THE HOLIDAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XI, Issue 4094, 28 December 1874, Page 3

THE HOLIDAYS.

CHRISTMAS-DAY. Here,- as in England, the festivities of the Christmas season, combine the renewal of social relations that circumstances or sccident may have severed during the progress of the year just closing. The force of contrast lends its aid in these Southern climates to give zest and heartiness to enjoyment. Memory recalls the English fog, or snow-fall, or frost, the heaped-up fires, closed doors, and a whole series of constructive comforts while Wretchedness shivers in the streets. Here neithernegative nor positive accompaniments to personal ease are requisite. Given the one condition of fine weather, everything about us invites us out of doors. Genial ivarmtli and sunshine, pleasant fields and gardens, abundance of luscious fruit in pleasant places ; these are the incentives to holiday-making in most of the Australian I colonies probably, but in Auckland certainly. I As the second great festival of the year, the season is inaugurated by religious worship in the churches. But the places of worship present a very different appearance in Auckland from the aspect which they offer in Northern latitudes. In Europe worshippers are loaded with warm clothing, and the chilly character of the time is borne on the countenance. One of the pleasantest sights was the manner in which most of the churches in Auckland were decorated on .Christmas-day. Flowers of every bloom were wreati.ed round communion table or pulpit. A good deal of ingenuity was displayed in the manner in which these wreaths were arranged. Chilren were, for the most part the contributors of these floral decorations. Nearly everyone in. Auckland has a garden, and those who have not may have if they please, and as children are especially favoured by this climate the gardens of parents were the sources from which garlands were obtained. It is difficult to conceive anything more appropriate than that upon the festival of the nativity of the Divine .Founder of Christianity the houses of Christian worship should be decorated by the contributions of children in the forxn of the fairest products of creation. There was little time occupied with amusement on Christmas-day. The streets were comparatively silent and deserted. Those who could afford it drove in carriages, or rode by railway to the outskirts—to Remuera, Ellerslie, Penrose, Panmure, Onehunga, or Otahuhu. Relatives visited relations, or friends visited friends, and in mutual courtesies the day was passed by most people, after the good old custom of the time. BOXING-DAY. Boxing-day, and the two or three days which follow, are" devoted wholly by the British worker to pleasure. Some of these pleasures, in col'', climates, such as prevail in America, Canada, or England, are. rude enough. When people must take their pleasure within four walls, and under cover, excess oE animal spirits easily contracts a roughness that may be pleasant to some, but by no means pleasurable for all persons. In fields, on the sides of hills, or by the seabeach, there is unlimited scope for exercise. All kinds of field sports are pleasant to look upon, as well as to participate in. On Saturday the weather was not only fine—it was brilliant. From an early hour •of the morning there was a going to and fro of welldressed people, most of them followed by trains of children to any number from six downwards. The shops were all closed. It was a holiday, pure and simple. The busiest man for the rest of the year forbade anybody to talk "shop." Care, whether dull or otherwise, was left to keep house with the domestic animals. Railway carriage and steam-boat were full from noon to sundown.

At two o'clock in the day the streets were all but deserted. The only persons visible were the " oldest inhabitant" puffing his cigar under the verandah, the "loafer" looking melancholy at the pavements, or the ladies of the hotel bars looking at the querulous sparrows on the opposite cabstand ; —being thus employed for the same reason that, according to Samuel Lover, the stars shine because they have nothing else to do. The shrill steam-whistle of the steam ferry or the departing train kept the silence from being depressing for those who could not "go out for the day."

The harbour was not thronged with shipping, but there were a few incidents which gave interest to it. Very few of the ships gave out any sign as in former years, when they used to display then- bunting as upon gala days. A few yachts got under weigh early in the morning, and proceeded outside the North Head, or to the islands of the Gulf. In the morning a ship was signalled, which turned out to be the Assaye, from London, full of immigrants. A barque, the Otago, was signalled about the same time, which caused everyone to be upon the look out. Towards four o'clock both magnificent vessels tacked up from Rangitoto Reef, and ■ their progress engaged the attention -of the holi-day-makers upon the high grounds on both sides of the port. The . river Waitemata was dotted here and there with a few outriggers and small craft. But there were two tiny tilings afloat which occasioned more curiosity than all the rest of the shipping, big and little. These were two canoes, in each of which was a gentleman paddling with much apparent ease. For those who have read " A Thousand in the Rob Roy" (canoe) no description of these little coracles is necessary. Suffice it to say that they are about ten feet long, so light that they can be carried by one person from place to place, and will ride any amount of swell with average skill in their management. The speed did not appear to us to be very great, but then there was no apparent effort made to attain it.

