MIDDLEMARCH SPORTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3016, 3 January 1912, Page 40

MIDDLEMARCH SPORTS.

It was a big train that took visitors rc Middlcmarch on the Ist, when the local Caledonian Society held its annual fixture. Bach succeeding year sees a growth in the popularity of this outing, this being the reward for the iiard work put in bv an energetic group of officials, led by Mr R. Walker au secretary. There is also always an aljsenco of doubtful performances by anj' of tho competitors, a fact readily recognised and greatly appreciated by tho public. Tho entries on this occasion—save in tho Sheffield Handicap, which nas a-Kan-do nod owing to lack of support—wore quite satisfactory, and tho events were got dff without delay, so that tho interest was maintained throughout. Mr F. R. Hobbs was present as tho representative of the Otago Centre. Unfortunately several sharp showers drove the spectators to shelter in the early stages, but the great, curtains of clouds soon cleared away and tho conditions were ideal The Middlcmarch Brass Band was in attendance, and not tho least, interesting item on the lengthy programme was an exhibition of high-jumping bv two ponies from Barton’s Circus. Tho following arc tho winners of tho various events: 100 Yards Maiden Race. —First heat— W. S. Smith 1, W. J. Harvey 2 Second boat —W. R. M‘Lean 1, A. Dunoan 2. Final—Smith 1, Harvey 2. A ding-dong go between tho first two men. One-mi to Bicycle Handicap.—T. iNFf. inlock (50yds) 1, S. M‘Brat.noy (35yde) 2. Tho limit man made good use of his handicap, and won rather easily. A protest against tho second man for having changed his machine during tho race was dis mined.

220 Yards Handicap.—J. HansoQ (14yds) 1, D. Sinvo (syds) 2, W. Fisher (Iyd) 3. This race (substituted for the Sheffield) was a capital one, the field being well bunched at the finish.

Half-mile Handican. —J. Cairnov (12vds) 1, W. Harvey (35yds) 2, J. Hanson (20yds) 3. Some of the starters were palpably unfit to tiee the distance-out.

Three-milo Bicyclo Handicap.—F. Al'Lintock (120yds) 1, S. M’Bratney (60yds) 2, A. Williams (160yds) 3. The track was a littlo bumpy in places, but the riders cut this event out at a gruelling pace, Al’Bratncy putting in a nice spurt at the finish. Heavy-weight Wrestling.—Al. Cameron 1, D. Cameron 2, G. Peat 3. Some fine bouts were witnessed in this contest, and it was lato in the afternoon when tho final was contested. Hop. Step, and Jump.—J, A. Hamilton (43ft lin) 1, T. Maswio (42ft) 2, H. Moynihan (41ft Sin) 3. Putting the Stone. —J A. Hamilton (sfeffc 3in) 1, D Cameron (35ft Sin) 2, H. Aloynihan (52ft 21 n) 3. 220 Yards Hurdles.—W. Fisher (4yds) 1. J. Trotter (3yds) 2, J. A. Hamilton (6yds) 3. A popular win for tho local man. Throwing tho Hammer. —M. Cameron 1, D. Cameron 2, J. Cartwright 3. 120 Yards Handicap.—First heat —D. Devlin (7yd©) 1, D. Sim© (4yds) 2. Second heat—W. AULean (10yds) 1. Hunter (7yds) 2. Final—Devlin 1. Sime 2. Won with something to spare Light-weight Wrestling.—A. Al‘Aslin 1, W. Jackson 2. Some highrclasa wrestling was seen in this section, which was tho centre of attraction to a' great many of the spectators. Two-milo Bicycle Handicap.—J. Shand (©cratch) 1. T. M‘Lin took (80yds) 2. R. Andrew© (90yds) 3. The winner rode a splendid race, and seems likely to make a name on the track.

One-mil© Bicycle Handicap.—T. M‘Lintock (50yds) 1, S. M'Bratney (35yds) 2. There were still two events to bo decided when our representative had to leave. The children alco wero liberally catered for in the matter of races. It is not often one mectn so hard-working and obliging a press steward as the gentleman who acted in tint capacity In teh evening the annual ball was held, and was largely attended.