HIBERNIAN SOCIETY'S ANNUAL SPORTS AND FETE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10080, 16 March 1896, Page 6

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY'S ANNUAL SPORTS AND FETE.

A MONSTER GATHERING, OFFICB Hearers.-President, Mr. Hugh Duffln; vice-president, Mr. M. J. Sheilian; committee, Messrs. T. B. O'Connor, F. J. O'Meara, P. Brodie, D. Flyun, P. J- Nerheny, E. Swann, R. Keenan, K. Noonan, P. White, J. Patterson; judge" Messrs, J. F. Logan, jun., T. B. O'Connor, W. Ralph starter, Mr. A, Smith; call steward, Mr. p, White; /result bowl, Mr. E. Noonan; lap taker, Mr. J. A. Cooper; marksman, Messrs. It. Keenan and E. Swann; timekeepers, Messrs. G. Head ami P. Brodie ; sports secretaries, Messrs. Pat O'Kano and M. J. Sheahan; treamrers, Messrs. I). Flynn and J. Smith; art union secretary. Mr. P. U. Grace; W. Kane, general secretary. Next to the Jubilee gathering of 1887 the largest concourse ever seen on the Domain ground was present on Saturday last, the occasion being that of the national fSte of the Irish Roman Catholic community, in conjunction with the Hibernian Australasian Catholio Benefit Society's annual sports. Perfect weather favoured the gathering, and in the afternoon it is estimated that close upon eight thousand persons were present, ana tho kaleidoscopic effect of the many huod 1 and striking costumes of the ladies contrasting with the more sombre wearing apparel of the sterner sex, and tho green foliage in the back ground, formed a most pleasing spectacle. Shortly after ten o'clock in She forenoon the schoolchildren from the Ponsonby Sacred Heart, St. Benedict's, and Surrey Hills, headed by portions of the Newton Band, marched to St. Patrick's, where the children from the latter school awaited their arrival. At half-past ten o'clook, headed by the Newton Brass Band, which enlivened the proceedings by striking up "St. Patrick's Day, followed by other patriotic airs, the procession started out for their destination, the schools represented being: of the Sea Orphanage (girls); St. Patricks Convent School (girls): St. Mary's Convent and Sacred Heart School; Ponsonby (gills), St. Patrick's School (boys), Ponsonby School (hoys), Marist Brothers' School, Surrey Hills Convent, St. Benedict's Si i School, aud Parnell Convent School. Then followed the Hibernian booiety, headed by their beautiful new banner, the route taken being up Hobsonstreet, down Wellesley - street, through Syinonds-strcet, down Kyber Pass, aud round Grafton Road to the Domain, a fair idea of the length of tho procession being gained from tho fact that when the loaders were abreast of the Free Library, the end of tho procession had not turned the corner of Hobson-street into Wellesleystreet. Thousands of spectators witnessed the imposing and pleasing sight from the sidewalks, the many coloured bannerettes and banners carried by tho juvenile pleasureseekers adding greatly to its attractiveness. The management of the gathering was conducted with a thoroughness and completeness that reflects unstinted credit on the several officials connected, and more particularly on Secretaries O Kane and Grace, who were untiring in their efforts to promote the comfort and convenience of the visiting public, and in this respect their efforts were crowned with well deserved success, approbation being expressed freely on all sides, Mr. Austin Smith, who acted as starter, is to be commended on the firmness with which he handled the fields, and the excellent starts effected throughout.

THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL CHILDREN, Four large tents were pitched under the trees on the slope of the hill at the back of the pavilion, and the Newmarket band, under Bandmaseer Dormer, which had accompanied the Parnell and Newmarket children, performed a number of musical selections at frequent intervals, and each tent was most liberally provided with the good things of this life, including cake, biscuits, buns, tea, lemonade, ginger ale, etc., and a large quantity of fruit, including the gift of his Worship the Mayor and Mr. Crowther, M.H.R., who thoughtfully provided two cases of splendid apples for each tent. Special sports were also provided for the little ones, particulars _of which are appended. The St. Patrick's school tent, a large marquee lent by Mr. Peter Dignan was on the extreme left. Tho girls of St. Patrick Convent School were under Misses Gough, O'Brien, Carrigau, and others, and the boys of St. Patrick's were under tho Marist Brothers, assisted by Messrs. Garlick, Bowden, and others, the whole being under the supervision of the Rev. Father Madden, administrator of the Cathedral, Father Mulvihill assisting. The ladies who presided at tho tent were Misses Keenan, Grace, Twohill, and O'Hare. Iherc were about GOO children all told from these schools. The next tent was for the Parnell and Newmarket children of whom there were about 200 present. The Rev. Father Kehoe superintended, assisted by the Sunday-school teachers, and the wants of the children woro looked after diligently by Mesdames Hogan, Robinson, Kay, (two), Coe, and others. The l'ousouby tent was third in order. '1 he wants of the Orphanage children were looked after by Mrs. Gregory, in the most assiduous manner, while the scholars of the Sacred Heart wero looked after by the Rev. Father Purton, Messrs. Bryant, J, Hickson, O'Brien, and a number of ladies. It is estimated that, including the orphans, there were 300 Ponsonby children present. St. Benedict's had the largest muster, 650 all told, and thev were looked after by the Rev. Dr. Kgan, 0.5.8., and the members of tho Christian Doctrine Society, with thoughtful care, there being more than ample provisions in each tent to satisfy the numerous calls made on them by children and adults. Amongst those who visited the grounds and took an active interest in the children's sports and games, during the afternoon, were the Rev. Father Lenihan (administrator of the diocese), the Very Rev. Monsignor Walter McDonald, the Rev. Father Gillan, of Ponsonby, and other clergymen.

THE GOVERNMENT UOIISK PARTY.

His Excellency the Governor, Lady Glasgow, and tho Government House party had been invited to be present at the sports, but they were unable to come. The following letter was received by Mr. M. J. Sheahan, secretary of the Hibernian Society, from His Excellency's private secretary, Major Elliot:—l4th March, 189 G. Sir, —I omitted to answer your letter of the 11th instant in the hope that perhaps His Excellency the Governor and some of the party might be able to attend your sports. I find., however, I regret to say, that owing to pressure of other engagements it will be iraEossiblo for auyone to bo present on the •omaiu this afternoon."

THE SPORTS PROGRAMME. Nothing contributes more to good racing than a satisfactory track, and handicaps that gives the individual competitors the impression that they can just about win, anil on this score the Hibernians have every reason to congratulate themselves. . Caretaker Yates had done his share towards promoting the quality of the racing by having the turf in perfect order, and nice and springy, whilst the handicappers, both amateur and professional, had carried out the second portion, and a more closely contested or interesting lot of racing than that of Saturday last could not well be wished for, the finishes in almost every instance proving of a most exciting nature, Tho feature of the programme was of course the St. Patrick's Handicaps of three distances, the points in which counted five for first, two for second, and one for third place. Tait, who was ordered off for breaking away in the final, after winning his heat comfortably in 9 4-ss. off the 9yds mark, was responsible for this event, he winning the two remaining distances, and scoring 10 points. Hud he not been ordered off, he would more than likely have placed the treble to his credit, for although ne enjoyed a big mark, he has a lot of foot, ana will give a good account of himself when a closer companion to the stratch man. Barton, who came second with six points, proved himself a sterling sprinter, his meritorious win off 6yds in »ho 100 yds distance in the big time of 9 4-ss, stamping him a first flighter, while Donovan, who gained third honours in the big handicap with two seconds and a third off intermediate marks, must not be forgotten. Several other good performers ware noticeable amongst the pedestrian events, notably Williamson's dual win in the amateur spriuts, Holder's third in the 150 yds (owing a yard), A. E. George's and T. Roberts' fine rutin, in the Half-mile Amateur Handicap, which was negotiated in 2m. 355., while Mo&ean too would have been responsible for big time in this race iiad he not run with such bad judgment. The 'cycle races also created no inconsiderable amount of interest amongst the spectators, and this popular branch of outdoor sport is rapidly coming to the front. The amateur events more particularly were ridden in good time, and Smith's and Henmug's victories were highly creditable performances, the latter riding second in the mile as woll as accounting for tho two-mile race in comfortable fashion. The fine riding of the champion (Reynolds) off the scratch mark created much admiration, and though failing to breast the tapofirst he proved himself well worthy his title. In the cash races Hyauiasson carried off the double rather easily, though in neither instance were the times particularly fast. The following are tho particulars

