TALK BY U.S. SERVICEMAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 59, 12 March 1943, Page 4

TALK BY U.S. SERVICEMAN

WANGANUI CHILDREN ENTERTAINED Seventy-one children listened to an interesting talk on “Rodeos," given at the Alexander Library yesterday by Corporal Michael Dougherty, oi the United States Marine Corps. Cr. J. W. Broad presided and introduced the speaker, who was listened to with close attention. Corporal Dougherty said the largest rodeos were held in Madison Square Gardens, New York. They created great interest and lasted lor more than two weeks. Large monetary prizes attracted the pick of American cowboys from all parts of the country, and competition was keen in all events. Girls also showed their skill, and the speaker mentioned that one girl of 12 years’ experience could stand on a pair of ponies who ran in perfect unison while she threw a lariat. Rodeo horses were perfectly groomed and were kept on special ranches. Corporal Dougherty explained the hard task set the different judges as the horsemanship and skill of those taking part was of a very high order. At the end of his talk the speaker was plied with all sorts of questions, and in answer to some replied that he had taken part in rodeos in his own home town, which was in Central California. He assured his young hearers that Indians do not kill palefaces these days. He mentioned that the Hopalong Cassidy, of film fame, is a man named Ford, and is known as “Hoppy.” Screen stories were mainly based on past days in American history.

A vote of thanks moved by Mr. Broad was carried by acclamation. It was with an aching wrist that Corporal Dougherty left the library as fie had to sign numerous autograph books before he escaped his admirers.