AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8811, 26 February 1892, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS.

AUCKLAND ANNIVERSARY REGATTA.

Patron: lis Kxcelleiicy Lord Onslow. Vice Pitrons: M. Niccol, Kso., chairman of the Auckland Harbour Hoard . Crowtber, Ksq., Mayor of Auckland; A. Porter, Esq., President of the Chamber 01" Commerce. President: John Marshall, K.sij. Vice-Presidents : Dr. J. L. Campbell, 'l homas Henderson, Esq., manager Union steamship Company. Committee : Captains Gibbs and l!«>t, M,---ri. A. li. Nathan, 11. Hoffmann, T. Mi'Kwiu, F. J. Sanderson, K. Hodgson, K. H. Montgomery, 11. llyams, G. Cammell, J. Cowan, (J. S. Ki.ssliug. C. Hailey, D. Miller, H. C. Colebro.ike, W. C. Walker, George Johnston, W. li. Anderson, J. Stephenson, J'. S. Morpeth, D. Itoss. James llalliday, 11. It. George, J. Lawson, Charles Murdoch, C. T. Thomas, J. Kndein, 11. St. Clair, \V. i'loondield, George Cozens, C. Houghton, 11. Itnnsome, A. Kidd, J. Waymonth, Geo. Walker, G. Wilkin, A. Tewsley, George Graham, Professor Carroll". Finance committee : Messrs. W. C. Walker and 11. K. George. Umpire sailing races : Mr. J. Waymouth. Judge sailing races : Mr. George Cozens. Umpire rowing ia.es: Mr. J. Stephenson. Judge rowing races: Mr. H. Ilyanis. Starter sailing races : Mr K. Hodgson. Starter rowing races : Mr. 1). Koss. llantlirapperH : 'I'lie Committee. Measurer : Mr. George Goldie. Auditors : Messrs. .lames llalliday and J. P. Stephenson. Honorary Treasurer: Mi. W. C. Walker. Honorary Secretary : Mr. Charles D.icre.

January '29, being tho 52nd anniversary of tho foundation of the colony, was celebrated by the usual aquatic carnival, and from early morning the harbour was alivo with craft of various sizes, ranging from the large trading vessels to the tiniest cockle-shell, manned by the inevitable small boy, anil with a sail certainly not bigger than a decent - sized pocketliaiulkerchief. The morning set in line and clear, but with not sufficient wind to fill even the aforesaid pookethankerchief sail; but as the day progressed the wind came in a moderately fresh breeze, which enabled the competitors in the various sailing races to show what they were made of, although during the whole day the wind was not sufficiently strong to compel the competitors to take in a reef from start to finish The committee, as a whole, worked with a will to make the Regatta a success; and, although various changes were made in their constitution as at first intended, everything passed oil' very well indeed, and there was not a serious hitch during tho day's proceedings. Tho manner in which Mr. E. Hodgson, the starter of the sailing races, manipulated the starter's Hag left nothing to be desired, and that gentleman is to be congratulated upon the result of his day's labours, not an exception being taken to the manner in which lie fulfilled the duties devolving upon him. The llagship was the Fijian steamer Ovalau, and everything on board for the comfort of visitors was done by Captain Smith and Mr. Woolcy (chief officer), whose efforts were ably seconded by the various officers of the ship, who missed 110 opportunity of contributing to the pleasure of tho many visitors during the day.

