THE NEW YEAR.

" Time still goeH his unwearied round," and another year has slipped silently into the tomb of ages. If we cannot sing paeans of praise mingled with regret over what has been done in 1869, let us hope that we shall not have greater cause for rejoicing over the decease of 1870. The New Year was ushered in with the usual rejoicings, amongst which the firing of cannon and the rattle of innumerable crackers were most conspicuous. Many of the shops were illuminated until midnight, some attracting much attention from the artistic manner in which they were decorated and lighted. The morning broke clear and cool, and the hea.rts of many anxious holiday makers were gratified at an early hour by the roseate tinge in the east, which betokened a fine day. By ten o'clock in the forenoon large crowds of persons might be seen hurrying in all directions, on pleasure bent ; but at about twelve the stream almost invariably tended to the northward, in the direction of the Caledonian Gathering. A goodly number, however, availed themselves of the trips by the Harbour Company's boats to the various points of attraction down the harbour. The places of business were all closed, and Princes street was hung with flags, the vessels at the pier also liberally displaying their bunting.

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY'S GATHERING.

The eighth annual gathering of the Caledonian Society came off, in accordance with established practice, on Saturday last, at the Society's Grounds, Great King street, and was very numerously attended, the number of persons visiting the ground being estimated at 5000. Fully half of this number were ladies, and the grand stand, which was literally filled with them, presented an exceedingly brilliant and animated appearance. The greater number of the visitors of the sterner sex preferred to saunter about the lower part of the enclosure, whilst those most interested in the various games lined the ring all found three or four deep. The excellent band of the Volunteers, under the leadership of Mr Martin, was in attendance, and played selections oi appropriate music during the day, most of the airs being Scottish, consorting well with the national character of the display. A merry-go-round in its usual corner, was well patronised by the juveniles of both sexes % and the Aunt Sally, the target, and other entertainments provided, as well as the fruit and pastry stalls, found large numbers of patrons. The booths under the grand stand must have done a very large amount of business, judging from the crowds by which they were attended throughout the day ; and, although a large quantify of variousbeverages must have ceen con sumed we have pleasure in recording that we did not see a single person intoxicated. The good order that prevailed was very noticeable. This was owing, not only to the excellent temper manifested by the company, but also to the admirable arrangements made by the Committee. The new system of telegraphing the various events and their results was found to work admirably, the information needed being promptly and efficiently made known to every part of the ground at the right moment. The arrangements for the convenience of the representatives of the press were highly satisfactory, and a decided improvement on former years. The weather was delightfully tine, and the various sports went off in a manner that must have been highly gratifying to the directors. The judges performed their onerous duties in a way which appeared to give satisfaction not only to the competitors, but also to the spectators ; and we did not hear throughout the whole of the proceedings a single voice dissentient to their decisions.

The sports commenced about noon, at which time the enclosure was fairly filled, fresh arrivals pouring in from all quarters as rapidly as the entrance gate would admit them.

The first event on the card was the Quoiting Match : First, L 3 ; second, L 2 ; third, LI. — Judges — Findlater, Murray, A. Macgregor, Bain. The match was played at the back of the ground, and is, we understand, not yet decided.

The nest event was the Foot Race, 200 yards heats : First, L 2 ; second, LI ; third, 10s. — Judges, Dowse, Roberts, Lawson, Kirkcaldy, Mills, Wain.— For this race there were five starters, Boag getting away with a alight lead, for the first heat, Smith, who held second place putting on a spurt at the f distance round, and coming in a good first. The result of the heat was Smith 1, Boag 2, Bond 3. Time, 25-V seconds. In the second heat, Boag again took the lead, kept it to the finish, Smith pulling off from the start until half way round, where he drew up from being fourth to

second place. Boagl, Smith 2, Bond 3. Time, 26& seconds. The deciding heat was a good race, Boag again getting the start, and Smith trying to catch at the f distance, but missing. Boag 1, Smith 2. Time, 25 J seconds. The resultof therace was therefore Boagl, Smith 2, Bond 3. This race was well contested throughout, although the time was not nearly so good as that of last year, when the first and second heats were run iv 24, and 23ksecs. respectively, the last and deciding heat being almost a walk over for Wain. The race of Saturday evidently lay between Boag and Smith, the others stringing off, and never showing in front, and only getting up in the race, when Smith lay off in the second heat for a rush at the finish.

