AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9320, 25 March 1889, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

AQUATIC SPORTS.

On* the P2th March the Auckland College and Grammar School boys held their annual aquatic sports at the City Saltwater Baths. Then.! w;is a crowded attendance, many friends and parents of the competitors being present, besides Mr. C. F. Bourne and the other masters. Mr. Francis officiated us starter, and Messrs. Wat-kins .-mil Trevithick did duty as judgo and timekeeper respectively. The details of trio racing wore as follows :— JI7J Yards Swim, nn:s.—Anbin, scratch, 1; Parr, 12y«:e, 2; Whitclaw, Site, and iJrifjham, iSscc, equal, 3. Time, 2min 15sec. A >:<iod race throughout. S>l Yards, under l.>. —I'. Upton, scratch, 1; <litto3, iOsee. 2; ! fernery, Sscc, 3. Won easily Time, 2min 32 4-sth sec. SO Yards, under 14.—Masetield, scratch, and Purslcy, oscc, equal, 1; Dixon, scratch, and Upton, scratch, 3. A very tough struggle between the four placed competitors. Time, 2min 2M 4-stii sec. 2J.) Yards Chami'lONSiui*. — E. 11. Aubin and .1. M. Brigham were the only starters, ami the former won by about syds, in smin 48 3-stli sec. f>) Yards, under 13: P. Drummond, 10 sec, 1 ; V. M'lsolield, scratch, 2; Lennox, !."> .sec, 3. An exciting race between the first two, Druinmond winning by only a tew inches. Time, lmin 1 4-sth sec. Lono Dive, l'.n'ukfi 15 : Harris, 1; Wilson, 2. The winner crossed the baths. Wilson made as long a dive, but did not go straight. GO Yards on Back : Lawaon, iiaee, 1; Waniook, scratch, 2; Beale, 3see, 3. A good racc from start to finish. Time, lmin 1(J l-sth sec. 4-10 Tins, opes* : Dixon, ;wec, 1; Parr, 5 see, 2. Won by about three yards. Time, .Sir;in 35.^see. 100 Yards under 16. —Warnock, scratch, 1; Bripliain, scratch, 2; Ball, lOsce, 3. Time, 2min 29sec. Kkat ILi'ArKR Dive. —S. Francis, 1; Beale, 2. Lc>n"(! Dive, oven.— J. Drumniond, 1 ; Warnock, 2. Both boys crossed the baths easily Oi.n IVivs' Rack. —R. Masefield, Msec. 1 ; IL Nicholson, scratch., 2 ; F. O'Dowd, 25kc«, 3. Masetield swam splendidly, and won somewhat easily. Greasy Boost. —As usual this was an amusing event, and many spills occurred l>efore Lcnno;: carried oil' the tiajf, Bull jotting second honours, and H. Gordon third. JjADfRs Prize.--A. Upton, Msec, ! ; Minefield, Ss"«":, 'J; Aubiii, .scratch, 3. This w«i one of the best races of tin: day, and the winner was the smallest of the competitors. He was overhauled by the- scratch man, but drew away again and won. lie was notninnted by Miss M. Upton. The sports concluded with a. football match in the water, in which the teams finished with level scores after causing much fun. CARTERS' PICNIC. The second meet ing of the Carters' Picnic, for carrying out the events left over from the meeting held a fortnight ago, was held in Potter's Paddock, Epsom, on March 0. The following are the results : — Carters, 150 Yards (Carters only).—E. O'llaro, 4 yards, 1; 10. Wilson, 9 yards, 2; 11. Hales, 9 yards, 3. All Comers, 150 Yards.—First heat: J. Baker, 9 yards, 1 ; W. Purdy, 0 yards, 2; J. Ballantyne, l'< yards, 3. .Second heat: T. Murphy, 11 yards, 1 ; W. Trubshnvr, (3 yards, 2; J. MeDermott, 8 yards, 3. Final heat: Murphy, 1 ; Baker, 2; Ballantyne, 3. Baker lodged a protest in respect of a foul, and tlu: committee held the matter over for decision. One-mile V\'ajl,k.— W. Turner, iX> yards, 1; W. Collet, SO yards, 2; A. Hendry, scratch, 3. All Comers, llalk-hilu.—W. Howie, 'scratch, 1; J. Baker, scratch, 2; 11. McLaughlin, 12 yards, 3. TiiRKK-ixorsKD Race. — Picketing and Partly, 1 ; o'i.lare and McDermott, 2. Handicap Hciidi.i: Rack.—O'ilare, "1; ISoonan, 2. YotcrNc-m* Match.—W. Turner, I: J. Turner, 2: O'Hare, 3. Milk Match.—A mile match for £2 a-side was then got up between T. Mclntyre and \V. McDonald, and it was won easily by the former, by nearly "JO yards.

