THE GYMKHANA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 93, 19 April 1912, Page 5

THE GYMKHANA.

THE STRATFORD A. AND P ASSOCIATION’S MEETING.

A WELL ORGANISED SUCCESS

A fine study in contrasts was presented yesterday morning when an almost cloudless sky and a bright sun appeared so different from 'the morning of Easter Monday, when the sun was conspicuous by its absence and tile drizzling rain damped more than the ardour of all on holiday bent. It was the general opinion that the decision of the executive committee to postpone “Mr Jamed Kama” was the right course to adopt, but no one anticipated that they would be so fortunate as- to strike such an excellent day as Thursday proved to he. From all points the weather was ideal and in consequence the attendance was in every way satisfactory. Even before the afternoon crowd made its way to the Showgrounds there was. a very gay spectacle, the country people having loyally supported the Association of which they are members, and turned up en masse—coming early and staying as late as the cows would permit. The Stratford Orchestral Society, in a- neat tent opposite the grandstand, dispensed enjoyable selections. Great credit is due to the executive committee of the Association for the energy they have displayed in putting forward every effort to make a success of the meeting. The genial President has been a host in himselr and to him a large measure of credit must be given. The following are the executive committee Messrs W. P. Kirkwood (chairman), G. Hobbs, J. D. Healy, R. Dingle, H. Good. C. Jackson, S. M. Porrltt. R. McK. Morison, R. Martin, and G. Sangster. The officials were;—Ring Stewards; Messrs Good and Hobbs. Mounted Steward:.: Mr Stewart. Grandstand Stewards: Messds Sangster, Penn, and Masters. Horse-box Steward: Mr' J. Shutter. Chain-stepping event: Messrs T. Webb and Campbell Jackson. Gate Stewards; Messrs D. Malone, R. Dingle, R. Matters. Weightguessing competition : Messrs C. Jackson, R- D. Harkness, J. Stewart, and W. G. Harkness. These were the officials officially appointed, hut it was noticeable that there were very many other gentlemen taking the positions; Mr E. Jackson, as secretary, was indefatigable in biis efforts. This is, for some time at least, the last occasion on which he will have charge ox the arrangements for the A. and P. Association. ' His successor,. Mr B. Fearon, was actively engaged in col- ■ looting the “bobs” at the pay door. The judge of the horse events was ! Mr Charles Enderhy, of Wanganui. The entrance gate takings amounted to close on £l5O. and the financial (success of the Gymkhana is well asgured, The following are the details of the ( various events: — , • Maiden Hunters’ Competition.— : Open' th all horses that have not won a jumping, or steeplechase oompeti- • . tion' at any Agricultural Show. Each . i; hdrse to carry not lefes* than 12st. < ( First 1 prize three guineas; 2nd one ; 1 guinea. ' j- Miss Btaggie Briggs’ . “Grey Star,” ( 2. , There/ ufere fiye; starters and the, event proved a very attractive one, some of the ladies, displaying five horsemanship. The win was a popular one. ' ... ■" . , f . Pony Jumping (under 14 hands).— To lie ridden by boy or girl under 10 years of age (licensed riders prohi n * ted). First prize £l, second 10s. Mr, J. M- Mitchell’s OPrinccss” I. (- Mr E. Well’s “Brown Tasman” 2. e Miss il.j.Ajbbott’s, dk c “Mhfkie” 3. k 'The Win was * a close one, and the boys got their steeds over well. Theio wore ! no i casualties. ■ “ Best Lqdy Driver.—Ladies to he ( only occupants of vehicles. f irrt ‘ prize £1 Is, second 10s. q Miss'E( Walsh, Stratford I ... 1 Mrs. Craddock, Stratford. ... 2 I The test of drivers . through posts placed in a straight line was scvei e ' enough to properly ‘ test tne la-cues skill, 'And might easily have been made more difficult. Mile Trotting Event, Maiden Handicap (in saddle); iiirst prize £3 3s, second £1 Is. W. Clifton’s bay m “Madcan,” ... J Thompson’s grey m “Fern Root. 2 R. Garrick* s ch m “Twinkle ... 3 This was one of the events o' the day. The scratch horse, “The Ganger,” was the only one of the field of seventeen that appeared to have a claim to he a trotter, but it wn« surprising what some of the “old uns, that would have looked more at home in the shafts with the cans behind them, managed to do. It was stated that the winner was twenty-two years old. The. statement may be taken for what it is worth, but there was no question the horse could travel. Ladies’ Leaping Competition; first prize £1 Is, second 10s. Miss Maggie Brigg’s br “Dougal 1 Miss Ethel Abbott’s “Toko ... 2 Miss Briggs rode her horse in excellent style, and well merited her win. One and a half Miles Trotting Event (open), in saddle; under the Rules of the N.Z. Trotting Association; first prize £5 ss, second £2 2s. R. Coates’ hr h “Rothschild Lad” I J. Brake’s ch m “Singlet” ... J J. H. Butcher’s bay g “The flasher 3 This was a great race, and the two first horses made a good go of it. “Singlet” was the steadier of the .two, but the superior racing powers of “Rothschild Lad,” secured the verdict. Girls’ Novelty Race (on horseback); each competitor to carry a billy of water (without spilling), for half the course, an egg on a spoon for the balance of the distance. Miss D. Hammond, Stratford ... 1 Miss M. Bernard, Stratford ... 2 Great amusement was caused by the spectacle of the girls’ endeavouring to manage their horses with one hand and do the best for the “hilly’' with the other. None succeeded, in getting their horses round without spilling the water, but with the eggs the girls were more successful, and only one failed to qualify. The verdict was the only possible one. After the race Miss Bernard and Miss Hammond turned their narade round the ring into a race — *‘the best race of the day” being one spectator’s verdict. Hunters’ Competition (ope.D; each horse to carry not less than 12st; firsA prize £5 ss, second £2 2s. Miss Maggie Briggs’ hr g “Dougal” I Mr. N. Paterson’s “Haire” ... 2 Mr. R. Taylor’s “Plugger” ... 3 Some good jump'ng was shown in this event, especially by Miss Briggs, who rode three of the seven -v eight starters.

