THE FORESTERS’ FETE.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 173, 28 December 1874, Page 3

THE FORESTERS’ FETE.

The magnificent weather of Saturday, coupled with facility of transit by rail, helped to make the attendance at the Foresters fete, held at the Heathcote, very large, indeed far more so than the promoters expected. Train after train came both ways from Lyttelton and Christchurch, loaded, until there could not have been less than 3000 persons on the ground. The spot selected was a paddock about midway between Hillsborough and the Valley, the only drawback to thorough enjoyment being the absence of any trees or other shelter from the rays of the sun, which during the day were far too fervid to be pleasant. For the amusement of those present there was variety enough in all conscience. Mr Ingleson and Mr West had a peepshow, the merits of which, and the scenes therein represented, would require far more space to describe than can be afforded. Like the celebrated one of which all have heard, it left the gazer in blissful uncertainty as to the precise locality or nature of the views unfolded, but as this in itself was worth all the admission fee, no one had a right to complain. Close by, Messrs Hobbs and Swindell had powerful opposition in the shape of our old friend Punch and they seemed to be doing a roaring trade notwithstanding the mishaps which occurred to the canvas temple of the drama. In another portion of the ground Mr Button and his baud discoursed dance music incessantly, and dancing on the green vas persevered in with a vigor somewhat astonishing considering the heat of the day. A maypole, gaily bedecked with colored streamers, stood invitingly near the band, and was patronised by many, who managed the mazy evolutions necessary with commenable skill. Races of all kinds went on in another portion of the paddock, Messrs Stapleton, Hobbs, and Andrews being in charge of this portion of the day’s proceedings. The most popular amusement, however, seemed to be kiss-in-the-ring, innumerable parties being scattered in every direction engaged in this fascinating but somewhat exhausting game. The commissariat and refreshment department was under Messrs Christie and Baron, who had hard work to satisfy their numerous customers, indeed, so much larger was the attendance than had been expected, that relays of provisions had to be sent for, and until their arrival, a temporary famine reigned, the only edibles left on the ground being a small lot of “ lollies.” The following were the events in the racing portion of the day’s programme, Mr Stapleton acting as judge: Mr Rose, as starter; and Mr Andrews as handicapper. 100 Yards Flat race, open to members only; Ist prize, a trophy, value 18s; 2nd, trophy, value os. H, Tulley 1 Duggan 2 Six starters. 150 Yards Handicap Flat race, open to amateurs only; Ist prize, trophy, value 22s 6d; 2nd, 10s. J. R. Buchanan ~ 1 M. Gibbons 2 440 Yards Flat race, open to amateurs only; Istprize, a trophy, value £1 ss; 2nd, trophy, value 12s 6d. J. R, Buchanan 1 M. Gibbons 2 300 Yards Handicap Flat race, open to amateurs only; Ist prize, a trophy, value 30s; 2nd, a trophy, value 15s. M. Gibbons 1 J), Scott .., 2 150 Yards Flat race, for members only that have been married eighteen months and under; Ist prize, a cradle. J. Buttley.. 1 A, Shaw 2

200 Yards Flat race, for members only who have been married eighteen months and upwards; Ist prize, a perambulator. C. Duggan 1 Sack race, 100 yards. I). Brown ... 1 100 Yards Flat race, open t> members only; Ist prize, box of cigars, given by Bro (1, Ayars, W. All weight ... 1 Married Women’s race; Ist prize, a pair of vases. Mrs Bowding 1

Messrs Hobbs and IT. W. Ford were in charge of the general arrangements, and ot through their work well.