The Vauxliall and . Willow Grove strawberry gardens, at the North Shore, were the centres of attraction. Here tea and coffee were supplied at prices only known to the Vale of Health at Hampstead and the canvas stalls on Blaskheath, or ,tlie periwinkle shops at Greenwich. Mount Victoria had its Pilgrim's Progress in the forms of adventurous young ladies, who would seek the highest position to be obtained within the horizon of this Auckland world. Their banners bore no "strange device," but were useful as well as ornamental ill preserving the architecture of some wonderful cliignons. The beach from the Naval Store to the Masonic Hotel was frequented by promenaders, and the fine, hard strand at Cheltenham was visited by a great number of ladies and children. Those given to sensation or gathering knowledge, had an opportunity of examining the body of a shark which had been recently captured and was laid below liighwater mark, opposite to Mr. Lake's residence.

One of the features of the day, however, was the demonstration made by the Good Templars in the Domain. The in respect to numbers was really very imposing, and in the "turnout" which this body can 'make up on such occasion is to be found the best argument in support of the excellence of their cause. There must have been at least 2500 persons—ruen, women, and children—assembled yesterday when we visited the place outside the Acclimatisation Gardens. The Good Templars inarched in procession to the place of rendezvous and recreation, headed by their own band, —all of the sisterhood as well as the brotherhood in " full regalia." Indeed, the various lodges were not only well represented, but we should think were assembled in force. Some idea will be gained of the dimensions, as well as the organisation, of this "social reform" movement by giving a list of the lodges which are in full operation in Auckland, all of which were assembled in the Domain. These are thirteen in number, viz., " The Pioneer," " The Star of Newton, "Eden Terrace," "Good Samaritan," "Ponsonby," "Excelsior," "Fraternal Home," " Harbinger of Peace," " Junction," " Newton Olive Branch," "Union," "Victoria" (Newmarket), and the " Good Intent" Lodges. There were no less than four large booths to supply cakes, oranges, and strawberries, o~ (v™*-. harmless drinks of lemonade e . : <- other fruit. The games started ■

i people were of the usual kind : rounders for boys and kiss-in-the-ring for girls an&'boys as well. The . whole gathering was that of as happy and contented-looking a crowd as could be seen under ' any circumstances. The "cause" was not forgotten in the hour of pleasurable forgetfulness ; for sermons upon Temperance were improvised by the leaders of the movement, some of which were rather overlaid with rhetoric, but all of which were sensible and impressivei This large assemblage returned to town at five o'clock, headed by the band playing lively tunes. There was not the trace of an unhappy moment about them. THE AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING. BOXING-DAY KACES. The sports provided by the Aucklandßacing Club on Boxing-day were of the very best character, and such as have not been equalled in Auckland before. True, the fields were small; but every horse that emerged from' the saddling paddock ran on its merits, and the best-conditioned animal won a fair and exciting race in each case. To use: a colonial expression, there was no '' sheanannaking," no "hanky-panky" work, but everything "above-board," "up hill and down straight." The entries were marked by a distribution ;of blood-stock amongst owners : no two horses from one "stable competed for any race. A good day's sport re-, suited, pleasing everyone who. witnessed it, and was a credit to the Racing Club and all concerned in the racing. As a consequence, great interest was taken in the events, and the proceedings were marked ■with orderliness and all absence of rowdyism discontent, or ill-feeling. It is a continuation of such successful racing here that will make Auckland the first racing province in the colony. The attendance on Saturday was not very large owing to counter attractions, but there _ wa3, nevertheless, a fair sprinkling of ladies. The sports opened at 10 o'clock with the Trial Stakes, which had been perhaps unwisely substituted for a Maiden Plate.

