NGARAURU MAORI SPORTS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 20054, 14 April 1914, Page 6

NGARAURU MAORI SPORTS.

BIG GATHERING AT WAITOTARA

(By our Special Reporter). Those who prophesied that the failure of the Maori Sports because they were to be held at Waitotara were a long way out in their reckoning, for the gathering was an unqualified success from every view point. The weather remained beautifully fine and the attendance was very large, quite a bis; number frem / angaaui. Patea, Waverley and surrounding districts having accorded the Maori meeting their patronage. H. Tamumu, the hon. secretary, had matters well organised, and he was well backed by a band of Maori enthusiasts, who certainly did not lack energy, and when the gathering got properly started, they got into a stride that enabled the big programme mapped out to be carried out with despatch. Mr. Rema Whakarua acted as starter, and Bob Tamu as Judge, and both officials did work that won the approbation of all.

The Waverley Band, under the conductorship of Mr. J. Nicholls, contributed a musical "programme that was greatly enjoyed. Among "the principal guests present were Mrs. Gregor McGregor., (Wanganui's Carnival Queen) and Mr. Waat'a Hipango, of Waitotara, chief promoter of Maori Sports,, together with several other leading chiefs.

On of the chief equestrian events of the day was the open leap, and this was won by Mr. S. Byrnes, the victory carrying with it a valuable silver cup. This trophy was presented to the winner by Mr. A. Taumumu, and in the ! course of a neat little speech, interpreted by Mr. A. Takarangi of Wani ganui, he first of all thanked both Maori and Pakeha for attending the sports in such large numbers. This, he said, was the first occasion on which sports of the kind were held at Waitotara, an& the large gathering had assisted in making the meeting a success. Mr. Tamumuthen presented the cup, and congratulated Mr. Symes on his well-deserved win. The three Maori events on the programme excited keen competition, and they proved both interesting and amusing, particularly the Haka,which, was won by the Wanganui team." Results were as follows: — Boys' Race (under 14). —Frank Symes 1, Phillip Christensen 2. Girls' Race (under 14). —Miss Karipa 1, Miss Wereta 2. 100 Yards Handicap.—lst heat: J. Ringa 1, A. Brown 2, R. Hiroti 3; second heat: Bruen 1, O'Leary 2, Quirke 3. Final: J. Ringa 1, Bruen 2, O'Leary 3. 220 Yards Handicap (amateur). —. T. Crotty 1, Greener 2. 120 Yards Hurdle Handicap (open) joe Ringa 1, R. Hiroti 2, Quirke 3. '220 Yards Handicap.—Bruen 1, Brown 2, Quirke 3. 440 Yards Handicap (amateur). — Shale 1, Grotty 2. - 440 ri,rds Handicap.—Bruen 1, O'Leary ,2. v Consolation.— Brown 1, O'Leary 2. ". HORSE EVENTS. . . / ' High Jump.—A. Wirem,-u ("sft. 3 ins.) .1, Tamumu and King! tied for second place wi£R 5 ft. Open Leaping Competition (Ist £5 and a cup.valued at five guineas presented by the committee). —S. Symes 1. A. Tamumu 2. J. Morrison 3. ' ' Maiden Leap.—A.Tamumu 1> T. E. Wilson 2. Smith 3. Leaping Competition (Maoris only) —Puna Hamiori 1. L. Apoua 2. MAORI COMPETITIONS. Judge, Mr. Taupito. Grand Poi Dance (Ist prize £5, ,Und £2, 3rd £1). —Moumahaki 1, Nukumaru 2. Grand Haka (Ist prize £5 and silver cup, 2nd £2. 3rd £1). to be performed by Maori men of not more than twelve, and not less than six in a team. —Wanganui team 1, Waitotara 2. Potatoe Peeling (Maori method).. Each woman to scrape six potatoes, and to make, a Kono (dish)' out of flax to receive her potatoes).—Mrs. Wipa 1, Mrs. Paki 2.