THE OHINUMURI SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 2788, 4 January 1873, Page 3

THE OHINUMURI SPORTS.

Tub attractive programme of sports at Ohiuemuri sufficed to draw together a largo gathering of holiday-seekers, on the rising ground in front of the course ut Pneroa. The latter had been selected as the most suitable site for the purpose, and answered admirably. Shortly after noon the smoke of steamer* indicated to the Maori resident:) of this interesting locality the influx of expected visitors to the sports, and the pioneer steamboat of the Thames goldfields—Enterprise No. 2—was the first to eteam round the bend of the stream, and muke fust nlongside the bank of tho river, at Cusucll'e paddock. From her crowded deck and bridge about two hundred passengers landed. The Enterprise was followed by tho Lalla Rookb, which lauded at the same spot upwards of half that number of passengers. The p.s. Effort was also in com puny with the Lalla Jlookti, having been specially chartered by Mr. James Muckay, Mr. O. M. Creugh, and others for the trip. She passed on to tho landing opposite Rupata's settlement, which was only » short walk from thu course at the Paeroa. Those who arrived at Caehcll'a had a pleasant walk, partly along the river bunk, of about two miles and a-half. Arrived at the site of tho race-course, which only wanted clearing of its thick fern and ti-tree sorub to muke it. the most suitable ground we know of for tho purpose, no time was lost in collecting the entries for tho first event, on the programme of the day's sports. Mr. James Mackay, well mounted, performed the offices of clerk of the course, starter, judge, referee, and all else combined. Tho first raco was

The Maiden Platb.—For nil horses that hud novor won a public race. Twico round the course. Hata Paka's Kopaki ... ... ... 1 Grace's Trousers ... ... ... 2 In tills race the latter horse was distanced by Hata's. The next race was the local event of the OuiNEMimi Cap.—First prize, £15. Open to all comers. Rose's Potentate ... ... ... 1 Hirawn's Lyman ... ... ... 2 The Maori horse was a good match for tho Shortland one, and tho running was looked upon with great interest by the native spectators, who expected to eee their own animal carry off the stakes. After a fair start, and once round tho course, this was, however, out of the question, and Pot entate came in easily, well ridden by an experienced jockey. The Thames Plate.—Twice round tho course. Te Moananui's Ba_v of Islands ... 1 Rose's Potentate ... ... ... 2 There were half-a-dozen others entered, but tho running was between the two named. Pont Kace. —First prize, £5 ; second prize, £2 10s; twice round ; fourteen hands high. Hoani Mataia'a bay (Smales) ... 1 Merrimana's pony ... ... ... 2 There was quite a ruck of competitors for this event, and the favourite was Merrimana's pony. Mr. Austin's roan pony Jimmy ran well, but the youth who rodo him mistook the coure, and went into an old track for some distance. The hurdle race, twice round the course, over eight flights of hurdles, 3 feet 6 inches in height, followed, and afforded capital sport. The consolation stakes brought the programme to a close. [Tho above account is slightly abridged from our Thames contemporary, the Advertiser.']