BOXING-DAY CELEBRATION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 1643, 27 December 1879, Page 2

BOXING-DAY CELEBRATION.

FBIENDLY SOCIETIES' DEMONBTKA.TION. Tlio 26th of December, 1879, was near being rendered memorable- m the annals of Timnru bj an occurrence which all right- j thinking men must greatly deplore. Since it was announced that the Friendly Societies of Timaru would hold a public demonstration and sports on Boxing-day, the public wqrc looking forward with - much pleasure to the enjoyment which they hoped the event would yield them. Th»y little dreamt that ILo celebration of this holy and festive eenaon of tlio year would be marred by tho importation into their midst of party feuds, which ought to hare never been heard of m this or any other oountry, and of tho occurrence of which no ono can read without a pang of regret, though they take plnce at a distance of (01110 sixteen thousand miles. Preparations were made on nu elaborate) scale to celebrate, tho day m a becoming manner, nnd there appeared not a semblance of anything tlmt could mar its p<-nco und harmony till the aftornoon of tho previous day, when rumors were afloat that the Orangomen of Timaru had arranged to toko part m the procession. These rumors led to the belief that if such were to be the case, the result would be that, the niicliiovous and unfortunate illfeeling whiuh is always engendered by such demons' rutions would be aroused, and that < he lawlessness and olhor concommitnnt evils for which Orange duplnys are proverbial, would be enne'ed. Still tho greater portion of the community only laughed' at the idea of an Orange riot. They coul 1 not imagine tho possibil ty of the occurrence of such a thing m the midst of a, penooful and hippy commuaity, for though after dark, knots of men engaged m animated discussion wcro to bo seen hero, and them, every hope was expressed that a riot would bo averted. To the vigilant eje of Inspector Fender tbo | eigus were uuiinous of the cauiiug sloruj, and

Tie ret "nKout averting it with commendable promptitude. Bhortly after nino o'clock nt light, he bocamc aware for cortain that tbo Orangemen were determined, regnrdless : of consequences, to participate m the procession, and. to bim I his wns sufficient to anticipate wlint tbo result would be. Ho immediately copjmunicatcrl with Mr Bichmond Beetham, B/M , nti.'l after a consultation, ii. was decided to telegraph to. Chri.«tchurcli for police assistance, but a difficulty to the carrying,: oul - of this intention arose. It being a- holidny tlio Telegraph c ffico was chuh. und no operator could bo found to transmit the tnessngo, but after so:io ime this didlcultjr was overcome, and the mo^snge was rent. It reached Christen urch about 3.30 yesterday morning, nnd Inspector Hick•on at o ico commenced to prepare for the journey to Titnaru, 'little thinking then that, during the same day his services would be rery much' wanted at horn--. At 6 am. 20 Tonstublet, under command of Inspector Hirkson, left Chrietchurch by special train, and after making a delay of half nn hour /or r«frc«hmcnls at Arhburton readied .Timaru at 10.15, exactly at Ihe very moment when they wire wanted. Xho authorities, m Timaru did not remain in•ctiro during the morning. In fait, ye bclicvo that both Inspector Fender and Mr Bqethnm were up all night making preparations for the coming day, and thero can bo no doubt about it that to their eot>lncs», tact, and firmness aro due the, comparatively speaking, hippy results of the whple affair. Ob learning that tho Orangemen bnd nosi-m-----bled m their lodge-room m the morning, Mr Beetham and His Worship the Major proceeded thither with the view of dissuading them from taking pat m the pr-ces sion, but .though they usi d the. mo?t forcible arguments they could think of to point.out to them the' folly of. Ihinr doings, the only c ncersiun which was yielded to them wns that tliey (tho Orangemen) would not wi-nr their regalia till thoy reached the place from which the procession was to etort. About half past nine o'clock tho streets began to wear nn unusually busy aspect, and the Foresters' Hall, m George street, becamo tho cenlro of attraction. 