BOXING DAY AMUSEMENTS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2735, 27 December 1881, Page 2

BOXING DAY AMUSEMENTS.

Holiday makers yesterday had fine weather for out door arauseraentß,though the temperature was rather on the uncomfortable side of an index pointing to " warm." Timaru was almost entirely empty during the day. picnics in the country, sports gatherings in the suburbs of Timaru, at Waimate and Temuka,and a race meeting at Albury, sufficiently accounting for the emptiness of the streets." The early train for Waimate took a large number of visitors to that neat little township, the branch train having to take carriages from both Nortb and South trains, and then add an open track, in order to accomodate the extra traffic. The Caledonian Sports, (held I on Boxing day, so as not to clash with the Timaru and Oamaru Caledonians) held in a paddock in the township, were the chief attraction no doubt. They were largely attended, and were well worth witnessing, the best of our local athletes competing. The Waimate Floral and Horticultural Society's Flower Show, formed a second attraction. Thia was held in the schoolrooms, which were liberally and skilfully decorated with fronds of the tree fern, green foliage, and flowers. The exhibition was a very pleasing one, not so much for its extent, but for the excellent manner in which the various exhibits were arranged. In the evening a ball was given by the Volunteer Fire Brigade, which was very well attended. At Temuka a sports meeting was held by the Royal Alexandrovna Lodge of Oddfellows, in the Park. These were very enjoyable, the committee working hard to please old and young. The Temuka brass band, and the drum and fife band of the Volunteers were on the ground, and added much to the pleasures of the day by their lively strains. The race meeting at Albury was also a success, good fields starting for each event, and in most cases good contests taking place for the first honors. At Timaru the amusement of the day was the Friendly Societies' sports gathering, which was attended by about 1500 people, who evidently enjoyed themselves, though the programme dragged somewhat. In the evening the Foresters' held their annual banquet, which was well attended by members of the Order and of other Friendly Societies. The Christchurch Opera Company's presentation of " The Chimes of Normandy," offered to others a pleasant mode of winding up the holiday, and this was taken advantage of by a good many. To-day was also generally held as a holiday by the offices and stores in town, and the streets have been very quiet in consequence. We give below fuller accounts of the Friendly Societies' sports at Timaru, and of the Caledonian sports at Waimate. FEIENDLY SOCIETIES' SPOETS. Timaru members of the Foresters and M.U. Oddfellows in Timaru combined their forces yesterday to hold a sports meeting in Green's paddock, which was fairly successful. In the morning a procession of the two lodges was formed at the Foresters' Hall, and headed by the T.A.V. Band, marched through the town to the sports ground. The procession was gay with banners and the peculiar dresses of the representatives of the ancient Foresters—Eobin Hood, Little John, and Will Scarlet—who led the way on horseback, and with the regalia of the Orders. The sports were not very well managed, there being a great delay in getting the events off, and a manifest lack of preliminary organization. Despite this drawback, however, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and the beautiful, too hot weather, the excellent playing of the baud, and other means of amusement, kept Ihe holiday makers in good humor. There were about 1500 present during the afternoon, including a good many youngsters. A blessing to these was a "unicycle," or tumabout, which was kept rattling all the while, and an Aant Sally was pretty liberally patronised by " children of larger growth." A general license booth and. a temperance booth were liberally patronised, hut there was no sign of excess, although the weather was very conducive to thirstiness. The following are the resnlts of the various events : Maiden Eace. 100 yards. First prize £llos ; second, £l. M. Hobbs 1 J.Mulcahy... 2 A. McKinnon 3 Walking Handicap, lmile. First prize, £2los; second, £1 10s. T. Clarke (35yds) 1 J. Lawtie (scratch) ... 2 J. Delaney (30yds) and B. Mahoney (40yds) also started. Won easily by Clarke. Wrestling, Cumberland Style. First prize, £3 ; second, £2. J. O'Neill 1 J.Gibson 2 Hapi (native) and Collins also contested. This was an exciting event. The two prizetakers are young and strong, and though not possessed of much skill, they were equally matched, and.had a hard struggle for victory. Friendly Societies Handicap ; 200,300, and 400 yards.—First prize, £3 ; second, £2 ; third £l. 200 Yards. J. McKinnon 1 M. Hobbs 2 C. Peters, A. J.Morris, and R. Waugh also ran, all starting from scratch. McKinnon led throughout, though had not Hobbs slipped in going round a corner he apparently would not have done so. Morris and Waugh fell. 300 Yards. M. Hobbe ... 1 j J. McKinnon ... ... 2 ]

