ANNIVERSARY DAY.

Press, Volume XLIII, Issue 6635, 29 December 1886, Page 2

ANNIVERSARY DAY.

The celebration on Dee. 16 of the thirtysixth anniversary of the founoMbn of the settlement was throughout al its varied phases a great success. Toere was ample and to spare for every one in the way of enjoyment, the tastes of all, so far m outdoor amusement was concerned, being catered for. First in order of time came the peaceful invasion of Tiraaru. The southern capital was invaded by over one thousand excursionists, who visited the breakwater and otherwise enjoyed themselves in the city by the sea. Tnen our citizen soldiers, answering to the stern call of duty, and with no bright eyes of ladies looking on to spur them to deeds of chivalry, went forth to repel the (imaginary) foe which was threatening the commerce of the Liverpool of Canterbury— Eaiapoi. How they bore themselves in the en* counter is told elsewhere. Still keeping to the sequence of events, the gathering of the clans on Lancaster Park drew a large crowd of spectators, sot so large as that of last year perhaps, but still a goodly number. Here there were dances, which to the uninitiated Southron mind were strange and wonderful, but which to those who were to the manner born seemed to ponaew a great faaeJaatko. Then came the pipers, who gave melodies bearing still more peculiar names than the dances, but whose strains were regarded! bythooewho hail from the land of the mist with b delight which the finest Italian melody that ever was composed would Call far short of. The athletic competitions too

supplied an element in which the English { folk ware thoroughly at home. Altogether | this gathering is without exception one of the best given here of its kind. The sporting element too had its innings, for, were there not meeting* at Plumptafi Pack and New Brighton, where all lovers of sport congregated in great force. The people's! spor» on Hagley Park and the unemployed picnic afforded every one an opportunity of enjoying a day's outing. The Committee of the sports ha a provided a most excellent programme, in which the rising generation were not forgotten. For those who were inclined to make the day a family outing the trip to Akaroa by the Rotorua, givon a calm day and plenty of sunshine aff jrded great attractions, and many availed themselves thereof, as also of the trips to Pigeon Bay, Governor's Bay, and other marine pleasure resorts. The members of the N and E Batteries fraternised in Lyttelton, and inxing business with pleasure had some shell practice from the breakwater, which was witnessed by a goodly number of spectators. The outdoor fete at Riccarton in a»d of the funda of the parish church whioh was held in the grounds of Mr L. Harper at Ham, drew a goodly number of persons thither, and for their delectation celebrated artistes in all lines of amusement were engaged at fabulous expanse and succeeded most admirably in affording a most enjoyable day's outing. In the evening Mr Harry Power and the very capable Company under his management, enabled holiIday makers to wind up the day right merrily with a good old-fashioned Irish melodrama, with plenty of sensation, dancing, and lovemaking in it Thus it will be seen that we in Canterbury, yesterday, by no means took our pleasure sadly—as has been said of Britons— but made merry and rejoiced exceedingly. Appended are the details of the various events of the day, except the Plumpton Park and New Brighton Races, and the Caledonian Sports, which appeared in our second edition last week:— SPORTS ON HAGLET PARK. The sports gathering held oa Hagley Park on ■ huraday was in every way a complete success. The weather proved very favorable on the whole, though in the earlier part of the afternoon it was much too warm for comfort. The attendance Wfta ?? about 5000 people being on the ground. In addition to the main attraction, there were a number of smaller amusements on the ground. The three bands present, viz., the Lyttelton Garrison, Orphanage and Burnham, played a number of enlivening "elections during the day, which cheered both spectators and competitors. Eightynine of the inmates of the Orphanage and twenty-eix of the Burnham boys availed themselves of the invitation of the Committee, and appeared to enjoy their outing For those of the public who had not brought hampers with them, there were plenty of good things in the way of refreshments provided by the booths on the ground. As usu*l the children were not neglected. Sporta and games of all kinds were got up for their amusement. In the absence of Mr H. Crooks, Mr O. Samuels worked with good will in arranging the race?, &3„ for toys and useful articles and in currying them out. He was ably assisted by Mt-eara Gapes, Bath, Silvester, Muffett and Littl«. The sporta meeting, as we hive said, was ' a good one The fialda were large in almost all the events, and the contests were g. nera'ly close and exciting. Messrs W. R Mitchell J. P.Wacbsmanand.To:»bß acted I as jadges, and carried out their duties impar tiaily Mr S. P Andrews had charge of the pistol, and was as exacting as usual in Keeping his men to the mark. The members or the Committee and the Treasurer worked hard during the day, and nothing l was lacking at their hands which would tend to the success of the meeting. Mr G. Pengelly, as F-ntry Secretary, was courteous and obliging, and performed his task with satisfaction The amount taken at the gates was £2B 3s 43, which is a few pounds in exce a of last year. This is due, probably, to an increase in the attendance, and to the gate-keepers being rather more > importunate than usual. The events were got off in'good thin, the last race being run about half-oast five.