'Jim was tho point from which it had been decided that the procession should start, and n buny scene was shortly to bo ■wiln'-iised m front of it. 'Die For. strrs nnd Oddfellows, together with the Fire Brignde, had alrendy assembled, and were busily engnged m miking arrangements for the procession. Shortly nfter 10 o'clock the Timaru Braes Bond arrived, and commenced to piny musical selcotions appropriate to the occasion, while a largo number of spectators lined the streets all round. At about 10.15 about 40 mon wero s^en comma down Barnard street, and the flag which they carried indicated immediately that they were the Orango party, from whose presence so much unpleasantness was expected. Some of them wero armed with swords and other wenpons, and buying drawn up m a line at the end of Barnard street, proceeded to invst ihemselTcs with tho regalia of thiir order. No sooner bnd they done this than a large crowd — probably 150 men— wero seen coming from ihe direction of tho railway etali-m. They walked m a dtsorgxnised niase, but their firm tread and determined looks bespoko the errnnd on which they had come. Not a word was spoken until they had reached the south ond of the lino of Orangemen m Bwnard street, where they formed a blockade to prevent tho procession from marching, and called m menacing terrnß to the other party to take off their colors. Inspector Penderimmcdiately rode up, and dashing with his horse m front of them, called upon them to keep back at their own peril. By vigorous efFor'e, no su^ccooeu m keeping tnem duck for übjut a minute, till Mrßcctbam came up bnd plnced himself between tho twoparties. He then addressed the Catholic party, pointing out the miachicvousneas of their conduct and reminding them that there were women and children present, whose lives would be endangered if thoy should resort, to lawlessness. The Orangemen sill remained passive spectators of the scene, but the Catholic pnrly became "more menacing m their atlitudo every moment, and vehemently demanded that the other party shouli tato off their colors. The scene at this juncture whs most exciting, and there appeared very little hope of a collision between the two parlies being averted, but immediately Inspector Hickson with a large posse oi polico — including the Timaiu men as well as those he had brought with him from Christchurch — arrived and were drawn m a lino across. the street. Tho procession then began to move up Gcorgo street, but no sooner had the Orangemen turned to follow than tbo lino of policemen wus broken through by the crowd and they wero surrounded. One of the officers of the Orangemen drew Ilia sword, and would probably have done s^mo mischief with it only that ho was dissuaded by Inspector Fender from using it, and it was returned bloodless to its scabbard. As soon ns tho Orangemen were cut off from ■ the procession thero was a slight effort made to tear off their regalia, but the police succeeded m preventing it, only one searfbeiug lorn off. The Orangemen on finding the way blocked up, and no possibility of proceeding further, retreated into the Foresters' Hall. The spaco m front of tho entrance to tho Hall having boen chared by Ihe the police, special constables were sworn m, every man m tho crowd on whom tbo authorities culled, being compolled to obey. The Orangemon stood m ihe doorway and m front of the Hall, and still the opposing fuclion continued to clamor for them to tako off thrir regalia, but their imperative commands were not complied with. Mr Beetham then read the Eiot Act, and at the words " God save tho Queen," with wluoh tho raiding concludes, both rides cheered lustily, some of the Orangem-n waving their colors m the nir. Inspector Pender then addressed the crowd and told them as the Riot Act had beed read tbey hod no business thero any longer. The objection which they had to the procession had been removed ; tho other party hud promised to take off their colors and thpro would bo no more of it shown tbore that diy. Wiser counsel prevailed with the Orangemen. Immediately that tho Riot Act had been read, they concluded that to march on that day was out. of the question; and co they decided to divest themselves of