TANGITU ATHLETIC CLUB.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 632, 7 January 1914, Page 2

TANGITU ATHLETIC CLUB.

ANNUAL SPORTS.

A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING

The first annual meeting of the above club took place at Mapiu on New Year's Day. The day will long be remembered in the settlement, as that on which the most successful sports meeting which has yet been held took place. Brilliant sunshine and a blue sky caused the settlers with their wives and families to turn out in full force. Visitors were present from Taumarunui, Mangapehi, Aria and other more remote places. Competitors from all over the King Country helped ot make things very interesting. Large fields were the order of the day, especially in the chops and sewing events. The committee are very much indebted to people outside the settlement who donated the splendid trophies which were on view, and which caused keen competition for their possession. Messrs Laidlaw Leeds gave a handsome challenge cup for the Local Chop. Mr Gomez was the donor of the gold medal for the boys' race for boys under sixteen years. The committee worked splendidly together for some time before getting the grounds in order, and also getting the logs needed, and which were a pretty big item for such a host of competitors. The secretary, Mr W. A. Coombridge, was the right man in the right place, and was always found at his post, in fact it is Bafe to say that he did not see an event, which speaks for itself He waß the most hard worked official on the ground, and was well supported by M eßßrs E. A. Guilford, S. Warren, Bratten, A. Clarke, J. Taylor, R. Borvick, and others too numerous to mention. The finishes were in every instance close and exciting, reflecting great credit on the handicappers, who were evidently well up to their work. Good business was doie at the rerfeshment booth, which was in the hands of Mr and Mrs Ringham, supported by a good staff of willing workers. The horse events were very interesting, the judging being in the hands of Mr Goodsir, of Taumarunui, his decisions being well received. Mr C. K. Wilson, M.P., was on the scene, and ran a good second in the old men's race. Results were as follows :

Hurdle Handicap, 120 yds. —J. Brake 1, W. Petersen 2. Timel6Jaec. Also started—J Coombridge. Underhand Chop, 15 inches. C. Miley 1, S. Warren 2, J. Brown 3. Time, 1.25. Also Btarted—L. Parkes, R. Parkes, Henderson, Tyler. F. Ford. Climo, Gundrick, L. Orr. This was a very close finish, a hit only between the placed men. 220 yds Handicap.—F. Northcote 1, W. Petersen 2, J. Fitzgerald 3. Time 26}. Also started Litchwark, P. Orr. Norhcote who was virtual scratch man came with a rattling finish and won by two yards, the others close up.

Boys' Race, -.mder 16. —R. Borvick 1, C. Clark 2, 0. Coombridge 3. Double-handed Sawing 18 inches. — W. Sharps and mate 1, S. Warren and mate 2, N. and V. Fraei 3. Also started—R. Parkeß and mats, R. Climo and mate, J. Taylor and mate. A ding-dong go, the placed men cutting out in a cluster, and keeping the judges' eyes open. Best Gentleman Rider. —J. L. Guilford 1, J. Coombridge 2. Also competed.—Jim Brake, Jack Brake, G. Banfield, S. Warren, C. Gomez, W. Petersen, Daniels. Little Boys' Race, 100yds.—J. Taylor 1, 0. Coombridge 2, P. Goulding 3. Best Hunter. —J. Coombridge 1. Jim Brake 2. Also started—H. Ringham, Jack Brake, S. Warren, W. Petersen, W. Petersen, J. L. Guilford. The first two had to jump several times before the judge would give a decision. Relay Race, half-a-mile for teams of four boys from each Bchool in the settlement. The Kaitangaweka boys gained a good lead in the second lap, and continuing to hold it, won fairly easily. This race created a lot of interest, and the excitement was well worked up right up to the finish. . —Kaitangaweka 1, Mapiu 2, Mokauiti 3. Best Lady Rider. Mrs J. Coombridge 1, Miss Ringham 2, Mrs Moore 3. A very popular win and well received.

Handicap Chop, 15 inch. —W. Sharp 1, H. Henderson 2, L. L. Parkea 3. A good finish, Parkes having hard luck in striking a bad log, otherwise he must have won.

Best Horse High Jump. Jim Brake 1, J. Coombridge 2. Also competed!—S. Warren, J. L. Guilford, Daniels, and G, Banfield. This was another close go between the placed horses, with the position reversed.

Best Trotter. —This event was again won by H. Ringham, with J. L. Guilford second.

120 yds Handicap.—Jim Brake 1, Jack Brake 2, W. Petersen 3. This event was run twice, as the first start was declared "no race." The finish was the closest of the day, incheß only between the first three men.

]soydß Handicap.—John Brake 1, F. North:ott 2, W. Petersen 3. Also started —R. Kenny, Fitzgerald, P. Orr. Won on the taps, inches only separating second and third. Single Ladies' Race. Miss Martin 1.

Married Ladies' Race. —Mrs Williams 1. Also started —Mrs Cooper, Mrs Tyler and Mrs Taylor. A stray dog upset calculations and inciden-

tally three of the runners, Mrs Williams finishing by herself. Local Chop, 12 inches, —Henderson 1, Tyler 2, W. Sharp 3. Another finish which reflected great credit on thn handicapper, as all three blocks fell within a second of each other, with several others close up. Old Men's Race. —J. Donnelly 1, C. K. Wilson, M.P. 2. This was a ding-dong go, the winners going so fast that they could hardly be recognised as they flashed by the judge. A dance finished up a great day, a large crowd of fifty couple 3 being present. Music was supplied by Messrs Morrey and King. The duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Mr S. Warren. Dancing was kept going till daylight.