TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF NELSON.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXVIII, Issue 10, 3 February 1869, Page 3

TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF NELSON.

THE FOEESTEES' FETE. The anniversary of the landing of the first immigrants in Nelson has for several years past been the chosen day of Court Eobin Hood to celebrate the anniversary of its own formation, and on no previous occasion were the efforts of the Committee to provide ammusement and make an attractive holiday so successful as on Monday last. To this the weather somewhat contributed, for it is a most remarkable circumstance that for the last four years the first days of February havebeensingularlyunfortunate iv respect of weather, though the summer months are not usually the season when heavy rains and floods are witnessed in this part of New Zealand. Monday, however, was gloriously fine, except that a few thunder drops fell in the middle of the afternoon, not sufficient however to wet the grass, although they may have made some of the fair sex a little anxious concerning their ribbons and other holiday finery. The spot selected for the sports was admirably adapted for the purpose. A large paddock just across the Collingwood bridge was sufficiently near tho town to be readily accessible, while its green sward, and wdl-grown hedge-rows encircling it on three sides, gave it the appearance of a remote country scene. Here then was erected a large booth for dining the Foresters and their friends, to be used in the evening for dancing ; and as a platform was erected at one end for the Nelson Band, the music could be heard to advantage both within and without the booth. Decorated with flags, and the handsome banners of the Order of Foresters, the booth wore a very gay appearance, and flanked on both sides by stalls for the sale of all kinds of refreshments, this part of the ground was throughout the afternoon and evening the centre of attraction. But there wcro other points of attraction : booths for the sale of all kinds of articles invitingly exhibited ; a diorama from Melbourne ; a revolving swing largely patronised by children who had never seen anything of the kind before ; all kinds of foot racing, jumping, leaping with bars, quoit playing, and the various other sports which we were once afcustomed to see at English fairs and revels. The whole scene in fact was so thoroughly .English, that but for tho brilliancy of the eky wo might have imagined ourselves in tho outskirts of some pleasant town in Kent, or Bucks, or Devon, the tall bushes growing out of tho hedges affording the pleasant shade which whilom we have gladly sought in similar scenes under the oaks and elms in spots of cherished memory. Tho business of the day commenced at eleven o'clock, when the members of Court Robin Hood assembled at their customary place of meeting in Bridge-street; they subsequently marched to the Odd-Fellows' Hall, and, opening their ranks, permitted the Odd-Fellow?, also in full regalia, to pass between them ; the two bodies then walked in procession through the town, displaying their banners, and preceded by music. At hsilt-papt twelve, the procession reached tlie paddock, where a very excellent cold collation had been provided by Mr. Everett. About 110 sat down to the tables, presided over by his Honour the Superintendent, and supported by his Lordship the Bishop ; the vice-chair being filled by D.C.R. Uibble. On the removal of the cloth, the Chairman proposed the toast of " Her Majesty the Queen, and other Members of tho Royal Family." The Chairman referred to the forthcoming visit of the Duke of Edinburgh to New Zealand, tind said it depended upon this people of this provinco whether his Royal Highness should be asked to visit it. The people of Nelson were not wanting in loyalty to the throne, and he believed tho son of our sovereign would receive as hearty a welcome here as in any part of her Majesty's dominions. The Chairman next gave the health of " Sir George Bowen, the Governor of New Zealand." Thoy had not yet, he said, had an opportunity of becoming personally acquainted with his Excellency, bufc should the Duke of Edinburgh visit Nelson, the Governor would in all probability accompany him. The Chairman then gave tho " Army, Navy, and Voluntc-N," and said it was in the last branch of the service New Zealand was most interested, although he was sure that if called xipon to give us assistance the Army and Navy would render all the aid in their power. Tho Vice-Chairman gave the " High Court and Executive Council of tho Order of Foresters." D.S. Burn in reply, spoke of the benefits which this and kindred societies conferred upon mankind, saying they were entitled to the good wishes of all who had the public welfare at heart. Mr. J. Graham gave the toast of " The Superintendent and Executive Council." He derived much satisfaction at seeing the Foresters and Odd-Fellows met together in such perfect amity, and at seeing the chair occupied by his Honour the Superintendent, who was a member of both Orders. He congratulated his Honour on having thus associated himself with the mass of the people, instead of standing aloof and not identifying himself with their interests. He referred to what had fallen from the Superintendent concerning the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh, and he thought, as loyal subjects, they must all feel desirous of doing honour to a son of their sovereign. He would say by all means invite the Prince to visit Nelson, and although times were very bad, he contended they