This race was followed by the Grand Highland reel in costume : — First, L 2; second, Ll; third, 10s. Judges: Kirkcaldy, A. Macgregor, Bain, Baxter, and Murray. This contest in the art saltatorial was danced by Murray, Brown, Meldrum, and M'Kenzie> four gentlemen who are well and favourably known for their skill in this national dance. It was regarded with much interest^ by the spectators, and was decided in favour of Murray 1, Brown 2, Meldrum 3. The best dancer of the quartette was decidedly Murray, whose numerous triumphs fully entitle him to be considered the Champion of Dunedin, and who might now gracefully retire from these contests, although his dancing, not for the prizes, could but always be considered a bonne bouclie as an additional feature in the day's proceedings, and one which would impart more interest to the spectators, and more spirit to the competitors, when they knew that the presence of such a formidable antagonist did not make the result almost a foregone conclusion.

The next event was the Youths' Race, 200 yds heats : First, Ll ; second, 10s ; third, 6s. — Judges, J. M'Gregor, Wedderspoon, Hay, Fraser, Shepperd.— For this race there were eight starters, two being handicapped two and four yards respectively. In the first heat the lads got off together, and kept well up until half way round, when some of them began to tail off. Bennett came in first, and Campbell second, but he having near the finish given a push to Martin who was heading him, was very properly placed third, Martin who came in third getting second place. Bennett 1, Martin 2, Campbell 3. Time, 29aec. In the second heat Bennett came in 1, Campbell 2, and Dods 3, but Martin having got the second place in the first heat was placed third. The result of thiß race, which was a very well contested one, was, therefore, Bennett 1, Campbell 2, Martin 3. Time 30sec.

The Scottish trial of strength and skill, known as Putting the Heavy Stone, followed (the stone being 221bs) : First, L 2 ; second, LI. — Judges — Rennie, A. Macgregor, W. R. Douglas, Murray, and Fraser, and was won by Harper, who put the atone 30ft ; Bannerman being second, at 29ft 9in. This wa3 the same result as at the Duke' 3 Gathering, and the best throw was 4in over the best at the General Gathering last year, when Chambers won at 29ft Bin. There were 10 entries for this game, the judges allowing only three throws to each man. On the last occasion five throws were given, and it was stated that some of the competitors were under the impression that a similar number would be permitted this year. The rule of the game is that three throws are allowed to each man: after the winning throw has been made, the winner standing out until he was beaten. This rule was, however, departed from on this occasion, in order to save time, although at the sacrifice of the game itself. It appears to be the opinion of the Committee that it might be advisable in f uture to curtail the number of prizes, so as to allowmore time for each game, and that larger sums might be offered.

The next event was the Standing High Leap : First, L 2 ; second, Ll.— Judges, Messrs M'Gaw, Dowse, Hogg, Kirkcaldy, Shepperd, and Roberta, — This trial, however, lapsed, from the competitors not having made their entries in time.

The Foot Race of 400 yards followed : First, L 3 ; second, L 2 ; third, LI. — Judges, Messrs Dowse, Roberts, Lawson, Kirkcaldy, Mills, and Wain.— This was a well-contested race, for which there were 6 entries. Smith got the lead, and kept ib round the first lap and half- way round the second, when he was overhauled by Boag, who came in winner — Smith 2, Donaldson 3. Time, 57 sec. This race last year was run in 56i Bee. , when Wain and Shepherd, neither of whom were in it this year, ran.

