QUEEN’S JUBILEE.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2083, 22 June 1887, Page 2

QUEEN’S JUBILEE.

Thare is a French proverb that accounts for sunshiny showers by the supposition that “the devil is giving his daughter in marriage and beating his wife ”; but there was not a gleam of sunshine on Monday, and it is presumed that his Satanic Majesty must have been in a very bad humor indeed. The rain pattered away all day on Sunday and on Sunday night, and when Monday dawned it was miserably cold and comfortless. It was evident that Jupiter Pluvius thought wo all needed a cleansing process, However, there were not a few on pleasure bent, and as Carterton was close at hand a mass of humanity, disguised by overcoats, macintoshes and umbrellas rode or drove to that town and spent the day with the residents walking about in the mud,

CARTERTON, The rejoicings in this town were as successful as could be expected, considering the miserable weather. The committee worked hard in making preparations for the event, and had their efforts been attended by flue weather no doubt it would have been a very enjoyable day’s holiday for a large number of people in the district. The street decorations were fairly good. A triuraphal arch was erected at the corner of Belvedere road, which was illuminated at night, and had a most suitable and pleasing effect. The word “ Victoria,” was across the top of the erection, and the figures 1887 and 1837 surmounted the cross beams of the side spans of the arch. These figures were, on either side, reversed, as were the letters of Her Majesty’s name. Another device was placed across the street at Mr Wakclin’s mill bearing the inscription, “ Long . M" Queen,” and a number of the i u.u.u,o t ,dople in the town displayed . - ’ i and loyal emblems, mottoes, &c., most, of fne’ i being desi nod and constructed by-Mr W. Campiu.who showed a great amount of s»ill and ‘■asto in the wort. All these devices were lighted up at night, and the effect was excellent. At about 10 a.m. a procession was formed at the Old Town Hall and proceeded from thonc.' to the Pastoral Soiooty’s Grounds, whore a number of children sang the National Anthem, accompanied by the Carterton Brass Band, which was strengthened by some members of the Featherstou Baud. Thu local Volunteers, under Captain Bennett, also fired a fen de joie, and then the proceeding--for the day commenced. The various bodies that took part ip the rooming procession, which wore headed by the baud, were tho Friendly Societies -T Carterton and Greytown in regalia, tile Greytown and Carterton Fire Brigades, the Volunteers and the school children, and although the roads wore exceedingly muddy, the procession was a good one and worthy of the occasion. Just about tho lime the festival had fairly commenced tho rain fell steadily and many were compelled to take shelter either at fljo ho:ols or at tho houses of their fi muds, aud it was considered about midday that so far as outdoor sports v.vie concerned tho day’s pleasure was at end. However, between ono aud two o'clock the ruin moderated aud then the sports were pluckily procooded with aud carried oat iu a manner creidtablo to all

concerned, although the ground was very slippery and some of the competitors came to grief occasionally on that account At about 2 p.m. there were about 800 people on the ground and about 500 children wearing rosettes, took part in the Jubilee Chorus. It was almost lamentable to see the female portion of the population paddling about in the mud, and the fair sox upon this occasion must certainly have had considerable suffering mixed with their pleasure. At the several hotels in the town during the day some considerable business must have been transacted, as all the rooms both public and private, were filled with visitors.

The several events on the sports programme were well contested. The Jubilee Handicap brought out about 10 competitors, and the first heat resulted as follows:—O Smith 1, John Harris 2, Jensen 3. Second heat—E Udy 1, J Harris 2, O Smith 3 Third heat —0 Smith 1, J Harris 2, W Tully 3, Friendly Societies’ Handicap— \V Catt 1 Volunteer and Fireman’s Handicap— W Catt 1.

One Mile Handicap—W Bambry 1, Catt 2. One Milo Walking Handicap—R Wiley 1, Bambry 2, E Udy 3. 7 started; a protest was entered against Wiley by Bambry in the walking match, and John Harris entered a protest against O Smith iu the Jubilee Handicap on the ground that Smith was not a maiden runner.

In the Fire Brigades Competition, Fireman Tyer of Carterton, was first, and Fireman G Humphries of Greytowu, second. Several others competed. Won by a second.