At this distance Hobbs turned the tables on McKinnon, getting the_ lead and keeping it to the end, McKinnon close up, and Morris a good third, All started from scratch in this event also. 400 Yards. A. J. Morris (10yds) ... 1 M. Hobbs (10yds) 2

C. Peters (10yds), J. McKinnon (scratch), and R. Waugh (10yds) also ran.

Morris got the lead and was never overtaken. McKinnon, who ran so well in the two shorter events, gave up before completing the course, when he saw he could not overtake Hobbs. The prizes going by points, Hobbs won the first prize, with one first and two seconds, McKinnon the second prize, with one first and one second, and Morris the third prize, with one first and one third.

Vaulting with the Pole—First prize, £1 10s ; second, £lO. A. McKinnon 1 S. Hughes 2 J. McKinnon and T. Sullivan also competed. Boys’ Race, 150yds—First prize, £1 ; second, 10s. W. Hibbard 1 J. Hay 2 Tug of War, 10 Foresters r. 10 Oddfellows—Prize, £2 10s, divided.

This event was a most unfortunate one. There was first a good deal of disputing as to whether Committeemen should or should not be allowed to pull; this being settled, a mistake was made by holding the tug in the narrow running ground, where the crowd could not be kept back. At last the opposing teams got to work. Two ropes were broken, and then a stronger one being obtained, a splendid tug took place, the men holding on for a long time, At last the Oddfellows got the best of it and walked off with their opponents, but their victory was protested against, as some of them turned round and got the rope over their shoulders. The protest was upheld, and the prize was not awarded. Baby Show, 12 months and under; open to all comers. First Prize, £2; second, £l. Mrs McDonald 1 Mrs Clarkson 2 There were seventeen entries for these prizes, and the judges, Mesdames Taylor and Houston needed all their experience to make their awards. Banning Handicap. 1 mile. First prize, £2 ss|; second, £llos. T. Ferguson (scratch) ... 1 J. Mulcahy (30yds) ... 2 J. Laurie (20yds), M. Hobbs (30yds), and W. McNally (30yds), also ran. This was a capital race, with a close finish between the two place!, Ferguson getting in with only a few inches to spare. Obstruction Race. 100 yards, in heats. First prize, £1 10s ; second, £l. There were ten competitors for these prizes, who run in pairs, but the competion was not finished, the three last in it dividing. The “ obstructions ” to be got over, or through, out and home, were a loose hurdle, to be got over, a cement barrel to be crawled through, and a couple of ladders tied together at the tops, to be run up and down. A good deal of amusement was created by this race. The almost frantic efforts of some of the men to get up and down the ladders in other than the ordinary way exciting great laughter. Consolation Race, 100 yards. First prize, £110s; second, 15s. C. Peters 1 A. McKinnon 2 This was a very close race, the best of the day. Juvenile Races,

During the afternoon the hat was sent round, and money collected for some races among the members of the Juvenile Lodge of Oddfellows. Two races of 150 yards, with prizes of 10s, ss. and 2s 6d were run. In the first the winners were ;—J. Reid, 1 ; T. Machin, 2 ; W. H. Kay, 3. In the second ; —G. Double, 1 ; H. Butterworth, 2 ; W. Leggott, 3. A consolation, with prizes of 3s, 2s, and 2s, resulted :—Thoreau, 1 ; Ford, 2 ; Cullman, 3. FORESTERS’ DINNER. In the evening the members of the Foresters’ Lodge held their annual banquet in their Hall, at which about seventy members of the Order visiting brethren, and representatives of kindred Societies sat down. Bro. G. H. Warrington, Chief Ranger, occupied the Chair, and Bro. J. Kirby, Sub-Chief Ranger, the Vice Chair. A good spread was provided by the caterer, Bro. Burford, and this having bad justice done to it, the tables were cleared for the toasts, a programme of which with songs interpersed, had been prepared. After the loyal toasts, “ The Kindred Societies” was proposed, and in responding on behalf of the Loyal Timaru Lodge, 1.0.0. F., Bro. Leggott referred to the friendship that had always existed between the two Orders, and hoped it would continue and increase. He recommended the Foresters to institute a Juvenile Lodge, which would act as a nursery to the adult Lodge. The Juvenile Oddfellows’ Lodge in Lyttelton had been most successful, and one that had been started in Timaru, though only a fortnight old, gave promise of being equally successful, — they had nearly forty members already. He hoped the Foresters would institute such a Lodge, as emulation would cause the youngsters to work better for their Lodges. Bro. Atwill (Court Foresters’ Pride, Waimate) also responded, and in doing so described the advantage that Court was receiving by dealing themselves with their funds as bankers, or as a cooperative loan Society, In responding to the toast “ The High Court a.0.F.,” Brother Worry gave some interesting statistics prepared for the sitting of the High Court at Northampton in August last. There were then in existence in different parts of the world, 298 districts, 4584 Courts, with 555,062 benefit, and 13,000 honorary members ; the accumulated capital of the Order was £2,945,774 ; local Court funds, £2,608,228, and district funds, £325,343. Later, in responding to another toast, Bro. Werry read some figures showing the position of the Timaru Court. During the year 23 new members had been initiated, but 14 hid left, leaving an increase of 12 ; (he receipts for the year had beer, £550, and the expenditure a- follows :—sick pay, £145 ; funeral donations, £44; doctors, £204 ; management and general expenses, £92 ; total, £385, leaving a credit balance of £165. The value of the _ Court’s property revalued, together with cash in hand, was £3,950, an increase of £622 since the last year’s valuation.

