NEW YEAR'S BAY.

* The advent of the New Year, 1872, -was celebrated on Monday, in as enthusiastic a manner as on any other previous occasion. Propitious weather prevailed during the day, and large numbers of persons, imbued with holiday-making inclinations, visited one or other of the various scenes of pleasure, where, owing to the forethought and exertions of the caterers for public amusement, they were enabled to spend the day' in uninterrupted enjoyment. THE CALEDONIAN" GAMES, held at the North Duhedin Recreation Ground, attracted the greatest numbef of pleasure-seekers ; as many, in fact, if not more, than attended any previous gathering held in connection with the Caledonian Society. The Grand Stand appeared to be more than usually crowded ; all the seats were occupied during the greater portion of the day, and many persons were unable to obtain them. That portion also of the ground which is always set apart for the exclusive use of the public, was frequently rendered altogether invisible, so numerous were the promenaders. Music, refreshments, and various, minor amusements incidental to such gatherings, were abundantly providedj and liberally patronised ; and, although it is estimated that fully 6000 persons were present, only two or three of bacchanalian proclivities, rendered themselves flagrant examples of over indulgence. The helpless condition of the few, however, was not allowed to interfere in any degree with the enjoyment of the many. The Sports Committee appeared to have done everything in their power to secure the comfort of their patrons, and the general result of their efforts must have satisfied even the most sanguine of their number. There was one mistake, however, which, no doubt, was inadvertently made. The stalls, at which confectionery, fruit, toys, and other tempting articles were sold, were so Situated as to obstruct, to an inconvenient degree, a hitherto uninterrupted promenade, and some persons therefore very naturally complained against the encroachment. With this exception, the arrangements of the Committee wore of the most complete and satisfactory character* There were numerous competitors for the various events which crowded the programme, and in most instances they •were very keenly tfohtested» 100 Yards Handicap. First pri&e, £2; second prize, £1. First heat — Westland, 1 ; second heat - — Pollock, 1 ; third heat — Power, 1 ; fourth heat— Coppin, 1 ; final heat — Westland, 1 ; Pollock, 2. This race was closely contested, and was won by Westland, after a severe struggle, by about a yard. Time, lOf seconds. Power, who was running well, fell when about three yards from the winning post, and one yard in the rear of the winner. Youths' Handicap Race, 250 yards. First prize, £1 ; second prize, 10s. Nine accepted for this race. Aarons, Bennett, and Miller started from scratch ; Williamson, 6 yards ; Jones, 7 yards ; Wilson, W. Hogg, Martin, and Maine receiving 10 yards. First heat — Bennett, 1, being about a yard in advance of Hogg (time, 29 seconds) ; second heat—Bennett 1, winning easily by about three yards, Aarons coming in second about three yards ahead of the third man. First prize, Bennett ; second prize, Aarons. Putting, ok. Throwing Light Ball. First prize, £3 ; second prize, £1. There were eight competitors for this event. Chalmers won the first prize with 40ft. 7in., and A. Macdonald secured the second with 38ft. lOin. Running Long Leap. First prize, £2 ; second prize, £1. There were three entries for this event. The first prize was taken by Fox in one jump j distance, 19 feer, beating the second man (Power) by five inohea. Quaeteb Mile Handicap Race. First * prize, £3 ; second, £1. There were 23 entries for this event, but only thirwen competitors put in an appearance. First heat — L. Westland (time,' 56£ seconds) ; second heat, Powei (56^ seconds) ; third heat, Smith (58| second's ; the other competitors being nowhere; In ■'the fourth heat, which' was $he fastest and' best-contested race of the whole, Coppin (lo yards handicap}' anc Wain (i7'yards) l came'in a de'acfheaf. Jj the final heat Coppin and Smitli liayinj; other up' shortly' after start $g, Jeit^tjie rage to, vVestland, Waui> anc #oweH Westlas4 ta!4 n 4 s ? PP??» £**( Wain the second. Highland Fling in Costume, Firs prize, £2 ; second, £1. Only two wmpetitors— J3rown, 1 ; Mac