A very great improvement had been made on the ground by enlarging the saddling paddock to double its former proportions. This has been effected by carrying it out level •with the course, from ■which it is now divided by an open fence. Tlie alteration gives a great deal more room inside, and the public have an opportunity of scanning the horses before they emerge on to the course, a featthat was before unaccomplishable. Very .great credit is due to Mr. W. Percival, the Secretary of the Club, also to the Committee of Management, for the able manner in ■which the arrangements were carried out. Captain Beckham acted as judge with, his usual impartiality. Mr. W. J. Marks officiated at the scales. Mr. It. Wynyard performed the onerous duties o£ starter, and Mr. Brown was an efficient clerk of the course. The following is the result of the day's racing :— Tbial Stakes, of 60 sovs., with a sweep of 3 sovs. each. Amount accruing from sweep to go to second horse. Weight for age. Distance, lJr miles. Winner (not a handicap) of 100 sovs. to carry 51bs. extra ; of 200 sovs., lOlbs. extra; ■ of 300 sovs., 14Ibs. extra. Maidens at starting - allowed, for three years old, 51bs. ; four years old, lOlbs. ; five and. upwards, 141bs. Mr. F. "W. Delamain's b f Tho Belle, 3 yrs., 7 at. 3 lbs. (Wattle) .. ... .> .. .. 1 Mr. James "Watt's b g Parawhenua, 5 yrs., 9 at. 4 lbs. (Gooscman) * .. 2 Mr. Samuel Driller's b li Sir Charles, 6 yrs., 8 sfc. 9 lbs. (Sam Adams) 3 .Betting at starting—6 to 4 on Parawhenua. The Belle was in the pink of condition. Parawhenua, although looking fine, appeared to be fretting a great deal. An indifferent start was made, Parawhenua getting the best of it. Sir Charles was next in order, and The Belle three length in the reav. She soon, however, came to the front, and an exciting neck and neck race followed between her and Mr. Watt's horse, Six .Charles' chance appearinj hopeless at an early stage. After a fine race to the finish, Th e Belle won by half a neck, Parawhenua second, Sir Charles out-distanced. Time, 2 min. ?54i sees. The winner is by Caladan, out of Befle of the Isle. Railway Plate, of 40 sovs. Weight for age. Distance, £ mile. Mr. Junes Walt's ch f Ngaru, 3 yrs., 7 st. 0 lbs. (A. -Lyforrt) 1 Mr . i. W. Delamain's b i The iielie, 3 yrs., < st. 0 lbs. (Wattie) .. .. ... .. .. .. 2 . Mr. Walters's ch f Medea, c. yrs., 7 -st. C lbs. (Hodgson) .. .. 3 Mr. Crammer's Never Miss was scratched. The bettiug wr.s 6 to 4 on Ngaro, 2 to X against the Belle, and 3 to 1 against Medea. The work was cut out by Medea with The Belle and Ngaro succeeding, till getting into the bend Ngaro went to the front. From this the trio ran in a cluster, with The Belle this time ahead. Finally, after a ratth'.ig race, Ngaro won by a length, The Belle second, and Medea two lengths behind. The time, by chonograph, was 1 min. 26§ sec. Ngaro is by Ravenswortdi, dam Countess. ■ The Auckland Cur (Handicap) of 200 sovs., with a sweep of 10 sovs. each added, second horse to receive 25 sovs. from the stakes. Distance, 2 miles. The winner of any handicap race of 'the value of 200 sovs. after the declaration of the weights to carry 7 lbs. extra; of any race of the value of 100 sovs., 3 lbs. extra ; of two or more such races, 7 lbs. extra (extreme penalty). 13 subscribers. Mr. F. W. Delamain's b c Templeton, 4 yrs., 8 st. 11 lbs. (Wattle) .. .. .. .. .. l Mr. J. Watt's b f Toi, 3 yrs., 6 st. 8 lbs. (A. Lvford) .".2 Mr. W. Walters's b m Yatterina, aged, 9 st. (French) 3 Mr. O. McGce's Creeping Jenny and. Mr. J. Emerson's Guy Fawkes were scratched. The betting at starting was even on Templeton, 6 to 4 on Yatterina, and 4 to 1 against Toi. A glance at the horses in the saddling paddock revealed the fact that Yatterina was in ' good form, and shewed that careful attention had been bestowed on her. Toi looked so screwed and gummy that fears were expressed she might break down before the distance was accomplished. Templeton was in superb condition and good fettle, with a gloss on him equal to one of Hill and Fenton's Paris hat-*. A good start was effected, when Yatterina made the running, and appeared for some distance to have it all Iter own way, French holding her iii check. To was behind at first, but began to improve her position, and on reaching the hollow all were I well together. Templeton, now getting the j best of" the struggle in the last few" strides, | won a good race by a couple of lengths. Yatterina disappointed her backers by coming in three lengths behind Toi. Time, 3 min. 53,-J sec. Midsummer Handicap, of 100 sovs., with a j sweep of 5 sovs. each