NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES

Southland Times, Issue 17193, 12 November 1912, Page 2

NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES

I I'i'iim The Weekly Times. X'o. I, \ 01. 1, January t’>, ISiiCi. To the colonist but recently arrived from the Old Coiin.ry, the ■■compliments o' - the season ” ;ue rather puzzling. Accustomed all his life to expect—even if occasionally disappointed frost and snow at Christmas lime, he experiences a slrang" sensation of uncertainty about his almanac when fanned by a "hot wind" and powdered with dust at that festive, season. All the old-fashioned traditions about yule logs and blazing hearths, mulled wine and mighty bowls of punch. give rise to no regretful feeling at their absence. A passing thought may be given to tho mistletoe, but eVen that honoured parasite finds no place in our halls, although we believe few even at midsummer would object to the pleasant exercise with which in our ideas it is associated. The fact, however, remains—c i! is i i n a t e as these things proverbially at"- that with us Xew Year and midsummer are nearly synonymous, and. as a i.ulura! consequence, instead nf \v[■;:[qdng oms-iycs as warmly as lu.asiii■ when out of doors, and creeping close to tic fire when within, we use mil' field endeavours to reduce the personal temperature. Everybody puls on Ifie lightest dross at command, insists upon ~pon windows, wears a white seiniiii'lian. after tho A agio-(n. lion style, and. if possible, iri"s 'o find a shady nook undisturbed by v:.grain sandflies or errani nms luitie. Open air sports are the only (lie , 'indulged in. horse-racing, eriehi'.'i r. argill pri por. on Xew Veat's day, looked a > ore "i|e-a• rteil village” shops closed and inhafiitauts out of town. Ample provision had fieen made 1,, gratify phasuro seekers, and while excursion trains ran to the Makarewa on Ifie north, conveyances and saddle fiors'-s won- ol.tninalde by tho-m wlio desired lo witness the races nf Vvaihopat on Hi,' east. As the latter was the Chief point of attraction we may commence with the WAIUOPAI RACES. These came off near tho Bridge Inn, (Mr A. Sutherland's) about six miles from town. Considerable interest was manifested in the events, the horses entered belonging chiefly to neighbouring settlers between whom a friendly dlffer-

ence of opinion existed as to the merits of their respective nags. In the opening race—for a new- saddle —heats, one mile and a quarter, Mr Paget’s bay horse ridden by Mr Barclay, gained the first, wiring against Douglas’s bay horse

“Xorval,” ridden by Mr.G. Smith, by a. half length. The latter horse won the next heht easily and the event terminated In a walk over. Six horses started. A trotting race succeeded, won easily by Mr Russell’s “Ranger,” ridden by the owner. The result was expected from the known finalities of the horse. The Publicians Purse of 10 sovs, one mile and a quarter, heats, was next run for. The first heat was won by Mr Brown’s mare—ridden oy Martin—“Xorval” a good second. An objection on the score of ago was raised against the marc, she having been entered as a four instead of a five year old. It was sustained, and she was. In accordance with the rules, disqualified. The second heat run between “Xorval” and Mr Hall’s chcsnut pony—won by the latter —was an excellent race; but owing to the late hour it was agreed to divide the stakes, instead of running the final heat, A trotting matcji between Mr Smith’s black mare "Lily” and Mr Oughton's do., , was won by the former. The Hurry Skurry, in whicli eight horses started, was perhaps the best race of the day. It resulted in a dead heat between Mr Dawson's "Prince” and Mr Brown’s bay mare . It was afterwards run off, and won by “Prince.” Some minor events were also decided. Everyone appt ared to have enjoyed the day, which passed off without tlie occurrence of any serious accident. Refreshments were at a premium, and the booths on the ground did an excellent business. MAKAREWA RAILWAY EXCURSION' TRIP. On Monday, in addition to the ordinary trains, an "excursion train” conveyed parties to the picturesque banks of the Makarewa River. Picnics were the order of the day, and under the influence of the splendid weather, every one appeared to be in high spirits. Dispersing in all directions, the excursionists disported themselves as fancy dictated,. Home, seeking a requested nook, laved in the clear water of the river; others grouped themselves into little coteries for the discussion of strawberries and cream and other delicacies in and out of season, not forgetting a due proportion of light but exhilarating beverage. The arrangements gave great satisfaction, and everyone on jeturnlr.g seemed to think the day had been only too short. Many private parties were made up to spend the day at one or other of the numerous suburban homesteads. The juveniles enjoyed the change, making tremendous havoc among tho fruits, cream, etc., and getting healthily sunburnt in addition. In the evening many social gatherings took place, the dance and song making a fitting termination to the festivities of Xew Year's Day.