The following are the results . 100 Yards Boys' Race, under fourteen— J. Petrie 1, Li Snrimshaw 2, H. White 3. 100 Yards Boya' Race, under ten—9. Can I, G. Clark 2, J. Musson 3. 100 Yards Men's Race, handicap—l 3. Bcrimshaw (4vds) 1, P. Chisnell (6yds) 2, T Petrie (syds) 3. Time,loaeca. 220 Yards Boy** Bace, under fourteen— E. Bradford 1, H. Petrie 2, M. Caw 3. 220 Yards Boya' Rice, under ten— 0. Carrl.A Bee2, G. Clark 3. Three Mile Bicycle Kace, handicap, amatoms only (the Committee's end Mr <o*te»'cups>)~W. DeMoolin (300yds) 1. P. D. Mansel (300yds) 2. A C. Wilmot (scr) 3. 440 Yards Men'o Handicap Rtce-W G. Goodwin (2yde) 1, P. hisrell ('2yds) 2, E. T. Scrimshaw (10yd*) 3 440 Yar<*s B. ya' Race under sixteen— S. Snith I, F. Chisnell 2, P Clements 3. 440 Yards Boys' Race, under fourteen— E Bra tford I, «, White 2, H. Petrie 3. 440 Yards Boys* Race, under twelve—!*. Scnmshaw 1.

440 Yards Roya' Race, under ten—o. Carr 1, A Bee 2, tit. Clark 3. Men'd Standing High Jump —J. Ashworth (4ft 4 : n) lA. Mcßeth (4ft Sin) 2. T-TO Mile Bicycle Handicap Hace, for boya under fifteen, amateurs (cups presented by Messrs Manning and Naahelski, and cruet by Messrs Beece and Co.)—G. M. H*ll (50 yds) 1, G. Cooper (500 yds) 2, E. Harris (10!) yd ) 3. Men's itunning High Jump N. V. Austin and J. Ashworth equal (sft 2Jin), Ist ati'i 2nd prizes divided. Half Mile Men's Bace, handhap—S. G. B irrett (40 yds) I, & J Whiting (40 yds) 2, W. H. nmith (30 yds) 8. Fourteen started. Half Mile Boys' Bice, under autteen—E. Smith 1, F. Clements 2, G. M Porde 3. Half Mile Boys' Bace, under thirteen—L. Scrimshaw I. H. White 2. H. Burnside 3. Men's Sunning lion«r Jump—A. Mcßeth (18ft llin) 1, N. V Austin (18ft 4in) 2, J. Ashworth (l-tft 2in) 3 One Mile Men's Race, handicap —T. Sheehan (55 yds) 1, J. Iff. O'Connor (sjr) 2, G. Davidson (20 yd*) 3. One Mile Bijs' Eace, undier sixteen, age allowance, handicap—E. Smith (scr) i, W Bowse (ecr) 2. W. Sullivan (40yd-) 3. Vanlcintr with P*>le for men—T. Mc*ulifie (9ft4 ; n) 1, J. Ashworth 2, T. , Robinson 3.