At the buck-jumping exlr'hilion two of the performers kept their saddles for the required length of time—viz., Calvert and Glontwortii. Calvert was thrown in his first essay, the horse falling backwards in rather t. nasty manner. The public was greatly amused by this horse’s subsequent performance. Motor Car Competition

Mr. Curtis’s 30 h.p. Cadillac .... 1 Mr. Medford’s 40 h.p. Overland ... 2

There were three entries—viz., Mr. Medford in a 40 h.p. Overland, Mr. Rook 35 h.p. Moline, and Mr. Curtis’s 30 h.p. Cadillac. The tests were hacking and driving. Stockmen’s Event (with whip); under conditions as directed by i he stewards; first prize £l, second 10s. Brannigan 1

Hugh Cameron 2 There were several entries for stockmen’s honours. _ L’he aspirants, possessing more or less skill, were keenly watched by the public, Brannigan making a creditable win. Pony Trotting Event (twice round oval); ponies to lie ridden by boy under 14 years of age; first and second prizes, trophies. R. Masters’ drk ch “Billy'’. J. Copestake) ■ 1 E. Hancock’s ch m “Kitty” (B. Clark) 2

There wore numerous starters, Mr. R. Masters’ “Billy” was, hmVever, an easy winner, taking the lead from the start, and maintaining it throughout.

Leaping Competition (steeplechase style); each horse not to carry less than list, over such jumps as the stewards shall decide fii at prize £5 ss, second £2 2s. Miss Maggie Briggs’ “Grey Star” 1 Miss Maggie Briggs’ “Dougal” 2 W. E. Forbes’ “Mangawhero’ 3 Here, again, the little girl from Innha was too good for my others in the running, 'ibis time she secured first and second, and did not make a bad jump with any of her horses. Maiden Leaping Competition (open to horses and riders who have not competed in any leaping competition) ; each horse to carry not less than 12st; first prize £3 3s, second £1 Is. Mr. C. H. Pollard’s “Lady Shot” 1 This race was not a very good display, as several of the fences, for the first time during the day, were knocked over.

Pony Jumping (under 13 minds); same conditions as in Pony Jumping, under 14 hands; first pi?//' £l, second 10s. W. T. Bailey’s brn “Gill” ... 1 J. D. Mitchell’s ‘-princess” ... 2

The boys made a food showing, and there were some nice little ponies in the competition. “Very little to choose between them” was the opinion of most of the spectators. Mr. Pugh, our well-know; local knight of the. hammer, sold the sewing machine, which figured in the recent guessing competition, for the sum of £ll 15s. This will oe divided up amongst the three who tie!. The result of the stepping competition conducted by Messrs. C. Jackson and T. Webb was that the three competitions were won respectively by Messrs. Gilford, Uhlenberg, and Kirkbride., . An event which created a good deal 'of interest was the race between man and boast. Mists, Maggie Briggs, riding! one of Mr. J. D. Mitchell’s ponies, hud no difficulty in beating Mr. Bob Anderson, running over a triangular course. However, tho sprinter was not given much of a chance, as tho pony did ‘not “run square” at the turns.