DAY OF SPORT ENJOYED

Southland Times, Issue 25502, 24 October 1944, Page 2

DAY OF SPORT ENJOYED

LABOUR DAY HOLIDAY IN SOUTHLAND Almost all classes of sport were available yesterday and the threatening weather in the morning did not deter a large number of people from carrying out their plans for the final day of the Labour Day weekend. Many Invercargill residents travelled to the Otautau sports, the Gore races and other sports fixtures. Bowls enthusiasts had three attractions, a rink tournament at Waikiwi, a pairs tournament at Gore and the opening day of the Winton R.S.A. Club. Apart from the two city clubs golf was played at Gore. The attitude of the majority who left Invercargill before 11 a.m. was that they hoped to find better weather at their destinations than they were leaving behind in the city. Soon after 11 a.m. the sky cleared over the city and a period of bright sunshine made the prospects for the afternoon much brighter. Although the Otautau train left at 7.33 a.m. it carried a large crowd of enthusiasts to the Otautau sports and by the time it had passed the main intermediate stations it was well filled. Racing patrons travelled to Gore on the ordinary mixed trains which left the city at 6.40 and 10.25. The limited accommodation, available was in demand. The fact that many people made use of the 6.40 a.m. train io Gore showed the popularity of racing in Southland. The first race was timed to start at Gore at 12.30—nearly six hours after the train left Invercargill. FEW SCATTERED SHOWERS The afternoon weather was fairly good, the few scattered showers which fell failing to spoil the day outdoors. A moderate wind blew in the late afternoon. Although the summer sporting season has not yet got into full swing there was evidence at the various parks and grounds in different parts of the city that as soon as the weather becomes settled tennis and cricket will claim at least as many players as in other seasons. With the extra free day that the Labour weekend offered in view, many men had in the past week looked at their home gardens, so backward this year, and planned to put in a full day with the spade and hoe. The wet and blustery weather at the beginning of the day had the effect of changing many plans, but in the afternoon much work was done on lawns, hedges and flower beds.

The more cautious people who preferred to stay at home until they found out whether the weather was going to improve were tempted to go out by the better prospects at midday and many families drove out to seaside resorts in the early afternoon. The Rocks, Riverton, and Bluff were popular, while other motorists limited to nearby attractions by the petrol shortage drove to Oreti Beach. Stewart Island attracted many holiday makers for Labour weekend. The ferry service ran a special trip on Saturday and returned to Bluff yesterday at 4.30 p.m. At Bluff yesterday the weather was fine, but there was a cold westerly wind. There were a few cars at the beaches.