Quarter Mile Costume Exhibit-Por this competition the judges were Meadames J. C. Msddisou and »». «larkson, and Mr W. B. Mitchell. The first prize, the Crowa Brewery Cup was awarded to J. Oliver, pile blue; 2nd, W. Hancrek, and Wack 3rd, trophy, W. trallivan, blick satin.

Twn Mile Men's Walking B«sce (handicap)-!. McCm>t (6>>d) 1, T. H. Clarke (30yis)2; K. McJourt (100yds) 3. O'Connor (soa'ch) gave up after goiog a mile. C arki wa* toasiderably distressed on finishing

One Miin B ys Walking Eice, under sixteen; handicap allowance for age—G. D. MoNicoll (scratch) 1, J. Maynud ( cr*tcb) 2, B. Sullivan (scratch) 3. * tive Mile B cycle Bace, amateurs only (handicap); first priz-, Clarkson's model of Morten s oiock; second, Petersen's tiscuit jar; third, Bandßtein'«j clock—P. B. Dunsford (s ratch) 1, P. D, Mausell (30Oydsl 2, W. De Moulin (250yds) 3 a go;d race, and won by about twenty-fire yarda. xwo others •tarted.

440 Yards Three-Legged Bace-G. M. Potd« and W. B. Goodwin 1, McGiftord Brothers 2, East and Parrell 3. 440 Y-rds Boys' 7hree-L*gged Bsce, under fifteen—Bumside and Clements 1, Bcrimshaw and White 2.

440 Tarda Bice—N. V. Austin 1, B. Whiting 2, E. J. Whiting 3. 300 Yarda Boys' faek Bace, under fifteen —S.Carr I,H Burnsde 2,0. McGratfa3 4*o Yards Men's Hurdle Eace, over 4ft hurdles, eight flighte-W. H. Saith 1, W. McGregor 2, G. Pratt 3. UNEMPLOYED PICNIC. The originators and organisers of the picnic given on Thursday in Hagley Park, to tbe unemployed, bare no reason to complain of want of patronage. Upwards of 650 tickets were issued, and betides the holders of these, several hundred others were present. I be bill of fare consisted of 1000 itb pies, and the same number of tarts and mince pies, 6721 b of plum cake, 190 gallons of lemonade, ginger and herbal beer, and 155 gallons of tea, and this stock entirely disappeared before the day closed, Mr J. Boot waa the caterer, and fulfilled bia contract with great eatiefaction to tbe Committee. His Worship the Mayor md Mr F. Gninneea acted as anperißtendente, and Messrs Ormandy, W. Powell, Corley, GledMU, and Hastings as stewards. Tbe pre Mention of tea was entrusted to Mr Hutchinson and staff. A series of sports were organised for giowu people and chfldrea by Messrs Topham.Uapper, and Ue,lfflfifi by Messrs Lambert, Crook, ana Fleming. As many an possible of the children were presented with a small pre-

sent. Before dispersing Mr wlfarinZZ posed a heart* vote of thank,toftSjE V*ogell tor his consideration to fhaiSS? ploy* d in regard to their for MP* The voce wag carried with eES rfi tt were a»ao wiven for th* «?" Cheers Mayore« ; m 7 W. gjgf wfcftSL W first ro move in the dirw.KA« * WM *•>• s£?i£ f ? tt r? ""^SSivSSSf mittee and its Deputy-ChiuW..^tom-Guinness); and the Lift (& *• (Mr W. Forster) BecwtM » ««• Laat evening his Wotshin «,» »r warded the following Julius Vogel: -•• DnVaffiST, *> Sir have much pleasure in »». JMcmc—l we have had a mo»t succS ncm **"* and happy day. EveiyTnft eaj **>• contented. At conclusion SJS? &m *®& inga a gathering took plaoek«s W«eedthanks for pur goodSW,!* «te of sideratioa of the working «amously passed. aceompaniedW kßl i?* ,si * astic eh«eriag from upwSnf iL I am directed to wire 7jL (Signed) A. Ayxbs.

