ANNIVERSARY SPORTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1168, 15 November 1871, Page 2

ANNIVERSARY SPORTS.

A meeting of the Popular Amusement Association was held in the Resident Magistrate's Court (the City Council Chamber being in course of alteration), for the purpose of considering what amusements should be promulgated for the anniversary day. His Worship the Mayor presided, and there were also present Messrs. J. Anderson, M. B. Hart, W. i Pratt, R. P. Crosbie, S. Andrews, G. Gordon (lion, sec), W. Mitchell, Wynn Williams, J. A. Bird, J. Thomson, and C. Cuff. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Hon. Secretary announced that the Association was £20 in debt. The Chairman said the meeting had been convened for the purpose of making arrangements for the annual sports, to be held in Latimer square, and to consider how they should otherwise celebrate the twenty-first anniversary of the Province. It was not an ordi- 1 I nary circumstance to attain the twenty -first year of their age, and he thought the coming anniversary should be celebrated accordingly. Mr Gordon said the occasion was a very important one, and he thought they should commence earlier in the morning than usual, that they should begin not later than nine o'clock. He thought it would be very appropriate if on this occasion prayers were arranged to take place at nine o'clock, a volunteer review at ten, and the sports to commence at noon. Mr Mitchell said the association could not arrange anything in the matter of a volunteer display. That rested entirely with Colonel Paeke. Mr Pratt thought it was perfectly competent for the association to suggest a programme and invite the co-operation of the volunteers or others to assist in carrying out that portion deemed most suitable to the day. Mr Crosbie suggested that in the first instance the old committee should be appointed to draw up a programme of the sports. Mr Mitchell said, as a proof that something out of the ordinary was expected in the matter of sports, he had been asked by persons at Hokitika and the Grey to forward them particulars of the competitions, as some of the residents intended to come over to take part in them. The Mayor suggested that there should be a fete, and in the evening a subscription dinner on a large scale, to be followed by an entertainment. He might get some leading gentlemen to deliver addresses, which would be a great attraction, and he had no doubt that all the local artistes woidd readily come forward and assist at the entertainment. Mr Hart was more in favour of a soiree and dance. He thought that they should not confine the evening to gentlemen, but should enable their wives and children to take part in tho proceedings. This coidd only be accomplished by a soiree, or something of that kind. The Mayor said a soiree might also be held in addition to the dinner. He should also state that he had written to the Superintendent at Wellington requesting him to ask Mr FitzGerald, who would most likely be in Christchurch on the lGth, to deliver an address during the evening, if a dinner were arranged. Mr Andrews said speeches might be all very well for the more sedate portion of the community, but what was to become of the remainder ? His Worship said that if they had a soiree also, ib could bo open at the same time as the dinner, so that all might be amused. Mr Crosbie was afraid the dance proposed by Mr Hart would not be a very orderly one. Mr Mitchell suggested that if there was to be dancing, it should be on the square during the sports. Mr Gordon said the Museum should at least be open on the day. He did not think it was generally open on holidays, but the Association should certainly use their influence to prevent it being closed on this occasion. Mr Hart said, in order to make a start with the programme, it would be best first to make the arrangements for the sports, and consider other matters afterwards. Mr Bird moved " That the annual sports take place on the 16th December." Mr Hart seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr Mitchell suggested that the co-operation of the various Friendly Societies should be invited, with a view to arranging a fair, similar to those held in England by such societies. Mr Williams thought tliis a very important suggestion, and as it was advisable no time should be lost in ascertaining whether the Friendly Societies would co-operate, he thought they should arrange^this matter apart from Mr Birdi»- resolution^ He would therefore TSoveithat Messrs Mitchell and Hart be appointed to confer with the Friendly Societies, and report at a general committee meeting to be held on Friday next. The motion was seconded and agreed to. Mr Crosbie moved "That Messrs Cuff, Mitchell, Andrews, and the mover, be appointed a sub-committee to draft a programme of the sports to be submitted for approval at the next meeting." It was suggested to have a two-mile walking match, and as some time would be necessary for training, the sooner a sketch programme was got out the better. The motion was seconded and agreed to. Mr Gordon moved, " That the 16th of December being the twenty-first anniversary of j the province, the following committee: — Hia

Honor the Superintendent, his Worship the Mayor, Rev. E. A. Lingard, Rev. W. J. Habens, Colonel Packe, Messrs W. Montgomery, J. Ollivier, W. H. W. Williams, W. Pratt, M. B. Hart, J. Anderson, R. J. S. Harman, and W. R. Mitchell, be appointed to consider the manner in which it shall be celebrated, and report what extra entertainments be carried out." The resolution was seconded and agreed to. Mr Gordon was unanimously re-elected secretary, and the meeting then adjourned until Tuesday next, with the understanding that the general committee shall meet on Friday next.