PRINTEES' PICNIC. Thofirst annual picnicof Auckland printers was held at East Tam.-vki on the 9th March. The Victoria loft the DovonporS Ferry Company's wharf shortly before ten a.m., and after a voyage, the pleasure of which was considerably enhanced by the music of Mr. West's Newton Band, which accompanied the party, the picnic-ground was reached about eleven o'clock. After luncheon, sports were proceeded with, under the direction of a committee comprising Messrs. M. Connolly, T. Cooper, P. Rotherham, F. W. Yatcs, and R. B. Nesbittj whilst Mr. R. L. Soraers acted as starter, and Messrs. P. Christmas and T. S. Sibbin as judges. The following are the results of the several events :—

150 Yards Handicap (for lx>ys of 17 yearn and niiiler). —W. Ncwbcidn, 12yds, I; R. Bice, scratch, 2 ; W. R. Wilson, lyd, :',. Tho other starters wero :•— J. Gilleeipie, '{yrle; G. Constable, 7yds; W. Wilkinson, 12yds; P. Williams, 17yds: and 11. Onyon, 17yds.

100 Yards Handicap.—First heat: P.. Onyon, 17yds, I ; A. W. Wright, syi.la, 2; P. Macky, scratch, 3. T. Rolxjrta, 4yds, and R. Reid, 6yds, also ran. Macky passed the others in excellent style, but stumbling, fell when about to breast the tayu, thus allowing Onyon to win. Second heat: \V. R. Wilson, f>yuß, 1 ; W. Win«in:tn, 25ydB, 2. C. Symn, "iyda; J. Loggie,6yd«; and W. Falconer, Byds, also started. Wilson beat Wiseman in the last few yards. Kiiml heat: R. Onyon, 1; W. R. Wilson, 2; W. Wiseman, 3. A. W. Wright also ran. The dJHtancu iinui, Onyon, attained his lea*] throughout, winning a, Bji'endkl race on the tii/pe. Glials , Rack, 100 Yard*.—Mian Harris, 1 ; Miss Brown, 2; Mias White, 8. There wore soven competitors. Onk Mii.E Walk.—J. Macfarlano, scratch, ] ; A. Wright, 65yda, 2; J. A. Hatswell, f3sydH, 3. The othor etartors were :—P.. B. Neabitt, SOytla; (J. Hymn, SOydH ; J. W. Lovoll,Bo/de; ami./. Bruce, IOOydH. When the limn uta-rtod Macfarlano at oncoact out in pursuit of the othora, and by the time onu round of the courHO had bc«n travomed lie had panned Neabitt and Syrna, Bruce at thia point being some disfcancc in front, with Lovoll, Hatewotl, and Wright nnxt. Maofarlane, going strongly, bent tho othora off in succession, and though Wright made several dotonninetl attcinptH to clone with him it-gain in tho last round, lu; drew away and evuntually won by alxmt flydfi, Haiijwoll being third, 20yda habind Wright, i/n'cll and iSisibitt wore the only otliera In firiiuli. l'ua-riNO tji.s b'PONK.— V. Lowry, 20ffc 3in, I. '' ICO y-Alira Hakt>icap,-—P. Macky, scratch, 1; R. Jiice, 4ydH, 2; T. Roberts, »;y<lH, 3. 1 ,, . Haalarn, (>yrl«; A. Hulino, (!yd« A. W. Wright, 7yda; H. Reid, Oyduj W. Archer, lOydH, and J. W. Lovoll, J'2ydß, coinpiutecl tholicld. Mu,gl- ">. euaily.