Fishing Boats, 4 tons and und»r. Fit at prize, £12 and watch presented by Stewart Dawson and Co.; second prize, £4 . third prize, £2. Course: From flagship round chequered buoy, Raugitoto Channel, thence round Mission schooner Southern Cross, thence round mark boat off Sugar Works, passing south side of Sandsplt buoy, Nortti Dead, going and returning. Twice round. Venice — - — ■" " * Minnie .. - „ Mignonette " The entries were -.—Venice, 3} tons, J. Lomey; ] Swift, 8} ton-. C. Bailey; Mignonette 3 tons, J Gallagher; Minnie, 4 tons, Rolton ; but the iswift did not start. Yachts. 2} Tons Rating and Under. 4 TonsFirst prize, £12, and cup presented by Messrs. K. Porter and Co., second prize, £3; third prize, £1 10s. Course '. Same as fifth race. Manola — — 1 Tangaroa .. .. •• •• ..2 Toroa •• 3 There were five starters, namely : Manola, 2} tons, Nelson and Holder ; Toroa. 3? ton*, C. Tripp ; Tangaroa, 3} tons, Kilfoyle ami Madman ; Malanoa, James Cltue ; Clio, 3 tons, T. Garnaut. Yachts, under 2} tons rating. First prize, £8 and tin of varnish presented by Messrs. K. Mitchelson and Co. ; second prize, £3; third prize, £1. Course From flagship round Sands pit Buoy, Ni'rth Head, thence round Mission schooner. Southern Cross, thence round mark boat off Sugar Works. Twice round. Minerva 1 Era 2 There was a nice Held for this race, comprising the Transit, 2 tons, H. Wright; Millie, 27 tons, It. Little; Era, 2 4 tons, J. Logan; Minerva, 21 tons. J. Russell; Sybil, 2*34 tons, A. Wiiletta ; Waitangt, 2 tons, J. Carter and Co.; Why Not, Tame. Oi'KN Sailing Boats, over 10 feet and to 20 feet. First prize, £8 and trophy presented by Messrs. P. Hayniau and Co.; socond prize, £3; third prize, £1. Course : Same as seventh race. Clytie 1 Fat 2 Weka 3 The Eileen was the only other starter. Open Sailing Boats, over 13 foi-t and to 16 feet. First prize, £5, and aneroid presented by Mr. Kohn; second prize, £2 ; third prize, £1. Course ; Same as seventh race. Once round. May 1 Kelpie '2 Toy 3 Opk.n Sailing Boats, 13 feet and under. First prize, £4 and vases presented by Messrs. Boylan and Tan Held ; second prize, £1 ; third prize, 10s. Course : Same as seventh race. Once round. Una 1 Bit of Blue 2 Ida 3 Merchant Ships' Gigs. Prize, £5. Course : From flagship round the s.g. Arawata, thence round the man-of-war, finishing at the flagship Only two boats entered for this race, one from the direct steamer Jiuapohu and the other from the yacht White Heather. The Ruapehu had the heavier boat of the two, hut were evidently the better new of the two, and won the race. Auckland Amatkuk Champion whaleuoat Race. First prize, £10 and silver medal to coxswain of winning boat, presented by Kin;, Walker and Co. ; second prize, £10 ; third prize, £5. Course : From starting boat off Point Resolution, thence round sept rate mark boats oif St. Mary's Point, finishing at flagship. About two miles. Waitemata 1 North Shore 2 llauraki 3

Wattemata 1 North Shore 2 llauraki 3 Had it not been lor one of those unfortunate occurrences that will happen in the best regulated races, this dvent would certainly hare earned the honour o' being the most interesting of the flay. Four bor.tn started—boats manned by represent*, tives of the North .Shore. Waitem ita, St. Gourde's, anil Hauraki Rowing Club*—and a magnificent start was effected. Tne North Shore crew had the Worst, of the water, and fell behind immediately after the start, but it was oven then apparent, from the clean and workmanlike stroke they pulling, that at the finish they would not be