BUCK-JUMPING THRILLS

Southland Times, Issue 21264, 10 December 1930, Page 8

BUCK-JUMPING THRILLS

CARNIVAL AT SHOWGROUNDS. A POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT. A beautiful evening, the carnival spirit and a well-arranged programme combined to make a success of last evening’s entertainment at the Showgrounds. Hundreds of citizens took advantage of the mild weather conditions and lined the competition ring, and were provided with a highly diverting programme of display and competitive events. Since its inauguration in 1926, the evening entertainment following Show days has been improved each year, so much so that the public has realized that the evening's show is well worth attending and capable of providing much amusing entertainment. The outstanding features have been'the displays of buckjumping and steer-riding, these producing thrills which no other sport can do. Last evening was not an exception in this respect, and again the buck-jumping in particular took pride of place. Several halfbroken outlaws were forward and that they took some handling was demonstrated in both the success and non-success of the “cowboys” to ride them. Shrieks of alarm and delight from the crowd proved that this class of entertainment was appreciated;: and further evidence of approval was forthcoming when vociferous applause was accorded J. McArthur, a rider from Te Anau, for his excellent horsemanship in subduing what was dubbed the champion outlaw of Southland. McArthur stuck on the animal’s back throughout a scries of pitches, corkscrews and weather glides calculated to enervate every dormant tissue in the human body, and was only dislodged when he was caught up in a rope which was holding another animal. It was a great display and was richly applauded. The calf-riding by boys was a highly amusing item and showed that yearlings possess an unusual amount of ' reserve energy. Other competitive events were two pony trots and these, too, were interesting and exciting. Besides the competitive events, the crowd was entertained with gymnastic and drill displays by pupils of the Southland Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools, under.the direction of Mr J. Page and choir numbers by 200 boys of the school. The marching and the deportment of the boys and girls was favourably commented upon, and the public was not slow to show appreciation. All round the programme was voted the best yet, and as added attractions will be featured on to-night’s programme, another good evening may be looked for. The arrangements for last night’s show were carried out without hitch, for which much credit is due the organizer (Mr A. Sutherland) and his assistants. Following are the results of the competitive events:— Pony Trot (12 hands and under): Len Jones 1, Owen Potts 2. Ten entries. Pony Trot (14 hands): Len Jones 1, Frank Thomson 2. Eight starters. Calf Riding: B. Russell 1, O. Lockhart 2, F. Prendergast 3. Buck-jumping: J. McArthur 1, T. Stevens 2, J. Davey 3.