THE HOLIDAYS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume X, Issue 4095, 27 December 1887, Page 3

THE HOLIDAYS.

Christmas of 1887 baa been numbered with the past, and people are now looking forward to the l*ew Year holdays, which will be here fa a few days. On Christmas eve the streets were crowded with people, and the town was m«de merry with ihe music of the bands. Thoogh most of the shops were kept open until a later hour than usual, the streets were pretty well cleared by midnight, and Christmas, as was befitting seeing that it was Sunday, wss ushered In quietly. On Sunday the •eather was intensely hot, the day being e hottest that has been experienced this turner. Yesterday the »uu again shone c very hotly, but tbe heat was tempered b * strong bree«?, which, though at tit. causing some little discomfort, had » T r refreshing effect. The d»y wss, of w SO ! kept as a general holiday, and *he B»e«Julk of the people wueht pleasure •nd «dtb In the country, and by far tb~-erea««p-opo«ion we«t by trains in fitferent tactions, bat » Urge T£?° er availed ,ben,elveaof vehicle*. Whither all tbe pe»pU w«ot may be judged from the reports giva below, but it m»y be added tha". thertwere a number of private outings. The tt»l number of people who travelled by rai to the picnics of the Garriton Band at City Binds cannot be stated positively gcause of the number of small chlldrenfor whom no charge is made, tut we are ble to give figures so far as the tickets ire o' earned. These

are— Garrison Baoj, 1190, exclusive of those isnud at anions south of Hillgrove, of which wabavo no definite information; Ci>yßam ? 723. The fworps for Oimaru were- Gart*>n Banrl, 1002, repreientattog 652 ful tickets; &7 Band. 702. representing «52 fu'l ticV-u. It may fairly be estimated -hat fully 20*0 people travelled from o»m.iro to one or other of the picnic*. Of the more puMic events we write in detail below, and w«. need do no mora now thin say that there ia reason to believe th«t the holiday *ae thoroughly enj->yed. We may, bowt'er, make the general reoark that the tr,in arrangements were /ood, and tfat Mr Crombieia deserving of commentation for the provision he mm» for the conveyance and comfort of so large a nsmber of excursionists.

TRADESMJN'S RACING CLUB. I Considering the many counter attractions, the abtve racas were well attended yeaterday, there being a large number of ladies pretest— an unusual thing for an Oamaru racs meeting. To say the least, tie racing was good, only one horse being scutched out of tbe many entries made. Fortunately there were no accidents, and everyihinr, pitied off pleasan'ly. In the absence if the Mayor, Mr Dalrell efficiently jerformed the duties cf judge. Mr Davis at starter, and Mr Crawford aa clerk of the scales, were successful in the respective ditiea devolving npon them. During the day Messrs Muon and Roberta had «ne of iheir toialisators at work, and seened to do an excellent business. About 1636 were put throueb the machine. The refreshment booth was under tbe charge of Mr A. Johnston. To the Secretary (Mr Rule) and the Committee must be given great credit for the perfect arrangement* made, and which left notblrg to mar the success of tbe meeting. The resnlts were as follow :

MxtDtzr Platx of 10 sova: One mile. Mr J. s-ewell'a (oa) b m Jenny Lind, 4yrs, 8»t 9 b (Tripp) ._ 1 Mr Shortell'i ch g Tommy syri, 8«t 131b Tcmlin ... ... 2

Dick (8 it 131 H), Forrester (8-t 13ib). Blackthorn (Bi' 13ib) Hotupur (Bit 13 t), Go Bane (Bit 13 b), Dan (8« llh), Julia <Bit lllb), and Cremorna (Bit lltb) also no. J alia bad the worst of an indifferent ■tart, of whica the winner took advantage. Hotspur made a game effort when half the distance had been covered, butrhad soon to give way lo Tommy and rjnoiier. Neither of these were equal to the tff-jrt required of them, Jenny Lind winning tha race comf irtably; Tommy second, Foros'er and Blackthorn running a dead heat for third place.—Time lmin 58-ec. To'aluator 90 investors 25 on the winner. Dividend L 3 4a.