far away. While the other boats were wobbling distinctly, that 'if the North Shore was steadily and evenly ploughing along, and the superiority of its style soon took it up into second place. By this time there were only three competitors, the St. George's men, who only started to iiinke up the required number for the event, having gracefully retired. Tile Waitemata crow led all the way up to the buoys opposite Ponsonby, with the North Shore in veiy close attendance, and although the latter cleverly gained a big advantage at the turn, the former was still ill the van on the way towards home. Only about lialf-a-length divided the two twenty or thirty yards from the buoys, and then happened that unfortunate thing to which reference has already been made. The North Shore crew state that the Waitemata boat crossed into their water, and, a foul of some kind unmistakably occurring, they claim the victory. After the alleged foul tho race wan still a hard and gallant struggle, and many thought that the North .reitcs must after all come in first. lint the Waitemata man maintained their lead, anil passed the judge about a couple of lengths ahead of their doughty antagonists, Hauraki being a fair third, The umpire (Mr. Stephenson) was on tlie launch following the r.tce, and had a clear Wow of the circumstances. lie afterwards received a formal protest from the North Shore crew, to whom he afterwards awarded tho first prize. Amateur Senior Gio Hack.—First _ prize, £20 anil silver medal to coxswain of winning boat, presented by Mr. Sidney; second prize, .€7 ; third prize, JCJ. Course: Same as twelfth race. St. George's .. .. .. ..1 Waitemata 2 Amateur Maiden Wiialkboat Race.—First prize, jet!; secon I prize, £3 ; third prize, £1. Course : From flagship round separate mark boats off St. Mary'- Point, finishing at flagship. North Shore .. .. .. « 1 St. George's .2 llauraki .. 8 Amateur Maiden flu; Rack. First prize, £0; second prize, £a ; third prize, £1. Course : Same as fourteenth race. St. George's No. 1 .. .. ~1 St. George's No. 22 THE ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING. Ciihistcjsukch, February 5. The New Zealand Amateur Athletic and 'Cycling Championships commenced to-day at Lancaster Park, Rain fell heavily on the previous night, and the sports were postponed till three p.m. accordingly. A heavy shower of rain fell during the afternoon, anil the track was slow in consequence. The attendance was large considering all things, fully 2500 people being present. The results of the races are appended — '250 Yakus Flat Championship. J. H. Hempton, Hawke'a Bay 1 P. Wood, Canterbury ... '2 N. L. Gurr, Wellington 3 Time, 26 '2-5 s. Thkkk Milk Walk Championship. H. S. Cocks, Canterbury ... ... ... 1 A. F. Burton, Auckland 2 A Bain, Dimedin ... ... 3 Time, 23m. lti 2-oth s. Half milk Flat Championship. J. F. Grierson, Canterbury 1 C. G. Rees. Canterbury 2 D. Wood, Canterbury 3 Time, 2rn. 3-ss. One-milk Safety Bicycle. A. C. Wilmott, North Canterbury ... 1 A. W. Kerr, Sydney 2 J. Clarkson, Canterbury 3 Time, 2in. 435. High Jump Championship. F. Mevrick, Manawatu, Sft. , r >in „ 1 L. A. Cuff, Canterbury, oft. 4in '2 P. J. llaclcett, Auckland, sft. 3iu. ... 3 Three-milk Ordinary Bicycle. Kingston, Dunedin 1 Wilson, Canterbury 2 W. J. Hayward, Canterbury 3 Time, 9m. 53 '2-sth a. Ten-Milk Safety Bicycle. Kerr, Sydney ... 1 A. C. Wilmott, North Canterbury ... 2 W. H. Langdown, Canterbury 3 Time, 32m. 49 2-sth a. 120 Yards Hurdles Championship. W. J. Moir, Canterbury 1 H. W. Batt;er, Wellington +2 H. W. Postlethwaite, Canterbury +2 Time. 16 '2-sth a. One Milk Flat Championship. W. J. Biu k, Dunedin 1 C. G. Reid. Canterbury ... 