MAORI BUCKJUMPERS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19100, 22 August 1936, Page 4

MAORI BUCKJUMPERS

WANTED IN SYDNEY ROYAL SHOW INQUIRY INTEREST IK RODEO FILM (iisborne's rodeo film was shown in Sydney recently, and attracted the attention of at least, one official of the Sydney Royal Show, with Ihe result that a' further inquiry has been made from the Poverty Bay A. and P. Association regarding the prospects of a Maori buckjumping team being sent to the Sydney Royal Show next Faster.

Recently, a letter was received from Mr. Thomas B. Macfarlane, Merriwa, New South Wales, following a visit to the Royal Show by Mr. H. G. Tucker, patron'of the Poverty Bay A. and P. Association, and Mr. W. F. Chamberlain, the secretary, and this letter suggested that there might be possibilities in the appearance of a Maori buckjumping team in Sydney in competition with the best from other countries. Mr. Macfarlane look an interest in the Gisborne district riders because he spent a year or so shepherding on Gisborne stations some time ago.

No action was laken then, but it is understood that inquiries will bo made during the next week or so regarding the possibilities of assembling a team. Members of the A. and, P. Association, intend making a trip to the Coast next week in order to further (he interests of the association in (hat area, and.it is (bought likely ihat the matter will be mentioned with the idea of creating in tercsl among Maoris on Ihe Coast. A great deal of coaching may be ro-ipiii-ed lo bring the New Zealanders up to (he standard laid down by Sydney rules, but the Show authorities may be prepared to provide thai.

'flic letter from Mr. "Macfarlane stales: "While in Sydney last week 1 attended (he Stale Picture Theatre, and saw a film of your recent rodeo events. It was very hard to judge what your riders are like. No doubt the film had hcen specially cut: to provide, only the thrills. However, it was qtute evident (hat in the steer-riding each competitor rode with both hands on the surcingle. Over here a rider would gain no points if he-rode with both hands. In the buckjumping contests the saddle has no kneo pads, and the rider holds only one rein, which is attached to. a headstall, with one hand. The other hand is carried free, and must not touch any pari of the horse or equipment.

"Would there be any chance of getting hold of about four Maoris who would practise under our conditions, and be prepared to come over here to compete in our rodeo events at the next Raster Show': If you have any such men in view. I would lie. glad to have a lull list of their previous performances."