PRINCE OF WALES’ BIRTHDAY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4256, 10 November 1874, Page 2

PRINCE OF WALES’ BIRTHDAY

A finer day than yesterday never dawned and the good citizens of Wellington took every advantage of it for recreation. Early in the morningpic-nic parties sallied forth, with baskets in hand laden with choice edibles, and they monopolised the many pretty places surrounding the town. Oriental Bay, and the grassy nooks off the road leading to the Slip, afforded many sites for pleasure parties. The Botanical Garden came in for. a fair share of pleasure seekers, as also did PolhiU’s Gully. Vehicles were not to he had after an early hour, and every waterman’s boat was eagerly seized upon. The harbor presented an exceedingly gay appearance, the fleecy sails of the many yachts and pleasure boats as they glided about the hay enhancing the view in no small degree. His Excellency’s yacht and Mr, Pierce’s schooner Aurora cruised around the harbor during the afternoon, and a race out of port by three of our trading vessels added not a little interest to the day’s proceedings. The receipts of the Hutt Kailway yesterday must have been considerable, not a small proportion of the inhabitants of the city having found their way to the pleasant valley of the Hutt. All the vessels in harbor were gaily decked with bunting. SOMES ISLAND. There must have been nearly a thousand visitors to this interesting island during yesterday. The Stormbird, which ran across several times during the day, was crowded to excess each trip. Indeed, so eager were excursionists to inspect the Quarantine Station that they would not accept a refusal from those on board the Stormbird, but literally rushed the vessel. The Napier was to have assisted in conveying visitors, but she did not succeed in crossing the Manawatu bar till yesterday morning, thus throwing double duty upon the Stormbird. Arrived at the island, picnic parties were formed ; those who had providentially brought refreshments with them kindly inviting the less provident to partake at “ the social board.” The custodian of the quarantine buildings, Mr. Canning, had a busy time of it, in kindly showing visitors over the premises, which are at present in a most creditable condition. SPORTS AT THE BASIN RESERVE. Fully a thousand people attended the sports at the Basin Reserve. The arrangements for the day’s sport were all that could be desired, and reflect great credit on Mr. Collins, the promoter. A band enlivened the proceedings, and afforded an opportunity to the votaries of Terpsichore to indulge in their favorite pastime. Everything was conducted in excellent style, the races being ran to time, and no inebriety apparent. The sports commenced with a BOYS’ RACE, 200 YARDS. The entries for this event were, T. Boyd, T. Duffy, F. Garrick, J. McGinnity, J. Conley, T. Marks, H. Austen, and William Bright. The boys were started in two lots, and after some capital racing the money was won by Bright, with Boyd an excellent second. The next event was the MAIDEN PLATE, 100 YARDS. Luke King (a young Maori), W. Morriu, W. Freeman, Arthur Howe, and Kinniburg entered for this race. A splendid race was the result. Luke King, who got the start, was never headed, and carried off the honors, with Freeman second. Time, Hi- seconds. - The 'Maori who proved the victor in this race did likewise in every subsequent event he contested. 100 YARDS HANDICAP. Collins was placed at scratch ; Mailman, 1 yard; the Maori, 2 yards; J. Morrin, 2 yards ; Murphy, 3 yards ; Mahoney, 3 yards; W. Morriu, 4 yards. This race was well contested, the Maori again coming to the fore, about two yards ahead of Collins, who evidently was too heavily handicapped. Time, 11J seconds. THE WALKING MATCH. A walking match against time was substituted in lieu of the advertised Champion Mile Race. Mr. Purdy, the well known walker, undertook to walk three and a half miles within half-an-hour ; but when he appeared at the scratch it was the general opinion that in his present condition he would fail. The surmise proved to be correct, but with nothing to spare, as he accomplished the distance five seconds over the time specified. Purdy walked gamely, but he was far too fleshy to undertake the task. It was not his intention a few days ago to compete at yesterday’s contests, hut he consented at the last moment to enter the lists. 150 YARDS HANDICAP. Collins was placed at scratch, Mailman allowed 2 yards, the Maori 2 yards, J. Morrin 2 yards, Murphy 2 yards, Mahoney 2 yards, and W. Morriu 0 yards. It was expected that Collins would be the winner of this event, hut the knowing ones were at fault. The Maori again proved too fleet of foot, and came in a good winner. Time, IGJ seconds. THE MILE RACE was won by J. Moran, who from the start had it all his own way, VAULTING. Four competitors entered for this event, and after considerable play the laurels again fell to Luke King, the Maori, who won at the low vault of Bft. 2in. THE 200 YARDS HANDICAP was won easily by Collins, the Maori being second. The sports were brought to a close by a few impromptu races, and the spectators wended their way homeward after an afternoon’s excellent sport. THE FORESTERS’ DINNER. The Sir George Grey Court of Foresters celebrated its anniversary by a dinner at Miller’s Commercial Hotel last evening. Fortyfive gentlemen sat down to an excellent repast, which merited the justice it received. Brother Borlase occupied the chair, and Brothers Hammond and Croucher the vice-chairs. The loyal and patriotic toasts were duly proposed, and as duly responded to. In view of his approaching departure, the toast of “The Governor” was received with every mark of approbation. Mr. Urwin replied to “The Army, Navy, and Volunteers,” and related a tew of his experiences on board H.M.S. Iris during the Taranaki outbreak. To the toast of “ His Honor the Superintendent and Provincial Executive of Wellington," Brother Borlase replied, appraising the action of Mr. Hunter, as a member of the Provincial Government and representative of the city in the House of Representatives, in the highest degree. Brother Borlase also replied to the toast of “The

Mayor and Councillors of Wellington,” and deplored the difficulty that at present presented itself of finding a more suitable gentleman than himself to accept the civic chair. He announced his intention, in the event of a not more suitable candidate coming forward, to again do his best for the ratepayers of the city. The secretary of Court Sir George Grey, Brother D. S. Smith, in reply to “ The Executive Council of the Order of Foresters,” detailed the progress of Forestry in the Welling, ton district and generally, and stated that when founded in Wellington, by Court Sir George Grey, its members numbered only seventy. The total of financial members now on the books was 710, a most remarkable increase within a decade. In 1865 there were 65,909 Foresters, but in 1873 the number had increased to 446,488, with funds amounting to £1,623,307. In Wellington city alone there were over 300. He trusted that Foresters would ever be found found worthy of their motto—“ Unity, Benevolence, and Concord.” Other toasts were proposed and responded to, and the proceedings of the evening were enlivened by a number of well rendered songs. The company dispersed after a most pleasant and agreeable evening had been spent. THEATRE ROYAL. Last night the Stephenson-Burford Company . received the compliment of a better house than they have done since their commencement here. The opening play was “The Peep-Show Man,” out of winch Mr. Hyde* made a great deal of fun. The afterpiece was the pretty burlesque of “ Ixion, or the mau at the wheel.” We do not say that this fine piece of work was produced as admirably as it has been placed on the stage elsewhere, but there is no doubt that it was well played, and that, should it be repeated, the company would not have to complain of lack of patronage. Miss Stephenson plays with the insjnration of genius, and is ably seconded by Miss Follande and the other members of the company. SELECT SOIREE. In every respect the select soiree in the Odd Fellows’ Hall last evening was a success. The and choruses which constituted the first part of the entertainment were rendered in a manner that reflected great credit upon the amateurs who engaged in them. Dancine was commenced shortly after nine o’clock, and wa» kept up with unflagging spirit till midnight. At times there could not have been fewer than eighty couples on the floor. The addition to the funds of the object for which the soiree was given must have been appreciable.