Waharoa.

Matamata Record, Volume XVII, Issue 1544, 19 July 1934, Page 4

Waharoa.

FANCY-DRESS FOOTBALL Waharoa Gala Day It has been said that Englishmen take their pleasures sadly, but this certainly does not apply to Waharoa--ites, in whom there is a large strain of Scotch blood. Periodically residents of Waharoa join in community play, when all sections roll up, and one of the most popular of these functions is the annual fancy-dress football match which was inaugurated last season. The second game took place on Tuesday, when teams representing the factory and the country faced each other. The teams, members of which were driven to the ground by Mr. N. C. East on a gaily-decorated lorry drawn by two fine horses and followed by 12 cars, were recognised as follow: — The Country. —J. Keeley (Pierrot), R. Burns (.Soubrette), G. Carolan (Maid of the Bath), W. Barlow (Negress), W. Wilson (Mae West), J. Orr (Pierrot), G. Carseldine (Maid of All Work), W. Grant (Sweet Sixteen), W. Hughes (High School Girl), A. Carseldine (Cowboy), G. Hill (Negro), R. Devey (Sundowner), A. L. Clark (Granddad). ,

The Factory. Wathen (Pierrot), R. Petch (Troubadour), L. Keaney C. Barker (Pierrot), L. 1 1. Cubis (Pierrot), R. Walker (Basketball,Girl), H. E. Tordoff (Spaniard), A. Carseldine (Milkmaid), F. Litchwark (School Girl), J. Portland (Pierrette), F. Stevens (School Girl), W. Williams (High School Girl), A. Davis (Charlie Chaplin). Referee.—Mr. T. Walker (Clown).

An ambulance post was stationed near half-way, and consisted of a stretcher on which were several bottles of cow drench, teat salve, pump, butcher’s saw and knife, and other articles likely .to be necessary in case of accident. Dr. Pain (Mr. J. D. Bryce) was in charge, and carried the usual black bag, which he opened frequently. Shortly after the kick off the referee stopped the game to announce that apologies had been received from Messrs. A. K. Weeks, C. Costall, H. Lewis, J. Cogswell and T. Hetia, and that Bill Ayers would be linesman. The former announcement was received with cheers and the latter with amusement. The game being resumed, butterfat rose and soon became offensive. As the referee was used to this .no penalty was awarded. The Maid of All Work got in a hefty punt ana was promptly penalised for unladylike conduct. Joe Keeley, with pale determined face, led several rushes, but each time succumbed to the wiles of the “ ladies ” who were on the defensive. For the next 10 minutes play hovered around touch near the ambulance post until the official linesman, by uncorking the bottles, assured several players there was nothing but cow drench. Play then veered to the other wing, where Sweet Sixteen and the Troubadour were caught unawares. In the succeeding helter skelter the Maid of the Bath fell on the ball with several cowboys and pierrots on top. The referee awarded a try, but the situation was so embarrassing that no one protested. At the other end Mrs. Burns became greatly upset—she trod on the ball. Joe Orr made a determined rush but was promptly squashed, and the referee blew three times. Being revived by Dr. Pain, as were several others, Orr sent Keeley away. Joe tried the same tactics, but the quack advised that the bottle was empty. Scrums were popular at this stage, except with those who wore their wives’ corsets, and both teams fell over the line. When the mass lifted, Joe was seen lying on the ball near the flag with his tongue out. In the circumstances the referee had no option but to award a try. The referee went to the goal, and so did Miss Carolan. The result was an easy conversion. A tottering run by Granddad Clark,, and a dash by Charlie Chaplin, who used his stick with effect, followed. A try seemed likely when the Milkmaid did the splits and held up the game. Fresh nether garments having been provided, the game was resumed amid groans for the doctor. Pain arrived for the “umpteenth” time, still with his new bowler hat intact. \ It is' understood, however, that this will not be overlooked next year. The ball was booted to touch, but the game proceeded in many parts of the field. Shortly afterwards the timekeeper called out “It’s finished,” and play suddenly stopped. The referee then rather unwisely announced the scores as being, Coun(Continued in Next Column)

try 11, Factory 5. Who secured the other points only the referee knows, and he won’t tell. It is understood, however, that a compromise was effected ■ and that Factory will win next year.