might out of their straitened means spare sufficient to mark their loyalty in a becoming manner. The Superintendent, in returning thanks for himself and the Executive Council, said the present circumstances of the colony were such as naturally to cause great anxiety to all who were placed in authority, but he hoped it would be found they were doing all in their power to surmount the difficulties that surrounded them. It was quite true, as re- | marked by Mr. Graham, that it depended on the people of the province whether the Duke of Edinburgh should be invited to visit it or not, and the Government looked for an expression of opinion on the subject. His own feeling was that the Prince should be invited to visit Nelson, and he believed that to be the wish of the people generally. [Hear, hear.] It was one of those events which might occur but once in our lifetime, and which warranted the straining a little of the rule of economy which should guide all Governments. [Hear, hear.] D.S. Biten proposed the " Health of his Lordship the Bishop, and the Clergy of the Province of ail Denominations, and complimented the Bishop on the tolerant and kindly spirit he had promoted here. The Bishop, in reply, reciprocated the good feeling expressed towards him and the clergy. Although his mission was first to those who were in sorrow, suffering, and sin, still he was bidden to rejoice with those who do rejoice. This was the twenty-seventh anniversary of the province, and although they wero now under a cloud, he hoped that the clouds would soon break and their prospects brighten. Ho thanked them for the kindness and sympathy he and his fellow-workers had invariably received from all classes. Mr. J. Harley proposed " Success toCourt Robin Hood," and congratulated the Court on the success it had attained during the five years it had been in existence. C.R. Levestam returned thanks. His Lordship the Bishop gave the " Widow and Orphans' Fund of tho Society," and dwelt with great force on the blessings that associations for the relief of the sick and aged conferred \ipon society. His Lordship referred to the premiums offered by the Government for essays showing the best mode of settling a population on gold-fields, and he considered marriage and inducements to buy laud as likely to be the best methods that could be suggested. Men who had become Odd-Fellows and Foresters, and made a provision to meet domestic afflictions, were certainly in a better position to marry than the improvident, and the fact, if known, would no doubt weigh with the other sex. [Applause.] Mr. Wio/.r.LL responded, and while thanking the I Bishop for his remarks, expressed a hope that his Lordship would become a member of both Orders, and so acquire a practical acquaintance with their worth and benevolence. [Hear, hear].

Several other toasts wero givon before the company broke up to join in the sports going on outside. After dark the tables having been cleared, a Urge company kept up dancing until the following morning. THE EEGA.TTA. Tuesday, the 2nd, was devoted to the Regatta, and a number of minor sports to fill up the intervals of time. The morning was dull, and it looked as if the weather would not be propitious, but before eleven o'clock, the hour fixed for the first race, the sky had cleared and a moderate sea breeze blowing gave promise of a highly favourable day. This, however, was not fully realized, as a little rain fell in the afternoon, which drove many away before the sports were concluded, though it was not sufliciiMit to lay the dust. A largo number of persons gathered on the Beach, and on the hills overlooking the harbour, where several pic-nic parties might bo seen, but the attendance suffered somewhat from the holiday of the day preceding. The revolving-swing was again the great attraction for children, and besides those of " tender years," there were many of " larger growth" who participated in the enjoyment this novelty afforded. We now proceed to notice the different races : — 1. WATERMAN'S EACE — Two-oared boats ; three miles. To start at 11 a.m. First prize, £5 ; second boat to save her stake. Entrance fee, ss. Mr. Eowcll's Tanguard, white flag . . 1 Mr. Aiken's Ino, red flag .... 2 This was simply a match, only the two boats named having entered, and it was won easily by Vanguard. 2. FOURTH CLASS SAILING BOATS— Four miles. To start at 11-30 a.m. First prize, £5 ; second prize, £2. Entrance fee, 7s. 6d. Mr. Bentley's Eclipse, red and white flag . 1 Mr. Scott's Edith, ensign flag . , .2 Mr. W. Garrard's Rose, burgee with name . 0 Mr. Clarke's Toothache, red, white, and blue 0 Mr. A. Elliott's Chums, red flag ... 0 Mr. Hibbard's Chance, white flag . . O This was the beat race of tho day. On starting from the end of the Grovernmenfc Wharf the boats had to beat up the harbour for about half a mile, I then run down to tho harbour entrance and beat back again to the wharf, and go over the same courso a second time. All tho bonts got well away except Chums, which, from a mistake concerning the courso, lost considerable ground at the start. The Eclipse, which was very smartly handled, was the first round the upper buoy, followed by the Edith, but the whole six boats were close together, Chums having worked well to windward and nearly recovered the ground she had lost at starting. On running down before tho wind, which now blew a pleasant breeze, the larger boats had a great advantage, and the Edilh quickly overhauled the Eclipse, and was the first to round the lower buoy by several lengths. Tho change of course again brought a change in the position of the bouts, for in going to windward the Eclipse showed her superiority, and worked up tho harbour in very pretty style, the other small boats recovering also some of their lost ground. Tho upper buoy -was rounded the second time by Mr. Bentloy's boat a couplo of minute 3in advance of the Edith, the other boats being several seconds behind. In running down this time before the wind, the larger boats did not overhaul llio lesser ones so quickly, and the race was no longer in doubt. On beating up to the wharf, the Eclipse again showed her superiority, and won by several seconds, the Rose a tolerable third, Toothache and Chums coming in nearly together as fourth and fifth, Chance being tho last. 3. CO ASTERS.