Wrestling. First prize, £5; second, £2. Four competitors — Robertson took the first prize ; Cooper, second. One Mile Race, Handicap. First prize, £5 ; second, £1. Eleven entered for this race ; Fox, with

10 yards handicap, won this event, beating G. Murdoch, who started at scratch (time 5 minutes). The time is 10 sees. ; longer than last year, when it was won by ' Fairlie on the old course, which was not i i nearly so good as the present, in 4 mm. ■ 50 sees. : Boys' Blindfold Wheelbarrow Com- ! petition. First prize, 10s ; second, . 6s ; third, 4s. Five competitors — Ruston, 1 ; M'Lellan, 2 ; Gibbs, 3. j 1 Running High Leap. First prize, £2 ; . second, £1. ; Murdoch, 1 (5 ft. 1 in.) ; Auld, 2 (5 : feet). Two Mile Handicap Walking Race. . First prize, £4 ; second, £2. This was the event of the day, and , great excitement prevailed during the | race,, the competitors being Macgregor | (scratch), Bowden (125 yards), Eadie and Ritchie (25 yards). From the first [ the race lay between Bowden and Macgregor. At the end of the 12th lap, however, Macgregor passed Bowden, and though he maintained his position to the endj his opponent kept him on his mettle t : Time slightly ovei? 15 minutes. : Sailor's Hornpipe. First Prize, £2 ; second, £1. Two competitors only. The judges having declared them equal, J. Haig and R. Alexander divided the prizes. Picking up and bringing in 30 Stones 1 yard apart. First prize, £3 ; second prize, £1. Five entered. Auld (winner of last year), lj ; W. Hutchinson, 2. Highland Reel. Boys in costume. First prize, £1 ; second prize, 10s j third prize, 10s. J. Murray, jun., 1 ; Sutherland, 2 ; A. Caldwell, 3. Youths' One Mile Handicap Walking RAce. F^irst prize, £1; second prize, 10s. Four entries. Smith (scratch), 1 — time, 8 mill. 50 sebi ; Mitchell (25 yards), z. Throwing Light Hammer (12 lbs.) First prize, £3 ; second prize, £1. Seven entries. A. Macdonald, Trith the fine throw of 129 feet 5 inches, 1 ; Chalmers, with 104 feet 3 inches, 2. Handicap Hurdle Racej 500 yards. Bight flights. First prize, £3 ; second prize, £1. Fox (scratch), I—time,1 — time, 1 mm. 13£ sec. ; J. Murdoch (5 yards\ 2. Handicap Sack Race, for Boys. First prize, 10s ; second prize, 6s ; third prize, 4s. As usual, this race brought forth numerous competitors. J. Grant, 1 ; A. Lockhart, 2 ; J. Morgan, 3. Second Day. . Handicap Race, 250 yards. Heats. First prize, £2 ; second; £1.1 There were 20 entries for this. Doyle, who had eight yards handicap, wlm the first heat. Westland, who had li yards handicap, won the second ; F. Wajn, the third heat, with 12 yards handicap ; and G. Murdoch, the fourth heat, with 14 yards handicap. In running offj Westland came in first, and Wain secoad ; the former thus securing the first, md the latter the second prize. Reel op Tulloch, in Highland ostume. First prize, £2 ; second, £] . The first prize -was adjudged to Brown, the second to Meldrum. Youths' Handicap Race, 10C yards. Heata. First prize, £1 ; secc nd, 10s. For this contest, Bennett was t rst, and Aarons seoond. Bennett started from scratoh, and Aarons had two ya ds handicap. Throwing Heavy Hammer. Fii 3t prize, £3 ; second £1. This was won by Allan M'Donald, who threw a distance of 89ft. llin. Chalmers took the second prize. Wrestling, for Youths of 16 an under. Loose North' Country style — r Catch as catch can." \ There were ten entries for this.- iLeckie threw White, Smith' threw" Grate},'Ruston threW Broplcs," Mariderson 'threw dampoell, arid 'Welsh threiy' Robertson. In the second" round, Ruston stooi and Leckie fell.' Welsli stood and Manderson fell, leaving Smith odd man. In the •third round Smith stood and Histon* fell, leaving Welsh odd man. Welai and Slmitfy Ha4'%hetefqre to wrestle off fir the first prize, Vlugh Welsh secured by cleverly throwing Smith twice ml sucoession. 'Smith took second prize, j Boys WsfisiLiyg p job gußBC*imotf