HAUHarLK Handicap. —A. L. Wilson, scratch, 1 ; J. Patterson, scratch, 2; W. Crawford, 30yds, 3. W. Archer, 25yds, and J. Eaton, 30yds, wore the other starters. This race was won in jjood style, Wilson coining at the finish with an excellently timed run. * Marrikd Men's Rack, 100 Yards.—W. Munro, 14yds, 1; R. B. Ncsbitt, 13yds, 2; A. T. Good, 15yds, 3. F. Bother ham, scratch; A Hulme, scratch; F. W. Yates, Byds; and W. J. Mivcdermott, 14yds, also started. This was & close contest. The JtTNioE Tog-op-War was won by J. F. Dowry's team. 200 Yards Handicap.-—P. Macky, scratch, 1 ; W. Crawford, 14yds, 2; R. Bice, syds, 3. The other competitor were: — A. Hatswell, Byds; A. W. Wright, 9yds; and C. Syms, lOjrds. In the Senior Tug-of-War, 11. B. Neshitt'a team were the winners. Quarter-milk Handicap.—P. Macky, scratch, 1 ; A. Wright, 12yds, 2; F. Haslam, lOvds, 3. O. Patterson, scratch ; J. Eaton, 14yds; J. H. Hats well, 15yds; J. Gillespie, 17j?d« ;W. Archer, 20yds; and J. W. Lovell, 25vds, also competed. In the Hop, Step, and Jump, an excellent contest between Bice and Roberts resulted in favour of the latter, who_ cleared 37 feet 8 inches, beating Bice by an inch. 150 Yards Handicap, for persons who have boon total abstainers for at least two years.—First heat: A. vVright, 4yds, 1; W. Crawford, Byds, 2; F. Roberts, oyda, 3. There wore seven starters. Second heat : R. B. jS'esbitt, 12yds, 1; Watson, 6yds, 2; Onyon, 11yds, 3. These so: contested the final heat, which resulted as follows —A. Wright, 1; Roberts, 2; Crawford, 3. Great interest centred in this event, for which Mr. Boynton contributed as a prize Chambers' " Encyclopedia." About 300 persons were present, and tho outing was most enjoyable. During the afternoon the picnickers assembled in a group on the hill, and were photographed by Mr. A. Tibbubts. ST. PATRICK'S DAY. The annual fete of the children attending the Roman Catholic Sunday - snboolo in Auckland was held on March IS in the Domain. The weather was in every respect suitable for holiday-making. The procession of the various Sunday-schools comprised some 1500 children. It is estimated that about 2500 people were present in the Domain on March 18, and the scene was, therefore, a very animated one. Several people enjoyed themselves in dancing to tho music of the four bands which were in the grounds. A programme of races and games was carried out under the direction of tho members of the Auckland Christian Doctrine Society. HI BERN lAX