CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9111, 31 January 1893, Page 3

CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

! The Caledonian Sports originally fixed to take place during the New Year holidays but postponed then in consequence of ini clement weather, were held yesterday in the Domain Cricket Ground, and, notwithstanding the great counter attractions, there was a splendid attendance of about 3000, including women and children. The weather seemed to manifest some signs of breaking at eleven o'clock, but there was not much rain, nor did it interfere with the attendance materially. There were also a few showers in the afternoon, but the only effect was to delay a few of the minor events. Among those prominently present on the grounds was the Very Rev. Monsignor McDonald, who as usual was attended by a . troop of children, and he manifested his interest in the proceedings in his own way by giving special prizes of 2s 6d each to the four bow who contested in the Highland fling as a recognition of their ability. There was a painstaking and competent committee in charge of the proceedings, and the judgments given were on the whole satisfactory, although as might have been expected, there were differences of opinion in some instances. Messrs. Lankham, Gillies, and McCarkill were the judges for the pipes and dancing competitions, and the Hon. William.Jennings and* Captain Robertson for the racing and other events.

The following are the results : — Quoiting Match, 21 Yards.— were ten entries, and the competition lasted until evening resulting in a win for Stewart, Barber being second. Open Handicap, 200 Yards.—For this there were only three starters, and it resulted as follows James Stewart, 1; James McDermott, 2; H. J. Bradley, 3. It was won easily by about two yards. Bagpipe Mcsic (in costume). —A. Mcßae, Auckland, 1; D. A. Campbell, Waipu, 2; W. McLeod, Papakura, 3. These were the only competitors, and the judges professed tb have some difficulty in separating first and second.

Calkdonian Handicap.—This was a large item, including contests at 100 yds, 220 yds, and 440 yds, the competition to be by points— viz.', three for a first, two for a second, and one for a third. The competitions were as follow: In the first heat of the 100 yds J. Stewart, W. Gumming, and F. Gussy came in first, second, arid third respectively. In the second heat J. R. Leilas, D. Somers, and J. McDennott were the placed men; and in the final heat the positions were as follow : — J. Stewart, 7yds, 1; W. Cummins, 3yds, 2; J. McDennott, 2yds, 3. There was an excellent finish for the final, and the time given was 10s. The 220 yds Handicap was equally interesting. J. R. Leikis, E. Hall, and J. McDermottwere the placed men in the first heat; J. Stewart, P. Gussy, and W. Cummins in the second heat ; and the final heat resulted as follows :—J. Stewart, 11yds, 1 ; F. Gussy, 11yds, 2 ; W. Cummins, syds, 3. The next event was the Quarter-mile, for which only five started, and it resulted as follows :—J. Stewart, 21yds, 1; E. Hall, 21yds, 2 ; J. McDermott, scratch, 3. Stewart having won all jthe firsts in which he started, is therefore the winner of the first prize. It is needless to say that these events were not run otf consecutively, they were taken at intervals, and Stewart's plucky wins in each instance were recognised with applaus-3. Potting' the Shot.— competitors entered for this event, and it resulted as

follows :—Mitchell, 1; Wm. Leane, 2; Joe. Stillwell, 3. The winner threw the shot a distance of 34 feet. , Best-dressed Highlander.—For this there were only two entries, Messrs. W. A. Spiers and Geo. Goldie,and the prize was awarded to the former. j .' - » . Highland Fling (in costume, boys nuder 16).—There were four competitors, three of whom were only about seven years of age, and the oldest only 12. Their performances were very meritorious, and the awards were as follows:— Johnston, 1; G. McLachlan, 2; W. Johnston, 3. Highland Fling in Costume for Girls. This was a most interesting and graceful competition. Two of the girls were about 16 years of age, the third about nine, and although the latter did not get a first place, she obtained hearty applause. They were placed as follows:—Miss Agnes Johnston, 1; Miss Goldie, 2 ; and Miss McLachlan, 3. Best-dressed Boy (in Highland costume). In awarding the prizes amongst the four juvenile competitors, the judges were forced to acknowledge that they had, as they phrased it, " a tough job," but they finally gave their decision in favour of Master J. Simpson, Master W. Johnston being awarded second prize. Grand Scotch Reel.—For this national dance there were six competitors, and the places were awarded to Campbell, 1; A. McLean, 2. . . Throwing the Hammer.—There were five competitors, and the prize was won by Johnson, who threw the weight 60ft lOin, beating Brown by 2in, '• Mile Amateur Bicycle Race.--Only four started for this event, and all rt.de patent safeties. . It was an interesting contest to the finish, and resulted as follows :—J. Boulton, 190 yds, 1; T. Firth, 170 yds, 2; Surman, IBoyds, 3 A. Colbrough, 220 yds, 0. Five Mile Bicycle Race.—For this there were only four competitors, and the result was as follows :—Reynolds, scratch, 1; Surman, 820 yds, 2; Firth, 750 yds, 3; A. Colbrough, 1100 yds, 0. Reynolds, starting at scratch, continued to gain steadily on the others, and when about' half the distance was accomplished he had only a lap to gain on the leaders. Working steadily to the finish, he gradually wore the others down, and putting on a splendid spurt in the straight, he passed Surman and came in an easy winner and the freshest man in the team.

Highland Fling (men).— were four entries, and the judges' awards were— Simpson, 1; A. McLean, 2. The other competitors were : W. A. Spiers and R. Campbell.

Bagpipe Music (in costume),—Pibrochs and marches. There were only two competitors, Messrs. A. Mcßae and D. A. Campbell, and the prize was awarded to the former.

Tossing the Caber.There were four competitors, namely, Messrs. Cochrane, Aickenhead, Brown, and Mitchell, and Aickenhead won by a fine feat of strength, beating a fine effort of Cochrane. "Amateur Handicap, 100 Yards.— only competitors were Freeman and Atkinson, and the former won easily. Sword-dance (in Highland costume). For this interesting event there were five competitors, all thoroughly skilled in the intricate movements of the dance. The judge's award was : D. Simpson, 1; A. Coleman, 2. Half-milk Handicap (open).— started for this event, and there was a fine contest for places. The placed men were :E. Hall, 25yds, 1; J. R. Leikis, 6yds, 2; and D. Somers, 9yds, 3. Wrestling Match (Cumberland style).— There were four competitors : J. Silva, J. Stillwell, Lewis, and Cain. Lewis and Stillwell were pitted against each other, and Lewis, although much the lighter man of the two, placed his heavier antagonist on his back. Silva and Cain then met, and the former won. The same pairs met again, when Stillwell lost by losing his hold, and when Silva and Cain met both let go. On meeting again Silva threw Cain, and this left the final contest between Lewis and Silva,. The latter was thrown twice in succession, and Silva was declared the victor.

Sailor's Hornpipe.—For this, the last event of the day, and perhaps the most interesting, there were five competitors, and the music was played by the band, not by the bagpipes. There were some splendid exhibitions of dancing. The first prize was awarded to A. Coleman, and the second to D. Simpson. Tue other competitors were W. A. Spiers, A. McLean, and A. Elder. The band then played Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem, and the gathering dispersed. The prizes won at yesterday's sports will be presented at the social of the Caledonian Society, which is to be held next Thursday week.