A “SHE” RACE

Northern Advocate, 4 September 1935, Page 8

A “SHE” RACE

' FEMININE DEjRBY THRILLING BARROW RIDE. N _ WHANGAREI LEADS THE WAY. “TOO SOARED TO SQUEAL.” * The ladies of Whangarei have led the rest of the Dominion as good sports, and this afternoon turned out in splendid numbers to compete in the first wheel-barrow derby for their sex. The whole town was there -to see them do it, and, although the actual contest was short—surprisingly so—it was sweet with colour and action aplenty. 1 The footpaths bordering the course were thickly lined with spectators before 1.45 p.m., the advertised time of commencement. Among the eleven barrows lined up outside the Town Hall, the starting, point, were chariots ranging in size from the common or garden variety, to modern light vehicles of tremendous possibilities, both from the point of view of speed and spills.

The pushers also were intriguingl,.assorted, with the mother of a grownup family standing in line with a little lass of about nine winters. Several favoured shorts, others abbreviated skirts, while not a few were attired in serviceable longs and jumpers. _ - s The Passengers. The loudest laugh was reserved for lady members of the Plunket Committee, who had volunteered to play the most adventurous role of passengers. They had entered freely into the spirit of burlesque. Nightgowns of flowing dimensions, with bed socks and caps to tone, were most in evidence, being favoured by Mrs S. C. Thorne, Mrs R. K. Trimmer and Mrs Surman; Mrs D. J. Goodwin wore an adorable romper suit; and Mrs D. L. Ross made a striking figure in a jockey outfit; and Mrs Emanuel (Invercargill) was charming as a little girl. Mr J. Trench, manager of the Plaza Theatre, who had organised the event in connection with Paramount’s joy week, warned the competitors at the outset to make steady time down the steep slope of Bank Street hill, but, overcome by the zest of the occasion, the pushers careered away at top speed. ;

There was an early thrill when the barrows occupied by Mesdames Goodwin and Emanuel came into collision, but there was no time for beg pardons, and they kept in the racing stream. Rounding Bank Street there was a real upset, when the diminutive barrow wheeled by a little girl tipped over, .sending the baby occupant for a roll on its cushion.

At this point Miss Heiiwood, with Mrs Surman holding the reins, was ahead from Mrs Atkinson, with several others close up. As the race progressed Miss Kenwood, wearing a short pleated green skirt, clapped on the pace, and won comfortably by six yards. She was followed by Miss Connie Hill, a pusher in shorts, who just made the distance from Miss Yellow Cabs (Miss Jagger), who finished very strongly indeed. Others Limp In. The rest walked or limped in. all thoroughly happy in having helped a good cause. The winning pilot will receive 30/-, plus a special prize of £1 donated by Yellow Cabs, and the second .pusher to finish, 10/6. A collection taken up in aid of the Plunket Society realised £4 13/-. The speed at which the 400 yards course was covered may be gauged by the fact that a motor car leaving the Town Hall immediately after, the start of the race and travelling via Dent Street, was beaten to the finishing place. “It was the most thrilling ride of my life,’’ said one of the lady passengers, “I was too scared even to squeal.”