OTOROHANGA NEWS

Waipa Post, Volume 38, Issue 2270, 19 February 1929, Page 5

OTOROHANGA NEWS

SWIMMING CARNIVAL. (Own Correspondent.) (Our Resident Reporter.) The first aquatic and swimming carnival at Otorohanga was promoted successfully on a reach of the Waipa river, on Saturday last. About 450 people witnessed the carnival from both banks of the river. The Otorohanga Gravel Co. kindly consented to the h°iding of the a deep part of the river. The site was ideal for the purpose. Mr W. Bluek acted as judge for all events, and his cision was never questioned throughout the day's contests—and this in the face of some extremely close finishes. * Mr N. Smith was the efficient starter, whilst Mr G. Fry was the courteous, able and energetic secretary and treasurer. A social and dance was held in the evening, when the trophies were distributed. The following are the results:—

Relay Race, 400 yards: Farmers' Trading Go's team 1, Banks' team 2. 50 yards Handicap (ladies): Lilian Quinlan 1, Mrs E. L. Rees 2. Diving Competition.—Men: H. Liddy 1, N. Sweetman 2. Ladies: Eva Sweetman 1, Mrs E. L. Rees 2. 100 yards Handicap, Men. —First heat: Hudson 1, L. Sweetman 2. Second heat: R. Sweetman % Robertson 2. Second heat: Stephens 1, Hill 2. Final: R. Sweetman 1, R. Robertson 2, G. R. V. Hudson 3.' 50 yards Breast Stroke Handicap: L. Leatham 1, J. Osmlond 2, G. K. Craddock 3.

Schoolboys' Race: H. Liddy 1, J. Briggs 2. Schoolgirls' Race: L. Quinlan , 1, M. Kay 2. 50 yards Championship.—Men: W. R. Harty 1, R. Sweetman 2, N. Barker 3. Ladies: Mrs E. L. Rees 1, Miss L. Leatham 2, Miss N. McCready 3.

An inter-club tennis tournament, Otorohanga v. Te Awamutu, was played on the local courts during the weekend. Despite the fact that an unusually strong wind prevailed throughout the contests, excellent play was witnessed by a large gallery of spectators. Otorohanga won, eventully, by the narrow margin of one game, after a thoroughly enjoyable contest. The grand totals were: Otorohanga 16 matches, Te Awamutu 16 matches; Otorohanga 252 games and Te Awamutu 251 games. The local ladies generously gatered afternoon tea for all the visitors. A return match is eagerly awaited. By losing its cricket match against Railway No. 2 last Saturday Otorohanga has now practically no chance of winning the Hamill Shield this season. Otorohanga batted first, but the innings produced a total of only 40, and no player reached double figures. Railway No. 2 responded with 107 (Gubb 30, Fayen 20, B. Armstrong 24). In their second innings Otorohanga against the same attack scored 75 for the loss of two wickets (Osmond 25, retired, Shelton 38 retired). Railway No. 2 won the game on the first innings. It is the opinion of some practical farmers of the district that the Cawthron Institute is about to do the starlings a good turn with the liberation of the cinnabar moth among the ragwort growth. The starling lives on grubs and caterpillars. This bird is no epicure, and will doubtless use no discrimination in his diet as regards the cinnabar —or any other caterpillar It is certain that farmers should act on their ragwort patches without leaving it all to the cinnabar insect to do. The grub may, or may not, survive to do the good work expected, but the grubber, in the hands of willing workers, will prevent the plant from again reaching the flowering stage. If the plant does not flower it cannot see d—therefore it cannot spread by air. One good man could chip off more succulent ragwort in a day than even a successful moth could destroy in years. It is dangerous, and futile, for land owners to depend on the moth. Kereti Kawe, a young native well known on the football fields of this territory, has become enrolled as an active flying pupil with the Auckland Flying Club. Kawe expects to take up flying professionally as soon as he gains his certificate. A large number of overseas visitors were in evidence at the Waitomo Caves during the week-end. Many of the tourists are anglers and enjoyed their favourite sport in the Waitomo stream, after it leaves the caves, with unfortunately almost negative results.