their insignia. Efforts wero then mudo by Inspector! Pender and Hickson to persuade the crowd to disperse, but all arguments were of no avail ; they stili remained. Henceforth matters brightened up, and the immediate danger of a disturbance having been removed, tho humorous proclivities of the assembled multitude were brought into play, and some bits of fun wore indulged m. A. gentleman who has a great taste for drawing, thought to improvo the hour by taking a sketch of the sccno, but finding that it was not effective enough without a pugilistic encounter for the foreground, and obtained the services of a neutral pirty. He, so as to give tho artist a model from which to copy, held up a goodly sized stone as if to fling it with deadly aim, at tho bead of a party standing by, but this innocent recreation was soon spoiled by all three being sworn mns special cona'ables. In nil about 20 spec : al constables were sworn m, and after order had been restored, Inspector Ponder ordered tho police and special constables to march towards tho station. They were followed thilher by tho crowd, who afterwards proceeded through tho mum street to the sports ground. The number of tho Catholic party that appeared ready for action was variously stated, but wo think that something about 400 may bo regarded as a fair estimate. There was no sign of drink on anybody, and with ' the exception of appearing very, excited, they behaved peaceably aTd orderly after leaving the Foresters' Hall. At about 10 a.m. tho precaution was taken to shut up all tho public houses, including tho tent on the sports ground, and though it was univorsal ! y acknowledged to bo necessary, thrro wero many to bo found who murmured at boing thus inconvenienced. The hotel keepers acquiesced with tho order withlaudabjo readiness, and throughout the day rendered every assistance m their power to tho authorities. Thero was nothing noticoablo ia the streets during tbo day, with tbo excoption of Knots of people here and there, evidently discussing the proceedings of the forenoon. The Magistrates of the town met at 12.30, right of them being present, and concrtcd measures for preserving tho penco m wo of any fur'her disturbance. Thry decided upon sending to Dunedin for further police assistance, and received a reply to tho iff. ct that their request would be complied with. By the ordinary evening train two constables came, from Waimato, and by a special (rain which arrived from

Dunedin about 11 o'clock another detachment of about 23 men, under command of Superintendent "Wcldon, arrived, making the. force m tewn, including « proial constables, between 70 and 80 men. The 1 imaru Artillery Volunteers and Cadets were on duty m detachments »st night, m readine.-s for any emergency. During the evening, although the people appeared excited, there was no attempt at any breach of the peace. This is certainly due to Inspector Pendor and Mrßeetham. But for the energetic steps which they took, and the promptitude of the authorities m Christchurch m tending down men, tbere would have been a disturbance of a serious nature, and the gratitude of every peaceable citizen is due to them. Tho "coolness and firmness shown, by both gentlemen throughout was admirable, and their notions without exception were highly oommendable. EBEBKNTATION. While the scene botween both parties wo« at its most exciting pitehj the Foresters ;and Oddfellows went on with their own business as if nothing had occurred. They assembled m front of the hall, and presented Mr Robert Taylor, Past Chief Banger of the Foresters, with a very handsome illuminated address, nnd a silver rake basket, of a vory chsßto design. l The basket, ■which whs engraved with a etig's bead, boro the following inscription :— " Presented toßro R. Taylur, P.R.C., by Court Southorn Cross, '3l23, Deo. 26, 1879." The address, which 'was m a very fine gilt frame and had been illuminated by Mr W. O. Kidney, wns as follow* .