MIDDLEMARCH SPORTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3277, 3 January 1917, Page 43

MIDDLEMARCH SPORTS.

Tho Strath-Taicri Caledonian Society had the satisfaction yesterday of finding that the decision not 10 relinquish the annual gathering on New year's Day had the full sanction of the- public, the attendance being quite up to the average, and exceeding that of last year. It was only to be expected that the events would not produce such Cue performances as have reunited in previous years, but that is of Utile consequence. The desire was to keep the rucet.iig going, and at the same time do something towards the patriotic fund-, ail the profits hoi::; handed over (or distribution among the various efforts carried on in the district. As matters turned out, however, there were some excellent contests, and the events for children and ladies went far to make an enloyable afternoon. Tho weather was excellent, a clouded sky and light breeze making things very pleasant. Music was supplied by the Middle-march Brass Band. No times were taken, ther.' being no timekeeper. Mr 11. Cameron discharged the duty of starter. The principal events resulted ns follows: Maiden Race, 100yds.—W. Ross 1. It. Jaruieson and H. „o'Ni ill (dead heal) 2. There were nine starters.' A very even race from start to finish. Allies' Handicap, 100yds (open order). —First heat: W. F. Johnson (Byds), 1; W. Movnihaa (-lyds), 2. Second heat: T. 11". O'Neill (Byds), 1; T. Fimdlay (2yds), 2. Final: O'Neill 1, Moynihan 2. There were eight competitors, four running in each heat. The final proved a good race. Youths' Wrestling, to 18 years (Cumberland, list 41b).-—L. Williams 1, 11. O'Neill 2.1). Peat 3. There wc-ro seven competitors. The display of skill was fair, but there was nothing brilliant about it. 75 Yards Dash Handicap.—First heat: ,T. Wil=o:i (oyds), 1; W. Movnihan (4vds), 2. Second heat: it. Jamieson (6yds), 1: T. Spratt (syds), 2. Final : Jamieson 1, • Spratt 2. There were 10 entries, four running in one heat and six in the other. Won by inches. Youths' Handicap, 1G or under, 75 yards.—E. p. Watson (syds)/ 1; G. Dundas (Byds), 2; J. T. O'Neill (scr), 3. There were eight competitors. A close finish. Single Ladies' Haeo (trophies), about 50 yards.— M. Mason 1. W. Mason and A. Lodge (dead heat) 2. Nine competed. A very gem 1 , race. Joffre Handicap 120»ds.—First, her/ : C. Findlay (Svds), 1; R. Hanson (Svds), 2. Second heat: W'. Ross (Cvds), 1. C. M'Phee (14yds), 2. Final: C. Findlay "(3yds), 1; R. Hanson (2yds). 2. There were nine competitors. Won by a yard. Ho*\ Step, nnd Leap Handicap.—J. Padsett (2ft).' S6ft lOin, 1; P.. Hanson (2ft), 86ft Sin, 2- F. Kearney (scr), SBft Sin, 3. Seven competed. 120 Yards Hurdle Handicap.—First heat: J.

Morton (6vds) 1; P. Kearney (scr), 2. f-eoond heat: F. i'edofsky (2yds), 1; ,1. Padgett (SydO, 2. Final: Padgett 1, Morton 2. Won fairly easily. Youth.-' kaoe, np to 1G years, 100 yards. —0. Bcw IToy 1, G. Dundas 2. There wire five competitors. Married Ladies' Rare.—Mra R. Tisdall 1. Mri Jackson 2. There were three competitors. The customary ball w.is held in the evening. The inusio was supplied gratuitously by Mr J. Deaker.