added. Distance, 1 • mile. Winner to bo sold by auction, with I his engagements, immediately after the race, and half the proceeds of the sale of the horse to go to the fund. Mr. Geo. Crummer's b p Never Miss, 5 vrs , S st. (J. Millison) 1 Mr. James Watt's ch g Tui, 3 yrs., C st. 12 lbs. (A. Lyford) Mr. W. "Walters's bl li Kingfisher, 4 yrs., 7 st. 2 lbs. (Wat-tie) Parawhenua was not at the post. Betting : Even on Never Miss, 2 to 1 against Kingfisher, and G to 4 on Tui. The last named held the command for half the journey, and then gave way to Never Miss, who won easy, with Tui second, and Kingfisher a good third. After passing the winning post the last mentioned horse cannoned against the railing so violently as to throw him down, rolling completely over liis jockey. The latter was picked up and carried into the committee-room, where he was found to be hurt in the knee, bu~» with no bones broken. The horse was also cut in the near hind leg, but was attended tv> on the spot by M'r. Calvert, M.R.C. V.S., who sewed up the wound. Time of the race, I min. 54£ sec. The winner was sold by the auctioneer for £72 10s to his owner. Hukry Scurry, of 10 sovs. Entrance, 1 sov. Catch weights. Distance, I mile. Winner to be sold for 20 sovs. immediately after the race ; any surplus to go to the funds. Post entry.Mr. J. Leonard's Warwick (Brimmer) .. .. 1 Mr. Campbell's Cockle (J. McCarthy) .. ..2 These two were tho only entriee. After a smart race between the pair, Warwick won "~ly by a good length, with kiss jockey's - > tls down. He was afterwaids sold by x tion for £26 to Mr. R. Taylor, " '

SPORTS AT ELLERSLIE. fhe athletic sports on Boxing-day, at the Ellerslie Gardemy although, of an excellent character, - failed to attract a- very large number of spectators. When they commenced there could not have been more than three hundred visitors on the ground, but during the day the number considerably increased. -The foot races, which formed the major part of the programme of .the day's .entertainment, were well contested. There was a plentiful supply of refreshments to be purchased on the ground, especially strawberries and cream. The brass band of I the Hobson Volunteer Company, under Mr. j McComish, was in attendance, and per-formed-througliout the day, allowing themselves but very short intermissions. The services of the band deserve favourable notice, the music being select and well per-, formed. Stewards had been appointed to preside over and direct the sports, but this duty really fell into the hands of Mr. J, P. King, who acted as starter, and Mr; W. Graham, and was carried out satisfactorily. Mr. Whitson.was the judge, and his decisions were unquestioned. The events of the day were r,s follow :— Maiden Race (100 yards).—First prize,. £2; second prize, £1. G. Jennings 1 Hsigh Bryan .. - 2 The sports opened v;ith this event, for which there were five entries. The winner was put back one yard for jna king a false, start, but he afterwards got off with a flying start, and won easily. The other entries were, —J. Renwick, R. Long, and G. Atkinson. Hakhscap (300 yards), for amateurs only.— First prize, £5 ; second prize, £1. Nolan, 7 yards .. .. .. l Donovan, scratch " This was a capital race, Nolan being the winner by only about two feet. The other entries we-e :—Peacock, 12 yards, and J. Ryan, 7 yards. Throwing the Hammer (weight,. 14 lbs.). —Prize, £1 10s. Starling (distance, 84 feet 6 inches) 1 The other competitors were:—Tanner, Graham, McLeod, and Whisker. Hop, Step, and Jump.—Prize, £1. J. Donovan, 30 feet 1 The other entries were Bryan, Whisker, and Shea. EILERSLEECup.—HaIf-mile, handicap. First prize, the Ellerslie Cup, value £10,. or money ; second prize, £2; third prize, :£l. Thomas Tanner, 30 yards J E. O'Hare, 35 yards ~ E. Sewell, scratch ' •• The. race for tln.e Cup was the chief event of the day, and proved a very exciting contest and a thorough surprise. There was a capital start. After the first round Tanner came to the front with a splendid spurt, and maintained hiss speed to the winning-post, being about two yards in advance of O Hare. The handicap was too heavy for Sewell, and he ran himself out in the first round. The remaining entries were : J. Clark, 25 yards ; Hopkins, 35 yards, and Fagan 40 yards. High Jump.—Prize, £1. J. Bradley, 4 feet 1 inch 1 The other competitors (White and Peacock) were a tie at 4 feet 6 inches. Handicap (150 Yards). —First prize, £2; second prize, £1. Benwiclc, O yards .. .. ~ .. .. 1 Whisker, 11 yards 2 This race was a capital one, and was won after a dead heat. The other entries were : White, 9 yards, and Jennings scratch. Handicap (200 yards).