MANGONUI COUNTY VICTORY SHOW DRAWS RECORD CROWD

Northern Advocate, 4 March 1946, Page 2

MANGONUI COUNTY VICTORY SHOW DRAWS RECORD CROWD

Therfc was a record attendance at the Mangonui County A. and P. Association's Victory Show at Kaitaia on Saturday. Gate takings, exclusive of members' tickets, were estimated at over £ 280.

The weather was kind for this, the association's 59th annual show, threatening cloud 'bringing nothing more than a few spots of rain during the afternoon. Otherwise, the day was warm and mild, and Far Northerners, reinforced by visitors from as far south as Wcllsford and Whangarei. flocked to the association’s picturesque grounds in their thousands. Car parking space was fully taxed, and lunchtime was picnic-lime for large numbers of visitors in the shade of the trees. GYMKHANA EVENTS For the majority, the ring, with its varied gymkhana programme of horse events, athletics and axemen's competitions. was the main attraction. In the mounted section, entries were the best yet, 20 being paraded in one event alone. Horses and riders participated from Kaikohe. Gkaihau, Ohaeawai. Pakaraka and Broadwood. as well as from throughout the home county. Premier event was the hunting championship, for which prize money totalling 17 guineas was offered. Ten entries paraded and the winner was Ivan Wright (Kaikohe), with P. Francis (Peria) second. After a jump-off with K. Lewis (Kaitaia) for third place. C. Imms (Gkaihau) received the decision. The Kaitaia show ring programme is generally regarded as being equal to that of many larged two-day fixures, and that it was handled expeditiously and fully up to time-ttfble was most creditable. Judging the horse events was Mr H. Forritt, of Cambridge, who admitted that both the strength and the quality of entries had surprised him. The general standard of both mounts and horsemanship, he said, was equal to that of many larger two-day fixtures, in keeping with the Northland tradition. An electric loudspeaker unit materially assisted in keeping the programme moving, and pleasant musical selections were given by the Ohaeawai Boys' Brass Band, under the baton of Mr F. Griffin. Athletic events were strongly supported and were a source of great gratification to the officials, while the chopping event;; revealed high performances. GARDENS BEAT DROUGHT As usual, the association's hall was well-filled with indoor exhibits, which well exceeded last year's total, although there was a drop in the school section. Judges expressed themselves as pleased with the standards shown, the farm and garden produce adjudicator (Mr W. Dyer) especially commending exhibitors in these sections for their performances, in view of the prevailing drought conditions. While regretful that climatic conditions had caused the withdrawal of livestock classes from this year's

(Special.) KAITAIA. This Day

schedule, his committee had felt it had done the right thing, the president (Mr H. M. Thompson) said, in addressing the crowd. The strain imposed by the drought would have been too heavy for' both exhibitors and their animals. WILL REINSTATE STOCK ■'Next year we will reinstate all stock classes, including cattle, sheep, pigs, and probably dogs.” he added, including visitors from other centres. Mr Thompson thanked the public, for their generous support, the judges, stewards and other helpers for their assistance, and the exhibitors and various other competitors for tlie part they had played in making the show the success it was. A. and P. shows were. 10 his mind, an essential part of the farming industry. said the Member for Bay of Islands (Mr S. W. Smith), in declaring the show open. Kaitaia borough existed, only because of its farming community background and it was pleasing to see both town and country uniting in so successful an effort. HOUSES iJudge: Mr A. Porriti, Cambridge). Champion hack: 1. Wright. Hunting championship: I. Wright, fioy or girt rider, under 10 years: D. Gibbons 1. G. Kelly 2, J. Burke 3. Under 12 years: P. Thompson 1. M. Merchant 2. K. Buckingham 3. Girl rider, under Hi years: P. Thompson 1. M. Popalfi 3. Boy: L). Wilkinson 1. G. Gibbons 2. M. Yales 3. Child's ponv. under 14.2 hands: P. Thompson I. .1. 'Reynolds 2. Child rider over low hurdles: D. Gibbons 1. W. Bowler 2. M. Popata 3. Eleven stone hack: I. Wright 1. D. R. Jameson 2. A. F. MacKenzic ’!■ Fifteen stone hack: P. Eanies 1. J. Hughes 2. E. K. Jameson 3. Thirteen stone hack: W. Oliver 1. J. Gibbons 2. P. Yates 3. Cob. any weight: P. Entries 1. I. Wright 2. A. Thomas 3. Best walking hor.se: J. Hughes 1. W. Oliver 2. M. Nathan 3. Maori hack: R. Yates 1. .1. Yates 2. J. Mairehnna 3. Lady rider: Miss J. MeEldovvncy 1. Miss Marareha 2. Miss p. Thompson 3. Maiden hunter: L. West 1, J. Wright 2. J. Hobson 3. Pony hunter: W. Oliver 1, A. Gibbons 2, K. Lewis 3. V.C. Competition: W. Oliver 1. A. Gibbons 2, K. Lewis 3. Light hunter: P. Francis 1. .T. Wright 2, D. R. Jameson 3. Champion hack: I. Wright. 1. Hunting championship: I. Wright. 1. P. Francis 2. C. Imms 3. Lady rider: Miss J. MeEldowney 1. Gentleman ride)’, over obstacles: D. Jameson 1. 1. Wright 2, W. Oliver 3. Heavy hunter: C. Imms L M. Yates 2. H. Lewis 3. Pair of hunters: W Oliver (2) L P. Francis and K. Lewis 2, D. Jameson and J. Yates 3. Special steeplechase hunt: D. Jameson 1, W. Oliver 2. K. Lewis 3. Bending competition: W. Oliver 1, R. Coulter 2. K. Lewis 3. Time: 35sec. Stockmen's competition: K. Lewis L R. Coulter 2. AX E MEN'S COMP 11TITIONS (Judges: Messrs A. Wallace and W. McCreath). 12-incli Handicap Chop (open): R. Pehi (Msec) 1, T. Smith (20sec> 2. W. Gardiner (Msec) 3. Time: 34scc. 12-inch Maiden Chop: W. Franks and W. Ngia (equal) 1. 14-inch Handicap Chop: W. Gardiner <2ssec) 1. R. Pehi (15sec) 2. Time: SGsec. f)-itiolt Chop, vomits under 10 years: C, Walker 1. W. Ngia 2. AT HLKTI C EV ENTS (Judges: Messrs J. Sovvter and A. White). IOGYds Handicap: P. Murray 1. H. Jameson 2. 220Yds Handicap: R. Murray J, H. Jameson 2. SUOY'ds: G. A. Donaldson I. K. Stimpson and A. Dyer (equttl) 2. 440Yds Handicap: M. Udjur 1, R. Murray 2. One mile: W. Masters i, G. A. Donaldson 2.

Strong fields came forward for all adult athletic events, and the mile was a particularly exciting race. Both placed men were on scratch, but Masiers established a strong lead which Donaldson could not make up. In a strong finish, however, he just squeezed inlo second place.