Maiden Race, 220 yds. First prize £2, second a cruet. A Nicholson 1, Suuuex 2, G Parker 3. Five ran. Time 13$ secs. Boy’s Race (under 14), 100 yds—- . Hodder 1, J Kiddie 2. Girls’ Race (under 14), 50yds.—Helen- Reading 1, Lucy Buc.eridge 2. Friendly Societies Race (in regalia), 220 yds. Smith 9yds 1, Parker 6d02, W Catt scratch 3 Running High Jump.—Ellis Goodin and G Kiddie divided at 4ft Sinches. One Mile Handicap—John Bambry scratch 1, J Catt 50yds 2. Time sm. 44s Volunteer and Firemen’s Race, 220yds.—W Catt 1, Ellis Goodin 2, Thomas Reid 3. Time, 26£secs. Obstacle Race.—J Peters 1, E Ussher 2. Sack Race.—F Peters 1, T Reid 2, Ussher 3. Boys’ Race (under 10 years).—D Allen 1. Egg and Spoon Race. 50yds.—G Parker 1, Ussher 2. Wheelbarrow Race. Dudsou and David Kiddie ran a dead heat and divided. Old Men’s Race (over 50 years).—Morris 1, H F Smith 2, J Booth 3 There were 21 events altogether. The torchlight procession iu the evening was most imposing and in point of grandeur and effect could not easily have been excelled iu any part of the colony, not being a metropolitan town. The mounted men wore most handsomely dressed and most artistically arranged, the marshalls doing their work iu an admirable manner.' The chariot conveying Caractacus iu captivity was handsomely illuminated by many colored fires at intervals, and the Druid’s Grove was a great feature iu the display, their costumes and regalia being very conspicuous among the surroundings. In this matter the members ofthe Waiohiue Lodge of Greytowu rendered good assistauco to their brethren, the Arch Druid, Bro Fabian, with Bros A Campbell, Alloway, Barker, Willaeon, 0 Higgins (sec), appearing iu their robes among the members of the Totara Lodge, who were present in goodly numbers, both ou the chariot and upon foot. The baud, under Mr Birrell, which headed the procession in a brake, discoursed some excellent processional and march music, and the torches, together with the altar fire of the Druids and the blue, red and other lights, threw a lustre ou the whole. The Carterton Foresters were present iu their handsome regalia, so also were the Oddfellows, and both these orders were well represented, The procession, which started from the Assembly Rooms, opposite Wakeliu’s mill, at 6 p.m., proceeded as far as the old Pioneer House and then returned amid the cheers and expressions of gratification of a multitude of spectators, and it was considered by all to have been eminently successful. After the baud had played the National Anthem those taking part iu the pageant dispersed to the several other centres of attraction, some attending the concert iu the Lyceum, where there was an excellent audience, others repairing to the Town Hall, where there was a most successful and enjoyable soiree which broke up at an early hour iu the morning, Messrs Lnudqvist, Kaiseuberg and Bentley supplying some excellent music, and Mr and Mrs H Cook, for Mi- A Grigg, of Greytowu, attending to the creature comforts of the dauoers iu a most able manner, the refreshments being really excellent. The hall was also splendidly decorated by the kind exertions of Mr G M Gardener, who has good taste iu these matters. At the concert Mr Coward of Featherstoa, rendered real service with the piano aocompauiments, and some good vocal talent had been secured, although some thought a certain local skit ou political matters and candidates might have been loft out of the programme, as upon a time of public rejoicing it was considered to be illtimcd and out of place. At any rate, it was comical and tickled the au dieuce. Among the illuminators the following tradesmen and others exhibited some pretty designs:—Mossis G A Fairbro. ther, J P Allen, A J Armstrong, 11 51 Gardener, C Barnard, T Weston, Clarke and Co, Dowuard, Catt, Lawrence, Buckeridge (Marquis of Nomauby), and others. Mr W Booth had his private residence lighted by a number of caudles, one at each pane of glass, and other residents assisted in the display of lights. Taking all things together, it must he acknowledged that the demonstration r. is a success, although had the weather been fine Carterton would have received a very largo influx of visitors from all parts ofthe Valley. Among the visitors were noticed Lieuts Porritt, and Johnston of the Greytowu Rifles, and about 20 ofthe men, and also about 20 of the Greytowu Fire Brigade.

CHILDREN’S DEMONSTRATION IN GREYTOWN.

lu order uot to clash with Carterton arrangements the Grey town School Committee deferred the celebration of the Jubilee by the children of Groytowu until yesterday. The day was wet and the streets sloppy, but the children turned up from all quarters, the Rapawai school children coming up to take part. Between 3and4 p.m., the brass baud struck up a few lively airs at the Post Office corner and soon from the school ground there issued forth a small army with banners, the touchers and the school committee acting as officers in the line of procession. With happy smiling faces the little one' trudged along, despising the weather and looking forward in mind to what awaited them at the Town Hall. Arrived there the tables were found laden with the usual cake, buns, tarts, sandwiches and tea, and nearly an hour sampling the good things which Air Grigg provided. The teachers

and committee worked hard for the comfort of the children, a.;:! th.i.As due to them for the wav iu which all ur. raugemeuts were carried out. After the adults had partaken of tea there was a display of fireworks outside the hall and then the young folks reassembled to wit. ness a magic lantern exhibition by Mr Johnston. The ball rang with laughter, and even the old folks gave vent to sup. pressed mirth, as the comical slides succeeded each other. An entertainment followed, at which Mr Buchanan, M.H.R., was present, and spoke afew words appro, priate to the occasion. The following children took part iu songs, choruses, recitations, Ac., : —Miriam and Mary Hillicr, Alice Cotter, Alice Heblcy, Emily Judd, Annie Morris, Alice Hobman, Jennie Wood, Bertha Nation, Ada Hall, Maude Fuller and Maggie Hall. The Papawai school children also took part, singing a “Jubilee" song. The entertaiumeut closed with the singing of the National Anthem. Mr Cotter, the chair, man of the school committee presided. The hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens, and upon the walls were several well worked devices, the work of the teachers and school children. Outside the hall, too, a large illuminated star with the bust of the Queen iu the centre was much admired

JUBILEE SOIREE AT FEATHERSTON. Last night a very sociable party met where a very pleasant dance took place, iu the Oddfellows’ Hall, Featherstou, Mr A Donald acted as M.C., and the music was supplied by Messrs Kelso überg and Lnudqvist, which was excellent, ana Mr and Mrs Worsley attended to the . freshmouts iu a most satisfactory manner. At an early hour this morning the party at which a number of the tradespeople were present separated after having thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Featherstou during the Jubilee week has been very quiet, a number of the rcsidents hav ing attended the Carterton Demonstration.