ST. PATRICK’S DAY.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XVII, Issue 832, 24 March 1885, Page 2

ST. PATRICK’S DAY.

CALEDONIAN SPORTS. For a first gathering, the Committee of the Cromwell District Caledonian Society had reason to be well satisfied with the Success that attended their efforts on Tuesday last. The attendance at the race course was very good indeed—more numerous than many of the Society’s supporters expected to see. A pleasing feature, too, was, the very, large proportion of ladies and families occupying the Stand, and in this respect evidence was given that athletic sports are more interesting to the fair sex—up-country at least —than are horse-races and such-like forms of amusement. The weather throughout the day was pleasant, only one slight shower falling during the afternoon, The arrangements of the committee were excellent in all respects, and throughout the day the office-bearers were indefatigable in their exertions, each in the special duty allotted him. The joint-secretaries (Messrs M ‘Cracken and Thomson) especially had a hard day’s work, and deserve all credit for the enthusiastic and good-natured way in which they went through their onerous task. All worked with cheerfulness and a determination to make the gathering a success, and this was certainly achieved. If there was any grumbling to be heard at all, it was with regard to the handicaps in one or two events. It could scarcely be expected at an initiatory meeting but that some few mistakes would be made ; but this is a matter that experience and knowledge of the merits of competitors will rectify in the future. The Cromwell Volunteer Band was present throughout the day, and the musical selections gave additional life and pleasure to the occasion. Mr Mackay, of Albert Town, in full Highland garb, also contributed daring the meeting a number of stirring pieces on the pibroch, of which melodious instrument he showed himself no mean master. He also played the music for the dance contests. The entries for the various events were satisfactory, and the struggles for supremacy were keen in nearly every instance. The young men of the district were, in the chief events, more than a match for the visitors, D. Robertson and G. Goodger especially distinguishing themselves. Darkness was falling when the programme was got through, several lines having to be omitted on this account. Following are detailed results :

Quoiting. Sweep, 5s ; £1 added. W. Tizzard, Ist ; P. Thomas, 2nd. Eight entries. Maiden Race, 100 yards. Ist prize, £2; 2nd, £l. W. Richards, Ist ; D. Robertson and E. M'Nulty, tie. There were live other entries for this event, which Richards won by a yard in front of the ties for second place. Throwing 161b Hammer. Ist prize, £2 ; 2nd £l. A. M'Leod, 69ft Sin, Ist ; R. M'Gregor, 66ft £in, 2nd ; N. Rogers, 64ft 11 in, 3rd. This was a gift for M'Leod, who threw the distance with apparent ease. Wrestling (Border). Ist prize, £3; 2nd, £1 10s. J. Smith, Ist ;J. Robertson, 2nd. This was a most determined struggle for. first honors between the two prize-takers. Both men secured a fall, but Smith proved himself the better man in the throw off. Youths’ Race under 16 (handicap), 350 yards. Ist prize, £1 5s ; 2nd, 15s. J. Cahill (4yds), Ist; P. Cahill (10yds), 2nd. A field of 17 came out for this event, the prizes for which were well won by the brothers Cahill. Handicap Hurdle Race, 120 yards. Five flights. Ist prize, £2 ; 2nd, £l. G. Goodger (3yds), Ist; D. Robertson (syds), 2nd. There were eight competitors for this race, but the advantage given the two prize-takers proved too much for the others to overtake. Caledonian Handicap, 450 yards. Ist prize, £6 ; 2nd, £2 ; 3rd, £l. G. Goodger (27yds), Ist ; D. Robertson (20yds), 2nd ; W. Keay (30yds), 3rd. This may be said to have been one of the principle features in the day’s programme, and nine entries closed the nominations. Here again the race resulted in Goodger and Robertson winning first and second prize respectively, the former especially proving himself a strong runner, and by far too speedy for his company with such a handicap. Vaulting witli Pole. Ist prize, £1 10s ; 2nd, 15s. A Robertson (7ft llin), Ist ; A. Cheyne (7ft ♦9in)j '2nd. W. Richards also entered,: but soon retired, leaving the contest between the. two prize-takers. * When at the height of 7ft llin Robertson cleared the stick very neatly, but after three unsuccessful attempts the Arrow representative had to be contented with second place. : i Walking Match, handicap, H mile. Ist prize, £2 ; 2nd, £l. N. Frederickson (30yds), 1 ; J. Robertson, (30yds), 2. H. Murrell (40yds), and T. M‘Nulty and J. Goodger (scratch) also competed. The race was won easily by M‘Nulty, with Murrell second, but both were disqualified on the grounds of unfair walking. Wrestling (Cornish). Ist prize, £3 ; 2nd, £1 10s. R. Olds, Ist; J. Smith, 2nd. Robertson and White also competed. All parties displayed a good amount of science, and in the throw off between Olds and Smith the utmost interest was taken. Both obtained a fall, and after a deal of play Olds managed to secure the deciding one very cleverly. ;: r i q : Putting 161b stone. Ist prize, £2 ; 2nd, £l. A. Craig, Ist ; R. M‘Gregor, 2nd. Highland Fling, Prize, £2. L, M'Gregor. Tossing the Caber (15ft). Ist prize, £2 ; 2nd, £L A. Andrews, Ist ; A. M‘Leod, 2nd. One Mile Handicap. Ist prize, £3 ; 2nd, £2. G. Goodger (scratch), Ist ; I). Robertson (scratch), 2nd. A field of ten took part in this event, which was won easily by Goodger. Running High Leap. Ist prize, £2 ; -2nd, £l. "D. Robertson (4ft 9in), Ist ; A. M'Leod (4ft Sin) 2nd. > “—•—rrr — The Caledonian Ball in the evening was not so largely patronised as the Society had a right to expect, there not being more than seven full sets of dancers. Those present, however, enjoyed themselves to the full, and daylight had dawned before the party broke up. The Athemeum Hall was suitably decorated for the occasion, and excellent music was provided by the Volunteer Band.