The good old English sport of Wrestling —North Country style— (continued to second day), 5s for standing men each round, followed. — First, L 6 ; second. L 3 ; third, L 2. — Judges : Kirkcaldy, Lawson, Dowse, Roberts, Rennie, Douglass, Fraser, Bain. There were 6 entries, but one of the competitors, Campbell, failing to put in an appearance, Th©

wrestling, so far- as it went, was satis- 1 factory, and the result was as follows :—: — Stood: Fell: Fothoringaam Harry Harper Agnew Robinson, odd man. The Tysons and some others who usually enter for this trial of strength and skill were not present, but are expected to enter for the next day's sports. It is understood that those who enter and stand must wrestle with those who stood on the first day. In order to induce entries, the directors gave an additional prize of 5s for all those who stood each round, and the entrance money was reduced from 5s ' to 2s. j Following the Wrestling was the Highland Fling : First prize, L 3; second, Ll. Judges: Kirkcaldy, A. Macgregor, Bain, Baxter, Murray,— for which Murray, Brown, and Meldrum entered, Bain also dancing, but not for the prize. The prize takers were Murray, 1 ; Brown, 2. For the Walking Race, 2 mile 3, heel and toe : First prize, L 4; second, L 2 ; third, Ll. Judges : A. Macgregor, Wain, Fraser, Dowse, Kirkcaldy, Murray, Mills, Moore, Bain. There were 5 entries, Eadie leading to within the last two laps ; but was cleverly overhauled by Macgregor, who won by nearly 20 yards. The first mile was done in 8 mm. 403ec. , and the second in 9min Sosec, a total of 18min 35sec. This race, last year, was done in 18min, the two miles be ; ng done in Bmin 30sec and 9min 30sec respectively. Macgregor was the winner of the walking race at the Duke's gathering, and Thomson won at the Foresters' fete on Boxing I Day. Very much interest was manifested in the race of Saturday, Eadie's style of going showing a marked improvement, and being short, steady, and nervous. The result was, Macgregor, 1 ; Eadie, 2 ; Thomson, 3. The next eve^t was a Running High Leap. — First, L 3 ; second, Ll. — Judges : ' M'Gaw, Dowse, Hogg, Kirkcaldy, Shepperd, Roberts. —Four competitors entered, M 'Master taking first, and Donally second prize ; winning distance being about five feet.

The One-Mile Race for Championship of Otago for 1870, next came off.— First, L 6; second, L 3; third. LL— Judges : Dowse, Roberts, Lawson, Kirkcaldy, Mills, and Wain. — There were four entries. At the Gathering which was held last year in honour of the visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, Shepherd, the Champion, then ran against Brown and Murdoch ; the latter being the successful competitor. At the present meeting Murdoch again competed with Brown. A good start was effected and the men kept well together ; ultimately, however, Murdoch shot to the front, and soon placed a considerable distance between himself and the other competitors ; in fact, he maintained the lead until the race was concluded, and came in an easy winner. Murdoch 1, Howes 2, Macintyre 3. Time, 5 mm. 45 sec. A Sailor's Hornpipe was the next event. — Ist, L 3; 2nd, Ll. Judges: Kirkcaldy, A. Macgregor, Bain, Baxter, Murray. Four competitors entered. The first prize was awarded to Haig, and the second to Murray ; the result was the same as at the gathering of the previous year, although a considerable improvement was noticeable iv the style of the latter, as compared with his previous performances in this particular dance ; in fact there appeared to be a division of opinion amongst a portion of the spectators as to their relative merits. One of the competitors for the Sailors' Hornpipe danced a remarkably good clog hornpipe, but his name we failed to ascertain.

