WINTER SHOW

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23346, 15 May 1939, Page 14

WINTER SHOW

EXHIBITION CLOSES LARGE CROWDS ATTEND ATTRACTIVE PROGRAMME NOVEL EVENTS IN THE RING Exceptionally large attendances marked the final day of the Auckland Winter Exhibition on Saturday when two separate and comprehensive programmes were held in the ring. The evening programme was similar to that in the afternoon, with tho addition of several spectacular items, including a display of fireworks and a "donkey derby." Unfortunately, heavy rain which fell soon after four o'clock induced many people to remain in the pavilions, tho sideshows being almost completely deserted for several hours. The evening session opened with a spectacular fireworks display, attracting much applause from tho spectators, who completely filled the grandstand and terraces. After tho display the arena lights wero turned 011 and exhibitions of riding wero given by Chavanes and his gauchos, who were subsequently revealed as prominent Auckland followers of the hounds. An item which attracted much amusement at both sessions was the Mexican ball game. This was played by teams of two, mounted on horseback, with a largo inflated leather ball about six feet in diameter. Goals were provided by coloured flags at each end of the field. The ball was propelled about the field by the horses pushing against it. Easily the most popular item on tho programme was the "donkey derb\, in which donkeys carrying such names as Llangollen, Gay Son, Peerless, Defaulter, Ajax and High Caste wero ridden hv well-known jockeys. After a great deal of pushing, pulling ami cajoling, 12 donkeys were brought to tho starting line bv numerous small no\ volunteers. Difficulty was encountered in setting the animals to realise t lint the race had started, and the willing small bovs were again brought into action. Several times the riders dismounted and assisted in driving the donkeys over tho course, which was one circuit of the track. As no saddles were used, somo of the jockeys had grca. • difficulty in keeping their scats. A close finish resulted. After a brief interval Frank .mFarlane gave a daring exhibition of the Roman ride, standing upon the backs of two horses, and jumping them o\oi a llaming hurdle. The final item on the programme was a steer riding contest, which proved extremely popular. D'urine the evening a mannequin pai.ulc was held in tho pavilions. Musir was provided bv tho Balmoral Boys Baud.