Bro. Foden proposed—" The Legislature of New Zealand" coupled with the name of Mr Turabull, MH.R. The Vice-Chairman seconded the toast and made a few remarks upon the reeent extension of the franchise. He particularly deprecated any fear being entertained that any mischief would result from political power being given to the mass of the people. He believed that the possession of responsibility would induce men to educate themselves up to it, so that they could use their power fitly. Mr Turnbull, in responding, said be felt sure the political power was safe in the hands of the people He had often heard it remarked in the House that the working men, the poor members in the House, were the most independent. Speaking of the state of the country he said he believed it to be in a very critical position, a bad harvest might result in the financial ruin of the colony so great is the sum to be annually taken from profits to pay interest on the colonial debt. We had nothing put by for a rainy day, no accumulated savings, so that we are not in a position to stand a storm. One direction in which savings might be effected was by extending local government as much as possible, and the way benefit Societies such as he had the pleasure of being the guest of managed their business, showed that there was plenty of administrative ability to be found in the country. " The Borough Council," proposed by Bro. McGeown, was drunk with musical honors, and responded to by Councillors Shepheid and Sherratt. Other toasts were proposed, and the party broke up at an early hour, alter spending a pleasant evening. CALEDONIAN GAMES AT WAIMATE. The seventh Caledonian gathering at Waimate was held yesterday and was a great success. There was a large attendance, and the visitors were rewarded with some excellent sports. The band of the Oamaru Rifl«s played on the ground during the day, and with half a dozen pipers, made plenty of music. The events were all well contested, and the only drawbacks to the day's enjoyment for visitors were the excessive heat and a degree of dilatori ness in getting off the successive items. The following are the results: — Quoits —First prize, £2 ; second, £l. J. Dalgleish 1 D. Lindsay and W. Andrews divided the second prize. Throwing the Heavy Hammer—First prize, £2 ; second £1 ; third, 10s. D. Chalmers (75ft) 1 J. Talbot (68ft Gin) ... 2 A. Martin (67ft 4in) ... 3 Hop, Step and Jump—First prize, £1 second, 15s ; third, 10s. J. Cumming (40ft llin) ... 1 N. Austin (39ft 9in) ... 2 W. H. Rule (39ft 6in) ... 3 Putting Heavy Ball—First prize, £110s; second, £1 ; third, 10s. D. Chalmers (35ft 6in) ... 1 J. Talbot (29ft lOin) ... 2 H. Slade(29ft) 3 Bagpipe Music First prize, £4 ; second, £2 ; third, £l. D. Campbell 1 It. Finalyson 2 R. Calder 3 Flat Race (handicap), 200yds First prize, £2 ; second, £1 ; third, 10s. A. Drayton )40yds) ... 1 J. Oliver (9yds) 2 D. Craig )16yds) 3 Throwing the Light Hammer First prize, £1 ; second, 15s ; third, 10s. H. A. Slade 1 A. Martin 2 D. Chalmers 3 Running High Jump—First prize, £1; second, 15s; third 10s. N.Austin (sft 3£in) ... 1 A. Martin 2 D. Chalmers 3 Irish Reel (in national costume) —First prize, £2, second, tOs. J. Murray, senr 1 G. Gleeson 2 County Race, 440 yards handicap—First prize, £2 10s; second, £1 10s; third, £l. A. Drayton (70yd8) ... 1 W. F. Reeve(3oyds ... 2 R. G. Snodgraßs(Bcratch)... 3 Wrestling (Cumberland style) First prize, £3 ; second, £2 ; third, £l. H. A. Slade 1 J. Gibson 2 P. O'Gndy 3 Reel o* Tulloch (in Highland costume)— First prize, £2 ; second, £l. J. Murray, senr 1 D. Gallic 2 Putting the Light Ball—First prize, £1 10s ; second, £1 ; third, 10s. D. Chalmers 1 A. Martin 2 J.R.Talbot 3 Waimate Cup, 440yds,- Handicap First prize, £4; second, £2; third, £l. J. F. Oliver (19yds) ... 1 D. Craig (19yds) 2 J. Dalgleish (Uyds) ... 3 Best Dressed Highlander— First prize, £2 ; second,£l. J.Murray, senr 1 C. Pelvin 2 D. Campbell 3 Highland Fling (in costume) First £2 ; second, £l. J. Murray, senr 1 C, Pelvin 2 Vaulting with Pole—Firat prize, £2; second, £1; third, 10s. T. McAuliffe 1 N. Austin 2 A. Riddle 3 Sailor's Hornpipe (in costume)—Firat prize, £2 ; second, £l. G. Gleeson 1 J. Murray, senr 2 Grand Champion Race, 880 yards (Handicap); entranoe fee, ss—First prize, £5; second, £2 10s ; third, £1 ; eight entries. D, Craig (20yds) 1 A. Dalgleish (scratch) ... 2 J. F. Oliver (25yds) ... 3 Sword Dance (in costume)—First prize, £2; second, £l. J. Murray, senr 1 R. Calder 2 Irish Jig (in costume)—First prize, £2; second, £l. G. Gleeson... 1 J.Walker 2 4do Yards Handicap Hurdle RaceFirst prjze, £3; second, £2 ; third, £l. W. Hook (30 yds) 1 D. Craig (17yds) 2 N. Austin 3 Running Long Leap—First prize, £1 10s; second, 15s; third, 10s. J. Gumming 1 T. McAuliff* ... .2 W.H.Roie,., 3 '