Boxrac Day HiXUiCAr of 30 ion. Cue mile and a qnar er. Mr T Fba'der*' bf Belladonna, 3yr*, 7<t 61b (M Do ia d) 1 Mr J Sewell's bk g lenakoe, Spa S<t (Tripp) 2 Jdr H Wilaon's b g Mohawk, aged Sit (Waldes) 3 Matjo-v Moore (8 it 121b) also ran. Mizpah (7<t 10ib) waa to the post bat reluied to start. Tanakoe got away first and made the pace a warm one, the other hone* befog in c!o«e attendance. Belladonna icon began to close on the leader, and at the j-mila poet took the lead and waa never again approached. Maijory Moore finding tbe pace too warm retired. The win waa rather an c»w one for Belladonna. Time 2ooin 23f<ec. Totallsator 118 investors, 15 on the winner. Dividend L 7 Is* Koran. Hasdicjlt of 15 sots. Ore mile, Mr N. i aldwsil's b m Jenny Llnd. 4 yra. 7«t 81b ... (Tripp) 1 Ut O. B. Wue's b m J alia, 6y s. Sit 2 Mr J. Dineen's bg Plax-ger, aged, 9it lib (-ymt») 3 Unit (Sit 121b) and Tommy (Bit 7ib) also ran. This nee waa another victory for Jenny Lfnd, who, at the fill of the flie, started off with Jalla on evt& terms. Jenny was pulled in and Plnnger then cime op and took her place, bat soon after, when the ran home waa reached, the mare ag*io rushed to tbe front and won by lengths. Totallsator— 88 investoia, 38 on the winner. Dividend L2 If. Hutdiolp Tdu Tbot, of 20 sou. Three miles. Mr E. Conlan'a b g Silver Prince, syrs Ssaee Mr Jcha Murphy's b m Jean, aged, 65aec ... 2 Mr J. £ swell's or g Sifj Care, syrs. 6S«ce (imyth) 3 Kabbiter ('C-aieh), Charlm (12ieo>), Will-if-I-Can (22-K-ca), Bob (38 ec>), E »a (6oiecs), Qaeeo (65 <ecs), May Girl (70iecs), and Tom (70seca) alio trutted. Tip to the first mile there waa very little difference in the relative positions of the hones* At tbia atage Safe Core sairimed the lead, but was scon after supplanted by Silver Prince, the latter winning the race by aboat eight lengths from tbe second hone. Most of the others were close op. Time 10 coins 15s. Totallsator—lo3 7-Ll3 4t. Txjdisjus's Hasbicit. of 20 son. One

mile. Mr T. Shalder** b I BelJadonna, 3yn, 7tt 71b _ (M-Donald) 1 Mr John Keoyon'a b m Marjory Moore. 6yr», oi* lib .- ... (Hobra) 2 Mr W. W. (.liver's b m Beeswing. 6jn or aged, 7ft 10.b5... .„ ... (Tripp) 3 Botespur (9it 3lbs), Mohawk (8« 2lba), and Dan (7*t), also ran. Tbia raca resulted In another victory for Belladonna, which won comfortably, though carrying top weight. Time, Imm 45 sec. Tuiahait >r—7B investors, 25 on to* winner ; dividend, L 3 161 Hasdicajp Post Tkot of 8 sovt, for ponies 14 tunda or under (to be maasurod before starting). MrJTWUHamfMand 1 Mr J. Swell's ;Jaf a Core ... 2 MrßQi'aMary 3 Souter also trotted. This race waa rather an easy undertaking for the winner. At the start Mary went away with a strong lead, which she kept for about a mile, wnen aha was overhauled by Maud, Safe Care also beating her for secood place. Dividend, LI 141. The Hack Bace of 5 aovs brought out a field of 8, the winner turning np in Forrester, ridden by J. Queen. Dividend 14016 a.

CosSo:aticw Hajjdicat', of 10 sovs. Once round the coarse. Go-bsng(6rt) - J Tenskoe (Bst 10b) 2 M»rj-ry Mnore (9jt) ... Hotspur (6st 7lb) and Dan tfst) also ran. This race was virtually a boil over, the win cf Go B*og proving a great sell to most of ibe speculators on the totahaator. The win was, however, a lucky one tor one or two individuals, the dividend being L 25 6i.

