RECREATION GROUND SPORTS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3704, 30 May 1883, Page 2

RECREATION GROUND SPORTS.

The adjourned birthday sports camo off yesterday on the recreation ground, Carlylo street, and, the day being fine, attracted a large concourse of spectators. It is roughly estimated that OA-er two thousand persons paid for admission, a fact which forcibly denotes that a public recreation ground for the inhabitants of- Napior Avas much needed, and that iioav one has been provided tho toAA'iispcopic will not be backAvard in supporting it. A sports ground a.-thin easy Avalking distance of the toAvn has many advantages, amongst Avhich are that it admits of people enjoying a holiday. .wliq could not afford a trip to the country for the purpose; it gives a, local circulation to money, and reduces the chances of casualty to a minimum. AYe arc pleased to notice also that the Recreation Ground Company still continue tho work of improving the properly, and Avhen the projected planting of the grounds and other kindred matters are carried out the erstwhile swamp will bo a credit to tho town. The sports yesterday commenced at 1.30 p.m., mid concluded at dur-.c. Owingto the lato hour of commencing, aud one or two delays |in starting the races, a few minov /'events" had to be cut out of the programme, the darkness preventing tho possibility of going on Avith them. As a rule the decision of the judges gjj.ve every satisfaction, but of course there Avere the iuA'ariablc exceptions to this rule. Tho Garrison Band, under Bandmaster Tankard, enlivened the proceedings Avith selections of music. About 3.30 o'clock His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by Major Eccles, A.D.C., and His AVorship the<Mayor (Dr. Speuc„r) visited the ground, and Avere received with cheers, precededbyt-l]_ National Anthem Avhich Avas played by the band. The Gubernatorial party'Teinailiod for about half-an-hour, and oir taking their departure Avere again loudly cheered by the assomblege. In connection with the sports the Napier Volunteer Frrejßrigade held a competition betAveeu teams of five men each. The three events, viz., manual engine, hose aud ladder, and hose flat, Avero well contested, aud excited a large amount of interest smiopgthe visitors. Mr Harding's team, ialthough only winning ono event against lavo by Mr Hartley's team, did tho aggregate in the quickest time, haA-ing secured first place by 2k sees.' The following are "the • results of tjje

various ovents on the Sports Committee's programme: — SPORTS. Maiden Plato, 150 yds.—A. G. Hoavc and P. Maloney ran a dead heat for first place ; Allen, 3. Six entries. Coachwhcel Race, 100 yds and back—D. Faulknor, 1 ; Ritlgway, 2. Five competed. Bicycle Race, tAvice round.—B. Cosgrovo, 1; Colledge, 2. Vaulting Avith the pole.—G. Pram. Six entered. Hurdle Handicap, 440 yds.— H. Barry (syds), 1; A. C. Norris (syds), 2; C. Brausch (20yds), 3. Nine started. AVon by about a yard. 'Half-mile Handicap.—M. Barry (syds), 1; C. Brausch (20yds), 2; A. G. Howe (20yds), 3. Twelve entered for this event, but only ten put.in an appearance. Barry landed the first prize by about a quarter of a yard. Tug of AVar (teams of six men)—F. Smith's team (Spit Fire Brigade), 1. Three teams wero entered, but only tAvo competed, those of F. Smith and G. Train. Smith's team Avon the first and third event rather easily. Girls' Race, 100 yds.—Carry Gill, 1 ; Hilda Toop, 2. Thirteen started. Barrel Race.—NcAvbiggiu, 1 ; Cameron 2. Six competed, principally employes of our local breweries. Boys' Handicap, 150yds.—AV. Simmonds, 1; J. Macrae, 2; T. Keys, 3. Eighteen started. Four-legged Race, 150 yds. Parker, Molony, and Langhan, 1. Five teams competed. Football Drop Kick. Humphries (GO yards), 1. During tho afternoon Mr Lochnan, in Highland costume, gave two exhibitions of sword- dancing. FIRE BRIGADE COMPETITION. Manual Engine. —B. Harding's team, •l'Jsccs ;G. Robson's team, 52secs (including fine lsec); AY. Hartley's team, 6G'rSecs (including fine lsec). ilose and Ladder.—AY. Hartley's team, 30 : }secs; B. Harding's team, 4Qsccs; G. Robson's, 46j;secs. Hose Flat.—AY. Hartley's team, 52secs ; B. Harding's team, 53secs; G. Robson's team, 55Asecs. Aggregate Times.—B. Harding's team, 2mins 22secs; AY. Hartley's team, 2mins 24fsecs; G. Robson's team, 2mins iJttJsecs. The following comprised the teams, which were the same in each event:—B. Harding's team—Harding, Coe, CoAvlrick, Starkcy, and Charlton. AY. Hartley's team—Hartley, Mott, Laws, Morley, and Fothergill. G. Robson's team —Robson, Parker, Symouds, Cottrcll, and Hudson.