PONY GYMKANA AT MARTON WAS AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS

Wanganui Chronicle, 1 September 1950, Page 3

PONY GYMKANA AT MARTON WAS AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS

Described by the commissioner, Mr. W. R. Duncan (Taihape) when presenting the trophy, as a “photo-fin-ish,” South Makirikiri won the Ken Dunca n Cup at the Rangitikei Pony Club’s annual gymkana at Marton yesterday by the small margin <| half a point from Tutaenui. South Makirikiri thus retained the trophy which they won for the first time last year. The cup was first competed for in 1943, th? winners that year being Otairi-Pukeroa.

The gymkana was once again an unqualified success. Five branches competed for the cup and the points obtained were: South Makirikiri 59 Tutaenui 59. Otairi-Pukeroa 498, Bulls 27 and Kawhatau 7. Riders from the Wanganui Pony Club also competed in the various events but they were not eligible for the trophy, although those gaining places were awarded ribbons. The judges were Messrs G. M. S. Kelly, H. Simmons and K. L. Irvine from Hastings. At the conclusion of the gymkana, Mr Kelly, after commenting on the excellent performance in the jumping which, he said, was a credit to the instructors, offered some helpful criticism to the young riders. One outstanding fault he had noticed, said Mr Kelly, was that too manv the riders used too long a rein. This was inclined to make the rider sit too far back on the saddle, with the result the feet went too far forward. If a shorter rein was used, it was more comfortable for both rider and pony, said Mr. Kelly. When presenting the cup, Mr. Duncan congratulated the successful competitors and said they had done exceptionally well. He thanked the judges, the Marton Jockey Club for the use of the racecourse, the field marshal (Mr. Brian Simnson) and the secretary for her organisation. The Ponv Club’was fortunate with the weather. While there were one or two showers, they were not persist- | ent enough to hinder the day’s activities. Later in the afternoon there wpq a dron in temperatures. The grand naradp made a snectacular sight as the 102 ponies, with their riders all dressed in colourful branch uniforms, filed past a large and obviously interested crowd. The events showed that the com t retitors had received exnert tuition ; from their instructors, and the success iof the gymkana was in no small 1 measure due to their enthusiasm.

The organisation of the .gymkana was all that could be desired. There were no hitches and event followed event in quick succession. Credit for this smooth organisation must go to the secretary, Mrs. H. Hare (Rata) who was indefatigable in her efforts Io see that even the smallest, detail received closn attention. She was very ably assisted by the president, Mr. W Rowe (Mrmgaonoho), the commis sioner. Mr. W. R. Duncan (Taihape), and the branch instructors—Mrs. L. Taverner (Bulls)), Mrs. R. S. Fuller-ton-Smith (South Makirikiri), Mrs. R. K. Simpson (Tutaenui), Mrs. E. H. Duncan (Otairi-Pukeroa) and Mr. L. McCord (Kawhatau)—who welded themselves into a unit which worked with co-ordination.

The entry of 102 pontes was considered by the officials as excellent anil ; compared more than favourable with [last year’s gymkana. On that occaI sion there were 117 ponies entered, !lhis including a strong contingent | from the Taihape district. However, i the branches from the northern end of the Rangitikei Pony Club’s district I were unable to make the journey I to Marton this year, due to farming operations. seven a sidf: rugby. • Organised by the Marton Old Boys’ Football Club, the annual seven-a- ’ side Rugby tournament for third grade teams will be staged on Marton I Park tomorrow. Six teams have so I far nominated, but as the club is ac- | cepting post entries, further entries > are likely. Teams entered so far are | Old Boys (three teams), Athletic (two teams) and Ratana. The first match is to commence at 1 p.m. The Old Boys Club is to wind-up the day with the annual dinner, at which trophies won -during the season will be presented. Teams are: — Athletic A: R, Hunter (captain), G. Adams, D. Weber, P. Whale. G. Ward. W. Higginson, A. Palmer. B team: J. Wasson (captain), L. Dailey, N. Martyn, L. Pederson, R. Harvey, T. Lyons, iD. Tuck. Emergencies. T. Bason, R. | Cairncross, R. Munro, G. Stent. Play- ■ ers to assemble at Marton Park by 12.45 p.m. ! Old Boys A: T. Ireland. L. Simp- • son, J. Kinloch, L. Kane, T. Knight, iK. Poppe, D. Murray. B team: J. Fitler, A. Barkman, J. Abraham, G. Hammond. R. Ingle, G. Wing. P. I Kahn. Emergencies. R. Hausman, B. ' Rhodes. C team: O. Reid, W. Thomnj son, W. Kinloci-), D. Anderson, M. Lourie, A. Cochran. G. Wing. HAWKESTONE GOLF CLUB The Hawkestone ladies’ golf draw for the fifth round of the Wilson Cup, fto bo played tomorrow, is,:—Mrs. ’ Franke v. Mrs. Ball, Mrs. Whale v. Mrs. Grantham, Mrs. Rhodes v. Mrs. Gorrie, Miss McDonald v. Miss Holder, Mrs. McLean v. Mrs. Witford. Mrs. i Pickford v. Mrs. Velvin, Mrs. SlantiaU v. Mrs. Buyers, Mrs. Gracie v. Mrs. North, Mrs. Grey vy Miss Hutton, Mrs Sexton v. Mrs. B, Galpin, Mrs. Fogelberg v. Mrs. Kendrick, Mrs. Signal v. 'Mrs. Wing, Mrs. R. Galpin v. Mrs. |Hunt, Mrs. Baxter v. scorer