ATTRACTIVE PROGRAMME

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 78, 11 March 1931, Page 7

ATTRACTIVE PROGRAMME

A. AND P. FUNCTION TO-MORROW'S CARNIVAL The Stratford A. and P. Association have drawn up a very attractive programme for the carnival to be held on the Showgrounds to-morrow (Wednesday). It is a most ambitious affair, and there should be no lack of interest on the part of the public from the commencement of events at 11 o'clock in the morning. By this hour there will no doubt be a large attendance of people from the country districts, particularly, looking forward to a full day's enjoyment. And they will not be disappointed if the Pates are kind to the association, for fine weather is needed by the committee and officials to present the programme in the most satisfactory

manner. Nothing of the kind has been conducted by other associations or clubs in the province. Even if there are a few showers of rain it should be remembered by the farming community that it will make the turnips grow, while there is shelter on the Showgrounds in the grandstand and buildings. The grounds are reported lo lie hard and dry; even after the rain last evening and this morning the grass was dry, and dust was raised by the traffic in places on the grounds. Unlike the winter conditions, when the grounds are wet underfoot and sodden, at this season a slight shower or two does not affect the grounds very much, if at all. The barometer is steady and the prospects at time of the "Post" going to press were promising fine for the morrow. The Attractions

The variety of events on the programme is rather remarkable for one programme. Pedestrians in both the cash and amateur classes will compete in their respective sections, and among the latter is Randolph Rose, the famous distance amateur runner, who will start in the half-mile. The fields in these races will provide keen competition. The handicaps have already been published. For the boys' race, under 16 years, in the amateurs, no registration is necessary, and a trophy will be offered as a prize. Field events for ladies and children will be conducted by a special committee.

Cycling will have its hundreds of supporters, and over 20 competitors will be seen in action. The track has received special attention and, under normal atmospheric conditions, there should be no complaints about it. Among trotting enthusiaste —and there is a growing army of supporters of the light-harness sport—the Milkcarters' Derby, Maiden, Open and Consolation races will be followed with interest. It is safe to say that the winners will be well concealed from the public, because until entries close at. noon with the secretary, Mr. W. F. Ross, there will be no chance of ferretting otfft the "good things" in each race.

Another interesting part of the day's entertainment is the Scotttish national dancing, which will be controlled by officials of the Taranaki Provincial Scottish Society, who can be depended upon to attend to the ; self-imposed tasks in their usual capi able style. Post entries will be received in this 1 section. Gunfrien's Gathering I In a corner or the grounds there will be a gathering of gunmen from all parts of Taranaki, when a programme of shoots under the auspices of J.he Stratford Gun Club will be staged. This will be a novelty to many of the public, who have never seen claybird (or target) shooting. The skill displayed by some of the crack shots in rapid succession appeals to every sportsman, and it is certain that there will bo no lack of spectators. The association executive lias donated a trophy valued at one guinea for the shooter who breaks I most clays with the first barrel during the day. Mr. Philip Skoglund will referee, and the programme will commence at one o'clock with the Eltliam Introductory Stakes.

For those of the public who are not interested particularly in sports, tho side-shows will no doubt prove quite sufficient. As the secretary says, "The side-shows will be there in all their glory." Luncheon and afternoon tea will be available on the ground. Mr. J. K er i n , of the Toko Junction Hotel, will cater for the liquid requirements of visitors at the booth under the grandstand. The Boys' Band will be there Tn fact, everyone who has the interests ol the association and the Stratford district at heart will be present. It will be a blow to the association if the carnival is not a huge success, and/the best wishes of all will be of-

fored for a realisation of their hopes. Night Programme In the evening the tug-of-war and wrestling on horseback events will be conducted, and as the grounds will be lighted by electricity the scene should be a bright and merry one. A plain and fancy dress ball will be held in the luncheon rooms, when prizes for the best fancy costume worn by lady and gentleman will be offered. Boulton's Orchestra will supply the music. Remember thru cars will be parked free on the grounds, and picnickers will be supplied with hot water free on request.