KOHAKGA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 2790, 7 January 1873, Page 3

KOHAKGA.

[fbom oub own correspondent.]] Oy New Year's Day there were sports of Tarious kinds got up by the Europeans and Maoris—one gentleman, a mill owner, contributing largely to the entertainment by the gift of a fat ox, which waa cooked in Maori style, as waa also a large heap of potatoes. A greater amount of fun could not be had in any other district. The residents from Port Waikato, and many from Waiufcu, attended, adding greatlv to the number of white faces present. Horse racing commenced ac noon. Three hacks of a. lively disposition came to the post, and made a plucky race of it. The second race, half-mite heats, was for ponies 14 hands and under. This was a most exciting race, and required four beats to decide it. Men's race, quarter-of-a-mile, was competed for by ten joung fellows, all of them, do doubt, anxious to secure first place. The women's race caused great merriment; twenty came lo the aiart, but only half to the winning-post. 'Xho railing ladies diveeted themselves of all superfluous or cumbrous garments, and adopted only those that would not impede their active movements. Several other foot races followed, one being a Back race. At the conclusion of the day's proceedings there was a " rarotonga" dance, the mueic being obtained from a tin dish. It surpasses any European dance I hare seen, both in time and movements, the latter besng exceedingly graceful, and only requires tc be seen to be appreciated. This was followed by a Maori dance, which was well executed, one of the performers outdoing the celebrated Small in his " Onfortuimte Man," by making the most hideous grimaces. The day closed •without any accident or dispute. There were fully 200 natives on the ground, and all enjoyed themselves amazingly.