MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 4 February 1930, Page 7

MOTUEKA

R.S.A. ANNUAL GALA

A SUCCESSFUL PUNCTION

(From Our Own Correspondent)

On Saturday, under perfect weather conditions, 'returned soldiers of the Motueka district held tlieir annual gala at the Motueka beach*. In spite of many counter attractions in nearby townships the function was quite successful i and the financial results 'gratifying to the R.S.A. executive .and Messrs G, F. Smith (chairman) and P. 0. Craig (secretary) who had expended much time and "energy in preparations for the gala. Members of the Motueka 'Amateur Athletic Club had in hand the organisation of the athletic sports and the Amateur Swimming Club the swimming events. For the crowd of grownups and young folks who disported 'themselves, on the sands and entered into the spirit of the sports, the day was a. thoroughly happy one. At the refreshment stalls exceedingly good business was clone, ice creams and soft ■ drinks being constantly* in -demand ; while the side-shows and the launch were also well patronised. I Mr and Mrs Lovell again dispensed hot water to the picnic parties. The band stand was a centre of attraction, from where the Band of the 12th Nelson Regiment (Lt. T. H. Hughes conductor), rendered excellent music, the many selections played during the day being received with great appreciation.

In the programme of aquatic events the speed boat races created keen interest, this being the" first occasion on which races of this nature have been successfully carried through at Port Motueka. " Five speed boats, "Pelorus Jack 2nd," "Cobros," Bumble Bee," "Miss Elto" and "Rose Mario" came from Nelson and Havelock to compete. While on : a trial spin during' the forenoon "Rose Marie" was put out of action through receiving damage to her under structure. , : In the first race, Trial Handicap, "Miss Elto" capsized and "Pelorus Jack" developed engine trouble rendering both casualties' for the day. "Pelqrus Jack 2nd," owned by Mr S. Buckman (Havelock) is of the latest build and Blimp design and recently won the New Zealand Open Championship at Auckland. Although ed that his boat on this occasion failed

to give of her'best Mr Buckman signified his intention to return to Motueka next year to compote for the R.S.A. Cup. • . Tho three speed boat events and winners were:— Trial Handicap (2 laps): "Cobros (Coote Bros.) 1, "Bumble Bee" (G. Turner) 2. Paschendale Handicap (3 Japs): "Cobros" 1, "Bumble Bee 1 ' 2. This raco resulted in a close finish, only three feet separating the winner and her opponent. ~ MotuoKa R.S.A. Cup: "Bumble Bee (handicap 160 seconds) 1, "Cobros" jscr.) 2. In this race the winner crossed tho line with eight seconds to spare. Mr Turner was presented with the original cup, which ho holds for 12 months, and a miniature which he retains.

ATHLETIC SPORTS

Results of the athletic sports were as follows: — 50 yards, primary school (girls): h. Chant 1, R. Goodall 2. 50 yards, primary school (boys): N. Hawken 1, Smith 2. 75 vards, ladies' handicap : J. Brown 1 J. 'Goddard 2. 100 yards, men's handicap: G. Fry 1, L. Hume 2. High jump handicap (men): J. Clark 1, Bell 2. High jump handicap (ladies): J. Goddard 1, Miss Fawcett 2. \ Threelegged race, mixed doubles (open): J. Hume and Z. Chant. Three-legged race (boys): Craig and O'Connor. Tossing the Caber: Rev. Dodds 1, J. Parker 2. Putting the shot: Rev. Dodds 1, JClark 2.

Winners in the swimming events were: Primary school championship (girls): K. Rowling. Children s paddle under 10 years: Boyce 1, Wen- 2. Neat dive: A. A. Johnston 1, L. Hume 2 25 yards open handicap: L. Hume 1 M. Moffatt 2. 50 yards handicap (breast stroke): Turley 1, Johnston i. 75 yards open handicap: L. Hume l, M. Moffatt 2. Novelty dive: L. Hume 1, Turley 2. • n ri . . The secretary (Mr P. G. Craig), on behalf of tho R.S.A. 1 executive, tendered sincere thanks to the officials of the Band of the 12th Nelson Reg»" e n fc for coming over and giving /the R..SA. a helping hand on this occasion. Mesdames R. Rowling, L. Stanton, v. G Craig, J. A. Wallace and helpers were in charge of the luncheons and afternoon teas; Mesdames H. G. Johnston, L. Mackay and Miss Pierce raspberries and cream; Mrs Tweedio and helpers, sweet stall; and Mrs G. Moore and Miss C. Brougham and helpers soft drinks and ice cream. Side shows were conducted by members of the K.b.A. and friends. , ;