100 Yards Handicap Race—First price £2 ; second, £1 ; third, 10a. J. P. Oliver (syda) 1 W. H. Rule (scratch) ... 3 E, G-. Snodgrass (syds) ... 3 Walking Handicap, 2 mile*—First price, £3 ; second, £2; third, £. I. J. Bradley (scratch) ... 1 P. Bradley (scratch) ... 2 F. C. McClure (140yds) ... 3 The match was a gift to I. J. Bradley, he and hie brother soon distancing all the others and keeping well together to the finish. Time—l6min. STfsocs. Consolation Race—First prize, £1 10s ; second, 15s; third, 10a. W. H. Rule 1 R. G. Snodgrass 2 W. F. Reeve 3 Married Women’s Race Preaidont’e prize, a box of tea. Mrs Spain 1 ALBURY RACES. The following are the results of the various events at this meeting yeeterday District Maiden Plate, of 8 sova; miles. Mr Hammond's Dalesman 1 Mr Black's Rate Kelly 2 Two others started. Hxtbdlb Handicap, of 12 sova; miles. Mr P. Stock’s Leap Year, Hat 101 b 1 MrJ.S. Rutherford’s Pickles, Hat 2 Four others started, but the contest lay between the two placed, who ran a fine race, ridden respectively by Mr Jefferson and P. Hedge. Albury Cup, ‘of 15 sove. Tvo miles. Mr Hammond’s Dalesman I Mr McDonald’s Deceiver 2 Three others ran. District Race, of 10 sovs. j mile; no weight under 14 stone. Mr Feddon’s Seven Bells 1 Mr J. S. Rutherford’s Lorna ... 2 Two others ran. District Novel Race, of 10 sova; 1| miles ; } mile walk, £ mile trot, b mile gallop. No weight under 12st. Mr Dickson’s Herbert 1 The winner got ahead in the half* mile walk and won easily. District Handicap, of 10 oovb ; 1 mile. Mr Feddon’s Seven Bells, 7st 121 b... I Mr McDonald’s Deceiver, 9st ... 3 Mr Hammond’s Dalesman, 9st 71b ... 5 The Consolation, of 5 sovs, was won by Mr Black’s Kate Kelly.