2 D. Wood, Canterbury 3 Time, 4m. 42 4-sth s. Ten-mile Ordinary Bicycle. J.-Clarkson (Canterbury) ... 1 W. J, Hayward (Canterbury) 2 Kingston (Dunedin) ... 3 Tune, 35m. 6 4-sth a. February 6. Tho New Zealand Amateur Championship Meeting concluded to-day at Lancaster Park. The weather was beautiful, a bright sunny sky and gonial north-east wind making matters extremely pleasant for spectators and competitors. Fully 5000 people were on tho ground. Tho track was in capital order, as the times put up show. 100 Yards Championship. J. H. Ilempton, Hawke's Bay 1 H. M. Hayward, Canterbury 2 J. H. Buchanan, Auckland ... ... ... 3 Time, 9 4-oth s. One Mile Walk, A. F. Burton, Auckland 1 11. S. Cocks, Canterbury 2 A. Bain, Dunedin 3 The time was 7m. 5 4-sth s. One Mile Bicycle., A. C. Wilmott, North Canterbury 1 Wilson, Canterbury 2 W. J. S. Hayward, Canterbury 3 Time, 2ru. 52 2-sth s. Five Miles Safety Bicycle. Kerr, New South Wales 1 , A. C. Wilmott, North Canterbury 2 Clarkson, Canterbury 3 j Time, I4m. 48s. 4-10 Yards Flat Championship. j P. Wood, Canterbury 1 J. F. Grierson, Canterbury 2 W. A. Lowe, Dimedin 3 Time, 52 l-sth s. Long Jump Championship. T. F. Uyfill. Auckland 1 H. W. Postlethwaite, Canterbury 2 T. B. O'Connor, Auckland 3 The jumping was tame, and Upfill's beat was 20 feet Ofc inoh. Five Mile Ordinary Bicycles. Kingston. Dunedin ... ... 1 A. C. Wilmot, North Canterbury ... 2 Wilson, Canterbury 3 Time, 16m. 24 2-sth s.

Three Miles Flat Championship. D. Wood, Canterbury 1 C. G. Rees, Canterbury 2 | W. S. Farquhar, Auckland 3 Time, 15m. 435. 440 Yards Hurdles Championship. H. W. Bather, Wellington 1 W. J. Moir, Canterbury 2 P. J. Hackett, Auckland 3 Time, 61 4-stli s. 25 Mile Safety Bicycles. Kerr, New South Wales 1 \V. J. Hay ward, Canterbury ... ... 2 Time, 78tn. 445. Pole Jump Championship. W. M. West, Canterbury 1 T. F. Upfill, Auckland 2 West won easily by a good vault of 10ft lin, Upfill being only able to accomplish 9ft oin. Putting the Weight Championship. T. B. O'Connor, Auckland 1 XV. J. Moir, Canterbury 2 C. Stone, Auckland 3 O'Connor was not up to his last year's form, but won with a put of 34ft Bin. Moir being a close second with 34ft sin, while the third man, Stone, did his best at 32ft Bin. The Championship Banner. Canterbury A.A.C , 68 points 1 Auckland A.A.C., 27 points 2 Hawke's Bay A.A.C., 10 points ... ... 3 Wellington A.A.C., 9 points 4 [ Dunedin A.A.C , 7 points 5 I Manawatu A.A.C., 5 points... 6

On February 4 Mrs. Bahnson, one of the most popular singers who have been heard in Auckland, gave a concert fit the City Hall ; and, as this was her first appearance after a long absence in Australia, the crowded audience gave her a very hearty welcome. Mrs. Bahnson received able assistance from Miss Katherine Hardy, who was heard in music of the operatic and ballad schools. A second conceit given by Mrs. Bahnson on February 18 it) the Choral Hall. A distinctly and intensely Jacobite spirit pervaded St. James's Hall on February 8, when a lecture was delivered eulogistic of '• Bonnie Prince Charlie," and when the best known of the many songs in his praise and in derision of his enemies were sung by talented vocalists. The lecturer was the Very Rev. Cnarles S. ogg, M.A., Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. The entertainment was under the auspices of St. David's Presbyterian Church, and the Res'. R. Scott West occupied the chair.

