Maori Queen's Shearing Contest

To raise funds on behalf of the Maori Queen during the recent Queen Carnival, her committee organised a shearing contest which attracted the country's leading shearers. With a first prize of £150, it was well worth winning. Mr Frank Martin of Gisborne Sheepfarmers Ltd made their wool store available while other city firms donated equipment and staging. Possibly owing to bad weather, public attendances were disappointingly small.

The two-day contest was ably organised and well run with suitable entertainment and refreshments at the conclusion.

A view of the shearing stands with four shearers in action. They are, from left: Bing McDonald, Waikato; M. Lawton, Wanganui; Te Aho, Waima; and J. Connor, Te Puke

A close up of Bing McDonald who was third in the contest

'Tom' and Mrs E. Tombleson, M.P., were among the spectators

World Champion Ivan Bowen was M.C.

Colin Boshier, winner of the contest, "shouted the boys" a 36 gallon Keg. On his left are Dr and Mrs Barry Irvine, and at right, Vaughan Field. Joe Ferguson looks on.

Some of the tablehands. From left, Barbara Tuparu, Bill Aspinall, Margaret Edwards, Nynie Kerekere, and in front, Girlie Wilson.

Ivan Bowen shearing while blindfolded.

Maori Queen Maringa Hawea appeared in tribal costume.

Mr Frank Martin, general manager of the Gisborne Sheepfarmers Company.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 109 : July 11, 1963

Maori Queen's Shearing Contest