— " A. OF., Timaru. To Brother Robert Tnyl-r, Past Chief Ranger, on behalf: of the brethren of Court Southern Cross, Tfo. 3123. Wo ilosiro to express the esteem. and respect we have for you. We acknowledge you oa Iho first principal instigator and promoter of Forestry m .Timaru and- one of' the founders of this prosperous branch of our nuble Order. Wo fully recognise the great benefit which has resulted from its establishment. In offering yon thii slight testimonial, we feel it our duty to place on record the remembrance of a bn'tber so truly deserving, who by jour zeal and integrity forwarded tho interests of the Order of Forestry. You will be most truly remembered by us, and m future by those brethren who from timo to time may fill our places and conduct the affairs of this Court, ns the father of Forestry m Timaru. Wishing you health and happiness, we remain, dear •ir and brother, fraternally yours, A. Shebbatt, C.R., J. Hill, P.C.8., W. Bbnsha-vt, I'.CR., C. Pallibbb, P.0.R., H. J. Georob, P. 0.8., LJfoHSECA,. P.0.H., T. Habitkt, P.0.R., W. Wbbby, Secretary." The presentation of the address was made by Bro. A. Sherratt, who culled up Brb. H. J. George, P.C.R., to present the silver basket. Bro. George having made the second presentation, the recipient of the gifts thanked tho brethren m a few well chosen words, after which THB PROCESSION was formed. At twenty-five minutes to 11 o'clock the procession moved m the following order : — The Chief Banger of the Foresters and the NobLs Grand of the Oddfellows walking side by side ; the banner of the Foresters; the Timaru brass band;; about 150 Foresters and about 100 Oddfellows walking too deep; the Fire Brigade with fire engine and hose ; the Orange Lodge, numbering about 40 men. Tho procession, after the Orangemen bad been cut off, continued its march up George street, across Butler street, down North street, and along the main street to the Sports Ground, which was reached about 11 o'clock.' ; Notwithstanding the excitement already described, a, large number of people followed the procession, but on reaching the ground they all returned to town. ' - TUB BFOBT3 , ,' Did not begin until about* half-past twelve o'clock, and at that time thero were very few on the ground, but m the course of the afternoon tho attendance increased till there-were between 1500 and 2000 people present. Every arrangement was made to make the sports a success, but the proceedings of the morning damped the spirits of the most en* thusiaitic and marred considerably the enjoyment of the day. Tho names of the Coinmilteo were as - follows:— Mesirs A. Sherratt, H. J. George, J.. Bennett, H. Bowcn, J. W. Pratt, A. Double, H. Walkie, A. Sbabb, J. Simpson, F. Cullman, E. Goldsmiib, j. Stcvenspn, . and J; 0. Bruce. Handicapper : Mr Peter Bell. The following is an account of the various events -. — HAMDiCAr Race, 150 yards: First prize, £1 10s ; second, 10s. H. Hurcomb (7 yards) 1 J. Lukey (scratch) - 2 T. Partridge (8 yards), A. Exley (8 yards), W. Hathaway (12 yard*), J. Voak (12 yards), U. Heskius (12 yards), and W. Nightingale (10 yards) also ran, Vaumiho with thb Polb : First prize, £1 j second, 10s. Tho csntext between J. Lukey nnd T. Sullivan m this resulted m a tie, and they divided the stakes. Barry was the only other competitor. Members' Racb (m regalia), 440 yards : Prize, fine regalia of tho Order. W. Darlow ... *, ... 1 G. Dans 2/ J. Reid, T. Baker, M. Bassett, H. JonioD, and A. Double also competed. After the first 60 yards were pasted Darlow took the lead- and won by about 10 yards, most of the others having fallen out of it. Reid made a good effort to come m second, being only beaten m the last 10 yards. Walking Handicap, one mile : First prize, £2; second, £1. D. McKay, (160 yards) 1 J. O'Connor, (scratch) ... ... 2 W. Blennerhasset, 160 yards ; S. Hughes, 160 yds; A. Boys, 170 yards ; R. McKnight, 160 yards ; J. T. Whitaker, 170 yards ; J. Laurie, 170 yards j R. Collins, 170 yards, also competed. The walking, with the exception of the two above plac-d, was very indifferent. The first to reach the tape was Hughes, closely followed by Blennerhassett, but both were disqualified. The only others who were not disqualified or hud not fallen out were McKay and O'Connor. HuNNtNO Lova Jump ; first prize, £1. J. dimming (20lt 4in) 1 W.Moore (20ft 3Jio) 2 T. Sullivan also competed. Running Handicap, 220 yards ; first prize, £1 10s ; second, 16s. W. Hurcomb (12 yardi) ... 