OUR LETTER BOX

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 9, 13 November 1880, Page 69

OUR LETTER BOX

Cambridge.— Dull as the Cambridge Kaces otherwise were, there were one or two little incidents which, to a certain extent, relieved their monotony. In the Cavalry Hurdle Race, for instance, the sight of Mr. Clerk-of-the course Pilling thrashing Fidget until she fairly broke through the third hurdle, was, if not in acance with the principles of the Turf, to say the least of it entertaining.

I am happy to inform the Cambridge readers of this journal that their old friend, Mr. Von Stunner who, while editing the "Waikato Times" exhibited such a partiality for them, is now " doing" the leading matter for the Cambridge " Mail." This arrangement between Joe and little Von, so conducive to the interests of Cambridge, has been rendered necessary by the defection of Mr. Campbell, who declines to play shuttlecock to the battledore of Mr. Ivess.

A Cambridge correspondent "writes :—Cambridge Races, like the Cambridge Cattle Show, turned out a miserable "Fiasco", in fact, you might call them almost humbugs, putting people to expense in coming here, expecting to see something, and taking entrance money on questionable pretences. The affair clearly and unmistakably demonstrates that it requires the whole of the Waikato to act in unison, and pull well together to get up either a show, or races, worthy of the name, and that one corner, although an important one, need look for nothing less than what we experienced in our last two efforts, viz., with failure.

From what I hear, the Cambridge races nrast haye been got up for the purpose of affording the Volunteer Cavalry an opportunity of appearing in their new helmets. Formidable weapons they looked, one or two of the force were nearly half helmet.

Hamilton. —The cause of the lease of Royal Hotel, Hamilton, to a well-known stationmaster falling through, was simply a matter of £. s. d.

A quiet, middle-aged girl not many miles from Hamilton, had a sudden attack of something like dropsy at the house of a friend a few nights ago. She is supposed to be out of danger now, but does not know how she got it, or what was to blame for it. Passing strange.

There is some talk about a requisition being got up, asking the eminently eccentric Mayor of Hamilton not to stand for re-election, explaining that by so doing he would he studying not only his own interests, but the interests of the Borough.

Councillor Jones, who had to ask to be rated higher so as to have sufficient qualification for taking his seat as Councillor for the Borough of Hamilton, is said to be about giving notice (I don't believe it) to amend by-laws, so that cattle or horses, other than those belonging to Councillors, if found at large after sundowt and before sunrise, will be liable to be fined or imprisoned, a double dose to be dealt out for every repetition of tho efience. Bather rough on the animals. He should think of his own and have a little consideration.

The Thames.— A benefit was given the other evening in the Academy of Music, by the Pinafore Troupe, to Mrs. Lucas. The affair financially was a success, but the music was not all that it might hare been. At the last moment Mrs. Corogan was called upon to appear as Little Buttercup in consequence of her predecessor refusing to appear on the boards without a fee of £5. Mrs. Corogan showed a keener perception of the requirement of the character than either of the previous Buttercups.

1 he place is now impatiently looking forward to the mayoralty election. Colonel Eraser, Mr. William Wilkinson, and Mr. Nathaniel Brassey are the candidates. There is a good deal of uncertainty as to who is the " coming man," but the betting is about 3 to 1 on Colonel Fraaer.

That was a grand review held by our worthy officers, Denby. and Small, on the Prince of Wales Birthday. As yor wart.