—First prize, £2 ; second prize, £1. E. Davy, 10 yards ' .. .. 1 E. O'Hare, 5 yards .. .. 2 Besides these, Peacock (10 yards), Regan (10 yards), and Donovan, scratch, started. All ran well together tln-ee parts of the distance, when Davy and O'Hare led, and Davy ran verv strong to the finish, winning by about three yards. Tilting in the Ring.—Prize, £5. D. White 1 McKay .. .. 2 'This event did not prove so satisfactory as was expected. The horses had been raced about all dp.y, bo that some of them only trotted under the rings, whilst others went at a very slow canter. The ring-posts were also too near the spectators, and some o£ the horses shied from then?. There were six rings, and three tilts were allowed, which resulted in a tie of four each between McKay and D. White ; and, on a second contest, D. White took three and McKay two rings, thus leaving D. White the winner of the prize. The other entries were Wilson, Ellison, Peacock, and Mahon. HENDERSON'S MILL RACES. To pleasure-seekers desirous of witnessing some sport in the shape of horse-racing, combined with a long and pleasant drive, this district held forth strong attractions, and as a consequence was very fairly patronised. Beside the 'bus laid on by Mr. F. Quick, a number of other vehicles, all laden with full complements of passengers, arrived during the forenoon. The races were held in a large paddock belonging to Mr. McLeod, and situated nearly half a mile, by the road, from the Oratia Hotel. A building had been erected in one portion of the ground, the upper part of which was used as a grand stand, and wasi occupied almost entirely by the fair sex, who evinced a lively interest in the contests. In the lower compartment refreshments were dispensed, ad. lib., at moderate prices. Had there been one or two more refreshment booths erected, not a little discomfort would have been avoided, and the proprietors could not have failed in reaping an abundant harvest for their outlay. Three enterprising individuals, the fortunate possessors of an Aunt Sally, arrived at an early hour, and by dint of much declamation and the usual amount of bell-ringing, secured by no means an inconsiderable sum, if we may judge from the number of competitors who strove to deprive Sally of her pipe. Constable Clark and one member of the Armed Constabulary were despatched from Auckland to assist in preserving order and decorum, but their services were chiefly confined to keeping the course clear, which they did with very little difficulty, the people being well conducted and respectable. There was an entire absence of that rowdy element which so often characterises larger race meetings. The greatest good humour prevailed throughout, and we are sure that a most enjoyable day was spent by all. With the exception of the steeplechase every race was closely contested, and as the horses were run wholly upon tlieir merits, the greatest interest was manifested by spectators. The heat was intense about 12 o'clock, and the absence of any shelter increased the annoyance, but a breeze sprang up shortly afterwards, and lessened what would otherwise have been a great drawback. Mr. Von dcr Heyde, as judge, dis- > charged his duties in an able manner, his decisions giving universal satisfaction. Mr. Bollard (in the absence of Mr. Owen) acted as secretary, and r.ttended to liis somewhat arduous tasks' with assiduity. The other officers, all of whom executed the duties entrusted to them very efficiently, were : Glerk of scales, Air. .!I, Collins; clerks of course, Messrs. K. Cowan and A. Hepburn; starters, Messrs. Archibald and O'Neill Messrs. JohnS. Kelly, W. H. Martin, H. Collins, and James Hepburn. The first 1 race started at 12 o'clock. The following are the results of the races :— First Evext.-— Hurdb Race, 10 sovs. Over six flights of hurdles ; 3 feet C inehes high. All horses to carry 10 st. Distance, twice round the course. Open to all horses that have not won an advertised race of £25. Mudu's Kate .. .. .. .. # a _ 1 Halstead's Digby Grand 2 A. DornvroH's Highflyer 3 C. Cowan's Star Gazer - .. ~ .. 0 J. Abbot's Fly-by-Night [[ 0 T. Lnptcm's Tattler .... .. .. 0 jR. Dunn's Pararu .. .. 0 This was a capital race. Kate and Highflyer jumped off with the start. A ncek-and-neck race ensued for some minutes, but on coining round the course for the last time Kate drew rapidly ahead. Digby Grand put on a spurt and came in second. About 100 yards lay between the first and second horses at the finish, and about 50 yardts intervened between the second .ind third. The rest wors nowhere.

