MIDDLE PARK STOCK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8473, 26 January 1891, Page 11

MIDDLE PARK STOCK.

An interesting feature of the sales was the offer of three lots sent from Canterbury by the Middle Park Stud Company. These comprised one two-year-old and two yearlings, and though all are highly bred and were in excellent condition, bidding was very weak. The two-year-old was the bay colt Eros, by Sc. George—ldalia, a wellmade and racing-looking youngster, who was sold to Mr. R. Mason, the Canterbury trainer, for 120 guineas, though withdrawn from sale in the South at a much higher figure. The yearling, a brown colt by St. George— Fair Nell, and a brown colt by Apremont—Flattery, were both passed in, the former at a reserve of 450 guineas. THE GLEN I-OKA STOCK. Four yearlings from Mrs. Walters' Glenoi'a estate, Papakura, and four brood mares, were catalogued, but some of them were passed in, and it was then decided to offer them all on Saturday. MISCELLANEOUS. The two-year-old filly Merganser, by Nordenfeldt— Albatross, was offered by Mr. P. Bolton, Waikato, and bought by Mr. Rathbone for 250 guineas. The two-year-old colt Dancer, by Sword Dance — Vivandiere, offered by Mr. Hedger, was bought by Mr. J. Lynch for 101) guineas. Two lots offered by Mr. H. P. Kavanagh, comprising stock sired by Bryan O'Lynn, were not sold.

SYLVIA PARK STUD. KEEN COMPETITION. NORDENFELDT SOLD FOR 5,600 GUINEAS. £23,593 REALISED. On January 5 the Sylvia Park Stud, the property of die New Zealand Stud Company, was sold by public auction at the grounds, Sylvia Park, near Otahuhu ; and thus there was broken up the most celebrated horsebreeding establishment in the Southern Hemisphere. About 1000 people were present, including buyers from various parts of the colonies and from America. Large numbers of those who attended went apparently with no intention of buying, and were there merely because of their interest in an establishment which has done so much to advertise New Zealand, and especially Auckland, in other parts of the world. The sale began shortly after eleven a.m., and was conducted by Mr. J. P. A. Philson, of the firm of Hunter and Nolan. Though he had indeed a most arduous task, Mr. Philson acquitted himself admirably. Seventy-two lots were offered, and all were quitted. The financial result of tho auction is considered very satisfactory, the total sum realised being £23,598, made up as follows Sires, 6530 guineas ; brood mares, 959S guineas; yearlings, 6347 guineas. included in these, however, were the two mares Spinnaker and Speargrass, sold on behalf of Mr. G. G. Stead. When Mr. Philson took his place on the carriage used as the rostrum ; Major George, immediately behind him, was surrounded by the Press representatives, next to whom stood Mr. Morrin, proprietor of the Wellington Park stud, and Mr. L. 1). Nathan. Amongst the crowd gathered about tho carriage was Mr. W. R. Wilson, of Victoria; and on his right was Mr. J. Crozier, of Adelaide. Further to the left, near the carriage doorway, Mr. T. T. May and Mr. Day, the well-known veterinary surgeon, representing Mr. S. Hordern, of Retford Park, Now South Wales, were in close conversation. The box seat of another carriage drawn up in the rear, was occupied by Messrs. S. H. Gollan and J. D. Ormond. Mr. J. Marshall was standing with Dr. Ross, of America; and Messrs. Stead, W. Douglas, Donald Fraser, D. O'Brien, P. Butler, W. Bobbett and other prominent sporting men could be seen in the crowd. Mr. Phiison having announced that the sale would be without reserve, and having mentioned the great loss to Auckland which the dispersal of the stud would mean, called for a bid for Fusillade. The auctioneer had to wait a long time, however, before a beginning was made with 100 guineas; even then buyers did not appear to take much interest, and the horse was at length sold to Mr. W. Rathbone, of Waipawn, for 175 guineas. But soon there was a different story to tell. Nordenfeldt was next brought forward, and the scene was a truly historic one as he walked into the ring, led by Mr. Cutts, the face of the popular and veteran studmaster appearing remarkably grave, probably because he realised what a loss would bo suffered if the celebrated young sire was allowed to leave Auckland. The stallion walked round the ring, seeming to know his importance, and