Farm tug-of-war team

Farm tug-of-war team

This team won the tug-of-war competition at the Tomoana sports, on St Patrick’s Day, 1906. In the early 20th century, sports days were often held on commemorative days or public holidays. Tomoana is on the outskirts of Hastings, and the bearded figure in the back row, fifth from left, is William Nelson, farmer and manager of the local freezing works. Six years later he sold land at Tomoana to the Hawke’s Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Association, for their annual show.