of the programme. It is hoped that in the near future an opportunity will be given for a repetition of this interesting item. Jumble and sweet stalls, and afternoon tea in the luncheon room, were in charge of the ladies of the Society, and, being liberally patronised, made a big augmentation to the funds. • Owing to the wet weather, it was decided to abandon the fireworks display set down for the evening. Probably an effort will be made shortly to select a fine night for this display, when something good should be forthcoming. Following are the results : — Decorated motor. — N.Z. Farmers' Motor Co. 1, Mrs Glasgow 2. Decorated trap. — Miss Lethbridge 1, Mrs Long 2. Novelty vehicle. — Mr Chas. Roberts (sociable bicycle with go-cart attached) 1, Mrs Miller (ricksha) 2. Child's pony.— Willie Sanddlands 1, Grace Barrett 2. Decorated bicycle. — C. Barton 1, May Prior 2. Decorated go-carfc. — Miss Sloane 1 (special merit). Decorated parasol. — Miss Shannon 1, Mrs C. Morton 2. Child in character. — Mary McFarlans (Highland costume) 1. Jack and Jill race. — This event proved an amusing one. The competitors (mixed pairs) had to cyr el'e to buckets of water, leave I the bicycles and take the water to boxes further on, then go back for their bicycles, mount and pick up the water and race for home. There were three entries. Miss Phylli3 Walker and Mr Gordon Logic were first, arriving without spilling much water ; Miss Luxmoore and Mr A. Hobbs were second, having been beaten l>y a length. Other items on the programme had to be abandoned owing to the rain.