Performers and Spectators Were Undaunted by the Rain

Last year the sun shone at the Autumn Carnival on spectators dressed in all their summer finery. This year, the rain fell on umbrellas and oilskins, as patrons, refusing to let the downpour interfere with their enjoyment, followed every exciting feature of the long and entertaining programme staged at the showgrounds en March 19. After half a week of wet weather, the odds were on a fine day for the occasion, but another south-easter came, up the bay in time to give Saturday a dull and cold morning, and a thoroughly wetting afternoon, and it was Monday before the skies cleared.

Most of the spectators stayed on to see the show through to a close. As for the performers, the weather made little apparent difference to them.

A competitor in the rodeo rides resolutely through the pouring rain. It didn't put him off, and neither did the bull.

A section of the crowd watching the rodeo when the rain was at its heaviest. On the pages which follow, we present a medley of shots taken by our camera in the showgrounds ring on the day.

The "Ngatapa Express" was one of the amusing highlights of the programme.

Protected by a sheriff on a donkey, it steams bravely across the wild west", loaded with pioneers.

Looks like engine trouble out there in the middle-oval badlands. No smoke from the engine, but plenty from that covered wagon. Any moment now danger may strike.

And here it is! With wild and woolly whoops, the Indians sweep down on the defenceless train.

Excitement grows as the covered wagon makes a bid for safety, smoke and all. At least one of the Indian attackers finds himself all tied up in knots.

And the rest are soon routed by the cowboys. By now those Indians don't look quite so fierce

In fact, they all seem to be having a right good time including the cowboy on the white horse. Spectators enjoyed the show just as much as the performers.

Incidents in the exciting steer-riding contest caught in the heavy rain and fading light by "Photo News" camera.

This enthusiast took it on the head.

Falling off without getting hurt is an art.

A steer lashes out irildly as its rider rolls away to safety.

The tricycle derby, with the winner (Ian Barbour) at left.

Another of the crazy cars.

Some of the contestants in the 2 to 4 years beauty contest. In order from left are Maurice Bradley (1), Glenda Robb (2), and Irene Donaldson (3 equal).

A tumbler entertains in the ring.

The boys have fun on one of the ancient cars which throughout the day provided the public with amusement. Here it tows a skier. On the whole conditions were good for ski-ing!

But not so good for the bar patrons, according to this sign.

Ginger Pahuru makes the chips fly in the standing chop.

A novel twist was provided by this dancer and dummy waltzing in the oval.

As usual, the speedway riders provided the crowd with some of its most exciting moments. On a greasy track, spills were often imminent.

Also on the programme were a fine display by the Gisborne Museum; a display, including jet models, by the Gisborne Model Aeroplane Club, a cow milking competition, wrestling on horseback, and a number of other attractions. Attendance was less than half last year's, due to the wet weather, but the A. and P. Association expected to cover its costs on the day.

MacNamara, Benson, Clare and Jardine on one of the bends.

One of the riders comes to grief on the greasy track.

G. Pearce (top) and J. Benson snapped in action.

The clowns had a bike, too, but here they appear to be having engine trouble.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 9 : March 31, 1955

Performers and Spectators Were Undaunted by the Rain