Next came the Wrestling Match, Cornish and Devonshire style (continued to 2nd day), 5s to standing men each round : First L 6 ; second L 3; third L 2. Judges, Kirkcaldy, Lawson, Dowse, Roberts, Rennie, Douglas, Fraser, Bain. There were four entries for this event. Stood. Fell. Strange* Fotherham G. Robinson Stevens This was followed by the Egg and Ladle Race, 200 yds heats : First L 2 ; second Ll. — Judges — Hogg, Moore, Lawson, Kirkcaldy, Callender, M'Gaw, A. ! Macgregor. In the first Heat W. Robert- j son took first place, and Howes second ; in the second heat Howes was first, and Oaten second ; the deciding heat being won by Howes, Robertson being of j course second. This race was a novelty, | being the first of the kind in New' Zealand. It has lately been introduced into every popular programme at home, and from its peculiar nature cannot fail to create much amusement, wherever contested. With regard to the uncertainty of the" result, it may be mentioned that as an almost natural consequence, many of the competitors cameto grief by dropping their eggs, from their ladles in all directions, The result does not de* | pond so much on. the swiftness of foot in the runner, as on his dexterity and steadiness of hand and eye in retaining the precarious position of the egg he has to bear before him,

This was followed by a bout at Singlestick (masks provided) : First prize, L 2 ; second, LI. — Judges : W. R. Macgregor* M'Gaw, Hogg, and Kirkcaldy. — For which there were four competitors — all members of the Scottish Company of Volunteers. Scott and Hogg were pitted against each other, and after showing some nice close play, Hogg made two points over Scott. Mackay and White were the next opponents, and appeared to be well matched, both attack and defence being good, but hard hitting being the order of the day. White's style of play was considered of a superior kind. White was declared the winner of the second bout, and he and Hogg have to play off on the occasion of the next day's sports.

The Velocipede Race, 1 mile (Bicycles only), followed : First, L 3 ; second, L 2. Judges— Findlater, A. Macgregor, M'Gaw, Kirkcaldy, W. R. Macsjregor, Moore, Dowse, Mills, Bain, in which there were three entries — Win-if-you-can (Stewart) ; Flying Jib (Thomas) ; Duke of Edinburgh (Thompson). The preliminaries attached to this race secured a fair start, but before any great distance had been attained several spills occurred, to the no small amusement of the beholders. The Duke of Edinburgh, which took a prize at the Foresters fete, obtained the lead, but ultimately came to grief, the premier position being taken up by Flying Jib, Win if You Can being some distance in the rear, and closely followed by the Duke of Edinburgh. After many fruitless endeavours on the part of the Duke to pass the Flying Jib, his jockey succumbed, and the latter coming in winner; "Win if You Can being an indifferent second. Time, Bmin. 35sc, being only Ssec. less than the time taken to walk the first mile in the two mile walking match.

Thiß was followed by the Seanntreus, in Highland costume, first, L 3 ; second, LI. There entered for this dance Murray, Brown, and M'Kenzie, Murray being 1 ; Mackenzie 2.

The next event was Throwing the Heavy Hammer, 181bs, first, L 3 ; second, LL, Judges : Rennie and M'Gregor, W, K. Douglas, Murray, and Fraser. There were 10 entries. E. Chalmers, 1 ; Nicholls, 2. "We could not ascertain the distances thrown, but they will appear in the report of the next day's sports.

This was succeeded by the Hurdle Race, 600 yards, over 9 flights of 3 feet hurdles : Ist, L 4; 2nd, L 2; 3rd, Ll. Judges : Dowse, Roberts, Lawson, Kirkcaldy, Mills, Wain. There were four entries for this race, the result being G. Murdoch 1, W. Robertson 2, Howes 3. Time, 1 mm. 35 sec.

The last game of the day was the Sack Race, for Boys ; Ist, 10s ; 2nd, 7s ; 3rd, sa. Judges : Hislop, John Hay, Wedderspoon, Caldwell, Scoular, Beveridge, Wilson. In this race there were numerous entries, but there being no more than 25 sacks on the ground only that number could start. This race, as a matter of course, created an infinite amount of amusement, the mishaps of the various competitors causing much laughter. Mitchell 1 , Aarons 2, Aitkin 3.

In consequence of the very inclement state of fche weather the remainder of the sports have been postponed until this day, and for the various events a lar^e number of entries have been made*