WAIOMATATINI SPORTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 10193, 4 January 1926, Page 3

WAIOMATATINI SPORTS.

SUCCESSFUL MEETING

The annual sports meeting of the Waiapu Athletic Club was held at Waiomataini on New Year’s Day, in ideal weather, and in the presence ed, it is estimated, of close on 2000 people. As was only to bo expected, Maoris were in full force, but there was a fair sprinkling of pakelms in evidence. Both from a financial and sporting point of view, the gathering was a great success, the large supr of £540 being collected in admission fees, canteen charges and entrance fees. Over £2l was taken at the gates. The races were keenlv and well contested and some splendid finishes were witnessed, which reflects credit on the bandicappers. Naturally horse events and chopping events were the .chief features on a nicely selected programme, and the running events were also of an interesting nature Air energetic committee, presided ever by the Hon. A. T. Ngnta, who was everywhere in evidence, assisting with the hard work as well as in the organising part, backed up by the capable secretary, H. T. Fox, carried out the programme arrangements without the slightest hitch. In fact, the sports gathering, taken qn the whole, compared more than favorably with any sports gathering held on the East Coast. Of great assistance to the success of the sports was undoubtedly the assistance given by.the Gisborne City Band, under the leadership of Bandmaster H. Murphy, which was specially engaged for the occasion. The Band’s services were also requisitioned for the dance in the evening, which was held in the. Tiki tiki Hail, when there was a very largo number present, dancing being kept up till Following are the results of the events:—t

440 yards handicap: T. Tibbie 1, It. Taliore 2, 1. Smith 3. Flag Race: Hicks 1, Woodfoot 2. Mile handicap: I. Smith 1, McCaffery 2. C. Craig 3. Standing chop : Tuhora 1, Hale 2. 100yds handicap: Wagner 1, Te Kani and Grace equal 2. Horse jump: C. Farr’s Tar arm 1, S. Farr’s Bishop 2, J. Andrews’ Rainbow 3. . 220vds. handicap: Walford 1, Haig 2. S.’Haua 3. Horse jump (steeplechase): . Barry’s Peggy O’Neil 1, E. Kemp s Nipper 2, J. Andrews’ Rainbow 3. Underhand chop: S. Hale 1, W. Waihi 2. T __ T . Potato race: H. lox 1, J. Moodfoot 2.