Second Evekt.—Settlers' Steeplechase, 10, sovs. Distance, about two miles, over a fair hunting country. All" horses to - carry 10 st. 7 lbs. Cowan's Peina ... .. .. .. 1 W. Kelly's Potatau . . 0 W. H. Martin's Sportsman .. ... .. 0 The flag dropped to a good start, and- the first jump was taken in : first-class style. The second fence was cleared splendidly by Peina, but Potatau and Sportsman both balked. After several ineffectual attempts Potatau managed to get over, and'continued for onco round the course, when his rider, seeing not the slightest chance of winning the raee, retired. Sportman's efforts to take the second jump were futile. Peina won very easily.

Third Event. —Hen tiers oil's Mill Stakes, 10 sovs. All horses to carry 10' St. Distance, twice round the course. Open to horses that hava not won an advertised race of £30. W. Kelly's Dainty J Lupton's Mabel • •- - Munn's Kate .. -• • '' TV. H. Martin's Victor * Munn's Tommy Dodd 0 J. O'Neill's Muriwai .. .. .. .. . • 0 J. Abbot's JTly-by-Night .. ... -• •- 0 These horses were very evenly matched, and got away well' together. The race was closely contested, the horse 3 passing the winning-post first time round in the following order : —Dainty, 1; Victor, 2 ; Kate, 3 ; Mobel, 4. On going- round for the second time, Victor dropped behind, Kate and Mabel proving too much for him. Dainty took the lead shortly after the start, and maintained it until the finish. Fourth Event.—Settlers' Stakes, 10 sovs. Catch weights. Distance, 1 mile. Kelly's Dainty .. .. V O'Neill's Tutura .. 2 Dacro's Polly •• •• 0 C. Cowan's Peina 0 "W. H. Martin's Padlock .. .. -- 0 Lupton's Mabel .. .. 0 George's Peram .. .. 0 George's Pungu 0 This was the best competed race of the day. The flag was dropped to a good start, the horses keeping so closely together that it was difficult at times to distinguish one from another: Dainty and Tutura gradually drew ahead of the others, and a neck-and-neck contest followed. In coming up the straight Dainty made a strong effort, and won by a head. Fifth Event.—Pony Race, 6 sovs. For Ponies 14 hands and under. Catch weights. Distance 1 mile. Open to all comers. ■ Hepburn's Ladybird .. .. .. .. .. 1 Vaughan's Hotspur .. .. 2 J. O'Neill's Muriwai 3 Cowan's Beauty .. • .. 4 George's Pungu .. .. .. .. .. 0 T. Lupton's Cock Kobin .. .. .. .. 0 A. Kelly's Minnie 0 D. Stubbing's La Marguerite 0 Ladybird went off with the lead, but was afterwards passed by Muriwai and Beauty. An exciting trial of speed followed, the result of which was that Ladybird managed to regain her position, and came in winner by about a length, Muriwai and Beauty sccond and third respectively; but they having ran inside the course, Hotspur (the nest horse) was declared second. Sixth Event."—Consolation Race, 5 sovs. For beaten horse 3. Catch, weights. Distance, 1 mile. J. O'Neill's Tutura 1 T. Lupton's Mabel .. .. 2 M. Mmm's Tommy Dodd .. .. .. .. 3 W. H. Martin's Victor .. .. .. ... 0 Halstead's Digby Grand .. o Tommy Dodd went away with a good lead, but was quickly collared by Tutura, who won a good race, closely pursued by Mabel and Tommy Dodd. This concluded the horse races, and most of the visitors at once directed their way homewards. Several foot races were improvised, the first of which was for a distance of 500 yards; open to all comers; first prize, 80s ; second prize, 10s. Thirteen or fourteen entered, and after a hard struggle, Kelly came in first and a Maori second. Great credit is due to the officers and all concerned for the manner in which the races were organised atrd carried out. We hope to chronicle a stili more marked success at their next meet. THAMES SPORTS. These were a great success, and the races were equal to any we have previously held. The liberal sums of money subscribed'were sufficient to bring to the post several strange horses, and more would have been present but for the remissness of their proprietors in not accepting, in accordance with the printed conditions. That good sport was anticipated, was evidenced by a larger number of people being present than on any similar occasion, except some six years ago, when the Duke of Edinburgh was expected .to visit us; and such horses as Peeress, Kaiser, &C., thought our stakes worth contending for. The racing was not the only attraction; the gardens themselves were well-worthy of a visit, and were admirably adapted as a place where the bulk of thei people could spend a pleasant hour or two. The Flying Handicap, came off at a little past the advertised hour. Flying Handicap, 20 sovs. ; g mile. J. Darrow's b g Bundarra, aged, 8 st. 12 lbs. .. 