CHOPPING CARNIVAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5666, 21 December 1920, Page 6

CHOPPING CARNIVAL.

GREAT BOXING DAY ATTRACTION

The committee of the Poverty Bay Axemen's Sports Club, which has for many months past been actually engaged in making preparations for the Carnival on Monday and Tuesday next, has all the arrangements for _ next week well in hand. Iff is, anticipated, and with good reason too, that the meeting will be one of the largest ever held in the Dominion. The events, especially the world's championships, have been systematically advertised in all countries where ivpodsmen anc * axemen abound, and it is expected that many visitors will be present in, Gisborne next week. Tho growth of the present organisation is evidence of the work which lias been accomplished, and is the result to a large extent of the untiling efforts of the organiser, Mr A. E. Davy. Early in the year when the proposed championship contests were first suggested, there were many sceptics who considered the project beyond the capabilities of the local club. Others, more optimistic, proceeded with the work, and compiling an attractive programme, have compelled . even greater interest than was anticipated. The result is that nominations which havp* been received are greater than Jras ever been the case when the contests were previously held. Apart from securing nominations the committee had an enormous undertaking before them in making preparations locally. A good track and field had to be secured, and seating accommodation provided. The arrangements are now approaching finality. An ample supply of logs has been secured for the sawing and chopping contests, and seating accommodation has been provided for 2500 people. At a meetingheld last week the various officials were •elected and everything possible done to assure that the programme would be carried out without any delay. Evidence of tlie activity of the committee is readily obtained by a visit, to the Reserve. The track upon which the cvcling and athletic events will be held has bean carefully prepared and is now in good order. The three grandstands which have been erected are all in excellent positions. Two of these each accommodates 1000 people, while a smaller one will seat about 500. The blieks for the chopping eventy have already been placed at the southern end of the centre enclosure, where these events will take xilace. Provision has been made for a luncheon room, the Rugby Union’s training shed having been fitted up for this purpose. Stalls of various descriptions will also be placed on the ground, while ample space is provided for picnickers, for whom hot water will be available. The circus and other sideshows will be situated on the hockey grounds. Special, trains are being arranged for the benefit of country visitors, while provision is also being made for the parking of motor cars.