NGAPARA CALEDONIA SOCIETY. (FEOH OUB. OWK COSBESPONDKNT ) The above aoci-7 held its annual guherin* disagreeable *>* b »°™R' there was a largt attenAnce rf visitors Through the cour«.y of Messrs Little Bros in placing one of their paddocks at the disposp-* of the Committee, they were endued to hold the sports close to the township. 7b.9 general arrangements appeared excellent, which was due principally to the zsal and enthusiasm of the President of the Socifty, Mr A. Murdoch, and the

energetic C >mmittee under him. Ihe handicappers we-e Messrs J. and A. D.ilgleish and P. Filconer. who gave great satisfac-ion, a very difficolt thine where there were so many to please. Mr Murdoch acted as judge of the running, jnrap : Dg, and vaulting, and Messrs Conlan Waidell, O'Brien, and H.wden were juiges of the wrestling. The gathering was mu:h en'ivenid by the mosic provided by the Maheuo Brass Bind, which played some very good *el c i»ns. Dance mosic was supplied by Mr Cook. As hon. s< c. to the S .ciety. Mr N mmo is deserving of very gn a - credit for his energy. The Committee individually also worked bard with the resnit that everything went smoothly. Some very acceptable and valuable gif's were presented to the Society by Messrs J. Bulluid and Co., Messrs Mollison and Co., Miss O'Connor, Messrs «J. aid T. Young, J. Hood, A. Fraser, J. M. Brown, Clarke and C >., ItTaylor, R. H. J. G. Moir, W. R'ck--"8, T. Johnston, D. Lamont, W. B'e, G. Bruwnlee, and J. Henderson. In addition to the principal events, as given below, there were several minor races for women and children, which created great in-ere»r, and, in several cases, a good deal of fun.

QcoiTiNG Bakdica* ; fist prize, 20a; secn-d, lOi; third, sj. T. Little, scratch 1 J, >immo, 7 points 2 R. Smith, 2 points 3 Little beat Cook by 21 to 7, Smith beat Nimmo by 21 to 17. Little be»t Nimmo to 10, and Cook beat Smith by 21 to 14. 220-1 abds Maides Race ; first p.izs, 25j ;

| second, I2j 6d, T. Hamvgau 1 1). Little ._ ... 2 W. Mewbnrn 3 This was a very good race, Hanninghan winning pretty comfortably. Hop. > izr- A"i> Leap (hindioiT-); fi fst prize, iOs »nd box tea ; second, 103. M. 'Brien (Bid) 4-if: Bin ... 1 A. Dirreeo (era ch). 39 t 3in ... 2 A. t ichards n (3m) 37ft ... 3 O'Brien had f»r the best of the jamp, apart from his handicap of Bio, his reord of 41fc being very good. Light Hamkbr (handicap); first prizs, •£oa ; second. 10-. W, Fobe-t«Oii (7f". 97ft sia ... 1 J. Gibson (12ft, 97f cam ... 2 W. Fergusscn (I2fCj, 94ft 4in ... 3 The other competitors wpre—W. Grant (scratch), J. Henderson (13ft). A. Dir<=en, (13ft), R. Grigg (12f ), W. Frew (14ft), D. Herald (10ft, and D. Rjes (16f ). 120 Yabds Bakdica* —First prize, 30s j second 15a ; third, hi, DlittKSyds ... ._ ... 1 H Rankin, 3yds 2 J Taylor, 3yds 3

R. Taylor, (scratch), J. Hannig»o (2yds), J. Barry (2;df). J. Erorett (3yds), and P. Grant (4yda; also ran. The race was an excellent one throughout, the handicapping being very evea. The competitors were all close together at the finish. Little winning by about a yard, half that distance dividing second and third man, Time 12 4 5 recunds. Pcni c Heavy Bail (handicap.)— First prize, 20:); sec nd I0<; third, g-.ft. W rant, 12.n, 3Ht 6in .„ 1 W Rtbertaon. scr. 30't lOin ... 2 J Gil sun, \im 30ft 9ia ... 3 Hi jbla>d Fujtc —"irat prise, 20i; sec nd 10-'. CFnlton _ ... 1 U tat raon ._ ... ._ 2 There were six entries for this event, Charles Falcon, who wore full highland dress, taking first priz». trssiso Bict Isir (han3ic«p.)—First prue, 20<: so nd, 10.. A Pirem. acr. 5t 3 n ... „ 1 R M'Cull'-ch. Sin. sft 2 n ... 2 A bichardaon, 2i i, sft lia ... 3 Th« other contestants were : J. Hannigan, (3 n) and G. Parkes (5 n.) if aides Wmftiiso, (Comr-e -land style.)— First prize, 253; seond, 15 = ; tbir), 7« 61. W i.ardiner 1 M Mo iarty ._ 2 D Little .- 3

