SPORTS AT SHANNON

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 30, 4 January 1927, Page 8

SPORTS AT SHANNON

MAORI COMPETITIONS. Just under 2000 people were present at the picnic and sports meeting on the recreation ground, Shannon, on New Year’s Day. The chief attractions were the New Zealand poi and liaka championships, but, apart from these competitions, the children’s sports provided plenty of amusement. The proceedings commenced with a procession starting from the post office, which was headed by the Manawatu Highland Pipe Band, followed by decorated bicycles, cars and pedestrians, which proceeded via Ballance street to the grounds, where shortly after arrival a start was made with the children’s sports and games. Unfortunately, the entries for the poi and haka competitions did not como up to expectations, there being only two teams for the haka and one for the poi. However, the exhibitions given were full of interest, especially the exhibition of poi dancing by the Waikato Tani Wharau T.P.M. troupe from Ngaruawahia, who were accompanied by their own string band of six musicians. Among the poi dances performed were the Canoe, Long and Short, and an action love song, all of which wore most gracefully carried out. Loud applauso rewarded the performers, whose exhibition was altogether one of great merit. The two entrants for the haka competition were the Moutoa and Shannon teams, whose exhibitions, according to the judges, Messrs T. Parata and Taiti Te Tomo, were a long way below standard, although they were much appreciated by those present. At the conclusion of the competition, the judges recommended that, owing to the large number of errors made by both teams, no award be made, and that the committee hold the shield for the ensiling twelve months; but at the wish of the committee both teams were recalled, and after a further exhibition the trophy was awarded to Moutoa. In thanking the committee for endeavouring to revive the haka, which, he said, was becoming a lost art, Mr T. Parata stated that it was important that tho British race should have a war cry. To-day England was without orte. At Gallipoli the only war-cry used was tho haka by the New Zealanders. Concluding. Mr Parata impressed upon the natives the necessity of keeping up tho traditions of their ancestors, and pointed out how essential it was that the children should be properly taught the haka, which, he said, was becoming a farce and a joke. The shields wore then presented to the captains of the winning teams by Mr T. Tliwaites, who, in so doing, pointed out that the object of the competitions was to assist the native race to perpetuate the customs and traditions of their ancestors. Thanks were returned by the recipients, Mr Jacob, manager of the ladies’ team, making particular reference to the hospitality extended tho visitors.

SPORTS RESULTS. Results of the various events were as follow: Best decorated child’s tricycle: Valerie Young 1, Mervyn Terry 2. Best decorated child’s pram: Joyce Merwood 1, Ada Gray 2. Best decorated youth’s bicycle: Charlie Y’oung 1. Boys’ race, 10 to 14 years: J. Morgan 1, Bryan Clayton 2. Girls’ race: 10 to 14 years: May Exton 1, Margaret Swindlehurst 2. Boys’ race, 7 to 9: A Bruce 1, Tom Bird (Levin) 2. Girls’ race, 7 to 9: A. Bruce 1, Tom Bird (Levin) 2. Girls’ race, 7 to 9: Gladys Webb 1, Edna Hill 2.

Boys’ sack race: Jack Mason 1, Vincent Picard 2. Married ladies’ race: Mrs H. Richardson 1, Mrs T. King 2. Children’s tricycle race: Tom Cochrane 1, Ken Coakley 2. Bandsmen’s race: Drum Major C. Stairs 1, Drummer V. Anderson 2. Cookies’ race: M. Serancke 1. Motor tyre raco (boys) : D. Christian 1, J. D. Richards 2. Single ladies’ race: Miss Whitlow 1, Miss P. Buckman 2. Three-legged race (girls) : Edith and Pearl Hibell 1, D. Exton and Hazel Healy 2. Girls’ race: 12 to 14: May Exton 1. Girls’ race, 8 to 11: Phyllis Patton 1. Girls’ sack race: Doris Tremewan 1, Irene Sands 2. Wheelbarrow race: C. Croon and P. Roach 1, C. Tremewan and T. Roach 2. Three-legged race for boys: J. Morgan and C. Pentecost 1, C. Tremewan and T. Roach 2. Tyre race for girls: Eileen Foster 1, Gretchen Tippler 2. Boys’ race: C. Tremewan and J. Mason tie 1. ijjrls’ race: Joyce Linklater 1.