1 J. Quinlivan's b m Belle of the Isles, 5 years, S st. Gibs ■ .. ..2 S. Vidal's b g Hero, 7 st. 7 lbs 3 The ra.ee resulted as above. The three came in whipping hard, Bundarra winning by a good length. Money was lost upon the Belle, though from the first, among betters, Bundarra was the favourite. Hurdle Race, 15 sovs. ; 2 miles. Taipari's Parai .. .. 1 Matiu Poono's bl g Native, aged, 9 st. C lbs. .. 2 TV. Bobbett's b g Arrow, 6 year.', 9 st. 12 lbs. .. 3 This was one' of the prettiest events of the day. Parai won easily, coming in fully twenty yards ahead. The Native's rider claimed, the race, as Parai had not been entered. Thames Plate (Handicap), 40 sovs. ; 2 miles. J. Darrow's bg Bundarra, aged, S st. 5 lbs. .. 1 S. Vidal's d ch Potentate, aged, S st. .. ..2 "W. Bobbett's b g Tain O'Sbanter, 7 st. 12 lbs. .. o J.{Quinlivan's b m Belle of the Isles, 5 years, S st. 0 There was a good start for this race. Potentate took the lead, and came in a good •second, Tarn O'Shanter third, and the Belle last. Maori Horse Race, — sovs. ; three times round the course. For horses owned and i' dden by Maoris; catch weights. There were three entries for this race, which was not a great exhibition of sport. The race ended as follows ; — Titokowaru .. l The rest, nowhere. Pout Eace, 10 sovs. ; 1 miles ; for ponies 14 hands and under ; catch weights. Post entry, 1 sov. -* Pour entries. G. T. Wilkinson's General .. .. .. 1 E. Thomas's Tommy .. . . .. .. o Grace's Stockings.. - .'3 McGuire's Fly-br-night.. .. .. 0 The race lay between the first two, but General from the commencement had it in hand; Tommy just coming out of the bush was not in condition.—[Correspondent.] MISS CHRISTIAN'S CONCERTS. The first of a series of concerts given .by this lady, assisted by Sir. Harcourt Lee (piano aceompanyist), Mrs. Smythe, Mr. Eainford, and Mr. Skinner, of the late Goddard concerts, came oil' on Saturday evening in the City Hall. Boxing-night is not favourable for entertainments by which the intelligence is as much occupied as one of the senses is gratified, nevertheless there was a numerous auditory, the hall being filled, although not full in the sense of being thronged. What was more to the purpose, and matter, we doubt not, for congratulation to those interested, the audience was both critical and discriminating—that is to say, as qualified to discern excellence as to discover blemishes where they are to he found. The concert commeuaed with the tri°, b/ Mazzinghi, entitled "Tho Wreath, ana sung by Mrs. Smythe, Mr. Skinner, and Mr. Hainford. We have noticed this performance before, and need not further refer to it than to say it was well sung. The first solo was by Mr. Hainford, " The Village Blacksmith " a song of Weiss, who was at one tune the leading English basso. Mr. Eainford has a fine breadth and austerity of manner in singing, which greatly compensates for any

( defect of style which-arises from causes that have their origin in sesthetie appreciation. ... He- was loudly eucoi'ed.-' ".TJie:jicrfonxiJKLlceß which however commanded undivided interest were those__of.;_Miss Christian. Her . first song was tlie pretty romance of Macfarren, entitled, " cTI% beating of my own heart;" To givei,ftQi?42ect to this musical trifle the nicest sense of~the import of words and description o£ eituatkm as well aslyrical expression are necessary'' Its rendering on Saturday night by Miss Christian was admirable. Her singing .takes its .effpct mainly from almost perfect culture/ v Het second performance was in a duet tralto) with. Mrs. Smythe, "Te'lßammenti," - which was magnificeut'lysung. Mrs. Smythe's line soprano was displayed' to th/a- best advantage. It also threw out - to its full effect the special excellences of Miss Christian's remarkable voice. She is spoken o£ generally as a contralto, and without doubt the range of her voice entitles it to be so classed. Bat many of the tones are like those of a mezzosoprano, so full are they, round, soft, and capable of expression even-to-the-slightest utterance. The duet was enthusiastically