TURANGA CHURCH FETE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2442, 5 March 1909, Page 3

TURANGA CHURCH FETE.

AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS. There was glorious weather and a very largo attendance at-the 20th annual garden fete of the Turanga Church, whioh was held at the Wae-ronga-a-hika College -grounds yesterday. The picturesque grounds <3vere. looking their best, and throughout tlie day presented a gay and animated appearance. From an early hour .in the morning a strong committee, with Mr. Chas. Gray as secretary, were hard at work organising tlie arrangements, and their work was accomplished in such a‘ thorough manlier that the proceedings went with the smoothness of well-regulated machinery, and not a hitch or wait of any kind occurred throughout the lengthy programme. On arriving at the grounds, the first persons of oonsequenc© to be interviewed was the gatekeeper, the Rev. Mr Jennings. After satisfying Mill that all -passports wore in order, the visitor passed into the grounds. The first stall to catch the eye was that for the sale of work, fruit, produce, fancy goods, and novelties, which was situated beneath the fa, risp reading brioches of a .gigantic walnut tree. Tastefully arranged on the tables were fancy goods and novelties of the most tempting description. Mesdames Chas. Gray and' H: L. Ellis presided over the sale of work, and were ably assisted by Misses Gray, Pollen, and Maclean.- * Mr. H. J Lougher did: a roaring busines with his shooting gallery. >A popular resort during the hot day was the light refreshment booth, presided over by Messrs C. Parsons and J. B. Broadburst. “Aunt Sa! ; was present, and the insinuating pleading of Mr. D. Courtney drew many contributors towards the cost of a new dress for the popular old lady. Luncheon Was provided on the ground, and Mrs. Sherratt and Miss Moncktou, assisted by Mrs. Lynch, were kept busily engaged from 12 to 2 o’clock satisfying the demands of the large gathering. Mr. E. C. Bolton had charge, of the weights and measures, and few left the grounds without knowing their exact- weight and height. There was any 'amount of amusement provided for the children. Mr. J. P, English had charge of a wonderful merry-go-round, on which you could get a ride on a motor car, an elephant, or. any animal you preferred. Mr. G. ‘Lassen made a swing go ever so high. There were fish ponds and motor car rides, and everything the heart of -a child could desire.

The committee responsible for tlie success of the arrangements were as follows: Messrs C. Gray; J. C. Woodward, C. Parsons, J. B. Broadburst, A. C. Steele, R. Sherratt, J. Watson, H. -L. Ellis, A. Mortleman, H. 3. Lougher, D. Hyland, J. Reed, It. H. Image, H. <H. Wall, C. Sherratt, and D. C. Cameron.

