SPORTS AT UPOKONGARO

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18972, 25 March 1924, Page 9

SPORTS AT UPOKONGARO

FARMERS AT PLAY, Country folk of Makirikiri, and from Aramoho to Raorikia, downed tools on Saturday, and found their way to UpQngaro, by motor, hack, or Shanks’ pony. Men, women and children, Pakeha and Mabri, were there, and brief respite was taken from milking and mustering. The attraction of the day was the annual meeting of the Makirikiri Sports Club, which had arranged a programme of events for those who ride and those who run. If one could neither compete on horseback, nor contend by rapidity of leg movement, -then there were numerous other competitions to test their powers, such as sheep weight guessing, chainstepping, nail drilling, and greasy pig catching. Even the family pets were catered for, and there was a race for tom cats, roosters, and anything e(se in the household menagerie that could shift along on two legs or four, with wings or without. Fine weather favoured the outing, and the function was a great success in sport, enjoyment and finance. The arrangements were well carried out by a strong committee under the presidency of Mr. J. Farley, the secretaryship of Mr. D. Priest, and many stewards. Mention must also be made of good services rendered by Messrs. L. Strachan and A. S. Anderson, judges of the house events, and Mr. T.. Copeland, starter of the athletic races. The competitors were keenly interested, and in the most sporting manner. The prizes wepc an exceptionally fine 16t of trophies, and included specials donated by Misses J. Farley (lady’s bracelet), E. P. Vaughan, and J. Harrison. The chief events of the day were the jumping competition for horses, which was won by M. Stomers’ entry, and the 220yds. ladies bracelet won by G. Kawau. The proceedings were enlivened by music played by the Wanganui Garrison Band, under Lieutenant J. Trussell which rendered a programme of popular selections in first class manner. Luncheon and aftee'hoon tea were provided by the Y.M.C.A. assisted by the Ladies Auxiliary, whose efforts were very much appreciated. The sports began in the morning, and daylight was fading when the last race was finished. Many were the cows that were left unmilked on Saturday night. As a finish to the day a dance ws held at Upokongaro Hall, where the prizes were presented by Mr. J. Farley. The following are the results of the various races and competitions:— HORSE EVENTS. Tilting in the ring—S. Lawrence, 1; W. Ford, 2. Stockmen’s competition—D. O’Halloran, 19 cracks in llsec., 1; A. Reid, 20 cracks in 12sec. 2. Bending race—R. Tapu, 1; IJ. Lawrence, 2. Jumping comeptition—M. Stowers, 1; R. Tapu, 2; R. Gray, 3. Rescue race—L. Wilson, 1; G. Anderson, 2. Addition race—L. Wilson, 1? P. Wickham, 2. Potato race —S. Wilson, 1; L. Wilson 2. Consolation jump—S. Wilson, 1. ATHLETIC EVENTS. X Boys’ race under 16—D. Ford, 1; T. Hiri, 2. Girls’ race under 16—Jean Lawrence, 1; M. Kawau, 2. 100yds. Maiden , (local) —L. Randall, 1; K. Connor, 2. Broad jump (open)—C. Heinold, 17 feet 7 inches, 1; F. J. McLaughlin, 16 feet 10 inches, 2. Hight jump—J. Higgins, 1; G. Kawau, 2. Hop, step and jump—M. Marino, 1. L. Walker, 2. • 100 yards handicap—C. Heinold, 1; L. McLaughlin, 2. 220yds. .Ladies Bracelet—G. Kawau, 1; Tasker, 2; L. Randall, 3. 220yds. handicap—F. J. McLaughlin, 1; M. O’Connor, 2. 440yds. handicap—M. O’Connor, 1; C. Heinold, 2. Married ladies race —Mrs Gray, 1; Mrs. Tyson, 2. Maori race—Hiroti, 1; Mattheir, 2. Single ladies race—Miss M. Staples, 1; Miss Rutherford, 2. Married men’s race—Godfrey, 1; Penn, 2. • Bandsmen’s race—Williams, 1; Gutherie, 2. OTHER EVENTS. Menagerie race—Mrs. Hammond’s rooster, 1; Mrs. Curtis’ white leghorn, 2; tom cat, 3 Chain stepping (ladies)— Miss M. Caines, 1; Miss G. Martin, 2. Nail driving (ladies) —Miss M. Caines 1. Greasy pig—H. Daney. Sheep guessing—Mr. Jas. McLeod, 112$lbs., 1. The weight of the sheep was 1121bs.