THE BUTCHERS’ FESTIVAL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1030, 27 November 1891, Page 23

THE BUTCHERS’ FESTIVAL.

Although the elements frowned on Wednesday upon the butchers’ projected holiday, the knights of the cleaver were not dismayed. They were determined that come wet or shine their tenth annual picnic should not be postponed, and in this case, as in others, fortitude under trying oiroumstances wo.i its reward, for the day belied the morning's lowering prospect and turned out fine. However, the procession was shorn of its anticipated proportions. It merely consisted of some half a dozen horsemen displaying sashes, and preceded by Jenkins' brass band, and an equal number of vehicles gaily bedecked with flowers, the banner of the Association being carried in front. Air T. Marshall, mounted on a horse whose head was ornamented with a gilt crown, bearing a lofty white plume, acted as marshal. The route of march was from Cuba street along Alanners street, Willis street, and the Quay to the Government railway station, whence the train conveyed the party to McNab'a gardens, Others preferred to drive out. About 200 in all assembled at the gardens in a paddock alongside whjch a capital programme of sports was carried out under the direction of the following officers ; —President, Air W. H. Smith : treasurer, Mr C. Grainey; secretary, Air D. Taylor j committee, Alossrs W, Wollai'd. .T. Leekie, R. Vince, W. Alarm, W. Sheppard, T, Marshal], F, Guy, E. Kirkland, H. Boecker, H. Parker ; handicappers, Messrs H. Parker, W. Sheppard, and E. Kirkland ; starter, Mr T. Marshall ; judgo, Mr E. Grainey ; referee, Air J. Leokie. Meanwhile there were swings, toys, and lollies for the youngsters, hot water and milk gratis for pionioking parties, and a luncheon booth to meet the wants o( others.

We append the results of the sports, merelv premising that the_ prises consisted of useful aud ornamental articles presented by- various tradesmen : Open Race to all Butchers’ Subscribers.— Beavers, 1; Russell, 2 ; Brown, 3. Shopmen’s Race.—W. H. Smith, 1; W. Bailey, 2 ; -W. Sweeney, 3. Single Ladies’ Race.—Aliss Biddle, 1: Mis 3 AlcLaren, 2; Aliss Pearce. 3. Hawking-cart Men’s Rice.—Russell, 1 ; Aloore, 2 ; Vince, 3. Boys’ Race.—A. Warwick, 1; W. James 2 ; Alurphy, 3. Crder-cart Men’s Race.—Guy, 1; Kirkman, 2 ; Leckie, 3. Special Race for members of Butchers' Football and Cricket Club.—W. Sweeter 1 • F. Guy'-, 2 ; Bailey'. 3. Alaster Butchers’ Race.—S. Sweeney. 1: J. Aloore, 2 ; Vino-., 3. Slaughtermen or Reef-carters’ Bice. —0. Hannom, 1 ; Uaggitt. 2 ; Robinson. 3. Champion Race.—W. Sweeney, 1; J. Moore. 2 ; J. Warehain, 3. Married Women’s Race.—Airs Urines, 1; Mrs Ludwig, 2. Three other ladies were’leic at the post. Committeemen’s Race.—Guy, 1; Leckie, 2 • W. Welland, 3. „ GW*’ Race- Miss Riddle, 1 ; Alias AlcLueu 2 ; Alias Feliingham, 3. Riders’ Out Race.—G. Yalde.n, 1 ; W. Sweeney, 2 ; Ross, 3. Sweepstakes Race.—W. Brannigaa, l • S. Sweeney, 2 ; George Howe, 3. Bandmen’s Race.—George Howe, 1 - W. Gamble. 2 ; A. Smith, 3. All the races were 15.0 y.irds imndic-pa except the champion and J.-uJieV r f ,«s ifia length of which was 100 yards. The d .y’s festivities were rounded off with * social promenade concert and dance in the Princess Theatre, Tory street, in the evening, Minifie’a string band furnishing the music, and Mr H. Boecker acting as AI.C.- There was a large attendance.