Mangakahia’s Fine Effort In Raising Patriotic Funds

Northern Advocate, 8 March 1943, Page 5

Mangakahia’s Fine Effort In Raising Patriotic Funds

In the true tradition of the country sports meeting, the mounted gymkhana conducted by the Mangakahia Riding patriotic committee in the schoolgrounds at Titoki on Saturday afternoon provided opportunity for excellent sport and entertainment. Proceeds go to the Mangakahia Fighting Services’ Mothers’ Appeal. Hard-working, painstaking and enterprising, the committee had thoroughly prepared in many directions for the riding patriotic funds to receive a big boost and the excellent attendance on a beautiful day was fitting reward. Gross receipts amounted to approximately £3OO with few expenses, compared with the £l5O net receipts from the intital effort last year. This was most creditable in view of the fact that petrol rationing had restricted travel, preventing many Whangarei district people from attending. Indicative of the enterprise of the committee was the efficient handling of information for the public. In addition to Mr. S. Hall’s public address system for providing a running commentary on the events, the Maungatapere Battalion of the Home Guard had oeen requisitioned to put training into practice and, with a field telephone service loaned by the military authorities, communication was established and maintained between the various officials, enabling quick and efficient distribution of results.

Maori Cooking

Another feature of the gymkhana was the kapa Maori conducted by Titoki natives. Long hours had been spent in preparation of the meat and vegetables hauled over four mixes on a sledge drawn by a three-pair bullock team, once a commonplace in the north but now a rarity. So heavy was the load that when they arrived at the schoolgrounds the bullocks were exhausted.

The fine effort of the Titoki Maori people was thoroughly appreciated by the public which quickly exhausted the large supply of meat and vegetables cooked in the Maori manner and served in woven green flax baskets, themselves works of art. Unfortunately the customs and arts of the Maori are fast becoming lost to many tribes but in Titoki a determined effort is being made to keep alive handicrafts it would be a tragedy to lose. United Effort Settlers also contributed wholeheartedly in insuring that every penny possible should be contributed to the patriotic funds. With the possibility of last year’s attendance being reduced by travel restrictions, there was united effort and complete co-operation. The settlers backed the efforts of the committee in endeavouring to make the gymkhana even more attractive and although principal interest attached to the horse events, additional entertainment (was provided by side-shows, all benefiting the funds, and the home larders and present appetites by a variety of stalls. Excellent entries were received for all the horse events, owners taking a keen interest and bringing animals from up to 30 miles away. Competition was keen and the judges (Messrs. J. O’Shea and R. Sloane) stated that the standard was good, while the juveniles, boys and girls alike, displayed good horsemanship. Results cf Events Bending, children under IG.—Hugh Fraser 1, B. Heape 2, K. Neal ... Ladies' bending.—N. Mai tin 1, K. Me Donald 2, N. Breslin 3. „ Open bending.—N. Martin 1, I. Fraser 2, H. L. Moore 3, D. Fraser 4. Maiden hunter.—N. Martin 1, N. Telfei 2. G. McDonald 3. Mounted tug-of-war, teams of four.—K. McCardle, Sgt. Wilson. Pie. Hollis, P. B Flag race.—E. Finlayson 1, I. Fraser and Sgt. Wilson equal 2. Open hurdles, pony 14.2 and undei. B, Heape 1, N. Martin 2. I. Fraser 3. Horseback relay.—D. Fraser 1. IC. McDonald 2. Victoria Cross race—A. Blake 1. L Fraser 2, D. Fraser 3. Thread-the-needle. —I. Fraser 1, E. Finlayson 2. Open hunter.—N. Martin 1. T. Helhcrmgton 2, A. Christie 3. Musical chairs, ladies and children. —L. Heape 1. H. Fraser 2. Musical chairs, open—l. Fraser 1, L. Finlayson 2. _ „ . Polo race.—N. Morgan 1, J. Ballnm 2. Cigarette race.—J. W. Alison 1, E. linlayson 2, I. Fraser 3. Stockmen's competition.—R. Sloane 1, A. Blskc 2. Stockwomen’s competition.—F. Morgan 1 1, K. Breslin 2.