to take pride in his strength and beauty, as he tossed his head, and reared and curvetted, his beautiful brown coat shining in the rays of the bright morning sun, Mr. Phiison meanwhile eulogising him, and telling of his doughty deeds when on the racecourse. There was no such thing as waiting for a bid now. At once the offers began, and at 4000 guineas—a bid, as it afterwards transpired, given on behalf of Mr. J. B. Haggin, of California, the owner of Sir Modred. This offer seemed to surprise the little band of Aucklanders, who, out of a feeling of patriotism, had hoped that Nordenfeldt would bo kept in this province. The next bid was from Mr. Crozier, who advanced 100, and then in 100-guinea bids the price rapidly went up until 5000 guineas was reached, when there was a slight pause, and then the figures advanced again, for competition was keen. When 5500 guineas had been reached Mr. Crozier withdrew, and the only offer afterwards was 5600 guineas, at which price Nordenfeldt wa3 sold to Mr. Hordern at Mr. May's bid. All the lots quitted to Mr. May on January 5 were purchased by him on behalf of Mr. Hordern. There had been a little round of | applause when Nordenfeldt entered the

ring; the contest for his ownership had been watched with the keenest interest by the assemblage, and now it was asked where the buyer hailed from. Mr. May called out " Sydney," and handed up his card to the auctioneer. Then Nordenfeldt was led back to his stall, the property of a Sydney stud-owner. For St. Leger there w.is some spirited bidding, in which Messrs. Morrin, May, and Nathan were prominent, and the horse eventually became Mr. Nathan's property at 400 guineas. The five-year-old Hotchkiss, a, commanding and well-set 'horse by Musket from Pefcroleuse, also attracted some attention. He was at length sold to Mr. Morrin for 355 guineas. Of the mares, Mersey, the dam of Carbine, was the one for whom there was the greatest competition. She was followed into the ring by a beautiful chestnut colt by JNordenfeldt. Mr. W. K. Wilson started the bidding at 1000 guineas, and he, Mr. Day, and Mr. D. O'Brien advanced the price between them until Mr. O'Brien called " Two thousand" amid a burst of applause. Mr. Wilson nodded his assent to another 100, and this was immediately capped by 2200 guineas, Mr. O'Brien's next bid; but' the Silver King was not to be denied, and to his offer of 2300 guineas the celebrated mare was sold. Mr. Wilson also purchased Nelly Moore, dam of Lochiel, with a good-looking brown filly by Nordenfeldt; and he and Major George had, unknown to each other, a smart competition for Tres Deuce, who was at length sold for 420 guineas to Mr. Wilson, j who furthermore, after a sharp encounter ( with the Sydney representatives, bought Martini-Henry's sister, Woodnymph, one of the most beautifully-shaped mares that ever entered a sale ring. The aduiirablybred Sister Agnes was also the centre of great attention, and eventually became Major George's property. Mr. Gollan, the owner of that good racehorse, Tirailleur, bought his dam, Florence Macarthy. There was some applause when Mr. Morrin secured Sylvia and Onyx. He gained a great bargain in Hermit's half-sister Steppe, which he purchased for 200 guineas, with a colt by Ingomar included. There was a great contest for the owner ship of the fifth yearling offered, a fine upstanding brown colt by Nordenfeldt from Nelly Moore, resembling closely his illustrious half-brother Lochiel. The first bid was from Mr. Stead, 300 guineas, but very soon the price of one thousand guineas was reached, and when Mr. Gollan advanced to 1050 guineas, and became the owner of the colt, ho received great applause. This was the highest-priced yearling of the sale. A beautiful colt by Nordenfeldt —Sister Agnes, regarded by many experts as the gem of the collection, excited spirited bidding. Mr. P. Butler started at 100 guineas, and he, Messrs. Crozier, Ormond, and May j had a contest which resulted in favour of the latter when 810 guineas had been reached. A nuggety, dark-brown colt .by Nordenfeldt from Steppe was greatly admired. At (550 guineas he fell to the nod of the Canterbury sportsman, Mr. Stead. Mr. Gollan paid 950 guineas for the Nordenfeldt — Florence Macarthy colt, a youngster which does not show such great muscular development as the majority of the Nordenfeldt stock.