1 B. Partridge (10 yards) 2 A. Hughes (16 yards), J. Lukey (scratch), and A. Exloy (20 yards), also ran. Fibbhen's Back, full uniform, 440 yards j first prize, £1 10s s second, £1. H. Fryor 1 T. Phelps 2 W. Darlow and J. Berry also competed. Puttiho thb Stone : Prize, £1. W.Happy 1 J. O'Connor , 2 J. Sullivan ... 3 Rcnbino- Handicap, for Boys under 17 years. First prize, 16* j second, 7s 6d. R. Ilolino ... , 1 J. Cullman ... 2 J: Ileskin, J. Malcolmson, M. Pagct, If. Trilford, T. Cullman, T. Nichols, T. Fitzgerald, J. Wedge, A. Collins, and T. Butterworth also ran. Official Race: For past and present officers, full regalia, 160 yards, prizo, Bogalia of the Order. J. C. Bruco ... ... ... 1 M. Dunlop ... 2 E. J. Atwoll, J. Burford, W. Marshall, and J. Viney also ran. Racb fob Gibes under IS yean: 150 yards. First prize, 10s ; second, ss. Dolly Double 1 Susan Criokunoro 2 This event brought out between 35 and 40 competitors, necessitating rnnning it m heats. Of the first lot that ran, Dolly Doilblo was first, Susan Criokmore second, and Eliza CnlS man third ; and m tbo second, Jane Nichols first, Emily — — socond, and Amelia Bright third. These six had to run again, resulting as above. -BTAKDnta High Jump. For this event there were tiro other com-

fctitors, vi*., J. Lukey and P. O'C-jnoor, who failed at 3ft 6in and 3ft Oin respectively. . I 440 Yards Handicap FtAT Bach. " i ! W.Hureortib (12 yards) ... 1 J. Lukey (scratch) ... " ... 2 P. O'Connor (16 yards) ; J. Hughes (18 ynrds) ; G. Bryant (20 yards) ; E. Partridge (16 yards) ; and 8. White (18 yards) also eon peted. At the signal to go Lukoy was first on his legs and rnndo the running pretty warm. Hurcimb, who wa» m fine condition, maintained the ndrnnfeige of his handicap without nny percepiible differenco until the lust round, when I/uiey, passing nil bis othor competito.-s, doted with. him, but was unable, although making n p-nnd rtriiggle, to overhaul lluf e<>mb, who> breasted (ho tnpp.fint by a splendid piece of strategy, whioh might well be copied by other anisteur runner*, hardly a stride m front of Lukey. At the conclusion of this .raco a private n<atch was arranged, between two " old identities," who .have been m tho habit' of meeting one another every year, whon opportunity offircd. There was a great, de.il of excitement between their respective backers, the call for the " tall 'un " being most m . request. At the start La'ngridge took the load, which he maintained to thobottom turn when Collins, who was running well, drew ahead and led to the pott, beating the favorite by about a length. B.Collins ...... ... ... 1 George Langridge ... ... 2 Mabribd Women's Bacb, 100 yards ; First prize, £2 ; second,. £1. Mrs Bajsett >j. • , j , MrsSouthanj* l1 ™ I*l1 * 1 - X Mrs Allan ... 2 This event brought out fifteen competitors, -and the race- was run m heats. In the fiist two heat« ■ Mrs Southan was -first, and Mrs Allan second; m the second heat, Mrs Basrett was first, Mrs Parker second, and Mrs Dick third. Three ladies had to run again, resulting as above. ' Hembbes' Bacb, 160 yards. J. Lukey 1 J. Darlow ... 2 J. Beid 3 This race was a perfect gift to Lukey, who got tbe advantage of a start, and was never headed, winning easily. Sack Bacb, 150 yard;. J. Lukey 1 W. Darlow ... ... ... 2 This wai the last event of the day, and caused considrinble amusement to the spoctators by tbe grotesque style of running, or rather jumping. Shortly after the word was given to go, McDonald, the other competitor, fell, and did not afterwards take part m the race. Darlow, who was running well, maintained the lead, although closely pushed by Lukey, until within twenty yards of the winning post, whero he fell, Lukey quietly coming m the winner. Both Orders then fell m, and headed by the band, marched down the main, street la North street, followed by a large crowd, and from that street into Barnard street to the Forest* era' Hall, where, threa cheers having been given for the Orders, and a similar compli ment to tbe band, all parties separated to their respective homes. A ball was held m the evening m the Mechanics' In'trute, which was well attended, and passed off enjoy ably.