Juvenile Hibernian Handicap, lOOyds: The starters were— McKennn, J. Hutchinson. W. Mahoney, J. P. Mahouey, John Mahoney, J. Cullmne, J. Grace, B. O'Hare, and B. Bryant. This was a good race to within a dozen yards of the tape, where Grace came out and won by a yard from J. P. Mahoney, McKenna bein« third, Time, 11 2-ss. St. Patrick's Handicap, lOOyds: First Heat—J. Donovan 1, JO.' Wilson 2, W. l'Vcney 2; time, 10s. Second Heat—J. Dais.

ley 1. N. Barton 2, D. Tomlinso'a3; time, 10j. Third Heat-J. A. Tait 1, T. Speer 2, W. Farquhar 3; time, 9 4-flth «. Tho competitors in the final, aud their handicaps, were J. Donovan 7yds, E. Wilson 6yds, J. Daisley Byds, N. Barton 6yds, J. •A. Tait 9yds, T. Speer 9yds, W. Farquhar 7yds. Tait for breaking away was put back twice, and on the third occasion ordered off, and three or four others broke and were put back. A splendid start was effected, and when half the distance had been covered the field were almost abreast, and so the line came down to within about twenty-five yards of the post, where Barton, Donovan, and Daisley moved out,_ and an exciting struggle resulted in a meritorious victory for Barton by a yard from Donovan, Daisley close up third; time, 9 4-ss.

Half-mile Cash Amateur Cycle Handicap: E. Bocheart scratch, G. Barnes 20yds, R. J. Davidson 25yds, A. Skeates 35yds, P. Howden 40yds, P. Skeates 40yds, W. H. Jackson 40yds, G. Hyauiasson 45yds, J. McCalium 46yds, J. McDermott 90yds, were the starters. About 300 yds from homo Hyauiasson was in command, and from this point was never headed, winning by a wheel from McCallum, who came with a splendid rush in the last 30yds. McDermott was third ; time, lm. 18s. 150 yds Amateur Handicap: first heat—R. Moyle 1, W. 11. Morton 2, A. Wright 3; time, 15 l-ss. Second heat—A. H. Williamson i, G. Smith 2, A. H. Holder 3; time, 15s. The competitors and their handicaps in the final were—R. Movie Byds, W. H. Morton 10yds, A. H. Williamson Giyds, G. Smith 9Jyds, A. H. Holder owes Iyd. Williamson and Smith, on the same mark, carried the field along at a lively pace, and a splendid struggle in the last 30yds resulted in a win for Williamson by ljyds, Holder, who owed Iyd, running a good third; time, 15s. Friendly Societies' Handicap, 150 yds: The starters were ;—R. Keenan and E. Noonan, H.A.C.8.5., A. Bailey, A.0.0.F..G. Siddle, J. McDermott, A.O. ,A. H. Goldsbury, W. Svkes, J. A. Tait. Tait, who was ordered off in the St. Patrick's final won this event in good style by about a yard from Keenau, Sykes a handy third. Time, 15'2-ss. St. Patrick s Handicap, 200 yds: First heat N. Barton 1, J, Donovan 2, J. Daisley 3; time, 203-53. Second heat—J. A. Tait 1, M. Freney 2, D. Toirtlison3; time 21 l-ss. The competitors and their handicaps in the final were—N. Barton 9yds, J. Donovan 10 yds, J, Daisley 14yds, J. A. Tait 15yds, M. Freney 12yds. Here again anyone looked likely to win until fully 70yds had been negotiated, when Tait came out from the field, and running with great determination, squeezed homo a winner by the best part of a yard from Donovan, the third maD, Barton, being almost abreast of the latter. Time, 21 l-ss. One Mile Amateur Bicycle Handicap: The starters were : E. Reynolds scratch, W. W. Pilkington 90yds, G. R. Wilkinson 100 yds, G. Hcnning lOOyas, R. Dacre 120 yds, W. J. Harper 130 yds, P. A. Smith 140 yds, A. J. Pilkington 140 yds, C. Gilbert 150 yds, W. Todd 150 yds, J. Thompson 100 yds, W. H. Cooke 100y E. J ones 170 yds. This was one of the finest mile amateur wheel events ever witnessed on the Domain ground, the paco being very lively right through, and the magnificent riding of Reynolds (scratch) brought forth well-merited applause. The finish between the three placed men was most exciting, Smith squeezing homo by a bare wheel from Henuiug, after whom came A. J. Pilkington half a wheel away. Time, 2m. 31s.