Nearly all the bakery establishments In the city and suburbs were closed on Wednesday", the 10th February, on the occasion of the annual trade picnic, which was held at St. Helier'a Bay. The Newton Band was in attendance, and enlivened the proceedings by the rendering of choice musical selections during the day. Abundance of prizes were provided for tlio children, whose wants were attended to by Messrs. Johnstone, Riley, and Kinppford. The annual picnic ot the local watchmakers and jewellers, held at Motutapu on the 10th February, proved a most enjoyable outing. During the day amusements suitable to all were provided and heartily indulged in, and in the afternoon Professor Pannell gave an exhibition of swimming, assisted by two of his pupils. The Colonial Sugar Refining Company's employees at Chelsea, with their wives, sisters, sweethearts and friends, to the number of about 700, held their annual picnic at Messrs. Reid Bros, beautiful island of Motutapu on February 13. On February 18 a concert was held in the Helping Hand Mission Hall, Freeman's Bay, in aid of the fund to defray the cost of decorating and fitting up the organ presented by Mrs. William Gittos to the Mission. There was a crowded attendance. Mr. R. Hobbs presided, and made a few prefatory remarks, in which he referred to the history of the orgtm, which had been in the possession of his father, the late Rov. John Hobbs, and the family for over half-a-century. A very charming entertainment was given in the social hall of the Hot Springs Hotel, WaiwGra, on the evening of February 17th, by the Rev. Mr. Hasolden, the proceeds to assist in removing a small debt still remaining on the Hot Springs School building. A sacred and secular concert was given by the members of the Sacred Heart Choir in the Ponsonby Hall on February 24. There was a crowded attendance. The programme, as might be expected from this choir, was well worthy of a musical audience, comprising as it did mass and oratorial music, instrumental pieces, and well-chosen ballads.

At the British Hotel on the 13th February one of the most enjoyable gatherings that have been held in the city in connection with athletic affairs took place. The cause of the reunion was the wish of th'i members of the West End Rowing Club to do honour to their late captain, Mr. F. W. Edwards, and mark their appreciation of his long labours on behalf of the club, by presenting to him a photographic shield of all the members. This souvenir was on exhibition during the evening, and excited much admiration for its artistic design and the massive beauty of the silver mountings and plates. At the gather ing, which took the form of a smoke concert, there were fully one hundred persons present, embracing representatives from all the leading athletic institutions in and around tho city, while amongst the guests were : Messrs. F. Lawry, M.H.R. for Parnell; J. Carroll, M.H.R. for Eastern Maori: J. 0. Evett, E. W. Burgess, North Shore R.C. ; D. Miller, Ponsonby R.C. ; R. White, City F.C. ; G. Moore, Waitemata F.C.; J. Halyday, A.A. Athletic Club ; G. H. Dixon, Auckland Rugby Union ; Professor Carrollo, Dr. Owen, and others. Mr. Thos. Peacock, president of the West End Club, occupied the chair ; and was supported by Messrs. M. McLcan, the preuent captain, and F. W. Edwards. The proceedings were inaugurated by the toast of " The Queen and the Royal Family," followed by "The health of Mr. F. W. Edwards," proposed by the chairman. Mr. Peacock remarked that he had great pleasure in being made the instrument of expressing to Mr. Edwards the great esteem in which he was held by his fellow-members of the West End Rowing Club, who had gathered in such numbers that evening to recognise, in a measure, their appreciation of and gratitude for the enthusiasm, patience, and energy with which he (Mr. Edwards) had during the past six years controlled the affairs of the club, improved its position, and stimulated its oarsmen. Mr R. Baxter was also called forward and presented, on behalf of the club, with a handsome gold locket, suitably engraved, as a mark of appreciation of his long and arduous services as treasurer of the club. Mr. R. R. Dowden, an old and valued member, was also handed by the chairman an elegant silver teapot and butter dish, as a present to him on his recent marriage. The third and concluding day's