encored, and the ladies complied by singing "What's a' -the steer, kimmer," which heightened the enthusiasm. Miss Christian's third song was " Once Again," by the young Irish composer,. • Sullivan, and her perfect enunciation and general style confirmed the expectations which had been formed from her first appearance. It is no exaggerated complement to say that attention to the specialties of her- singing is a lesson in music to those who pay respect to culture jas the true measure of artistic merit. Mr. . Harcourt Lee played a. pianoforte solo, en- ; titled " The Band Passes," in which he displayed both power and facility. Mr. Rainford next sang " Th& Desert." Herr Doehler played a "Fantasia, Brilliante" and "The Car nival de Venise." We. have so often written of his high merit that it is not necessary to repeat our observations. The concert, in a musical point of view, may lay a' just claim to be of the very highest class, and cannot fail to afford the lovers of music a pleasure during the holidays which will realise any reasonable expectation, that may be entertained of it. PRINCE OF WALES TIIEATjRti. • This resort of amusement was more than densely filled upon Saturday night—it was dangerously crowded both upstairs and down. At the stalls aud pit, admission became impossible after half-past seven, while every available space was taken up in the dress-circle. The management deserve credit for the endeavours they made to provide sitting accommodation in procuring a large stock of additional chairs, while the attendants in charge of the seats were remarkably attentive and accommodating, notwithstanding the rush. The selection for presentation was the "Now York News-boy; or, Life in the South." It .is entitled on the l>ills a " great five-act drama," but had wo ' the classing of it, we should be inclined to I bill, it as a five-act farce. It is one of those pieces in which there is "no solution ta continuity," but which is a;i amusing as it is incongruous and devoid of life-like situations. We should imagine it was either founded on Frank Leslie or Reynolds's Miscellany' romances or dramatised by the author of one of these. The audience, how. ever, appeared to be highly delighted with it, and that, we suppose, is the real test the management have to deal with. With the exception of two, the characters are all of minor importance, aud these two we;« assumed by Miss Howard,— Capitola Black, originally a New York news-boy, : and Wool, a nigger. Miss May Howard was extremely vivacious as Capitola, Jbufc Mr. Poole as Wool, secured the greatest share of the -applause. . His performance was certainly a very clever one, and the house was kept in a continuous roar of laughter by his eccentricities and " foolish meats." Both artistesc received several calls. Mr. Collier swore heartily and fumed excessively as Major Warfield, but what the other characters were we. had no means of ascertaining, from the absence of play-bills. The same picce will be repeated to-nigh.;?, and to-morrow night Miss Stephenson will re-appear in burlesque. CRICKET. AUCKLAND,V. WEST END. J.T is presumed that the latter had miscalculated their strengron, or not reckoned on the Christmas festivities, when the digestion is invariably impaired. Be it as it may, the match resulted in an easy victory for the Aucklander?. The matcJi was played- on Saturday, m the Domain. Subjoined is the score:—. AUCKLAND. Y." lies, b Taylor 21 .Abraham, b Cook "G Bice, b Taylor .. .. .. .. 5 Abraham, b Taylor 6 Blunden, run out 10 Garland, c Taylor b Cook .. .. 43 Eocs. e Choyce b Cook .. .. 24 Cotton, c Buttle b Choyce .. .. 6 Daviea, b Cook .. .. .. .. ' 0 Euckland, c Cook b Choyce .. 0 Connell, not out.. .. 0 Extras .. ~ 13 Total 148 WEST END. riRST I-N'NINGS. SECOND INNINGS. Choye;, b Buckland ... 0 c Buckland b Cotton 0 Glooson, b Connell .. 6 c Eees b Connell .. I Taylor, run out .. . .. 1 hit wicket .. ..3 " Mmsford, c Eice b Cot'on 11 st Davies b Rees .. 2S Cook, b Buckland .. 0 b Buckland .. .. 5 Mason, b Buckland .. Ob Cotton .. * .. <J Mackny, b Cotton .. 0 cC. Abraham b Connell 6 Buttle, b Buckland ~ 0 c Davies b Connell.. O ■Western, b Buckland .. 0 not out .. - .. Q Cox, not out .. .. 0 iun out .. .. Z Cooper, b Buckland ~ Q cC. Abraham b Connell..- .. .. 2 Extras .. ~ .. G Extras .. .. 1 j Total 24 Total ■ .. .. 5? • I — =