Half - mile Amateur Handicap: — The starters were: J. McKean scratch, M. O'Connor 10yds, T. Roberta 14yds, A. H. Holder 16yds, G. S. Frost 24yds, A. E. George !i'2ydn, E. Reynolds 35yds, C. S. Brown 38yds, A. Wright 45yds, \V. H. Morton4syds, J. Impey 45yds, R. Murray 45yds, E. W. Payne 50yds, S. Appleby 50yds, A. E. Beuth 55yds. Before they had gone two-thirds of the journey the scratch mau, Mclvean, had assumed the lead, but the pace began to tell 250 yds from home, and despite all efforts to maintain his advantage it was to be clearly seen that McKean had shot his bolt and was slowly put surely coming back to his field, and 60 or 70yds from home he was passed and fell away beaten. A. E. George, who had been striding along in good style, and looked all over a winner to within thirty yards from the post, where T. Roberts came with a determined run, a splendid race home between the pair resulting in a narrow victory of a yard for George, E. W. Payne third. Had McKean run with more judgment he might have won and recorded a very fine half-mile, but the pace in the first quarter was a cracker and killed him. Time, 2m. 3-ss.

Hibernian Haudicap, 120 yds : The starters were—R. Keenan scratch, M. Flynn 6yds, and E, Noonan 7yds. The race was an interesting one from end to end, Keenan just winning by about a yard from Noonan, Flynu boing very handy third. Time, 13 ss.

Two-mile Cash Amateur 'Cycle Handicap: The starters were—E. Bocheart scratch, G. Barnes 80yds, R. J. Davidson 90yds, A. Skeates 150 yds, P. Howdeu IGOyds, P. Skeates IGOyds, W. H. Jackson 175 yds, G. Hyauisson 175 yds, J. McCalluin 185 yds, J. McDermott 300 yds. This event was the most uninteresting of the wheel races, and did not call forth muchleutliusiasm. Hyauiasson, who accounted for the previous cash race was in the van at the sixth lap, and coming on won easily from P. Skeates, Davidson being third. The time sm. 57 2-ss. was decidedly slow.

St. Patrick's Handicap, 300 yds, final distanco: The starters were : G. 11. Laxon 7yds, N. Barton 12yds, J. Donovan 15yds, S. Roberts 18yds; M. Freuey lSvds, C. Smith 22yds, J. A. Tait 23yds. Tait, who enjoyed the limit, got well away, and staving off all opposition, won comfortably by a couple or threo yards from Smith, Donovan a good third. Time, 33 1-5 s., Tait thus wins the handicap with JO points; Barton sccond, with G points, and Donovan third, with 5. Juvenile Friendly Societies' Handicap, 100 yds: There were seven starters in this event, which was won, after a pood race, by W. McLaughlin (A.O. F.), with John Mahoney (H.A.C.8.5.) second, and J. McKenua (H.A.C.8.5.) third. Time, 12 l-ss.

