The Old Heave Ho!

Power and strength came to the fore in no uncertain terms at the first Gisborne Tug Of War Championships. After the success of the tugs of war at their Country & Western Day, late last year, Radio Gisborne organised what looks like becoming an annual event. The championships were sponsored by the Gisborne Permanent Building Society and were staged before a huge crowd which packed the Y.M.C.A. Stadium. Torrid heats and straining finals certainly gave the crowd plenty of thrills.

The heavyweight champions are "The Albionians" (from the Albion Hotel, of course) and are, from left, Peter Smallman, Dan Peneha, Kahu Temaro, Steve Kaa and Alex Phillips. In front is team manager Jim Simpson who is holding their winning cheque.

Without cajolings and threats from their team manager, Rita Scott, "The United Housewives" might not have torn off their title.

Commentator Jason Jobe goes about his business as board indicator operator Neil Schroder watches for time.

The lightweight division winners are the Freezing Works Chamber Hands team and are, from left, team manager Ross Thompson, Jim Wilson, Joe Ngarimu, Kevin Stewart, Gary Johnstone and Mo Koia. Continued...

"The United Housewives" after their well earned victory in the ladies' section. From left, they are Kay Poi, Puti Rickard, Rena Williams, Lorraine Houkamau, Lyn Chatterton and manageress Rita Scott. The contest also called for great individual efforts and some of these efforts can be seen in the expressions of