There were eight entries. W. Hogg won the first prize : M 'William the second; and Black the third. Black was a veiy small but plucky boy. Handicap Hurdlb Race, 250 yards, over three feet hurdles, heats. First prize, £3 ; second, 1. Fourteen competitors entered. There were three heats, Norman with fourteen yards handicap, won the first ; Auld, with 12 yards handicap, the second ; and Christie, with fourteen yards handicap, I the third. In running off, Christie came in first, and Norman second. Time, 31 seconds. SwokdDbnce, in Highland Costume. — First prize, £2 ; second, 1. j For this M'Kenzie was adjudged first, and Brown second. The dancing of Meldrum, one of the competitors, was much superior to either M'Kenzie's or Brown's, and he would certainly have secured first place had he not touched the swords, thereby disqualifying himself. Handicap Walking Race, one mile. — First prize, £3 ; second, £1. This match was won by M'Gregor, who started from scratch, and who walked the distance in 7 mm. 44 sec, beating the second man, Bowden, who had a handicap of 75 yards, by about a yard. Boys' Egg and Ladle Race, 250 yards. Heats. First prize, 10s ; second, 6a third, 4s» Thirteen entered for this, and ran on in two heats. Henderson secured the first place, Jones the second, and Hogg the third. Wbestling, Cornish and Devonshire style. First prize, £5 ; second, £2. No decision was given yesterday by the Judges in this event. Putting Heavy Ball. First prize, £3 ; second, £1. Allan M'Donald secured the first prize by putting the ball a distance of 34ft. 4in. ; and Chalmers, who put it 38ft. 4in., the second. Challenge Dance, for Youths of 16 and under; First prize, £1 10s; second, 10s. James Murray got the first prize, and Sutherland and Caldwell were equals in the second place. Half-Mile Handicap Race. First prize, £4 ; second, £1. "Won by G-. Fox, Pollock coming in second. Time, 2 mm; 9 sees Vaulting with the Polei — First prize,- £3 ; second, £1. Donnelly cleared the bar at 9ft* Bin., winning the first prize ; Anld at 9ft. 7in., getting second ; and Muirhead, who made 9ft. 6in., getting the third. The competition was close leish Jig. — First prize, £2 } sccondj For this the first prize was awarded to Mason ; the second to M'Carthy. Youths' Handicap Walking" Race, 1 mile. — First prize, £1 ; second, 10s. Mitchell, who had 75 yards handicap, came in first ; and Smith, who started from scratch, second. Tossing the Caber. — First prize, £2 ; . second, £1. For this there were seven entries, — Power won the first prize ; Calder, the second. Consolation Handicap Race, 440 yards. First prize, £2 ; second, £1. Pollock came in first ; E. Hogg, second. Handicap Sack Race fob Boys. — First prize, 10s ; second, 6s. M. Barnett was first ; R. Collier, second ; and R. M'lntosh, third. Educational Prizes were declared during the day by the President, Mr Callender,_ on the grounds, in presence of Mr Ramsay, Hon. Treasurer, the Education Committee, and the Directors. Mr Callender read the following :—: — 1. Essay on ""The Writings of Sir Walter Scott, and their influence on the present age." — The judges, the Executive, the Rev. D. M. Stuart, Messrs Stables, Gardner, and Findlater, report that they were rather disappointed that so few essays had been sent in. After careful consideration they award the first prize to "Redgauntlet " (Mr D. R. Hay), and the second to " Lochinvar" (Mr Jas. M'lndoe). The latter essay they consider to be superior in style and composition ; but the writer has failed to illustrate and establish the opinions he advances by special references to Scott's works — so that the essay is incomplete. The former essayist has' illustrated his opinions very correctly ; but the judges are of opinion he has given undue prominence to Scott as a poet,' iii contradistinction to' his position as a writer of roman.ce. 2. School! prizes. — The examination for the above was held on Saturday, 30th December, in the Lower Hall of the Athenaeum. Judges— Rev. D. M. Stuart, and Messrs Gardner and Russell. The examination in History, and Analysis was conducted in writing, o.n which subjects the questions were prepared by Mr Pope, of, the High. School. History : 1, M.iss. Hejiy Ato? Qi&n .Jelwi Scfewl; %

Miss Jessie Mills, Green Island School ; 3, Miss Alice^ Spedding, South School. Analysis : 1, Miss Jane Ceok, South School ; 2, Miss Alice Spedding, South School ; 3, Miss Jeanie Gilchrist, Middle School, and Master John M'lndoe, South School. Recitation in the Scottish dialect — 1, Miss Jessie Mills ; 2, Miss Jane Cook ; 3, Miss Alice Spedding. Eecitation in English — 1, Miss Jane Cook, 2, Miss Helen Harper ; 3, Miss Alice Spedding, Miss Jessie Mills. For general excellence in all the subjects, the prize was awarded to Miss Jane Cook. It ought to lie mentioned that the recitation in the Scottish dialect' which gained the prize was from the pen of our well-known " Craigielee." In distributing the prizes, the President