THE TE AWAMUTU "GYMKHANA" WINTER MEETING, 1864.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XX, Issue 2152, 13 June 1864, Page 4

THE TE AWAMUTU "GYMKHANA" WINTER MEETING, 1864.

STEWABDS : Brigadier-Gen. Carey, Col. Leslie, C.8., 40th Major Tuppir, A.D.C. Captain Tisdale, 2nd Waikato Militia. JUDGE : Captain "Baiter, D.A.A.-General. ASSISTANT JUDGE : Captain tlic Hon. L. P. French, 40th Eegiineuf;. STAETEES : Dr. White, 65th Regt. Captain G-ower, 65th CLEEK OF THE COTJESE : Lieutenant Carrie, 11. A.

We publish below the programme of the Te A wamutu races, which took place on Thursday last, and wo may appropriately introduce it by the following remarks from a correspondent: — The want of some amusement to relievo the horrible monotony of camp life has long been sovcrcly felt both by officers and men ; and a few days since it was proposed by some one or two of the officers to get up races and sports in which all could join, but principally intended for the soldiers, on the plan of the "Indian Gymkhana ;" notice was sent to each corps and department, requesting them to co-operate, and at a meeting, held on the 3rd instant, a committee was chosen ■who arranged the sports for the opening day. They were on the whole very successful, every one appearing to enter into the thing with a will, and the weather will, we hope, be more favourable at our next meeting. The arrangements made were excellent, and the programme very much better than could been expected on so short a notice. The attendance, despite the weather, was very large, including officers from other stations ; and from the Brigadier-General down to the youngest drummer, each and all appeared to enjoy the fan immensely, and to appreciate the motive of those who thus took the trouble to cater for their amusement. It is proposed that these sports and races shall be continued through the whole of the time that the troops remain in winter quarters, and I understand that private theatricals are also on the tapii, and from the ready manner in which the call was responded to (£6O having been subscribed by the officers in one day), and the cordial co-operation of every one, it requires no Zadkiel to predict that they will be a grand coup. The second Gymkhana meeting (weather permitting) will be held on Thursday, the 23rd instant, when it is hoped that officers from the stations witliin reach may be induced to bring horses to compote for the various prizes offered by the committee.

First Race, at 2 p.m. Tux Te Awamutu Stakes. — Value, 5 soys. Entrance, 1 soy. ; half forfeit. To be run for by ponies of 13 hands 3in., and either the property of or to be named by members, and ridden by officers. Height, list. Distance, f mile. Heats. Mr. Marshall's eh m Queen of the Mersey (jtfr. Spiller) 3 3 0 Mr. Philips 1 q q Fisherman (Mr. Whcclan) ' . .12 1 Mr. Robinson's b m Nancy Dawsou (Mr. Prctor) .... ... distd. Mr. Drury's p m Nelly (Mr. Toulinm) 2 10 Ist heat vron by a length and a half. 2nd heat won by a neck.

Second E vee, at 2 30 p.m. The Beetle Crusher Stakes. — A foot race. Distance, 100 yards. First prize, £1 10s. ; second prize, 10s. No entrance. Open to soldiers of the garrison. Private Henry Hodgson, O.T.C, . 1 Private Crimmins, 65th Regiment 2 Bombardier Tyler, B. Artillery 3 Ten started. This was a troll-contested race, and was won by two or three inches.

Third E ice, at 2.<15 v m. Tfie SvckEvcu. — Distance, 100 yards. First prizo, 10s. ; second prize, ss. Private Pearson, 40th Eegimenfc . 1 Private Ihcliards, 65th. Itegimcnt 2 Sit started. Tins was won easily by Private Pearson., the second man coming in several yards in rear.

Fourth IKcf, at 3 p.m. Second He it of Pony Bace. — (See first race.

Fifth Eace, at 3 30 p.m. A. Foot Back. — Distance 1 mile. First prize, £3; second prize, £1. No entrance. Open to soldiers of the garrison. Twelve started. Private Walker, O.T.C 1 Private Gore, dObh Regiment ... 2 Won bv about 10 yards.

Sixth E ice, at 345 p sr. "WncTiLBAKEOTr Race. — Distance 100 yards. First prize, 10s. ; second prize, ss. No entrance. To be run for blindfold, bj r the soldiers of tho garrison. Five started. Private Richards, 65th Regiment. 1 Private Dclany, 40th Regiment .. 2

Seventh lUce, at 4 p.m. The Gymkhana Cup. — (A hurdle race.) Value 5 sovereigns. Entrance 1 sovereign. Half forfeit. To be run for by horses (without reference to age or height),* the property of or named by members, and ridden by officers. Weight i 2 stone. Distance 1-f miles. Mr. Wh elan's b q Phantom, Owner 1 Dr. "White's n bg Jordan, Mi*. Young 2 Dr. Stiles q q E.M.0., Mr. Carrie 0 Mr. Itobinson's b m Nancy Dawson, Owner . . .... 0 Mr. Baker's ng q Ugly Buck, — 0 Betting 3 to 2 against Jordan, 2 to 1 against Phantom. This race was over eight flights of hurdles ; the pace throughout was good, and the race ■was won by the second favourite by about a length.

Eigiith Race, at 4.30 p.m. Officers' Hurdle lUce. — Prize, a silvermounted •nhip, value 2 sovereigns. Entrance ss. Half forfeit; to be run for by officers, members of tlio Gymkhana. Postponed till next meeting.

Ninth Race, at 1*45 j?.m. Soldiers' Hurdle Ha.cz. — First prize, £1 10s., second prize, 10s. IYo entrance. Open to soldiers of the garrison. Eight started. Private Carman, 40th Regiment .. 1 Private Walker, 0.T.0. . • 2 A very good race over three flights of hurdles.

Tenth Eace, at 5 p.m. Final Heat.— Pony race, first x-ace.)