OPUNAKE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume III, Issue 265, 23 June 1882, Page 2

OPUNAKE.

(from our own correspondent.) Excitement has been most intense hero latterly, in pedestrianisin and horse-racing. A most interesting foot race came off on Saturday, a, great concourse of people assembled (comparatively speaking), many remarking from whence came all the visitors. The combatants, respectively, Messrs. Wynn Williams and Lambert, on whom a considerable amount (in our betting circle) has been speculated. The result in this case was in favor of our Opunake man ( Williams) ; which appeared to be an easy victory, to the amazement of many. On the same date we had several private matches, both in horseracing and foot. I here give you a few of the principal events — viz., trotting match, won by Miss Kearney's Minnie. This was certainly a boil over, as the mare, previous to starting, was not considered capable of obtaining a place. Various private matches have since come off; but would occupy too much space. One foot race, which I wish recording, was that run on the above occasion between Messrs. Evans and Charles Hickey. This was a handicap, the latter giving the former 25yds. in 100. Mr. Evans won the race; but considering the start ho had got it was not wondered at. Our Town Board are assiduously at work, and no doubt means business. Mr. Anderson has been appointed Chairman, and I am sure the public generally of Opunake have secured the services of a most trustworthy and intelligent man to look after their interests. The chief disadvantages which we are laboring heavily under, are the opening of the country, which Government apparently have lost sight of, and the formation of and metalling the road between here and llawera, " particularly " as we are literally shut out from the latter place.

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