— Eight miles. To start at 1 2, noon. First prize, £10 j second prize, £4. Entrance fee, 15s. Mr. Wise's Planet 1 Mr. Westropp's Three Brothers . . .2 This would have been a very hollow race had it been contested, but in beating up the harbour the first time the Collingwood, which had entered for the race but had been withdrawn, ran foul of the Three Brothers in a most careless manner, and carried away her boom. This of course left the race to the Planet, which sailed over the courso to claim the prize, which she must have won under any circumstances. 4. FIRST-CLASS YACHTS, FOR CHALLENGE CUP.— Eight miles. To start afc 1 p.m. First Prize, Cup, and £10 ; second prize, £5 ; third boat to save her stake. Entrance fee, £1. Mr. Morrison's Little May . . . .1 Mr. Clark's Midge 2 Mr. Worthington's Fairy . . . .3 This race, which should have been the best of the day, did not realize what was expected of it. The Cup, a very appropriate and chaste piece of workmanship, valued at £60, has to be won twice by the same boat. It was last won by the Flying Fish, now owned by two men living in Queen Charlotte Sound, and although, barring accidents, the prize would have been a gift to her, this yacht did not put in an appearance. The race was won easily by the Little May, a small fishing boat. 5. CANOE RACE.— Two miles. To start at T3O p.m. First prize, £3 5 second to save stakes. Entrance fee, 2s. 6d. Mr Bentley's Sandfly, union jack . . 1 Mr. Morrison's Southern Cross, union jack . 2 The canoes contemplated in this race were not such as are usually met with in New Zealand, bufc two pretty little toys of the "Eob Eoy" stamp, one (tho Southern Cross) built in England, and tho other a colonial copy. So superior was the former considered, that she wa9 handicapped by the committee to give her opponent a start of seven and a-half minutes, which, like the handicapping of Mainsail the other day at the Canterbury Races, showed a singular want of judgment. The inferior boat (paddled by Morrison) won easily, with 3 mm. 59 sees. to spare. 6. WHALE BOATS (Five oars).— Five miles. To start at Two p.m. First prize, £10 ; second prize, £4. Entrance fee, 15s. Mr Aiken's Favourite, red flag . . .1 Captain Clouston's Queen, chequered flag, blue and white 2 Mr Freeman's Champion, blue flag . .3 The boats in this race were not well matched, the Favourite being far lighter than her opponents. The Queen (manned by the pilot crew) led for some distance, but, when caught by the Favourite, the race was virtually over, the heavy boats having no chance against the light boat in smooth water. The Queen made a good second, but the Champion was altogether out of the race. 1 7. CATAMAEAN EACE.— Two miles. To start at 2#302 # 30 p.m. First prize, £3; second prize, £1. Entrance fee, 2s. 6d. Mr. Morrison's Paddle-wheel . (Morrison) 1 Mr. Bentley's Blue Bell . . (Knyvett) 2 Mr. Freeman's Gem . (Greenwood) 3 The novelty of this race afforded a good deal of interest, but Paddle-wheel won with ease. 8. AMATEUR WHALE BOATS.— Four miles. To start at Three p.m. First prize, £5 ; Becond prize, £2. Entrance fee, 10s. Mr. Aiken's Favourite .... 1 Captain Clouston's Queen ... .2 This afforded little interest, the same boats having been pulled against each other just previously. 9. TWO-OARED BOATS, by Boys under fourteen. One mile and a-half. To start at 330 p.m. First prize, £2 ; second, £1 ; third, ss. Mr. J. Lowe's Attempt, yellow . . .1 Mr. Simpson's Threo Niggers, red . .2 Mr. Jones's Toothache, blue and white . 3 This race was capitally contested, the lads by whom the boats were pulled exerting themselves most creditably,

10. DINGIES.— One mile and a-half. To start afc 4 p.m. First prize, £2 ; second prize, £1. Entrance fee, 2s. 6d. Mr. Cross's Attempt 1 Mr. Ericson's Toothache .... 2 Mr. Morrison's Lighthouse . ... 3 The winning boat was permitted to enter at the post, and in consequence submitted to a handicap of half a minute. Won with Beven seconds to spare. 11. AMATEURS— TWO-OAEED BOATS. To start at 4 - 30 p.m. First prize, £3; second boat to save her stake. Entrance fee, ss. Mr. Morrison's Coquette . . ' .1 Mr. Scott's Edith 2 Mr. T. Freeman's Forester .... 3 Won easily by Coquette. This concluded the Eegatta, but foot racing, jumping in sacks, walking and climbing greasy poles, ami other spcrts were continued until dark, when dancing was taken up and carried on to a late hour. Although our port is deficiont in boats to make a first-rato regatta, great credit was due to the Committee for exerting themselves to render the races as attractive as possible. It is to be regretted there are not among us more who take a direct interest in acqufitics, since a more noble sheet of water than our bay for boating purposes is not to bo found, and the leisure hours of our men would be better spent in rowing and sailing matches, than in some of the questionable pursuits followed on shore.