The special train from town at 1.30 p.m. brought a large number to the grounds, and the attendance in the afternoon was about the largest on record. Proceedings were considerably enlivened by Messrs Vita Bros.’ band, assisted by Mr. M. Cuthbert, which played an attractive programme during the afternoon. The many tables -were taxed beyond their seating accommodation in the evening, but a willing committee of ladies did splendid service in seeing that the wants of their numerous patrons were more than satisfied. The ladies who presided oyer the district tables wore: Waerenga-a-hika table, Mrs. Ward: Ormond, Miss Neenan; Matawhero, Mesdames Image and Bousfield; Waijnaia, Mesdames Richardson -and Young; Patutahi, Mrs. Woodward and the Misses Bilham; Makauri, Mrs. Reid; Te Arai, Mrs. Murphy; Muriwai, Mesdames H. H. Wall and Williamson; No. 9 table, Mesdames ; H. White and Ellis. Mrs. Kells presided over the afternoon tea table. Mr. A. C. ■ Steele was busily employed all day with his novel chain walking competition. No fewer than 8-5 competitors essayed the feat of stepping the exact distance, an cl the winner turned up in Mr.' J. B. ‘Broadhurst, who got within three-quarters of an inch of the 22 yards. • Messrs Geo. Witters and Thornley Sherratt were the stewards for the gymkhana events, while Colonel G. J. Winter acted as judge. For the sports, Messrs J. C. Woodward and J. B. Kells made most capable supervisors. The following is the prize-list: GYMKHANA. Lemon Cutting, 13 entries—R. Witters, 4.1 lemons ;_E. Swainson, 3£d, 2; S. Newman, 2f, 3. Tilting at the -Ring—This popular event brought out the large field of 35, and resulted as follows. —G. M. Newman, 9 rings, .1; H. Houlthan, 2; C. Tietjen, 3. Threading the Needle.-r-Eighteen competitors, with their ladies, faced the judge. The event- was run off in bleats, and after an interesting contest resulted: A: Devery and Miss Larkins 1, C. Cook and Miss Brittain 2. S. Tietjen and Miss Smith 3. W. Witters finished, first, but was disqualified for not dismounting 'at tlie correct distance from the lady. Tlie judge insisted on this condition, and had previously disqualified five of the six competitors in the third heat for the same- cause. . Gretna Green Race.—As usual tins event was the most popular on the programme, and-’ caused unbounded amusement. The get-up of the “ladies” provided a. great deal of merriment, while the riding of all the competitors was really good. Tho winners turned*u« in Tietjen and Wilson, R. Witters and Walsh being second. The parade of the “ladies’' after the event, in order to allow the judge to award tlie prize for the best costume, caused hilarious 1 fun. Mr. A. McKenzie, who wore a neat print costume,with a fetching hat to match, secured- the verdict-, Mr. M. Walsh gaining the second awdsd with 5 a much betucked green dress and large picture liat/ ft*:; ’ \ Flag Race.—'Eighteen .competitors entered for this event, and an interesting contest, run in heats, saw the final result : E. Swainson 1, M. Walsh 2, F. Swainson 3. Jumping Competition, hunter’s style.—Newmau ? e Biddy, 28 points (possible 30), I; H. Stevens’ Tim, 27 points, 2; J. T. Dunlop’s Rakaii, 26J points,. 3. Ten entries. Bending Oometition.—Eighteen entries were received , for—this event, which was run off in three heats, the final resulting :■ E. Swainson 1, F. Swainson 2, M. Walsli 3. THE. SPORTS. ' ■;

Throwing, the Cricket. Ball (ladies). —Mrs. Wakefield, 111 ft, 1; Miss g-vvaiiifion,. lOafy 2. Bightepn eutrios.

Ladies’ Nail-driving Competition (24 entries). —This event was decided in heats, prizes being given for first and second place in each. First heat, Miss Swainson 1„ Miss Ryan 2. Second heat,- Miss Boyd 1, Miss Peach 2. Third heat, Miss E. Harris 1, Mrs. Coop 2. Fourth heat,. Mrs. Jackman 1, Miss Gordon 2. Competition.—Mr. English’s team (Misses A. Harris and Willson) 1, Mr; D. Scott’s team (Misses Scott 'and Shaw) 2. Donkey Bicycle Race, for slowest rider:—F. Tidswell 1, C. W. Lowe 2. Eleven entries. Potato Race., 10 entries.—Miss E. Harris 1, Miss Brooking 2. Boys’ Race; under 14. —It. Hansen 1, Ihaia King 2. . THE CONCERT. The usual concert was held in the evening,, and was one of the most enjoyable yet held. ' The following was the programme :—Song, “Youth, ’ Mr Blundel; song, “The Old Grey Fox” (encore- “Red 1 Wing”), Mr. J. O. Woodward; qiiartette, “Sweet and Low,” Mrs. Woodward (soprano), Miss Smyth© (contralto). Mr. Woodward (tenor) and Mr. Robb (bass); glee, “Annie Laurie,” Turanga Musical) Society; overtures, “Don Juan,” -“Maritanaj” Vita Bros.; song “True Till Death” Mr. C. Parsons; recitation, “Kissing Cup’s Race,” Mr. English; glee, _ “Little Boy Blue/’ Turanga Musical Society; duet, Messrs Woodward and Blundell. Mr. H. L. Ellis conducted the Turanga Musical Society and the accompaniments were tastefully played bv Mr. Sherratt and Messrs Ellis and Woodward.