THE YOLUNTEEBS. Pureuant to genenl «rdew, the f».«+, train shortly after ei ß ht o'clock.\Ss! object cf meeting an enemy mhhkmuS* v 8 approaehing Christchurch from S% * river, the Ensrineers, under r».»- Vx Webster; the City ™nardaft&SS?*» Garner, 31; College 27; Christchurch Rifles,CaptalaEi&' 47; Sydenham, Captain C.S«H» mond, Captain Bowron, 52; and the b££ Lieutenaut Narrell 42 Band. 34, detrained at GfiatoiVnSSr and the Navals, 46, Y er ? *o represent the ceeded to Kaiapoi, when, the ftjfK Rifles, 54, under Captain WhiS CO Cadet,, under Lieutenant alSffi" "gj stationed. Lieut.-Colonel Cm charge of the whole battalion, and hk officers were Maj >n Newall and Jo»« *SL Captain and Adjutant Francis. Md

the stnm. Haying arrived at our destination, the Navale embarked in the steamer EBtmaS and we were conveyed down etresm as far as the mouth of the Bivaj Styx, where we were to effect a landing if possible, and march to Chrijtchurcli. Our jjurnev was short anci uneuccesaful, the Spit at tha Styx being kept by the Mounted Riflej, whose advantageous position rendered it impossibls for ua to land, and after returning their fire we proceeds! up stream, k> make a fresh start from Kaispoi. Scarcely had we passed the Saltwater Creek on the nortn bank than the appearance ot a red jacket through the apertures in the manuka scrub near the Rifle Reserve was only too pi *inly an evidence that our movements were suspected, and the steamer was not allow to approach near enough for ua to effect a landing. Firing with judgment and reserve we picked off the exposed defenders without exposing curielves to any great extent, but to ao purpose, and deeming discretion the better part of valor, we turned our attention to the south bank; and finally managed to land in Stewart's Gully rn Mr Stewart's farm, and in such a position that we imagined we could either march through or assail the defensive party on their right flank. Instructions wc re issued to the men after the f 11 in, »ad upon the order to advance we "ouud our way over half-ploughed fields, through manuka scrub and gra3a paddocks until we took the road, and under coyer if thick gorse hedgeß had m&rched forward for about a mile when our scouti reported the land forces within 300 yards. This wa? rather a surprise, r» we did mi expect to meet them quite so soon, bat we were aoen on the brow of a sandhill and, covereu by manuka scrub. As the land forces advanced we eould plainly discern their movements, and prepared according, extending the men from right to left to prevent circumvention. W« w-re Been as quickly almost as we saw, and despite our plucky defence of our position we were compelled to leave the Sandhills to the Oi posing party, and beat a bast? but orderly retreat, tieuten&nt section on the left ahareda similar fate, and fell back into the scrub for protection, our number being by far too small to • resist the assault.

