GRANDSTAND DAY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 306, 25 November 1937, Page 12

GRANDSTAND DAY

SATURDAY’S BIG ATTRACTION. On a scale that has never been attempted previously in the city, and to assist one of the most worthwhile causes in the district, the fine programme which has been arranged for Grandstand Day (Saturday) by - the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association, is. of such a nature as to command the interest of residents of the surrounding districts as well as of the city itself. Arranged to provide a striking climax to the Jubilee celebrations, this excellent - programme will provide from midday, and also in the evening, one of the most spectacular displays of sports events and other items. that could possibly bo assembled, affording, at the same time, an opportunity for all citizens to assist the fund which has been established to provide a roof for the large grandstand. No expense has been spared, and it is evident that as a first-class entertainment it would be difficult to surpass. . Proceedings will be set in motion 0 t midday with a fine exhibition of baseball occupying three-quarters of an fr?u r « The demonstration, whiclf will bo provided by the staff of Ford Motors, Petone, is the national pastime of America, and for the benefit of members of , the audience who may not understand the finer points of the game it will be described over the loudspeaker system by an official associated with the teams. This thrilling game will be succeeded by a striking display ol national dancing in “ competitions to be staged in No. 5 Hall. Open to children and'also persons over the age of 16, these competitions promise to be one of the most enjoyable features of the programme. A striking item will bo the display between 1.30 and 2.30 by the business girls who staged the inter-house sports last baturday. The four highlights in gland march, circle ball, marching contest and massed drill display—the second and third of a competitive nature —will provide a first-class item which those who saw last Saturday’s contest will be delighted to have repeated. . v, The Roman chariot races —five inwall for the Grandstand Handicap and Consolation Race—will bo a popular feature;' m addition to several drivers who appeared at the Royal Show thero are also two new entrants with vory showy horses, dlie first of these thrilling displays will be sue ceeded by the Russian Cossack troup ol trick riders in a half-hour’s display of dar ing horsemanship. After years of training these men stage one of the most spectacular equestrian turns one could desire, the agility of the riders and splendid training of the horses assuring spectators of a magnificent display. The association has confidently engaged tJio troup at heavy ex pense and expects its efforts to be amply repaid. At 3.30 there will be the final of tfio handicap chariot race and a Highland Pipe Band display, which will I attract much interest, followed by more chariot racing A splendid programme has been planned for the evening,, commencing with a spot light demonstration of gymnastics by the Y.M.C.A. members, whose physical drill and other displays are so favourably known as not to require emphasis. The Cossack troup will again appear, followed by one of the most novel entertainments that has been seen in the district*—a display of antiaircraft work by officers and gunners from Fort Dorset, Wellington. Nothing of the nature has been seen locally before and a realistic demonstration is promised with up-to-dato equipment including the latest apparatus for spotting enemy aircraft and for training the guns on to them. Huge searchlights, signalling devices, sound apparatus, arid complete gunnery equipment will be in charge of trained, officers and men, and it is confidently anticipated that this domontration will prove not . only a source of entertainment and a thrilling contribution, but a feature of educational value. The association has spared no efforts to make its appeal an attractive one, the programme of unusual quality, and generosity catering for ali tastes, and it is hoped that residents of the city and district will show their practical sympathy in a most worthy cause oy attending the afternoon and evening sessions. It is an opportunity for everyone to contribute, oven so modestly, to the grandstand fund, •