The following are the details of the sale : — SIRES. Gs. Fusillade, by MusketWai-iti, Mr. W. Ratnbone, Waipawa 175 Nordenfeldt, by Musket—Onyx, Mr. T. T. May (on behalf of Mr. Samuel Hordern, Retford Park, Sydney) ... 5,600 St. Leger, by Doncaster —Atlantis, Mr. L. 1). Nathan, Auckland 400 Hotchkiss, by Musket-Fetroleuse, Mr. T. Morrin, Auckland 355 MARES. j Amohia, by Towton — Anticipation. with filly by Ingomar, Mr. N. Walker 30 Atalanta, by Dainty Ariel—Moonshine, with colt by St. Leger, Mr. Goodwin 40 Atlantis (imp.), by Thonnanby—Hurricane, with colt by Ingomar, Mr. F. Watson, ISiew Plymouth ... ... 40 Bianca, by Black Eagle—Bessie, with colt by Nordenfeldt, Mr. T. Morriu, Auckland 300 Crinoline (imp.), by Lord Lyon— Crinon, with colt by Nordenfeldt, Mr. I). O'Brien, Christchurch ... 150 Ericyna, by Sled mere—Atalanta, with colt by Nordenfeldt, Mr. J. Marshall, Auckland ... ... ... ... ... 230 Fleurettc, by Robinson Crusoe —Rose of Denmark, Mr. J. Marshall (on behalf of Dr. Ross, America 120 Florence Macarthy (imp.), by Macaroni —Lady Morgan, with tilly by Ingomar, Mr. S. H. Gollau, Napier ... 400 Formo, by Sterling worth —Pulchra, Mr. I T. Morrin ..... 220 I Fusee, by Musket— Mr. J. Marshall (on behalf of Dr. Ross) ... 100 Hannah, brown mare, by Traducer— . lienga, Mr. R R. Duder, Auckland... 7 Hippona, by Robinson Crusoe — moriia, Mr. J. D. Ormond, Napier ... 100 Happy Land, by Musket — Atlantis, with colt r by Ingomar, Mr. W. R. Wilson, Victoria... _ ... ... ... 170 Lady Rarensworth (imp.), by VoltigeurLady Hawthorn, Mr. R. R. Duder 35 Lady Mersey, by Musket — Mersey, witli colt by Ingomar, Mr. Goodson, Hawera 65 Leila (imp.), bay mare, by Buccaneer — Vestalin, Mr. J. B. Williamson, Auckland : 13 Lovebird (imp.), by Macaroni—Better Half, with colt by St. Leger, Mr. L. 1). Nathan . 210 L'Orient (imp.), by Knight of the Crescent Egyptian, with colt by St. Leger, Mr. Rathbone . ... 105 Lyra (imp.), by Thormanby— Mr. J. Condor, Mansere . 8 Lyre (late Lyric), by Patriarch Lyra, with colt by Ingomar, Mr. J. D. Ormond 70 Madcap (imp.), by Trumpter—Young Melbourne mare, Mr. Condor ... 22 Maid of Honour, by Kelpie—Fairy Queen, with colt by Ingomar, Mr. W. R. Wilson 330 Mersey (imp.), by Knowsley—Clemence, with colt by Nordenfeldt, Mr. W. R. Wilson 2,300 Miss Laura (imp.), by TrumpeterDiadem, with filly by St. Leger, Mr. Watson . ... 105 My Idea, by YattendonLady Bird, with colt by Ingomar, Mr. L. D. Nathan ... 130 Naiad, by Traducer—Mermaid, with filly by Nordenfeldt, Mr. W. R. Wilson , ... 180 Nelly Moore (imp.) Voltigeur with filly by Nordenfeldt, Mr. W. R. Wilson ••• 470 Onyx, by Angler—Chrysolite, with colt by Ingomar, Mr. T. Morrin 300 Ophelia, by Musket—Madcap, with filly by St. Leger, Mr. McNicol .... ... 65 Patch, by Fireworks—Syren, 1 with filly by Nordenfeldt, Mr. J. B. William-