THE DEFENDING POECB Having detrain »d at Chaaey'e, the com* " paaiea already mentioned fell in near the railway line and the men wm served with blank ammunition. Tbe Engineers were despatched to keep Spencer's bridge, ■ which tkey did until the attack had developed itself, and they leaving it fe> the Mounted Rifles, supported the right ' flank of the defending force. The battalion, with the exception of the Engineers, were marched by a circuitous route over hillocks, through tuesocki, and beside plantations, until a point in the sandhills • was obtained, which it was anticipated • would be passed by the enemy. Colossi Lean explained the plan of opemlioßf during a half hour's halt, after whioh another advance carried ua into opsa' ground among the sandhills, where eager eyes peered for a glimpse of a blue cap, but without avail. To fill up time sad instruct the men, the new attack formation was carried out for the first time, mi was fairly successful. After this precautions were t .ken to prevent a surprise, and scouts were thrown out from the College Biles, the whole battalion forming four dee?, the first rank conatitu'ing the flaw line, the smond rank the support, and tie third and fourth the reserves, i oonecting files were made, and the march began. Through B*nd, manuka scrub, a wasp mi under a ncorchiog sun we tramped, for some time usable to meet our enemy and dispute bis right to invade our territory. A halt was made within a few hundred yards of the Sandhills road, and after the exercise of a little patience, we were rewarded for our exertions by espjing 'our long-wished-for assailants, c& whom we opened a warm and brisk fire, to which there was an equally 'defiant response. The Guards in lie vail doubled from hillock to hillock until right under the hill the Navals were using for their cover. Our supports now enter a the fighting iue, and the Richmond opesefl fire in volleys in half companies, followed by the others, who had extended right and left. Success crowned our efforte, the Navals unable to hold their ground retreated before our assault into the scrub on their rear, and left as mast are of the situation. The Cavalry and Mounted Infantry were employed in recenaoitaeing along the Canal Reserve from Phirley, anl the Mounted Riflta north *arde froa Shirley, with their left flanks on the Bottle Lake road, THE RETCfIK. The sham battle done, the oDiapanieo formed into marching order and the brigade advanced in successive battalions along the Sandhills road—a march which was the worst part of all. Fatigued with. t: a veiling over the hills, the sand from tie road only added to the discomfiture cf the men, who, when they reached the main road, fell out and Akm their thirst with the thick water of the Waimaxarirlfor the want of bc m ething bttter. Chaney? eorßtf was reached in time for the teiin, which arrived in Christchurch shortly after two o'clock in the afternoon. '1 he muster, considering the holiday, was a very good one, and the companies generally executed the orders given them with credit. atkZiafoi. -The Kaiapoi H Company fell in at _ the driHaked at 8.30 to the number Of fiftyfour and cadets eighty one with tbe band* The officer commanding this column wai Captain Wbitefoord, Lieut. Wilson befflf with the rifl-e andactingLieut. AlesiMff with the Cadets. The column nwvelw tbe iftilway station to receive the Lytteftos companies, and aft rwards was loiced vt Lient. Colonel Lean. Thecolumn, headed by the band, marched through the town* along tbe beach—a beautitul »TOnae-* thence to the rough open country near ihe rifle range. Here the eat my waa signaled. and the line was thrown out in skirmisha* ord<r, about fifty paces between tbe ale** with the ('adet Corpi acting as supj&rtii. The riflemen, as the steamer DilAOSa came within range, gave it a very warm reception and two well directed toWW*' the left files closed on the right caaMajfp enemy to Bhear round and retiMi *b ß Kaiapoi column returned to towa, aid Sfi leaving the theatre of war wae met by i» band, which played remarkably **«* Betunimg to the DriU expreesed tbe thiakf «.£» Voluateers to Mr 3. Sim for tbe m ofM •teamer, and he read a very severe to two Cadeta who had acted as mm*f' Dr. Ovenden, hon. Snrgeon, wia Wggm and reported the Met of &^^^%Tif» Some diaappointment was fdt la Sflt»P* at tbe non arrival of the whole m W Companies, a» it had been the -imffß they wonM msroh taroagh tie tows •». mnceayre on the grottdtMfftJ!^ cf & UtllenogpitalitQf in pi and ale before the special train retaiataat ASfflKnaioir. An ioipection P'lrtfitof Eiflcs and the AnhbnrtoniQunwto yw on Thnwday morning. There waa i«w

and previous to SiWtott, In Baring square. The p«|SsbySe band, mttched to a s*».' farm, where a number of wew gone through in a HSOftSEr. Before the men *«• - dlS SmeDtary terms, and bestowed of praise on the steady *i2Aof the Guards. In addition to Douala? and AdjiThe Kifle« were *■£?£ SEd of Captain W B. gKndFB Guards under Captain J B ts£rd»y wu observed as a cloao holi- * Iflßßoiton, the principal attractions f'JMXHQ the Volunteers and the Turi «SS P«t» held in,aid of St. KflfiLPrhnrch. The " p irty " was held fSfiSSIS Hunt's U and pwed S«««tsioee£sfully.