stated that he should have been pleased had there been a larger number of competitors, but cordially congratulated those who had come forward and been successful. He requested those who had not been victors this time not to be discouraged : and he hoped to see them all and a great many more competing next year. He must also refer to the fact that in the competition the girls had been much more sitecessful than the boys. In conclusion, he would remark that it was stated by the judges, in their report, that the whole of the competitors had acquitted themselves very creditably indeed. A special prize had been presented by him,self to Miss Jessie Mills for her recitation in the Scottish djalect. There was a large concourse of people on the ground during the day, and everything passed off in the most orderly manner. PICNICS. Among the most successful of the amusements of Monday may be mentioned a large private picnic held at Vauxhall Gardens, kindly granted for the occasion by Mr W4W 4 H. Cutten. A large number of ladies and gentlemen were present, and a most enjoyable day was spent. The valuable services of Professor Saunders, of the Excelsior Minstrels, whose beautiful solos on the harp have elicited great applause during the performances of this gifted troupe at the Princess Theatre, were happily secured, and materially contributed to the gratifying success which attended the efforts of the promoters of the picnic to provide a pleasant day's amusement. The Dunedin and Maori Hill Baptist Sunday Schools held their annual picnic on Monday last. The scholars met at the Hanover street school, where they formed into procession, and were marched up to Mr Strode's paddock, which had been kindly lent for the occasion On reaching their destination, the children dispersed themselves to join in the various amusements provided for them, such as swings, cricket, and football, scrambling for lollies and nuts being also very eagerly partaken in. Tea and confectionery were very plentifully-supplied, and nothing occurred to mar the day's amusement. EVENING AMUSEMENTS. There was a very crowded attendance at the Princess Theatre and Masonic Hall on Monday and last evening. To-night an entirely new programme will be presented at the Theatre, and presents will be distributed at the Masonic Hall every night during the week. Mr Harry Cowle will take a benefit at the Theatre to-morrow evening. SPOBTS AT MOSGIEL. The Caledonian sports held at Mos* giel came off with the greatest success, the numbers far exceeding those of last year. From North and West Taieri, Waipori, -Green Island, and Saddle Hill, there came numerous settlers dressed in holiday attire. The games were well contested, and in some instances equal to those of the town. In the wrestling, Hislop, for a number of years champion of the Province, was floored on the first grip. The racing was excellent, and both adults and boys contended. Towards this race Mr M'Gregor gave £2 as additional prizes. The walking match could scarcely have been surpassed, and the winner might contend in any part of the Colony. Punch's pony afforded endless amusement, and some of best riders, who could without difficulty ride the wildest colt, were ignorainiously floored by hiih. The games were agreeably varied with dancing on the green sward, the Green Island band playing appropriate music. The prizes .varied from 10s to £2, and were paid immediately after the event. Next year we would suggest a larger circle, and a little more firmness on the part of the directors in keeping back the crowd, in order, to. afford the ladies a, better opportunity ofseeing the sports. BIUESKIN. Our correspondent writes: — "Our annual sports came off here on the Ist inst. in a paddock adjoining the Waitati Hotel, the ground being flat and roomy with a good 'view from the main road, raised a few feet above the level of tfte la»d, avowing, • A. bettor sito