son ... IoU Pearl Ash (imp), by Lord Clifden— Potash, with colt by Nordenfeldt, Mr. W. R. Wilson .... 450 Perfume, by Dainty Ariel— with filly by Ingomar, Mr. Tonks, Hawera 48 Radiance, by Fireworks — Sunshine, with filly by Nordenfeldt, Mr. Rathbone... ... ... ••• ••• ••• 230 Radiant, by Robinson Crusoeßadiance, with colt by St. Leger, Mr. A. Austin, Auckland 105 Sister Agnes (imp.), by Rosicrucian— Penance, with filly to Ingomar, Major George, Auckland _ ... 370 Steppe (imp.), by Saunterer—Seclusion, with colt by Ingomar, Mr. T. Morrin 200 Sweet Cicely (imp.), by Lord ClifdenCecilia, Mr. W. R. Wilson ... ... 160 Sylvia, by Fisherman— with filly by Ingomar. Mr. T. Morrin 125 Titania (imp.), by Orest—Queen Mab, with filly by Ingomar, .Roach ... 55 Tres Deuce, by Traducer — with filly by [Nordenfeldt, Mr. W. R. Wilson 420 Woodnymph, by Musket—Sylvia, with filly by Ingomar, Mr. W. R. Wilson 500 , YEARLINGS. i Bay colt by St. Hippona, Mr. I A. Kidd, Auckland 60 Bay colt, by Leolinus—Woodnymph, Mr. S. H. Gollan 160 Bay or brown colt, by Nordenfeldt — ! Erycina, Mr. Goodson ... ... ... 130 Chestnut filly, by St. Leger—Lady Mersey, Mr. W. Paul, Auckland ... " 37 Brown colt, by Nordenfeldt— Moore, Mr. S. H. Gollan ... ... 1,050 Chestnut colt, by Nordenfeldt— Idea, Mr. G. G. Stead, Christchurch 250 Brown colt, by Nordenfeldt—Patch, Mr. D. Eraser, Rangitikei 130 Brown colt, by Nordenfeldt — Macarthy, Mr. S. H. Gollan 950 Chestnut filly, by Nordenfeldt—Bianca, Mr. L. D. Nathan 75 Brown colt, by Nordenfeldt—Steppe, Mr. G. G. Stead ... 650 Chestnut filly, by Leolinus—Lyre, Mr. Fletcher ... 30 Bay or brown colt, by Nordenfeldt — Sister Agnes, Mr. T.T.May... ... 810 Chestnut colt, by Nordenfeldt— naker, Mr. J. D. Ormond 300 Chestnut colt, by St. —Lady Ravensworth, Mr. Woodhead, Gisborne ... 65 Chestnut filly, by Nordenfeldt, Tres Deuce, Mr. T. 1. May ... 300 Bay colt, by St. Radiant, Mr. J. D. Ormond .. ... 90

Bay or brown colt, by Nordenfeldt—Atlantis, Mr. J. D. Ormond 330 Chestnut filly, by Nordenfeldt—Speargrass, Mr. D. Eraser 150 Chestnut filly, by Nordenfeldt—Radiance, Mr. T. T. May ... ... ... 180 Chestnut colt, by LeolinusHappy Land, Mr. T. T. May ... ... ... »65 Chestnut colt, by St. LegerOphelia, Mr. Edwards i 35 Bay filly, by Leolinus—Titania, Mr. Austin 85 Bay colt, by CaptivatorMadcap, Mr. Goodson 60 Bay colt, by Captivator—Maid of Honour, Mr. D. O'Brien 223 Bay or brown colt foal, by Nordenfeldt— Realisation, foaled "September 11, 1890, Mr. G. G. Stead 110 The following stock was sold on behalf of Mr. G. G. Stead Gs. Spinnaker, by Albany—Spritsail, with filly by Nordenfeldt, Air. J. I). Ormond , 170 Speargrass. by Traducer—Toitoi, with I foal by Nordenfeldt, Mr. J. D. Ormond 300 SALE AT GREENLANE. A sale of thoroughbred stock was held on January 3, at Greenlane, by Messrs. Hunter and Nolan, but there was not a large attendance of buyers, and the majority of the lota offered were passed in. Of eleven yearlings and two-year-olds sent by Messrs. Redwood Brothers, only one, the colt King John, by King Cole — Wainui, was sold to Mr. D. Eraser, Rangitikei, for 100 guineas. Mr. Malavey purchased the racehorse Cynical for 64 guineas. Four horses belonging to Major Mair were passed in. Some of Major I George's racehorses were offered, but one only was sold, the two-year-old iEgyptus by First King — Memphis, bought by Mr. W. Clifford for 50 guineas. A half-brother to the steeplechaser Silvio, a six-year-old Iw Endymion, was sold for £25 by Mr. J. J. Russell to Mr. Stewart, Otahunu. These were the only lots quitted.

