AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9369, 20 May 1889, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS.

THE PON EKE FOOTBALLERS. The long-expected visit of the famous Poncke Football Club from Wellington became on the 22nd of April an accomplished fact, the team arriving by the s.s. Penguin in the forenoon. The Southerners were met at Onehunga by one representative of the Grafton team, and shortly after starting were joined by two l'onsonby men, and several other Aueklanders were picked up later. When in Kyber Pass Road the footballers' break passed the carriage in which were seated Lord and Lady Onslow, His Worship the Mayor and party. The drag was promptly drawn to the side of the road, and the footballers heartily cheered His Excellency, who acknowledged the compliment. I'ONEKE V. ORAFTON. The football match between the Poneke Football Club of Wellington and the local Grafton Club was played at Potter's ground on the 23rd of April, and resulted in a victory for the visitors by 12 points to (i. The rival fifteens drove out in breaks to the ground, Hunter's band in another drag playing a variety of selections era route. The attendance was small, not more than 700 being present. The Earl and Countess of Onslow accompanied by the Mayor and Mrs. Devore arrived just before play started, and were received and conducted to the pavilion by Mr. H. G. Kissliug, president of the Grafton Club. The Poneke team played in red and black uniform, and was composed of the following :—Fullback, L. Dixon; threequar tors, A. Morlet, J. Baumber, R. Sim; halves, W. Moorhouse and C. Moore ; forwards, S. Nicholls (captain), H. Mucin tyre, H. Townsend, A. J. Stuart, J. Astill, J. Reich, G. Beck, B. Macmahon, W. Faulkner. Grafton was represented by the following:—Fullback, H. Kissliug; threequartors, T. Ryan, J. MeCausland, P. Maekie ; halves, J. Rudd, A. Collins; forwards, J. Lecky, C. Marshall, F. Twiname, A. Whyte, J. Firth, C. Stone, J. Sneddon, H. Donald and T. Moresby. The referee chosen * was Mr. T. Maeky, while Messrs. Mini- and Chapman umpired for Poneke and Grafton respectively. On filing on to the ground both teams gave hearty cheers for His Excellency and Lady Onslow. I'ONKKK V. I'ONSONBY. The second march which the I'oneke team played in Auckland took place on the 24th April at Epsom, and a most excellent game was the result. Ponsonby's team consisted of :— Fullback, J. Braund: threequarters, R. Maselield, J. Breen, R. Stewart; halves, A. Tanrield A. Braund, If. Stephenson ; forwards, W. Hobson (captain), V. Edwards, J. Johnson, M. Murphy, J. Heffernan, J. Conway, R. Bruce, D. Gash ; emergencies, W. VVakerley, D. Edger. The Poneke Club was represented by the team which played against Grafton on April 23. The match was a very hard fought one throughout. In the first spell the Pousonhy team scored a try, and in the second spell the Poneke team scored a try, thus making the match a drawn one. The greatest of good feeling prevailed throughout. A very agreeable entertainment was given in St. Andrew's schoolroom, Symondsstreet, on the 13th May, for purposes in connection with the school and church, and the promoters must have felt highly' gratified at seeing such a large attendance. The hall was filled to its utmost capacity.

The second day's racing of the A.R.C. Autumn Meeting took place on April 22 at the Ellcrslie racecourse, and the management was quite equal to that of the first day— that is to say, it was entirely satisfactory, and the attendance was much larger, especially in the paddock and grandstand. His Excellency the Governor, Lord Onslow, and Lady Onslow were present as guests of the club, and although he was fully occupied during the morning by his reception, he was in good time for the first race. The Autumn Meeting of the .South Auckland Racing Club was held on .Saturday, the 27th of April, at the Clautleltinds racecourse, Hamilton. Light drizzling rain fell in the morning, but ceased at about eleven o'clock, and from that hour the weather was line. Settlors and their families attended from all parts of the district, and excursion trains landed a large contingent of visitors almost at the racecourse gates. The gathering was the largest seen in Waikato since the early days of the Waikato Turf Club, some 13 years ago. The interprovincial bowling tournament, which was held at New Plymouth on April 22 and following day, resulted in the first day's play in Auckland defeating Wellington by 10 points—oß to 58 ; Taranaki beat Wanganui by 70 to 40 ; Taranaki won from Wellington by OS to 40; Auckland beat Wanganui by 69 to 45. On the second day Auckland and Taranaki combined defeated Wellington and Wanganui by 110 to 91. In the final match, Auckland v. Taranaki, the latter were victorious by 116 to 80.

The chief aquatic/t'e. held on April 22 was the annual picnic of the Ancient Order of Foresters, who, with their wives and families, proceeded to St. Helliers Bay by the Ferry Company's steamers. The various vessels were well filled, and it is estimated that fully 1800 took part in the excursion. The whole of the arrangements were in the hands of Court Victoria, Devonport, and were complete, and well carried out, Messrs. Webb, Sibbin, Phillips, and Andrews being particularly energetic in promoting the amusement and comfort of nil mid sundry. Tho sailing faces in connection with the Judge's Bay Regatta took place on Saturday, April 27. The open sailing bout event was a splendid race, ten competing. After an exciting struggle between the Belle and tho Clytie, the former, sailed by G. Petley, won by about a minute. In the 3-ton yacht race, the Corea, Alert, Ivy, Astraea, and Mouna competed. The Corea (J. recti) won by Umin from the Alert, Moana. smiu behind, being third. The race for fishing smacks under 4 tons was won by the Italy easily from the Brothers. The Manola lost her mast while in a good position. The s.s. Planet was flagship for the afternoon, having on board Mr. ,1. F. Ilaultain. who acted as starter and judge, and Mr. A. N. Gibbons umpire. An entertainment in aid of tho fund for laying out the grounds of St. Mary's Church, Parnell, was given on the 7th May at the Parnell Hall, before a crowded audience. The whole of the item 1 on the programme were well executed. The musical evening of the Takapuna Mutual Improvement Society was held in the Lake Schoolroom on the 30th April. There was a large and appreciative audience. The vice-president, Air. T. W. Seaman, occupied the chair. The programme was a good one, and Mas well 'carried out.