SPORTS AT TEMUKA,

The annual Boiing-Day sports, under the patronage of the Alexandrorina Lodge of Oddfellows, was held m Marshall's paddock, Temuka, yesterday afternoon, about 600 pereons being present. The entries being good grrat interest iras manifested m all the Brents, all of which were, without exception, well competed for. Grrat credit is dne to the Judges, Committee, and (secretary for their exertions m making the sports mch a •neefsr. Sat there is one thing tbat public attention needs calling to, viz., to prevent a repetition of such an action as tbat of a person who attended at the eiileot tlie rights of the day, and not baring euccccdtd m obtaining the refreshment booth, erected one on the boundary of the paddock m which the sports were held. The following are tho results of tho programme. 160 Yibbs Back (Handicap) : First prize, 30s ; second, 10a. E. Smith (3 yards) ... .. 1 J. A, Shephe-d (scratch) ... 2 Threo olhcTS competed. Busmiko High Jump : First prise, 20s j second, 10«: B. Goy, (4ft Bin) 1 A. Oiincb, (4ft 2io) 2 200 Yabds Back; For boy* under 16 years. J. Robinson ... ' 1 j Fivo other* started. ■ " .■ ■ 260 Yabds Bacb HaNDiCAr : First prize, 40s j second, 20s. J. A. Shepherd (-cratch) - ... 1 B. Goy (6 yards) 2 Time — 31f sees. Seven others ran. Vaumikg ivrrH Pole : First prize, 20s j second, 10s. B. Frame (Bft 6in) 1 J. Moßralney (Bft 4in) 2 Th«e others competed. HiKDicAP Wa*ktkg Eace : First prize, 40s ; second, 20s. Two miles. S. Mcßratney (200 yards) ... 1 J. Smith (150 yards) ... ... 2 (Not concluded when the train left.) j

ALBURY BACES,

Stewardi: Meiers E. Biobardsqn, A. M. Giles, J. 8. Butherford, J. Goodwin, B. Bulherford, M. Gray, £. S. . Butherford, J; Hinlley,- I>. Cooper, O. Babington, ond X. Butler. Judge : Mr J). Thomas. Clerk of Scales: Mr G-. Babington. Starter: Mr A. Mcßratney. Clerk of Course: Mr J. Binkley. Hon. Sec, : Mr R. Butherford. The Albury race meeting has not been instituted many years, but it baa earned the character of being one of ■he pleasantest little country meetings m Canterbury, and the meeting of yesterday was of a kind to ■trengtben the good opinion previously formed. The course was mas good order as a course on the natural surface can be expected to be, and the arrangements m the shape of fixtures} were pimple, as is usual at men meetings, bat sufficient for their purpose. The attendance w«s not so Urge as m previous years, there being only about 200 persons present, the majority, of course, being of the sterner sex. One party of ladies and gentlemen ocenpied a private ■' grandstand" on a hillside, whence they enjoyed an excellent view of the field. Everyone seemed m the best of humor, and inclined to be pleated with everything, and even disputes were made matter of amusement by the disputants themselves. A general license booth on the ground seemed to do s fair business, and as an almost inevitable result, a few men moved about unsteadily towards evening, but no disorder occurred until after the close of the meeting. Just as the train was starting something like a disturbance was teen on the ground, m which the proprietor: of^ a dinine-tablo .iras supposed to bo figuring as one of the principals. The weather was not very premising m the morning, and alight drizzling rain fell for a few minutes, but at noon it cleared up, and the afternoon was .fine and pleasantly cool. Most of the races woro very well contested, ■ the handicaps proving to be very fair ones, and all the horses ran to win. The following is a brief account of the various events : — Handicap Hchble Ba.cs, of £25 j entrance, £2 2s i second horse to save his slake ; open to oil comers. Distance, two miles, over ten flights of hurdles. Mr J. G. Bichmond's b g Thilo,6yrf,llst, (O'Neill) 1 Mr J. S. Butherford's b g Toi-toi, aged, list 71b ... ... ... (Demuth) 2 Mr W. Demuth's b m Lurline, aged, 10rt, , (Sobbs) 3 The bortßi Went away all together, to a good start, and at % rattling pace, Tbilo presently falling bock a little, and running a waiting race, Toi making the running. This order was kept nearly twice round the course, all three clearing the hurdles fairly. Half a mile from liomo Thilo went to (he front and got the lead of Toi by a fow yards, but the latter made a game race of it and again got first place, but was unnble to maintain it to the end, Tbilo winning hands down, Toi a

