A DONKEY RODEO

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14068, 15 February 1939, Page 4

A DONKEY RODEO

NEAR WOOOVILLE STATION HR G. O'ROURKE S NOVEL PURCHASE. For the last few days a miniature roueo nas oeen in progress at Woodvhie, the participants being the majority or the small children of tne town and a consignment of 15 donkeys at present pastured in a held adjacent to the station. The donkeys are owned by Mr C. O Rou ke, of Pahiatua, who has purchased the whole of the available number of donkeys, totalling in the neighbourhood of 80, from Fcnui Island, in the Tamaki Strait, Hauraki Gulf) near Waiheke Island. The first consignment arrived at Auckland on the Burooma on February 9tli, and was unloaded at Woodville station on Saturday, and ever since have been the centre of attraction for a large number of children. The donkeys, which were completely unbroken when they arrived, have been tamed by the attentions of the children, these animals being very easily broken in. When inspected by i “Herald’’ representative yesterday the animals appeared in very good condition, although. it was mentioned, not quite so active as they were in their unbroken state-. Presenting every shade of grey from almost biack to a pale dove-colour, they made an unusual sight scampering round the paddock, ridden with more or less success by the children. FOR USE AT CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS.

The remainder of the donkeys are expected to arrive within a few day:*, and their arrival is eagerly awaited by the young donkey-tamers. Mr O’Rourke intends to use the donkeys for exhibition purposes at the centennial. and in the meantime will probably send them out for packing purposes and for entertainment at some of the beaches. Numbers of donkeys abound in practically a wild state at Ponui. but they are only rarely sent to the mainland. Some from a consignment a. few years ago went to the Auckland Zoo. as attraction* for children, but they are an unusual sight anywhere else, and attract considerable attention. The catching of donkeys invariably results in exciting struggles at Ponui Island, as the animals, being unused to human society, are at first very restive.

By his purchase of such a large consignment from almost the only donkey-producing area in New Zealand, Mr O’Rourke has established what might be called a “Corner in Donkeys.” and it will be interesting to see the result of this unusual investment.