SOCIETY'S FETK. The members of the local branch of the : Hibernian Society also held their annual ftU. in tho Domain oci March 18. They as-' BOtnbled in the morning at tho Catholic Institute, Wellington-street, about 150 members being present. About 00 members of the juvenile contingent of the Auckland branch joined in thy procession. The results of tho races are as follow :— Maiden Rack, 120 yds.— R. McKolvie, I; Corbett, 2. M. Flynn and .J. Flynn also coml«?ted. This was a very close race. Sr. Patrick's Handicap, — Ist heat, 100 yds: M. Flynn, 12yila, 1; W. Fairweather, 10yds, '2; J. .McDonnell, lyd, 3. The following also started : —E. 0 Hare, scratch; Corbett, 10yds; R. McKelvie, 7yds. Considerable interest was felt in respect of this event, Inasmuch as the first prize was the handsome silver cup sent from Sydney to the society on behalf of Mias O'Connor. In the first heat Flynn, the distance man, succeeded in keeping the front position until he breasted the tape. Second heat, 150 yds : •J. McDonnell, i!yds, 1 ; W. Fairwoather, 12yds, 2; E. O'ilftre, scratch, 3. The other starters were : —Corbett, 10yds ; McKelvie, 10yds; Klynn, 15yds. Third heat, iiOOyds : \V. Fainvcather, loyds, 1; J. McDonnell, 3yds, 2; M. Flynn. 20y<is, 3. E. O'Hare (scratch), and Corbett (15yds), also ran. After a lew yard.-! had been traversed Corbett closed on Klynn ; but the others here ran up, and a splendid i.ice resulted in a lw»re victory for Fair-weather. The following wore the placed men, in the order of points gained Fair weather, 12 pointy I ; McDonnell, 10, 2 ; Flyniij 7. 3. W. Fairweather is thus the winner ot the cup. Past President's Handicap, 120 yards. J. J'attenwn, 7yds, 1 ; D. Flynn, 3yds, 2; S. Fail weather, scratch, 3. Fiuundi.y SooiKTriis' Handicap,2ooyards. —J. McDennott (1.0.0. Rechabites, scratch, ) ; E. O'Uare (ILA.C.B. Society), 3yds, 2; .1. McDonnell (H.A.C.B. Society), scratch, 3. R. MeKelvie (H.A.C.B. Society), 10yds, also started. Thi'i was a fine race, and was won onlv on the tai>c. Havdicap (for members over 40), 120 yds.— M. Burke, 1 ; YV. Mahoney, 2. D. Quinn and T. Ryan also ran. Commpitkk's Handicap, 150yds..—-F. Fairweather, 1; 11. Duliin, 2; S. Fairweather. 3. The other starters were J. Patterson and C. Lynch. The Three-Legged Race was won by D. and M. Flynn. A number of races wero also contested by the juvonilo mombers of the society. Croat amusement was caused by the hunt for tho greasy pig, which was captured by a lad named Greaves.

