BOMBAY SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9323, 28 March 1889, Page 6

BOMBAY SPORTS.

On* Monday, the 18th March, the 24th anniversary of the arrival in Auckland of the first settlers in Bombay was commemorated with the usual holiday and sports, &c. The weather being all that could be desired, caused an immense gathering. The committee, viz., Messrs. BaJme, R. S. White, J. Lowry, C. Cornthwaito, J. Sturgeon, J. N. Sawyer, G. Mackey, J. Evans, and one or two others, had worked with a will to get in subscriptions, and provide for a good day's sport, &c. The races were run in a paddock kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Forde, adjoining the hall, and all the events were well contested, and the close finishes showed the handicanpers, Messrs. Balme and J. Sturgeon, had not been far out in placing their men. Mr. H. Williams officiated as starter, and Messrs. J. N. Sawyer and A. Sturgeon held the tape and officiated as judges. The South Franklin Mounted Infantry graced the occasion with their presence,and went through several evolutions, Major Harris being in command. Tea was served as usual in the hall. Mesdames Roke and Cuthbert, with numerous young lady assistants, presided over the tables. After tea, the usual concert took place, Mr. Cuthbert being in the chair. A number of songs and recitations, &c., were capitally rendered by residents and visitors, not the least being the Punch and Judy show again. At the close of the concert hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the ladies for so ably presiding at the tables, to the committee and the chairman, all being carried by acclamation. " God Save the Queen" brought the concert to a close. Th« forms were then cleared for dancing ; but how they managed to find room for dancing I did not stay to see, for the hall was packed like herrings in a barrel, and crowds were outside. The following is the programme of races, &c. : — Maiden Plate Handicap (local), 100 yds; Ist prize, a pair of trousers, value 18s, presented by Mr. Todd, of Otahuhu ; 9 star ted.— R. Clements, 9yds, 1; H. Strong, 3yds, 2; J. Lowry, scratch, 3. Hop, Step, and Jump (4 entries).— C. Johnson, Ist, 39ft din. Handicap Hurdle Race (open), 200 yds, over 6 flights 3ft high ; 9 entries.—F. Henry, 7yds, 1 ; D Markham, 10yds, 2. Vaulting with tiik Pole.—This was an easy win for W. Wilson. Bombay Anniversary Handicap (local), first heat, 150 yds; 10 entries.J. Lowry, scratch, 1; S. Carter, 9yds, 2; J. Wilson, 14vds, 3. . Drop Kicking, 7 entries.Chris. Cor waite, Ist, 40yds.

lOOvns Handicap (open), 13 entries; run in two heats. —First heat: J. Henry, scratch, 1; C. Cornthwaite, 7yds, 2. Second heat: R. Clements, 12yds, 1; Martelli, scratch, 2. Final heat : R. Clements, 12yds, 1 ; C. Cornthwaite, 7yds, 2. ITicii Jump.—C. Johnson, Ist, 4ft Tin. Bom Anniversary Handicap, 2nd heat, 300 yds. IT. Roke, 10yds, 1; J. Lowry, scratch, '2; C. Comthwaite, 16yds, 3. Married Men (over 40 years), 100 yds.— A dead heat between W. Cnthbert, 40vds ; E. Fahey, fiyds; and W. K. Cornthwaite, scratch. Divided the spoil. 200 yds Handicap (open).—J. Henry, scratch, 1; Martelli, scratch, 2; F. Henry, 7yds, 3. Boys Under 14 years, 100 yds ; prize presented by Mr. A. Fenton, Ist, 7s 6d; 2nd, ss; 3rd, '2s Gd.—D. Strong, 1; W. Buttimore, 2; Bisj)ham, 3. Bom bay Anniversary Handicap, 440 yds; 3rd heat.—H. Roke, 15yds, 1; J. Lowry, scratch, 2; C. Cornthwaite, 24yds, 3. Thus J. Lowry ? 7 points; H. Roke, 6; and C. Cornthwaite and S. Carter 2 each for third place Throwing the Cricket Ball.— Cnthbert, Ist, 81yds 2ft. 440 yds Handicap (open).— Henry, 12yds, 1 ; J. Henry, scratch, 2. Consolation, 100yds.—Martelli, scratch, 1; W. J. M. Cornthwaite, 10yds, 2. Several races for boys and girls were run, and well contested.[Own Correspondent.]

The second picnic of the W hangar School took place on Thursday, March 21, and was the occasion of the largest gathering which has been seen in that locality. About midday tho children and their parents began to arrive, eager for the fray. To those accustomed to town life and daily intercourse with many people, it is somewhat astonishing how such an apparently little event can produce so much enthusiasm. Another thing more astonishing is how the little folks can put away so much food and still have energy enough to join in all the games and sports, even when they have the additional handicap of the whooping-cough. In the afternoon a novelty in the shape of the old, well-loved Punch and Judy was introduced for the benefit of those who could not wait for the evening's entertainment, at the close of which another substant'al repast was provided. In the evening a well-sustained concert was given, the room being closely packed, and each window having a quota gathered outside. Music, songs, and recitations were well rendered, especially the singing of a class presided over by the teacher, Mr. F. Brown. The committee are deeply indebted to Mrs. Evans and Messrs. Basire, Mackay, and Hallimore, who journeyed a considerable distance to help, as also to the local talent, which was so freely placed at their disposal. Punch and Judy again went through their antics, and were a source of great merriment, the puppets working admirably in the hands of Mr. Harrison, who in former years was well known,in Tuakau. During the concert a pleasant surprise took place, the chairman being called on to present Mr. Brown with a handsome album from the singing class already referred to. The concert terminated with the National Anthem, and then dancing commenced, and was continued with vigour till early morn.[Tuakau Corrcspon dent.]