HAWERA.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 325, 29 May 1878, Page 2

HAWERA.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Steps are being taken to remove the Hawera lagoons. The line lake bordered by Owen’s' and Lloyd’s Hotels, and from which we anticipated such line sport with the water fowl, has been entirely drained away—nothing but a long ridge of mud remaining to mark its previous locality. At Nonmmby the roads are in a dreadful state, especially the one leading to the saw mill, and it will now scarcely be possible to do anything towards improving them before the spring. This, however, seems to have had no ctfect'in lowering the prices of the town sections, which are still bought at fabulous sums, considering the present oomlition of the township. A peifeet mania for buying land at any price, seems to have sot in, and bush land on t ho ranges of Wakamara, is now realizing more than the finest, most open and cultivated land in and about Ilawera would have done some four or live years ago. The sports field at Walin', on the Queen’s Birthday, were well attended, many of the fair sexfrom Hawera putting in an appearance in spite of the coldness of the weather. Several of the events wore very closely contested. The 440 yards brought sto the post. In a weak moment I entered myself, and receiving a liberal start from the Handicappers, determined to make it hot for the rest. This I succeeded in doing for the-first 10 yards, when I altered my mind and determined to make a waiting race of it. This succeeded beyond my expectations, for becoming .excited and absorbed in watching the leaders, I absently pulled up in the middle of the last lap, to have a better view of the finish. Dougherty, though hard pushed by (4. Bailey, managed to breast the tape first. Minnix did not jump in his usual form, and being handicapped, seemed to have a depressing effect upon him. The mile race fell an easy victoiy to Corrigan, Dougherty being evidently greatly out of form. The 220 yards was a close thing between Bailey and Byrne, the latter, however, winning by about a yard. The wheelbarrow race, caused great amusement. Old Times was elected favourite, hut acting on the false counsel of a friend, who whispered 11 turn to the loft,” he came to grief in a pose and rail fence. Eggs in the basket was productive of great fun to the spectators. Fifty potatoes were placed in a row at a yard apart, with a bucket at one end, the competitor having to run and fetch one potato at a time and drop it into the bucket. Appearing an easy task, I again entered myself and with four others, each provided with similar rows, we started at a given signal. Never before had my calculation so utterly failed me. After running as it appeared to me a good five miles, I found my task only half completed, the British Lion, however, being roused within me I struggled on to the bitter end. The constant stooping brought on a spasm in the left side, to ease which I had to run with my body in a horizontal position, my legs also were attacked with a trembling sensation, which added to ray misery—a film gathered over my eyes, scalding drops of perspiration ran off my steaming face, yet still I strove, and finally dropped with my last spud exhausted at the bucket, to hear myself hailed as the victor of the second prize. Up to the present time I have been unable to regain my usual upright position. The wrestling was very good, the opponents being very evenly matched. The Old Man’s race fell to W. Adamson.

The following is a list of the winners:— 100 yards (handicap) —Ist prize, Wornefj' £1; 2nd prize, Mininix, 10s. Hop, step, and jump—lst prize, Mininix, £l, 384 feet ; 2nd prize, Draper, 7s 6d, 344 feet.

Boys race—lst prize, Symes; 2nd prize, A. IMiddieinas.

Wheelbarrow race—lst prize, Barldley, 7s 6d; 2nd prize, Karl, 2s Gd. 440 yards—lst prize, Dougherty, £2 ; 2nd'prize, G. Bayly, £l. High jump—lst prize, £1; 2nd prize, 7s 6d, Mininix and Draper divided. Sack Race—lst prize, Wolnor, 7s 6d ; 2nd prize, Corrigan, 2s 6d. Mile race—lst prize, Corrigan, £3; 2nd prize, Donghfgty, £1 10s. Running long jump—lst prize, Byrnes, £1; 2nd prize, Draper, 7s 6d. Three legged race —Ist prize, Mininix and Wills, 10s; 2nd prize, Broadbent and Byrnes, 3s.

'Half mile race—lst prize, Lacjg £2; 2nd prize, Greig, £l. Wrestling—lst prize, Conner, £1 10s; 2nd prize, Karl, 10s. Hurdle rage, 440 yards—lst prize, Lacy, £1 10s; 2nd prize, Draper, 15s. Put ting the Stone —Ist prize, Conner, £1; 2nd-prize, Johnstone, 7s Gd. Eggs in the basket—lst prize, Dougherty, £1; 2nd prize, Crowhnrst, 10s. 220 yards—lst prize, Byrnes, £1; 2nd prize, G. Bayly, 10s, Standing high jump—lst prize, Draper, 10s; 2nd prize, Wolner, ss. Old man’s race —Ist prize, Adamson.