The Caledonian Society celebrated " Hogmanay nicht" on New Year's Eve by a concert and ball, at their usual meeting place, the Foresters' Hail. There were 70 couples present, and, as many were dressed in Highland costume, the scene was a picturesque one. There was recently on view at Sharp and Co.'s store, a lump of forwarded by Mr. Simson, of the Bellvue Gumfields, weighing 4301 bs. In transit a portion broke off owing to its great size. It is stated that this is one of the largest pieces which has ever been dug out in a block. There was a packed house at the Foresters' Hall, Newton, on the occasion of a complimentary concert tendered by the local amateurs to Mrs. Edmondes, under the patronage of the Caledonian Society. The concert was carried out under the direction of Mr. J. H. Philpot, who had prepared an excellent and varied programme. The s.s. Kahu, from the Chathams, re ports wreckage found, including Maori weapons, curious carved bowls and canoee (presumably Sir Walter Buller's collection), a cask oil, cover, ship's rockets, hatches, etc. At the Chathams it was reported that a-large quantity of cased goods was visible at Horn Island, South-east of the island, but it is not approachable except in fine weather.

There was an excellent gathering on the 4th January in the Young Men's Christian Association Lecture Hall, when Judga Seth Smith delivered an able and exhaustive address on the subject of "Some Aspects of Modern Thought in Relation to Christianity." The speaker expressed the opinion that to-day there was a strong bias towards Materialism. The address was listened to with close attention. . The Christchurch Pigeon Flying Club held a race from Wellington to Christchurch on Saturday, the 3rd January. The chief officer of the Takapuna liberated the birds . at Wellington Wharf at nine a.m. A. Smith's Vauxhall and Sedan tied for first place, doing the distance in sh. 59m. 435., the estimated velocity being 1003 yards per minute. S. B. Parker's Tantarus and Carbine came second, averaging 1001 yards per minute. On the 9th January the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute entertained the visiting members of the Council at; a dinner at Robson's Rooms. Almost at the opening of the proceedings the popular secretary of the Council, Mr. H. Worthington, was suddenly seized with illness, and had to be taken to his home. I This unfortunate incident had considerable effect upon the success of the gathering, which nevertheless was very enjoyable. Our Thames correspondent telegraphed on Jan. 21 :—"A fashionable wedding took place at St. George's Church to-day, the contracting parties being Mr. A. Buchanan, solicitor, of Auckland, and Miss M. E. Adams, M.A., the eldest daughter of Mr. James Adams, master of the Thames High School. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Dr. O'Callaghan, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Bates, of Trinity Church, North Shore. The happy couple afterwards left for Te Aroha to spend the honeymoon." A curious phenomenon occurred at ville one day recently, and was noticed on the farm of Mr. Turnbull, who lives about a mile from the township. During a heavy squall there fell a shower of small red worms of bright colour, varying in size from an inch to an inch and a-half in length. Vessels, such as milk dishes, etc., were filled to a depth of from one to three inches, and the worms lay nearly an inch thick upon the yard about) the house and in the grass land in the vicinity. They were, however, soon dried up by the heat of the sun. A poll for electing