GREAT EASTER SPORTS

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 4832, 9 April 1936, Page 5

GREAT EASTER SPORTS

NEW ZEALAND'S GREATEST MEETING. THE MECCA OF SPORTS LOVERS. (By "Anchorite.") The erstwhile locked territory of the once wild, but now charming King Country, will be declared wide open on Easter Monday next to receive the swarming crowds that Will make Otorohanga their objective for the great Easter Sports Carnival; which has now grown to gigantic proportions, and steadily increasing popularity in recent years, until now it looms largely in the public eye as the greatest Professional Sports Gathering in the whole of this Dominion. The undaunted Executive, with their efficient and enterprising secretary, Mr. H. E. Lawrence (and his assistants) have spared no pains or expense to gain the success already reached, and to cater boldly for the unique entertainment of their public —each Easter Monday. As an instance of this is the appearance, on Easter Monday next, of Australia's champion wheelmen — Hubert Turtill, Pat Veitch, Frank Thomas and Alby Ralston, who will be seen in action to battle for supremacy against the New Zealand champions—R. Weir (two miles N.Z. champion), W. Good (one mile N.Z. champion), H. Eva (two miles Taranaki champion), W. Pratney (the great Native cyclist), L. G. Thomas (Auckland champion), and a whole host of other renowned professional cyclists. Alby Ralston, who has come from Australia, is a native of N.Z., while Hubert Turtill, the great Australian wheelman, was a competitor at Otorohanga last Easter. In the comprehensive programme of running and jumping events, the flower of the Dominion's athletes will be seen in action, and, as the fields in these events will be large, exciting finishes may be expected. The chopping everts have attracted axemen of renown from all parts of Australasia to compete for the generous prizes offered' by this progressive body of sportsmen. The Maori Hakas and Poi dances, the Highland Dancing and Piping, the Tug-o'-War—all popular features of the Carnival, will be dovetailed into the carefully prepared orogramme, which is calculated to entertain, instruct, and gladden the hearts of some 12,000 spectators. The Club will cater on a very liberal scale, for the seating accommodation of the crowds, as well as _ for their requirements at the various stalls provided for luncheon, and afternoon tea, etc.

Ample parking space is reserved on the grounds for all cars, while the sanitary arrangements have been brought up-to-date. The numerous side-shows scheduled to be present will be an added attraction that will promote a wonderful clay's enjoyment for both young and old. Excursion trains will run to Otorohanga from both north and south on Easter Monday, whilst the service cars are assured of good patronage from many of the outside districts. In the evening, the management entertain their visitors, competitors and patrons at the Easter Dance in the Municipal Hall (and the Friendly Societies' Hall) where the prize monies won by the successful competitors will be presented by the Member for Waitomo, Mr. W. J. Broadfoot, M.P. The Club have carefully prepared the racing tracks and the convincing arena for the cycling and running events, and given a fine day, some memorable contests are sure to be witnessed. The Cycling Derby (of £SO) will probably provide the greatest thrill in the wheelmen's contests. The gathering together of such an array of champions will, undoubtedly, provide the Club's patrons with a day's sport to be remembered in the future years.

To Otorohanga—For Easter. Easter holiday-makers in search of enjoyment at minimum cost, cannot do better than make up a family party for the Otorohanga. Sports, and do the famous Waitomo Caves —on Saturday, Easter Sunday, or the day following the Sports. This great Wonderland is only a few miles from Otorohanga —and the roads are in excellent condition for all motor traffic. To those who enjoy camping and fishing, there are innumerable locations—by lovely clear streams, almost everywhere. Plan your Easter holidays as you may, there cannot be a more attractive proposition than to spend them in the King Country—at the (Sports Carnival and the beautiful Caves. The climate is probably the very best in this Dominion, and a few days amid these healthful surroundings will revive the tired business man, and promote a happy and healthy outing for his family. Some strike for Freedom —some for Home—dear reader, take my advice, and get ready now to strike for the freedom of the King Country for Easter and return home full of the great joy of living—which may be generated by such a healthy and almost costless Easter holiday. (Published by arrangement).