DRAPERS' PICNIC. The first annual picnic of the drapers and clothiers of the city, with' whom for the nonce the bootmakers had joined fortune.", took place on March 14 at the Tainaki, and was a great success. An energetic committee had made ail tho needful arrangements, and about ten o'clock the ferry steamer Oeprey started with about 800 on boaj-d for tho rerulezvous. It is estimated that tho gathering comprised nearly everyone employed in the retail .soft goods and boot trades in Auckj land and suburbs. Mr. Buckland's juiddocks were reached after an hour's pleasant run, and the party broke up into little kr.ou and skirted to enjoy themselves after bhoir own fashion. The younger I portion quickly wore busy in a varied and lengthened round of outdoor games, bub a .'scries of well-conducted, hotly-contested, and amusing races fanned tho chief attraction, and Messrs. McCullough, Hopkins, Queree, Taylor, and others worked very hard to bring them to a successful issue. Messrs. Hopkins and Chappell were judges, and Mr. G. McKenzio made a painstaking starter. Tho events wero as varied as numerous, and we append only the results of tho more important : —Drapers' handicap, three distances, 100, 200, and 300 yards : H. Gold water, 1 ; P. Wilson, 2 ; T. Burke, 8. Walking match, 1 mile: Gold water, 1; Selfe, '2. Human wheelbarrow race : Quereo and Noonan, i. Apprentices' race : T. Burke bent 18 others. Hop, step, and jump : T. Taylor, 1. Master drapers' race : C. Hopkins, I ; It. 11. Abbott, 2. Potato race : Hutson, 1; Burrill, 2. Half-mile race: Noonan, 1; Atkin, 2; Lewis, 3. Siamese race : Robertson and Atktn. Tng-of-war, married v. single : The former won after a tough pull. In the bandsmen's race the big drummer won easily. During the day Hunter's Artillery Band played splendid music, and hardly ever seemed to get tired. The party all returned safely to town in nice time, arriving"shortly before seven o clock. MERGER AQUATIC AND ATHLETIC SPORTS. The high repute which the little town of Mercer has gained for providing an excellent clay's enjoyment 'on the occasion of its annual regatta and athletic sjwrts, was fully evidenced by the great crowd — fullv a thousand persons — which loft Auckland on the 16th March by the excursion train to the Waikato town. Among those who crowded into the 27 carriages which were provided by the Railway Department wore Admiral Sir H. Fairfax and a large party of friends, including a number of naval officers, while Messrs; A. K. Devore, T. Morrin, S. B. Bis 3, W. Ware, S. Jackson, and other prominent citizens also took part in tho excursion. After a tedious journey of about three hours, Mercer wan reached, the train being met by some 200 natives, who ranged themselves in a body four deep, dancing and chanting native songs of welcome. Large numbers of people from ~he Upper Waikato were m the town 1 , and when the fijvjrtH began, about ! p.m., fully 1800 persons were present on the river banks, or on the river m canoes and boats. 'Die sports wero vigorously carried out and were highly successful, the committee, particularly Mr. Thomas Porter, being indefatigable in their efforts to prevent any delays, hitches, or misunderstandings. 'Iho detailed results of the races were :— Canok Hokums Rack, open to all-comers ; oyer three flights of hurdles, 15 inches high ; distance, al/out half mile. Ist urizc, £.3; 2nd, £1. —Coalmine, Clarke Brothers, 1; White Squall, Paora and Tuaha, 2 Cakor llviijiim Rack, for Maori wahincs ; oyer three flights of hurdles, 15 Inches high ; distance, about half mile. Ist prize, £2 10s • 2nd, 15s.—To Paiua, Hurimata and Sarah, 1; Wool broker, JSmoro and Mata, 2. Cawok ii t;nnr,fs Rack, for Europeans only, over three lights of hurdles, 15 inches high ; distance about three-quarters of a mile. Halfcastes excluded. Ist prize, £3; 2nd, £I.— I Success, Vinccnt brothers, 1; Attempt, i JLlawke brother a, 2. I