seven members to form the Thames Drainage Board for the ensuing year took place at the Thames on Saturday, January 17, with the following result: —Messrs. W. S. Wilson, 32 ; G. S. Kissling, 31; R. Comer, 30 ; R. Spratt, 30 ; James Frater, 24; A. Porter, 21 ; J. F. Clarke, 21; J. M. Lennox, 18. The firstmentioned seven were therefore declared elected, Mr. Lennox being defeated. Both the, Borough and County Councils held meetings on Jan. 17 for the purpose of each electing a member as a representative on the Board, with the result that each body re-elected their old representatives, namely, Mr. McGowan and Mr. Brodie respectively. A reception was accorded to Mr. E. T. Smith, the second Gough," on the 9th January, at the Auckland Tabernacle. About fifty ladies and gentlemen sat down to tea, being the leading representatives of the Temperance organisations in this city. After tea, a meeting was held, Mr. Robert Fry in the chair, the proceedings being wholly of an informal character. Addresses of welcome were delivered by Sir William Fox (New Zealand Alliance), Mr. F. G. Ewington (Church of England Temperance Society), Mr. Thomas McMaster (Gospel Temperance Mission), Mr. Macdermott (Rechabites), Mr. J. W. Carr (Auckland Total Abstinence Society), Mr. S. H. Matthews (Sunday School Union), Mr. T. Glover, who represented (as an auxiliary) the Salvation Army and Good Templars, and Pastor Birch. Mr. Smith delivered a brief address, in which he acknowledged the kindly welcome accorded to himself and his wife, and gave some account of his work at home and in the other colonies, also the plan of campaign which he thought it would be advisable to pursue here. The following committee was appointed to aid in carrying out arrangements : -Mrs. Schnackenberg (president), and Mrs. Davie, W.C.T.U., Sir William Fox, Messrs. F. G. Ewington, Tremain, Glover, C. B. Stone, Fry, A. Knight treasurer), C. H. Clemens (secretary). An interesting wedding was celebrated on January 22, the bride being Miss M. E. Wilson, only daughter of Mr. J. L. Wilson, of Remuera, and the bridegroom Mr. A. C, Whitney, second son of Captain Whitney, of the Colonial Ammunition Factory. The ceremony took place in the Mission Hall, Lower Remuera, which was tastefully and beautifully decorated in honour of the occasion. The Rev. Wm. Gittos was the officiating minister. The bride, who was handsomely attired and looked very pretty, was given away by her father, and was attended by six bridesmaids, Misses 'MTilly, E. Laishley, M. Hume, M. Whitney. V. Whitney, A. Whitney, the latter three being sisters of the bridegroom. Miss Ella Carr, who had been chosen as a bridesmaid, was unfortunately unable to attend, owing to indisposition. Mr. A. Chamberlin acted as best man. After the ceremony the guests, who numbered over a hundred, adjourned to the residence of the bride's father, where they partook of refreshments. The presents, which were both numerous and costly, made a handsome display, and served to show the esteem in which both the bride and bridegroom are held amongst- their friends. About five o'clock in the evening the happy pair drove off for their honeymoon trip, amidst the congratulations and good wishes 6f their friends. A number of the ■ vessels in the harbour displayed bunting on Jan.. 22 in honour of the marriage.