racing of the Takapuna Jockey Club's Summer Meeting took place on February 6, but, though there was good weather, the attendance of the public was only moderate. However, speculation was brisk, the sum of £3302 being invested in the totalisators during the day. Miss Freda Marsden, the popular violinist, I assisted by a number of musical friends, gave a delightful open-air concert on Feb. 10, in a beautiful pine grove adjoining her residence, Selwyn Terrace, Parnell, overlooking St. George's Bay. The trees and grounds were lit up by Chinese lanterns and carriage lamps, making a very pretty effect, and the view over the moon - lit waters of the Waitemata was very beautiful. The Summer Meeting of the Otahuhu Trotting Club, hold at Potter's Paddock on Saturday, February 13, was, on the whole, fairly successful. The attendance, however, was not so large as might reasonably have been expected, there being only about 400 people present. Some of the events were very keenly contested, and with, perhaps, one exception, the results seemed to give public satisfaction. Altogether the sum of £1336 was put through the totalisator, ten shilling tickets being issued. In the Maiden Pony Race Gipsy paid the handsome dividend of £9 13s, and in the Maiden Trot £5 9s was paid on Juno. Mr. A. R. Harris as judge, Mr. T. A. Brown as clerk of the course, Mr. F. W. Marks as clerk of the scales; Mr. Halstead as starter; Mr. Lockhart as secretary, and the committee, all did their utmost to make the meeting as great a success as possible. A complimentary race-meeting given by the Auckland Racing Club as a farewell to the Earl and Countess of Onslow, took place on Saturday at the club's course at Ellerslie. Unfortunately, however, the weather was anything but favourable. Frequent drizzling showers fell, aud the atmosphere was muggy, and the ground heavy and sloppy. There was, therefore, only a moderate attendance of the public. Before 1.30 His Excellency the Governor and suite, and the Countess of Onslow, with the Hon. P. A. Buckley (Attor-ney-General), arrived, the Earl of Onslow driving, and were received by the vice-presi-dent of the Club (Colonel Dawson), and the stewards. At the entrance to the lawn there was a pleasant incident. A most beautiful bouquet, the work of Miss Eva Hughes, daughter of Mr. S. E. Hughes, Ponsonby, was presented to the Countess of Onslow by Miss Percival, daughter of the secretary, Mr. W. Percival. During the afternoon the Earl and Countess of Onslow were entertained at luncheon by the authorities of the club. The Hon. P. A. Buckley and Mr. G. S. Cooper (Colonial Under Secretary) were amongst the guests. Colonel Dawson occupied the chair, and the Hon. E. Mitohelson tho vice-chair

Thu following are the results of the racing : — Trading C err wis, 2.1 tons register and wards (handicap)— First prize, £20 and silver trophy presented by.Mr. J. Kndean; second prize, £10 : third prize-, £. Course: From flagship round mark boat off I Jilt Takapuna, thence round Mission schooner .Southern Cross, thence round mark boat off .Sugar Works. Twice round. Kleuunr .. 1 Fawn C There wore four starters for this event. liloauor, •J9 tons, J. Allan, sn-ateli ; J.er>, 33 tons, M. Niecol, scratch ; Start, 2 tons, 1). Shaw, 4m. ; Fawn, 27 tons, 11. Niccol, fun. Coas !i NO V'KSSKiJt, any rijj; 12 torn and under 25, and which have not boon built for yachts. First prize, £20; second prize, £7 ; third prize, a. Course : S.une as Urst race. Henry 1 Tay '2 Kttio White .. .. ..3 Thu starter* wove little White, 13 tons, Char Ins Willii'i's; Henry, 14 tons, C. Hodgson ; Tay, 14 tons, W. Lowndes; Teviot, and Watchman. Yachts, four tons rating, and under seven tons. First prize, £25 and Cup presented by Messrs. T. and S. Morrin and Co. (Limited); second prize, £7 ; third prize, £3. Course : Same as first race. Spray 1 Moami 2 Tawera 3 The competitors wereMoftna, 5*2 tons, W. II. Wilson; Spray, 0 - 8 tons, A. Gibbs; Tawera, <)'8U tons, II. Horton ; Awaroa, 5'1 tons, J. Mathie ; and J uvurina, 6 tons, T. Koyes. I am NO Boats, over 4 tons (handicap), First prize, £15 ; second prize, £0 ; third prize, £2. Course; Same its first race. Once round. ICllen Martha 1 Magic 2 Minnie Coy 3 These were the only starters, and ware handicapped as follows Ml,en Martha, W. Heid, scratch ; Magic, J. Wheeler, 7Jia.; Minnie Coy, W. Kinnoy, 12in.