Swimming Contest across the Waikato river and back (Time handicap). Ist prize, £2 10s ; 2nd, 10s. Professor Pannell, 1. The others, though allowed a liberal handicap, did not finish. Undeb and Over Cajtok Hukdle Rack, over three flights of hurdles, 4 feet high ; distance about naif a mile, let prize, £3; 2nd, £I.—Tawhiao, Paora and Mackie, 1; Tβ Kooti, Tauho ami Hoera, 2. G&kasy Boom. Prize, £1 Makgill, 1. Foot Handicap, 100 yards, open to all comers. Ist prize, £1 10s; 2nd, 10s, — Harris, 6 yards. 1 : J. Metilynn, 3. Geesh and Tub Race ; distance about 200 yards. Ist prize, £1; 2nd, 10s.—J. Storey, 1 ; — Blackmail, 2. Special Pair Oar Race; distance, 1 mile.—E. O'Hare and J. Baxter, 1; A. Suedden and 8. Wilson, 2. Pair Oak Boat Rack ; distance about 1 mila Ist prize, £2;. 2nd, £1. —Taihi and Robertson, 1. Foot Handicap, 440 yards, open to all comers. Ist prise, £2; 2nd, lOs.—J. McDerniott, 1. "

At Abbott's Opera House on March 12 a complimentary benefit was tendered to Mr. Sam Solon, the oldest stage mechanist in Auckland, by a number of local professionals. The attendance was only moderate. The entertainment took the form of a nigger minstrel and variety performance, Miss Violot Andrew being interlocutrix. About thrt>e score ladies and gentlemen on March 5 congregated in the afternoon on board tbo ferry steamer Britannia, at the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Russell and Professor and Mrs. A. P. Thomas, to meet the memborn of the University Senate and enjoy an excursion round the harbour in their company. Refreshments were provided in the fore-cabin, and partaken of by the party during the afternoon. All were highly delighted with their outing, and the kindness of the promoters of the trip was highly appreciated. On Saturday, March 2, the first annual picnic of the employes in the various soft goods warehouses in town was held at Homo Buy, Motutapu, whither the excursionists started at nine a.m. by one of the Devonport Steam Ferry Company's ferry steamers. The weather being glorious the run down was very pleasant to the largo number on board, and the steamer arriving at Messrs. Reid's beautiful homostead, after about an hour's passage, a long day was thus allowed for amusements ashore. Those were indulged in with much vigour and in great variety, while the catering having been placed in the able hands of Mr. E. Waters gave ample satisfaction. After an enjoyable day, the party returned about dusk, and were safely landed.

The committee of management in connection with the Congregational Union organised an excursion on tho harbour on

the 2nd March, the p.s. Victoria being selected for the occasion. The ministers and delegates, together with their friends, numbering in all about three hundred persons, loft the Queen-street Wharf soon after two p.m., and went across to Devonport Wharf, where a number were picked up. Returning, the Victoria steamed up the harbour to just; opposite Northcote, and then proceeded back again and on to Lake Takapuria, everyone on board admiring the beautiful scenery. After a number had visited the Lake, tea was pirtaken of in the grounds of Mr. W. fhorno, solicitor, kindly placed at the disloyal of the party by that gentleman. The party returned shortly after eight o'clock, well satisfied with the arrangements and very pleased with their outing. An entertainment under the auspice.-* of the Paruell and Newmarket branch of the Auckland Christian Doctrine Society, was held on the -lth March at the Parnell Hall, in aid of the prize funds, and was of a very enjoyable character. There was a large audience., including the Rev. Fathers Haekett, Lenihan, Hay, O'Gara, and Gillan. A varied programme was gone through satisfactorily. Miss Yates wad the accompanist during the evening. A concert, under the direction of Mr. J. A. Boale, was held in All Saints" Schoolroom on Tuesday, March 6, and was largely attended. The Rev. Mr. Caldcr presided. The programme wiih an excellent one. The dramatic company of H.M.s. Opal, now in port, gave an entertainment on March 15 at the Opera House in aid oF the Kindergarten Society, Admiral Fairfax arid staff, Mrs. Fairfax, Captain and Mrs. Bosanquet, and a number of other officers and His Worship tho Mayor were present. On the 18th March a grand Irish national concert whs given at St. James' Hall, the proceeds being in aid of St. Patrick's Presbytery. The hall was crowded in every (••art, and great enthusiasm was displayed by the audience, who applauded nearly every verse and encored almost all the items. During the evening the accompaniments were sympathetically played by Miss Shanaghan and Miss D. Lynch. The Young Women's Christian Association held their annual picnic on the Kith March, by invitation, as in years past, at " Roaeile," Ikimucra, the residence of Mr. J. L. Wilson. The party, which numbered about 130, were taken out in half-a-dozen buses by the Tramway Company. On reaching " Rosclle" they were received and welcomed by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, who placed their mansion and grounds at the disposal of tho company. Among the guests was Mrs. Fairfax, wife of Admiral Fairfax, who takes a deep interest in institutions for young women, such as the Y. W.C.A. The afternoon was spent in lawn tennis, games of various kinds, and in strolling about the sea beach. Tea was served on the lawn.