good second, and Lurline not Tory fir m the rcar.r The race was looked upon as a certainty for Thilo from the 'first, and", accidenU oxcepted, any other result would hare been a surprise. In both the lmrdle races two of the flights were pretty close together, one. being placed at fach end of the saddling paddock. This arrangement of coune tnado these" rones more interesting to tlie I'nloukers, but somewhat harder, no doubt, for the horses. Distbiot Fiat Race of £10, with entrance, £1 Is, added; distance, ono milo; ■weights, lOat. Mr P. Stock's b g Deceiver, aged, lOst (Owner) 1 Mr W. Dcmu tU's b m Highland Losb, aged, Wet ... ... .;. (Domuth) 2 Mr E. 8. Kuthorfurd's r g Stumpy, aged, lOtt ... ... ... ... (Hobbs) 3 Mr B. Jones' Fnirlio, 6yr», lOst, was scratched. This proved » very interesting race, as far as the running- w»s concerned, though some difficulties arose about the results. It wm generally expected that Deceiver would win, and thst ho would bo pretty well pushed by Stumpy. Deceiver is it difficult beast to. manage, and m his preliminary gave his rider some trouble _to. pull him up. At the start the Lais rushed away to tlio front, Stumpy getting away next, Deceiver following about. 10 yards behind. This order was maintained for three-quarters of Iho mile, when Deceiror closrd on the oUier two, and passing first one and then the other, came m, hands down, an ea«y winner, Highland Lass being a good second, and Stumpy a fair third. . .Immediately after the race a pr -test was entered by tho owner of Highland Lass against Deceiver, on thejground of his not having been the property of a resident m the district ior tho required time ; and anotb t prot.rst was entered ngaiast Highland Lass by the owner of Stumpy, on the ground of a cross m the race. These protests had not been considered whota our reporter left" the ground.' Opbn Hack Bacb, of £5, with entrance money, 10s each, added ; diitance, throe quarters ef a mile ; no weight under 10a t. Mr G. C. Miles' Alma ... (Goodman) 1 Mr Booney's Queen of Pelts ... (Stock)- 2 Mr Bradley* Chance ... ... (Owner) 3 Mr Wedcrill's Tho Slave, Mr Abraham's Mercury, Mr McDonald's Flora McDonald, Mr E. S. Butherford's Hector, and Mr R. Rutherford's Beelzebub, also ran. The horses very soon began to tail out m this race, and went round the course m Indian Gle m the order m which they pa'sed the Judge, except the second nnd third, between whom a good tussle took placo for lecond honors. Maiden Plate, £15 ; entrance, £2 2s ; second horse to save his stake ; open to all horses that had never won an advertised mcc over £10 ; one and a half milesMr G. O. Miles' b g Alma, aged, lOst 61b (Goodcan) 1 Mr J. Rutherford's b m Highland Lass, aged, 9st lib ... ... (Domuth) 2 Mr It. Jones' b g Fair.'ie, 6 yrs, lOst 21b (Stock) 3 Mr J. McDonald's Glencoe, 4 yrs, 9»t {[Cornelius) 0 Mr Butherford's Nellio and : Mr. Demuth's Lurline wero scratched. This was an excellent race. from first to last. A good start was made, the Lass again taking the lead, and making the running at a very smart: pace, closely followed by Alma and Fairlie. At the end of half a mi'o Alma got the lead from the Lass, and when they passed the post the first time the old. horse led by about four lengths, the Lass and Fairlie being clo. c together, and Glencoe about five length) behind these. At the top of the course the Lass got on even terms with Alma. again, but did not maintain that position long, Fairlie keeping his ground very fairly, while Glencoe lost at every stride. Alma having regained the lead, no further change took plnce m their relative positions, and he ultimately won a really well-run race by a couple of lengths, tho Lass taking second place from Fairlie by half' a length, Glencoe being about 100 yards behind. Tho weights given are those carried, Alma carrying 14lbs more than was assigned to htm, and Fairlic lOlbs more. District JHtjbdlb Bacb, of £15, with eatranco, £1 Is each, added ; one and a half miles, over eight flights of hurdles. Mr W. Demuth's b m Lurline, aged, lOst (Hobb.) 1 Mr B. Butherford's g m Nellio, aged, lOst (Bradley) 2 Mr J. S. Butherford's b g Toi Toi, aged, lOst (Demuth) 3 The three went off to an excellent