RANGITIKEI.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1490, 22 January 1861, Page 5

RANGITIKEI.

" ( i>rom the rranganui Cnronicle, January 17. ) THE BACE3. ' We have much pleasure in referring to this '. event. When the settlers of the country and outlying , districts of the Province otiginate amusements ; when they can set apart days for pliy and no 1 work; and when in fact they have arranged to keep annual fete days, we may conclude thatthe I Rubicon is passed, and that the first and great difficulties of settling and " roughing it" have been overcome, and that the people have not onty ffiadeup their minds to spare the time for enjoyments but that they have secured and provided that the necessary concomitant to all amusements— " "the Siller." Daniel's Flat presented a gay and thronged appearance on the morning of the 2nd instnut about 400 equestrians; English and Maori, hay-: ing assembled to witness the sport. The gentlemen who acted as Stewards, were Major TralF'tfd, Captain Blewitt, Mr. Bigg l s.'and Mr. L. Daniel. : The first race, a pony race, for a plate value £10 10s, presented by Captain Daniel, together with a sweepstakes. of two guineas each. This was a well contested race, and was won by a pony ridden by Stevens. We are uuable to give further paiticulars. 2nd Race. — A race 1£ mile heats — 8 horses weie entered for this race, which whs won by the maori horse Peka, the properly o*'the Ngatiraukawa chief Wi Pukapuka ; Capt. Deighton's horse Swinger, coming in second. It is but right to remark that Peka'wel.l, deserved the prize — he would shiue with more brilliant com pet i tors. 3rd Race — Hurdle Race over four hurdles, distance about two miles — heats. 7 entries. Tbis after the, pony race was the r;ice of the day, and clearly showed the stuff the Rangitikei jockies are made of, no flinching, no professional diddling; but downright hard riding; they meant it, and no mistake. At it they went six abreast up to the Hrst hurdle ;< when Jdhjftiy Scott came down " whop,"— =-a regular heqde«v; but the- rest had neither time or inclination for sympathy, and Mr. Fraser rode Captain homo a winner,, as gamely as many more experienced jockies. Mr. Frasei's Captain 11 Ratana's Pukataubaki 2 2 4tb R;ice.— Flat Race 1£ mile, heats. Six horses started for this race, which was won both heats, by Mr. Hill's Eunuch ; Hukopa's Hakopa, coining in second. All honor is due to Capt. Daniel for encouraging such opportunities for recreation for the support he gave with his purse, aud in kiudly permitting the use of bis property. In conclusion we must observe tbcTvery good, feeling prevailing between the Native and European race. We trust the mysteries of politics may never be employed to alter or disturb it in anyway.