There was an excellent attendance at the Zealandia Rink on May 7 to witness the contest for the Five Mile Championship of New Zealand. There was a good deal of excitement, and the spectators cheered the competitors lustily as they each struggled for the lead. There was never more than six yards between Eaton and Anderson throughout, the former finally winning by a yard, the race being done in the fastest time yet accomplished in the colony, namely IS minutes 42 loth seconds. The time was taken by three stop watches. At the previous contests the fastest time recorded was over 19 minutes. Eaton now claims the championship. The first annual snorts in connection with the Mount Eden public school were held on May 3, at the grounds of Mr. R. Udy. The programme, consisting of 45 events, was carried out with the greatest success, the sports commencing at one p.m., and concluding at five p.m. The children were under the charge of Mr. A. Hosking, headmaster, and tin; assistant teacher, Miss Braithwaite. Mr. Husking was the starter; Misses Lovatt and Steel, judges; and Mr. \V. Bridgman, umpire. A concert of great excellence was held in St. Matthew's school-room on the 3rd of May. There was a crowded audience, including Bishop Cowie, Rev. \V. Tebbs, and others. Throughout the concert Miss Harding and Mr. Sutherland played the pianoforte accompaniments with characteristic ability. On Monday, May 13, the members of Cordon Tent, 1.0. K., celebrated their 4th anniversary by a social gathering in the 1.0. G.T. Hall, Onehunga. The first part of the programme consisted of a musical entertainment, to which Misses Donovan ('2), Fleming (2), and A. Stevenson contributed instrumental selections, and Misses King, Donovan, and Pegler, Messrs. King, Smith, and Moselen delighted the audience with songs, duets, etc. Mr. .J. M. Barr reported an increase of two members and an addition of £4,0 to the fund of the Tent during the year, the membership now being 32, and accumulated funds £105, which must bo considered highly satisfactory. A substantial supper, under the superintendence of Misses Buleraig and others followed, after winch the hall was cleared and games of various kinds indulged in until close upon midnight, when the friends dispersed, having spent a most enjoyable evening. A concert in aid of the. funds of the Grafton Gymnasium. (dub was held at the l'arnell Hall on the 15th of May, and although the weather was decidedly unfavourable there was a very good attendance. The concert was a really enjoyable one. In the interval between the first and second parts, Mr. K.J. Moss, M.H.R., presented to Captain J. Tizard, of the Selwyn Football Club, a handsome banner bearing the monogram of the club.

A very pleasing entertainment was given by the ladies of the Parnell Wesleyan Church on May 15, in connection with the Band of Hope, and which, if they continue them, must be a great attraction to lovers of good music and amusing recitations. Miss Connolly presided with great efficiency, and Miss LeKoy opened the proceedings with prayer. A good programme was creditably gone through. The meeting concluded with the Doxology. On Wednesday, May 8, Professor Carrollo, so well known in connection with the promotion of athletics and physical training in the city, was entertained by his old pupils at a " welcome homo" on his return from a trip of some seven months' duration to the old country and Australia. The proceedings took the form of a smoke concert, and about 150 guests were present at the Gymnasium, which had been beautifully decorated for the occasion. Mr, F. W. Edwards was called to the chair ; and among- the guests was Mr. E. Han,lan. On the 9th May an entertainment, consisting of a concert and tableaux vivants. was given in the Otahuhu Public, Hall. An excellent concert was given at St. James' Hail, Wellington-street, on the lGth May, by the members of St. James' Choir, before a fairly numerous audience. A very large audience attended the entertainment given at the Foresters' Hall on the 16th May in aid of the Auckland West Kindergarten, and the hall was filled to its utmost capacity, and many persons had to stand. The entertainment was of great merit. In addition to the judiciously chosen concert programme, a number of tableaux vimnlti were introduced, and were very effective. A pleasing entertainment took place at St. Sepulchre's Schoolroom, Symondsstreet, on May 10, when the prizes won by the children at the annual examination were distributed. There was a large attendance of scholars, parents, and friends, and the Rev, Archdeacon Dudley presided. On behalf of the teachers and officers of the school, the chairman made a presentation of three valuable works by Cannon Farrar to Mr. and Mrs. 0. Nicholson, on the occasion of their marriage, in memory of several years of happy fellowship in Sunday-school work.

The deserved success which attaches to, and the universal satisfaction given by, the series of entertainments organised by the directors of the Otahuhu Public Hall Company at intervals during last season, in order to liquidate the debt on the hall, has stimulated and ■ encouraged the directors to continue the series this season, and the first concert was given in the hall on the 26th April, and its character throughout augurs well for that of the remainder. The final bowling match of the season, played on May 4 between the representatives who recently visited Taranaki, and rinks chosen from the remaining members of the club, attracted a large attendance both of bowlers and spectators, among whom were many ladies. It was arranged to play 21 heads. The match resulted in a decisive victory for the Representatives, who scored 98 to their opponents 59, thus winning by 39 points.