start. The beautiful way which the grey cleared the two flights at the eaddling paddock at once gained her tho entire sympathy of the crowd, and this and her style of goißg made her undoubtedly the first favorite during the race. Lurline took the lead, with Nellie dote up, Toi Toi following at a little distance. The three took it easy until nearing the end of the first ronnd. Some pace was then put on, one result of which was that Toi Toi fell at the short jump, and though bis rider was soon m his seat again, his chance m the race was lost. The grey here took tho lead and might ha*o had it all her own way, but she baulked at tho second jump from home, and Lurline consequently camo m as she liked. Nellio had jumped so prettily that she won general admiration, and great regret was expressed at her blunder. AxBURY Cr/p, £25 ; entrance, £2 10s ; second horse to save .his stake ; open to all horses ; distance, two miles. Mr Bradlry's b g Milo, aged, 9st 41b (Owner) 1 Mr Biebmond'a b g Thilo, fiyrs, Sat (Cornelius) 2 Mr Stock's b g Deceiver, aged, 9st 71b (Hobbs) 3 Mr E. 8. Rutherford's Stumpy (Bst 71b), acd Mr Macdonald's Glencoe (Sst. 71b) wore scratched. Betting : 3 to 2 and 7 to 4 on Thilo, 5 to 4 against Milo, 5 to 1 against Deceiver. This race was the best of the day, and a really excellent one. Milo led off from the start, closely followed by Thilo and Deceiver, and on reaching tho post, tho fir^t time only half a length separated the first and second, and a length the second and third, Deceiver being held hard, though tho pace was very fast. The three kept well together m the same order round to the back of the course, when Deceiver closed up to Milo, and the two ran neck-and-neck past the post, and up to the top of the course, Thilo keeping close on their quarters. Tho interest m the ruce now became intense. At the lower end Deceiver fell bark, the othor two still keeping tho same close order. Ultimately Milo was landed a winner by about half » length, Thilo being hard ridden and Milo doing his very best, Deceivef coming m about five lengths behind. The race was a first-rate one, tho horses running well from' start to finish, and the issue being doubtful till the last. Dibtbiot Hack Bach, £5, wfch entrance money, 10s eaob, added j no weight under lOat ; three-quarters of a mile. Mr Stock's Fairlie ... ... 1 Mr Demuth's Highland Lacs ... ... 2 Mr Booney's Queen of Polts and Mr Feddon's Nellie also ran. The race lny between the two placed, the other two never showing near tho front. Fairlie and Highland Lass had a Tory good contest, the former winning by only half a length aft/er a hard run all round. Cohbohation Handicap Baoe, of £5 ; for all beaten horses at the meeting ; one and a half miles ; entrance, 10s. Mr Boonoy's Queen of Polls, 7st (Burgess) 1 Mr £. S. Butlierford's Stumpy, 0«t (Demuth) 2 Mr McDonald's Glencor, Bst (Cornelius) 3 Glencoe was the first to get aw.iy, and the Queen got away badly. In a short time Glencoe had got a lead of twolvo or fourteen lengths, and sccmod lo be running away from the others altogether. At tho bottom of the course, however, they closed up to him, and on passing tho post the first time Glenooo led Stumpy by only two lengths, the Queen following at about the same distance. Going along the back of the course, Stumpy closed up to the leader, and then the Queen followed suit, and her rider, a little slip of a boy, riding her very well, brought her to the front, and won by a couple of lengths. . ... Tjbotting Raob, £5, with entrance money, 10s each, addod | no weight under lOstj three miles. Mr Dixon'i Alssy „. ... 1 Mr Verity's Steamer ... ... 2 Seven others started. This event proved a most amusing ono, the two named leaving tho rest far m tho roar, and the latter pushing along each as if the

raco lay m his power. Alsay and Stenmer :wore Well 'matched, and made a good raco of it till the last" round, when Steamer broke at the post and lost his chance. A dispute arose nn to tho number of times these two went round, and tho tail went another round. The judge decided that the two horses had gone thp distance, but.amid much laughtrr, the others were persuaded ■to go round again. This race, concluded a very enjoyable meeting just m time to allow those bound Tiraoruwards to catch tho train.