A very interesting meeting was held at tho residence of Mr. G. Rhodes on Wednesday, March 20, to welcome Mr. Joseph L. Innes, who ha , ? juKfc arrived from Dumbarton. Mr. Innos com/a its the accredited agent and representative of the Tonic Sol-fa College, London, and the credentials and testimonials ho brings with him are of the very highest order. A number of friends interested in tho tonic sol-fa system assembled at the invitation of Mr. Rhodes, and the meeting w;m a most enthusiastic one. Tho Auckland Savage Club gave a picnic, or opoti night, on March 21 to a number of fcheir friends, botli ladies and gentlemen. Tim Onproy loft tho Queon-sfcreet Wharf with 450 on board. It was intended to go to Motuttipu, hue subsequently decided to proceed to St. Holiers, where some of the party landed. During the evening a number of songs and glees were rendered, with pianoforte accompaniment, and dancing was also indulged in. Refreshments were handed round at intervals. Tho picnic was a very enjoyable one, and pas.sod off most successfully. A concert of a very enjoyable description, in aid of tho Molancsiari Mission, took place in the Lower Romuera Mission Hall on the 21st March. Mr. J. L. Wilson preside;!. A woll-Bolected programme was creditably gone through. Before the Hinging of tho National Arithom, a hearty voto of thanks was passed to the performers and organisers of the entertainment. Considering the large attendance and the loud applause which greeted each performer, tho concert must be pronounced a groat success—in every way. Notwithstanding the threatening state of the weather at the time appointed for starting, about; twenty yachts took part in the annual picnic tendered by the Auckland Yacht Club to honorary members and other friends on the Kith of March. The craft, which assembled oIF the Qucon-street wharf, included the Nautilus (steam), Maritana, Rita, Matangi, Wenona, Arawa, Maraefcea, Spray, Manu, Ariel, Awatea, Malua, leca, Ethel, and others, the Commodore, Mr. J. Wayrnouth, hoisting his llag on the Maritana. All tho yachts hail large parties on board, while over a hundred mustered on the a.a. Nautilus, which, as usual, was kindly placed at tho Club's disposal by Mr. Featherstone. Tho flout presented a very pretty sight an they bore away down the harbour and rounder! the North Head in company. Tho Lalco Beach was reached al>oiit four p.m., and aoveral plonsaut hours were apent there. All emlxvrkod about seven o'clock, and a very enjoyable run homo in tho moonlight brought tlio party back safoly about eight o'clock. Tlio Artillery band was on board the h.h. Nautilus, and treated the p;«,Hnongors to an enjoyable concert. iJuut prior fco the Nautfl reaching tlio wharf, Mr. Sponoor, on behalf of the visitors on board, thanked Mr. Foathorutouo for his hospitality in a neat speech, and throe cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Feathoretone were given by tho company with Kroat hetwtinoaa. the band playing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."

The annual and popular race mooting of tho rieodoraou'H Mill Turf Club took place on Saturday, March 10, and although the weather waa rathor threatening in the forenoon, a largo crowd procoedod to the courao by tho two Hpcoial trains, as well as in breaks, carriages, and other vehicles; and those, wich the country settlors, made tho total attendance up to about 1000. Mr. John Kirkwood officiated as judge, Mr. F. Miu - ks as clork of tho scales, Mr. 1 ,, . Yonge as cleric of the course, Mr. J. Archibald as starter, Mr. T. Henderson as treasurer, and Mr. R. Wynyard as eecrotary; and the handicaps made by tho committee wero ou tho whole satisfactory.

The first annual meeting of the Pakuranga Racing Club -was held at East Tamaki on March 2. About 500 people were present, almost all of whom left Auckland in the steamers Britannia and Osprey, which ran two down trips during the day. The officers of the meeting were : —Judge, Mr. Every McLean ; clerk of the scales, Mr. F. Marke; cleric of the course, Mr. J. Roberta; handicapner, Mr. J. S. Buckland; starter, Mr. E. Halstead ; secretary, Mr. R. Williams. Mr. W. Percival, secretary of the Auckland Racing Club, M'as also present. Two totalisatore were worked under the direction of Mr, W. Adams, the tickets upon each race being 10s.