Two-mile Amateur Bicycle Handicap: The starters were—E. Reynolds scratch, W. W. Pilkiugton 135 yds, G. R. Wilkinson 150 yds, G. Heuning 150 yds, R. Dacre ISOvds. P. A, Smith 210 yds, A. J. Pilkington 210 yds, C. Gilbert 250 yds, W. Todd 250vds, G. Thompson 250 yds, W. H. Cooke 260 yds. E. Jones 270 yds. G. Heuning, who has been riding splendidly of late, was leading when the fourth lap had been negotiated, and at the mile and a half was sixty or seventy yards in front of Wilkinson, after whom came the champion, who was pedalling brilliantly. All efforts to catch Henuing were fruitless, who won by thirty or forty yards after a well ridden race for Reynolds, Wilkinson occupying third place. Time, sm. 20s. Publicans' Cup, half-mile: The starters were-W. Farquhar scratch, J. 0. Smith 10yds, D. Somers 16yds, A. Bailey 20yds, S. Roberts 30yds, J. Miles 40yds, G. Payne 45yds, If. Allen 45yds, S. J. Jonas 55yds, J. McNair 55ydfi, A most exciting finish resulted between Smith, Farquhar, and Jones, who finished in the order named, that close that a large umbrella would have covered the trio. Time, 2m. 6 2 ss. 300 yds Amateur Handicap: The starters were-R. Oliphant scratch, R. Movie 15yds, A. Wright 17yds, G. Smith 18yds, W. Gavey 18yds, A. Saunders lSvds, A. H. Williamson 19yds, J. P. McPhail 19yds, J. J. Fairweather 20yds, Williamson on his recent performances was voted the good thing, and so it proved, he winning comfortably from Smith, after whom came Wright. Time, 32 1-58.

One-mile Bicycle Costume Race: Conditions —Run first lap with machine, ride second lap with umbrella shut, third lap with umbrella open, fourth lap without umbrella up to 50 yards from tape, leave machine, get into a sack and tie around waist, go as please to finish. The starters were—E. Bochard, G. Barnes, A. Skeates, P. Howdeu, W. H. Jackson, G. Hyauisson, J. McCallum, J. McDermott, As may be gathered from the conditions, the race afforded a great fund of amusement, as did also the several original costumes worn by the competitors. McDermott established a lead in the first lap, he being the fleetest of foot, but young Barnes (who enjoyed the limit) reversed tne order when the machines were mounted, and at the third lap held a commanding lead, but omitting to comply with the conditions by not negotiating the fourth lap on tho machine lost the race, which fell to Howden, the struggle between he and McDermottover the fifty yards in the sacks being highly amusing. Jackson liuished third. No time taken. One-Mile Handicap : The starters were: W. Farquhar scratch, S. Murphy 30yds, J. C. Smith, 30yds A.H. Goldsbury 50yds,J. Mitchel 75yds, J Miles 85yds, H. Griffin 95yds, J. McNair 100 yds. This proved a good thing for Goldsbury, who went to the front early in the race and was never, headed, J. Mitchel second, and Murphy third. Time, 4m. 48s,

THE CHILDREN'S SPORTS. 50yds Handicap (10 years and under): VV. Heath, 1: F. J. Barrett, 2. 100 yds (Handicap. 13 years and under): J. McOabe, 1; \V. Dervan, 2. This resulted in a dead-heat, and in the run off McCabe won by a font. 100 yds Handicap (over 15 years): A. Silva, 1 ; U. Kcarnes, 2. 440 yds Walk: P. McGovern, J.; W. Brerinail, '2. 100 yds Handicap (under 15): J. Heath, 1: T. Thorns, 2. Manx Race: Lynch and Reid. Steeplechase (one mile): M. Lynch, 1 } C. Kearnes, 2. •

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