could not have been fixed on for the holding of the games. The day was a remarkably fine one, but the attendance of visitors was not so large as I had expected it to be. No doubt many more would have been present, but for the ■ superior attraction of the town games. Before proceeding with an account of the games, I have a few remarks further to ' make. A certain amount of excitement is naturally expected on such occasions, as friends of competitors wish their own men to win ; but bystanders ought not to interfere with the judges in the way they do, and did with us on Monday. Such interferences annoy quiet visitors, and nonplus the competitors, 'besides causing quarrels, which on such festive occasions ought to be avoided. "With a few excep- ■ tions, which have called forth the foregoing remarks, the day passed off well and satisfactorily, and tne people kept away from too much liquor. Host and hostess Souness were, as they always are, most obliging and attentive to their customers ; and the Committee for the Games attended well to their dr ties. The proprietor of a crockery and nicknack stall did a roaring trade, by the turn of a box, on the all prize and no blank principle, and -was soon cleared out of Tiis stock — the ladies being his best customers. Of course kiss-in-the-ring was patronised as well, for the amusements could not have been complete without it. The following were the several events and their results : — Quoiting ; 4 entries ; David "Weatherstone, Ist, 15s ; A. Wilson, 2nd, 7s 6d ; well contested. . Youths' Race ; heats, once round the course ; 200 yards : First heat— lst, H. Carey ; 2nd, H. Clark. Second heat— Clark, Ist ; Carey, 2nd. The third heat was run quickly and closely between the two, Clark coming in winner by a short distance. As r however, there had been some bungling over the start, the boys received each 7s 6d. Youths' Race ; once round the course ; handicapped ; 8 entries. — Won by a youngster, named Bain, coming in first; prize, 3s ; second prize, Campbell, 2s. Young Men's Race ; 200 yards ; heats ; 3 entries. Ist heat— S. Carey, 1; John Pryde, 2. The second heat was well contested between Pryde #nd Carey for the last 100 yards, and they made a dead heat of it. Some mismanagement over tliis affair caused a division of the prizes between the two, 15s and 7s 6d. Walking Race, one mile and a half. 3 entries — J. Downes, A. Pryde, and J. Lindsay. The last-named walked in a kind of jogtrot from the beginning. Pryde is a capital fair heel and toe walker, and although Lindsay was first •in by about 'a yard, the Ist prize, 30s, was given to Pryde, and the second, 103, to Lindsay, he and Downes having broken frequently from the start. Throwing the Hammer, 14 lbs weight.— J. Carey, 1 ; A. Wilson, 2 ; prizes, 15s and 7s 6d. Length of throw, 72 feet 7 inches — 3 entries. One Mile Race ; 4 entries. — A good race. Ist prize, A. Pryde, 20s ; 2nd, J.-Adair, 7s 6d. Twin Race ; 5 entries ; once round the course. Ist, Pryde and Downes, ss ; 2nd, Jackson and M'Nicol, 2s 6d. 100 Yards Race ; 5 entries ; Carey, Ist, 15s ; John Pryde, 2nd, 7s 6d. An excellent race. Frog Race ; 5 entries. — This race caused much amusement, a little boy having beaten his grown-up competitors. Dumas, Ist, 6s ;D. Carey, 2nd, 4s. Tossing the Caber— a long green mapau pole, which none of the competitors could turn. Six inches being cut off it, James Carey -v turned it twice in succession, and gained "■^ first prize, 15s. After a foot more had been taken off, A. "Wilson turned it and got second prize, 7s 6d. Hurdle Race, 3 entries— J. Pryde, Ist, 20s ;A. | Pryde, ?nd, 10s. Putting the Stone ; 3 entries— J. Carey, Ist, 15s ; A. Wilson, 2nd, 7s 6d. Standing High Leap ; 6 entries—S. Carey, Ist, 15s ;A. Pryde, 2nd, 7s 6d ; height jumped, 3 feet 11 inches. KunningHigh Leap ; 3 entries— A. Pryde, Ist, 15s ; J. Pryde, 2nd, 7s 6d. Boys' High Leap ; 3 entries — H. Clark, Ist, 7s 6d ; H. Carey, 2nd, ss ; height leaped, 4 feet. Hop, Step, and Jump ; 3 entries — S. Carey, Ist, 15s ; H. Carey, 2nd, 7s 6d ; distance, 33 feet 4 inches. Vaulting, 3 entries — T. Downes, Ist; 15s ; C. Jackson, 2nd, 7s 6d. Shooting at a Mark ; 16 entries — Ist, J. Young, ' jun., 15s ; 2nd, J. Hall, 7s 6d. Tilting finished up the sports, the desire to see it having kept the company well together ; 9 entries — Herbert Mansf ord, Ist, with 9 rings, £2 ; R. A. Kerry, 2nd, with 8 rings, £1. The second day was devoted to racing, and being favourable in regard to weather brought a good many people together. I have not space enough to give a detailed report of the different events, so can merely state that they gave satisfaction. The races, of which there were five, were run on the sands of the bay, a mile or so north of the Waitati township."

The crops in the Waikato are suffering from drought, only one or two slight showers having fafeu for fmut weefej. Tfo wella are «U <M Up,