WAINGARO POLO SPORTS.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 271, 7 April 1898, Page 2

WAINGARO POLO SPORTS.

On (Saturday, the 2nd inst., the Hot Springs Polo Club closed the polo season by holding sports in Mr Picken's paddock. The sports were largely attended by visitors from the surrounding districts, the Waingaro Polo Club mustering strong. The ladies of the Hot Springs Polo Club provided a liberal luncheon and afternoon tea, to which full justice was done by all present. The first item on the programme was the Bending Competition. Won by G. Bull in the final heat.

The Hurdle Race, about a mile, over four flights of hurdles, brought out a field of four, for which H. Wilson's pony was the favourite; but it had the misfortune to tip the last hurdle and throw its rider when a long way ahead of tho field ; fortunately the rider was unhurt, and soon again in the saddle, but too late to win, the winner being L. Allen, with F. Bull in second place, the othera close up. The Polo Ball Race had eleven competitors, who ran in heats. The final was won by A Upton, H. Bull being second.

The Cup, distance about three quarters of a mi'e, had five to face the starter, Mr T. Wilson, sen, who got them well away together, and after a ding dong rice H. Wilson, on Lady Clare, fir3t caught the judge's eye, Shilson's Joe anfl Seavill's Pinkie close up second and third.

Six of a field went for the Cigar Race, which afforded a great amount of amusement, and ended in F. Wilson, jun., first. F. Bull second, and H. Bull third.

An adjournment was now made for afternoon tea, and preparations made for running the Ladies' Bracelet. The Ladies' Bracelet was run in heats, there being no less than twenty entries for this event. Both lady nominators and gentleman riders were a little excited during the contest, G. McMillan coming in winner, with T, Wilson, jun., second-

For the Tandem Race, about a mile, there were three entries -W. Seaville, F. Wilson, junr , and A. Wilson. Only the first two could get their horses to start. F. Wilson, junr., got a long lead, but the driven horse stuck him up till Seavilli wno na< * tlie Bame kind °f trouble on another part of the course, came up and passed him. Wilson then set sail, but too late to get first, though close up to Seavillo's team.

The sports ended with a tug-of-war on horseback and foot. On horseback the Wuingaro team won both pulls from the Hot Springs team, but on foot the Hot Springs team reversed matters, wiuning both pulls, which were sturdily contested.

Mr S. Picken as Secretary was always to be found in his place, and the events followed each other as fast as possible, so that there was ro weariness expressed by either participants or spectators, and all at the conclusion voted it the best afternoon's sport they had attended for a long period. Mr J. K. McDonald acted as judge, and when his duties were ended, called for three hearty cheers for the Waingaro Polo Club, which were given with full throat power. W. Seaville called for the same compliment for the Hot Springs Polo Club, which was given vociferously. A hearty vote of thanks to the ladies who had provided the creature comforts was moved by Mr McDonald, seconded by Mr Seaville, and carried with enthusiasm. There was hurrying then for horses and vehicles, and home was the word as the sky looked lowering and the shades of evening were falling.—(Own Corresponelent). ____________