ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Grey River Argus, Volume XXIII, Issue 3608, 18 March 1880, Page 2

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

From an early hour the people from the country districts commenced to pour into town, and a3 it wa3 feared that the tram accommodation would be insufficient, a special coach from Kumara was laid on by Jimmy Rugg, and with four good horses the distance was done in a trifle over three hours, including stoppage at Marsden. The coach could have been filled three or four times over, and it was only "Jimmy's particular" who contrived to secure seats. The coaches from Paroa, Marsden, and Maori Creek were filled to suffocation, while the Kumara tram could hold no more. The Hibernian Societies mustered in large numbers at the Catholic School, and headed by the band playing national airs, marched to St. Patrick's Church, where Maaß was celebrated. IHE RACES. Shortly before 12 o'clock the people began to move towards the Railway Nation, and the train, which was despatched by Mr Ronayne, the traffic manager, was crowded. The 12.30 train, which also conveyed the drum and fife band, was crowded to excess, and each succeeding train helped to swell the numbers. The number of passengers by train from Greymouth to the Racecourse was about 1200, and about 300 arrived from Brunnerton, so that there could not have been much less than 1600 people on the racecourse, and on this occasion the public seemed to be satisfied with the fare provided for them. The races were square races, as the result of the events proved. There were various games on the ground—fieldpool, skittles, &c. — which seemed to be well patronised, while the bars and fruit stalls were liberally patronised. The first event was the

Trial Stakes, of 20 sovs— l 4 miles ; entrance, 1 soy, to be made night ot general entry ; winner of £40 to carry 51b extra, of £50 to carry 71b extra, of LIOO and over to carry l4lb extra ; weight for age. Mr Stevenson's b m Rore, 3 yrs, 7st lOjlbs 1 Mr Brimbla's b g Robin Hood, aged, 9st 71b ... 2 Mr Tarry's b g Falcon, aged, 9st7Jb ... 0 Mr Clarke's b m Queen Bee, 5 yrs, 93t 61b ... ... ,0 Mr Uameron's Native, aged, 9s b 71bs ... 0 The whole of the acceptances faced the starter, and Robin Hood led. At the back of the course, first time round, the Queen headed the bold outlaw, with Tarry's Bird of Prey well up. Passing the Grand Stand, the outlaw contrived to head the Queen. This state of things continued to the bottom, when the danghter of Stafford's Corona— Totara came up, and passing by the outlaw, won with hands down by two leugths. Greymocth-Jockky Club Handicap, of 103 soys— 2 miles ; nominations, 2 soys ; acceptances, 4 soys. Second horse to receive 10 soys from the stike. Mr [Stevenson's gr g Satelite, aged, 7at 41b3 1 Mr Jones' br g Warrigal, 5 yrs 6st sbs 2 Mr Cameron's b g Native, aged, 7st lOlbs 0 Mr Nottle's b g Blazing Star, aged 7st 51bs 0 Mrßrimble's b gßide-a-Wee, a^, 9st 2lbs — 0 Mr Brimble's b g Whalebone, 5 yrs 7st lOlbs ... .. 0 Mr Clarke's b g Elfin Kinp, aged, 9at 71ba 0 Mr Clarke's oh g Banker, aged, 7st 12lbs 0 A good start was effected but the moneyed horse was last getting away, Mr Nottle's horse led from the start with Bide a- wee well up for the greater portion of the distance. Mr Jones' horse then looked dangerous for a time, but the gallant grey was too much, and it was soon seen that he could win as he liked, which he did with hands down. Tommy Stewart, however, rode Warrigal well, and at one time it seemed as if Mr Jones's old favorite would succeed in taking the blue riband of the Greymouth races. Hack Handicap Race, of 10 sovs— l£ miles; entrance, 1 soy; post entries. Rata 1 Eddy 2 Reian 3 Beautiful Star was scratched. Redan was much fancied for this race, but he had no chaoce with the Maori named horse which won as it liked. Railway Stake 3 Handicap, of 25 sovs— lJ miles. Mr Stevenson's b m Rore, 3 yrs ... 1 Mr Brimble's b g Whalebone, 5 yrs ... 2 The following horses also started : — Kensington, Warrioral, Sattelite, and Falcon. Elfin King, Queen Bee, and Native were scratched. Mr Stevenson declared to win with Rore. Rore led from the start and was never headed, being well shepherded, however, by Satellite, which was splendidly ridden. Little Dick Hungerford rode the bay mare capitally, and won by a length. The races were a marked contrast from the Christmas races, and the Stewards may be congratulated in having satisfied the people. If races were run in the same manner as the races of yesterday, there would be nothing to complain of.