Gardiner and Little were the two first matched, the former securing two falls. Pjterson was beaten by Mori*ty, the Utter in hia turn being thrown by Gardiner. 410 Yabbs FAsricAF—First prize, 40a; second 203 ; third, lOi. P Grant, 13ydt ._ ... .„ 1 H Kankio, 12 ds 2 J Barchy 1-yd. _ 3

The race was won by about two yards from second man, a similar distance neparalfne second and third man. R Taylor (4»d?), J. Hannigan (11yds), J. Kverett (lords), J. Thompson (20yds). J. Taylor (13yd»), M. Little (scr), sni W. slewbory (17vnV), were the other competitors. Time 59£ seconds. Vaulting -wjtd: pole (bandicip)— First onzs, vUs. second. 10s. W. Ferguson (8m). 10ft sia ... 1 A. Mcbardson '»c). 9it Sin ... 2 G. Pij e- (4in). 9f - 6in ... ... 3 Tcssiso Ctnzn (handicap) First prize, 20s ; second, 10j ; 10 tntrie:. W.Gardinir _ 1 A. hall » ... 2 r s« sntx walk (hand : cap)—First prizs, 40s aad pin; setoud, '2os ; third, lOj. T. Little »or 1 A. "-rdgers, 120 yds 2 B. Wdaon, 120 yds ... ._ 3

The other walkers were Peterson and Mewbnrn. Time— 7mins. 5753e0. Little won by about 10 yards. Ibdh Jig - First pr.ze, 20j ; lecond, lOi. C. Falton 1 K Hill and 6 Piper, rqaal ... 5

CBtvnon Kics, 330 yards-First pr za, 30s and inkstand; second, 20s; 10s. J. Barclay 1 K. Kankin 2 A. Dalgleiah 3 Wrestijsc (Cumberland s'-yle)—First priza, 3C» ; second, 15s ; third, ss. T. Little 1 W. Pateraon ... _ ... 2 M. Connolly In the first trial Little beat Frew, Connolly beat M'lutosh, Paterson got two falls from Gardiner. In the final contest Little beat Peterson, and Connolly waa thrown by P.taraon. Hilt Mih Haxsic t ; first prize, 40s and am >kiog cap; a >o->ad, 20* ; third, 10s. W. Mvwbara. 40yds 1 P. Lite e, 12yd< ... 2 T. flakett, 25yda .. 3

An excellent race ensued, Mewbnrn having about three yards to the good at the goal post, the o*her two being close np. Time—2min 16&iec. Sack Back (handcap);, first prize, an •loom; second, a bat. J. J. J. denderson ._ ... ._ 2 J. Finoie 3 This waa a boys' race, the smallest competitor carrying off first honors.

Osb Vils Handicap Rack; first prize, 40i; scond, 20s ; third, 10s P.Grantlsyda 1 D. Little 15?ds _ 2 T. Balkett 15yds 3 At tbe finish Grant was leading the two other placed men by about eight yards, only a short distance separating Little and Ha'kett. The other starters were A. Dalgleish scratch, and T. Little 25yda. Time, smin. 16aec. Tuo-oy-WAE, 10 men aside, 3 entries. Mah«-no Brass Band 1 Local team 2 JS'orthOtago Hnsaara 3 The tilting at the ring had to be postponed on account of darkness setting in.

