HOWICK. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3261, 30 December 1867, Page 3

HOWICK. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

OWING to the absence o£ so many of the inhabitants of this district at the Thames, it was quite a matter of uncertainty whether the usual annual sports would be held or not. However, at rather a late hour on Boxing-day, some ex-tempore sports were got up, aud, to judge from the attendance, the zest; with which they were entered into, and the late hour to which they were carried on, must have given great satisfaction. There were the usual foot races for old and young, together with cricket, swings, Ac. The sports took place on the same ground ag last year, namely on the village green in front of the hotel of Mr. Mclnniss, who as usual, entered heart and soul into the amusements, and kindly placed his balcony at the disposal of the public to serve as a stand from which to view the sports. There was some good quoit-playing at Mr. J. R. Crew's (the Prince of Wales Hotel), and he, as usual, had many visitors from town, which gave his house an animated appearance. In the evening two balls were givenone at Mr. Brady's hotel, whose room was handsomely deoorfcted' for the occasion; and from the manner in which the room was crowdpd all seemed to enjoy Mrs. Brady's usual well-known style in catering for the public. The other ball took place at Mclnniss's, and was also very well attended, dancing being kepb up until a late hour at both placeß. So, altogether Howick, although much depressed by the hardness of the times, has not been behindhand in keeping the good old honoured time of Father Christmas ; and I trust that by this time next year things will have taken a turn for the better, and that this picturesque little village may regain » portion of its former prosperity. I should have mentioned thit,many of the diggers belonging to Howick returned here to enjoy their Christmas, and see their families, which added muoh to the animation to be seen in the village this Christmas.