*—• GARRISON BAND picnic. The Garrison Band's annual picnic _ has long been recognised as one of the holiday events of the year, and each succeeding picoic has so strongly confirmed the pleasant impressions of its predecessor that it was not surprising to find the seventh, which was held yesterday, prove thoroughly successful, nbtwithatandine the many counter attractions. Following out their custom of selecting different localities for their picnic so that the children may be afforded opportunities for becoming acquainted with the district in which they live, the band this year chose Moeraki as the scene of their picnic, and certainly no better choice could have been made, for Moeraki is without question 'he most boantiful spot within reach of Oim-irn. It abounds with delightful scenery, and to those who live in or near town, the wide extent of varied bush affords a pleasant relief, and few there were of the large gathering yeaterday who would not have gladly lingered longer at such a charming place. We have already written of the number of people who went down by the two excursion trains from Oamaru, but in addition to these there were between 400 and 500 excursionists from Palmerston and other southern railway s'a'ions ; so that, counting children, fu'ly 2000 souls must have journeyed by tr*in to HiUgrove, the stooping place. Then theatesmara O'lau and Gerda, which made excursions from Dunedin, brought fully 500 persons, and if we add to theße the laige numher who went by road, we m-iv safely conclude that there were over 3000 people at Moeraki. How all these holiday-makers spent the day, wo have, of course, no means of telling. On the arrival of the first train, the mnj >rity of the people went down to the port to meet the excursionists, and were joined by the band, who played them back to the picnic ground. During the day many wandered away to the Maori kaik, others spent the day in exploring the extensive bush and viewing the many sights to be seen, and many contented themselves with listening to the music of the band, dancing upon the green, watching tbe sports for boys and girls, witnessing the grotesque Maori war dance performed by a number of dosky damsels, or seeing the little children made happy by a liberal distribution of toys and other things. We h ive not space to speak in detail of the many events for which prizes were given, and it mush, therefore, BUffiua to say that fully L4O worth of prizes were awarded to successful competitors in various events. The bulk of those prizaa were given by friends, to whom, a? well as to the gentlemen who gave up their own pleasure in order to conduct the games, the best thanks of the band are due. Altogether it may fairly be said that tbe picnic was an unqualified success, and that many would be glad to have such another outing at Moeraki.

♦ CITY BAND PICNIC. At "an early hour yesterday morning the town was enlivened by the playing of the above Bind in order to remind the citizens that Boxing Day had arrived and with it the City Band picnic. As the time drew near f>r the excursion train to leave, people began to congregate at the Railway Station, and whtn the whistle blew the train was comfortably filled. A few additions were mide to the number at the various country stations en rente, which, included with those who cams by road, and the residents in the neighborhood of the picnic grounds made quite an imposing gathering. Tha spot chosen was one well suited for the purposes required of it, as while giv ng shelter from the strong wind and hot bud, it afforded an excellent view of the surrounding country and provided many of these qoiet little nooks so much in request by young people when out holiday making. The B-ind were fortunate in their choice of I- cility and in receiving permission from the owners (Messrs Paterson Bros.) to hold their gathering there. After the inner man had been refreshed, preparations were made for the sport). In order that things should go smoothly, a strong Committee had been formed to carry out this part of the programme. Uufortnnately the bicycle race could not take place as the etrong wind made it almost impossible, but as the other items of interest were both varied and numerous, there was plenty to fill in the time. The games were so arranged to include events for both sexes whether old or yoong, and each event was keenly contested. Some of the prizes created great amusement, and among these was a sealed box, the contents of which was a snbj j ct of much specnlation; but whether the successful competitor was pleased or otherwise it was difficult to tell from the comical appearance of his face on finding himself in possession of a veritable chemist's shop. As usaal with Buch gatherings dancing attraced mnch attention, many of the young people taking advantage of the music provided by the band. An Aunt Sally cime in for her share of patronage, and reoeived some rather rough treatment from her admirers. As the evening began to close, the return j mrney was beguo, nearly everyone wearing some article of bash decoration, either of ferns, flowers, or torn dresses; but all, as far as could be observed, well pleased with the outing. Fortunately no mishap occurred to "mar the picnic, which will no doubt be remembered by many with pleasure.

PICNIC AT MAEREWBENTJA. A combined picoic, embracing the Livingstone, Maerewhenua, and Dantroon Schools, was held on the flat at the Maerewhenua School on B ziog Day. The weather proved eomewbat disagreeable, owing to the strong nor'-wester which was blowing across the flit. Some delay occurred in getting a start with the running, etc., and a great deal of time was wasted before anything was done. A considerable sntn of money had been collected in the three districts, which was eiven as prizes f>r running, jumping, etc. Well-wishers in Oamaru had also acted very liberally in presenting prizes consisting of toys, handbags, albums, and a variety of useful articles too numerous to mention, together with two tins of lollies. Prizss were given for the three most regular attenders at each school—three for the boys and three for the girls—and the most popalar boy and girl in each school. The evening proved beaut folly fine, and the must enjoyable part of the day was towards sunset when the high wind gave place to a mild calm, and the people seemed to enter into the spirit of the games more heartily and with greater good feeling than they had done in the earlier part of the day. A number of young people remained and wound np the day with a very pleasant dance in the schoolhonse.