THE CALEDONIAN GATHERING.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2304, 2 January 1866, Page 5

THE CALEDONIAN GATHERING.

We don't, know whether enthusiastic Caledonians, mindful of old Scottish traditions, ushered in the new year with the time-honored rite of " the first foot ;" but whether or no, they certainly revived the manly games and athletic sports of' their country yesterday in the most successful manner. Towards eleven o'clock the street leading to the- paddock behind the White Swan Hotel was crowded with people eager to witness the games. Joining the crowd, " your special " approached the entrance, and soon got admission to the grounds, which by that time were nearly filled with gaily dressed holiday-makers, all waiting to witness the sports and games set down in the very attractive programme. The ground, which was a paddock kindly lent for the occasion by John Martin, Esq., appeared to be admirably suited for the * purpose to which it was applied. Smooth as a boTlinggreen, it stretched in an unobstructed expanse of two acres in extent, the space being fitted up with a flagstaff in tho centre, from which stretched a rope to the side, gaily hung with bunting, in all the varied colors which the signal chests of one or two vessels in port culd supply. A platform of capacious extent adjoined the flag-staff, where a piper in the garb of old Gaul, " wi' bags and drone in order" discoursed music, dear to the ears of those who hailed from the Highlands, while to the left stood the Grandstand, specially set apart for the more aristocratic portion of the assemblage who chose | to disburse half-a-crown for the privilege of occupying a seat in it. At one end of the enelosuro were the refreshment and committee booths, while at the other a corner was occupied by au effigy of a hideous old negress, who informed us by a printed legend, pinned to her breast, that : — < Old Aunt Sal ' Wishes you all, A HAPPY NEW YEAlt',' while beneath, to prove that though " Sally" was black iu comploxion, her sentiments were of the purest and most loyal character, ran another inscription of " God save the Queen." By the time those investigations were completed, it became necessary for "your special" to visit the refreshment booths, there to sustain his inner man with the peppery sandwich and the foaming bitter beer, the better to enable him to executo his duties to your satisfaction, and sustain the fatigues of his arduous task. There was certainly no lack of accommodation and refreshment. First came the tent of Mr. Freeman, whose tea, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and other temperance beverages, seemed to be in brisk demand ; next came the White Swan and Eagle booth, those birds having for the occasion entered into an amicable partnership ; while next door to the committee room, which was located in the central tent, was tho Caledonian Cigar Divan, and the extempore hostelry of Mr. C. Morritt. Fortified by his libation, "your special" sullied forth to view tho scene and people more at leisure. And a pretty scene it was. Young New Zealand was well represented in that crowd, with his sinewy limbs, his well proportioned frame, and that manly look of independence which is only to be seen amongst those, who, conscious of their power to hold their own, walk tho earth like freemen who can earn their bread by honest work, and have enough to spare. Then there were representatives of all classes present — fathers with their little boys strolled through the grounds — mothers nestled in the Grand Stand with their pretty daughters, clear of the bustle and turmoil, of the promenade while girls in every variety of costume chattered as is their wont, with all the glee of * unrestrained enjoyment. The Colonial Boy was a special feature in the scene. Bright oyed, sharp, and nimble, he entered into tho spirit of the day with the utmost zest, and " checked" his elders with that happy audacity which distinguishes all juveniles in these parts. But while wo have been thus moralising, a busy, pleasant little gentleman, in a genuine bell-topper, with vest and pants of an exaggerated shepherd's plaid pattern, rushes frantically up and annonnces that the sports are about to commence, so we accordingly hurry up as quick ns possiblo to the centre of the green, where, on tho platform, the stage is cleared for the first event on the programme.

TUB PIBROCH. For this only one candidate, named Mclnnes, put in an appearance, and his performance being deemed highly satisfactory, I ho was engaged to play for the day for a 1 douceur of £o ss. Dressed in full Highland costume, he looked and acted his part extremely well. | KEEL OF TULLOCH. For this there were four competitors, viz. : — Meaars. Grant, Cruickahank, Matheson, and Dands. The dancing was capitally kept up, and Grant who in his Highland costume, danced with infinite spirit and grace, keeping excellent time to the music, obtained the prize. foot bace of 200 yards. Ist prize £2; 2nd prize, 10s. This was a well contested race. Ten competitors entered and toed the line, Captain Anderson officiating as starter. As the flag was lowered the runners bounded away in good stylo, though some obtained a considerable advantage by setting off before the flag touched the ground. At the turn, four were well in front, the x'est being rather distanced, and in the race home Richard Woodman, who had kept the lead almost from the first, came in a winner, closely followed by Wm. Hart as second, and two others well up. The result was therefore as follows : — Richard Woodman „, „, „, 1 I Wm. Hart ,„ 2 The Judges who officiated on the occasion were Messrs. Crawford and Campbell. PUTTING HEAVY BTONE. First Prize, £2 ; Second Prize, £1. This was also well contested. The first and second competitors, Messrs. Cruickshank and Lothian threw the stone, which weighed 211bs. 120z., a very great distance. At the close the first and second competitors were: — Distance thrown, ft. in. Cruickshank 30 0 Lothian 28 10 BOYS EACE, (Under 14 years of age.) First prize Silver Watch. Second do. the whole of the entry money. Entry money one shiling. Twelve Juveniles entered for this race, the favorite from the first being a muscular looking little fellow called " Coffee." At the signal all bounded off with a good start, Coffee having a capital lead which he maintained throughout, and won easily. A lad named Plimmer was second, and another came in almost neck and neck with him. There was a game .struggle between the third and fourth. i Coffee 1 Plimmer ... ... ... ... 2 I THROWING HEAVY HAMMER. [ This afforded a splendid display of muscular power. There were seven entries, and the eontest for some • time was very good. The winner " Young " threw the enormous 1 hammer a distance of 42 feet 8 inches the first throw ; 43 feet 5 inches the second ; and 48 feet 6 inches the third. N. Woodman who was second best, made 45 feet as kis highest throwYoung 1 Woodman ... ... ... ... 2 BURNING HIGH LBAI\ Seven entered for this match. The leaping was over a bar suspended from two posts, and the competitors, divested- of coat, vest, and boots, jumped very evenly until the bar was raised to 4ft. 3in., when all dropt off but Messrs. Davis and M'Cara, who cleared 4ft. 3in. in splendid style. The bar was then raised one inch, when M'Cara missed, leaving Davis the winner of the prize, which amounted to £2. VAULTING WITH POLE. Any amount of competitors entered for this match, but none could touch Mr. M'Cara, who jumped 6ft. 2in. easily, and thus won. HIGHLAND FLING. No sooner was it known that the Highland Fling was the next amusement on the card, than crowds entered the arena and took up positions round the i*aised dais in the centre, which they would not evacuate, despite the entreaties of the stewards, who did their utmost to keep a clear field. Three gentlemen entered the lists, and danced to the lively music of the " pipes." To our uninitiated eyes all appeared to trip it admirably, but the judge awarded the palm | to Messrs. Grant and Macintosh, tho former as best, the latter as next to it. A largo concourse of people now crowded the ring, and it was somo time ere the stewai'ds could clear a space sufficient for the RUNNING HOP, STEP, AND JUMP. For this four gentlemon entered, but the palm was awarded to Mr. Hastings, who' cleared 40 yards. TOSSING THE CABER. Three entries— lst prize, £2, Cruickshank ; 2nd do., £1, Lothian. QUOITS. Five entries — Ist prize, watch value £3, Waters ; 2nd do, £1 ss, Bayer. It being now drawing towards evening the committee decided on dividing the sports, and put off a number of those on the card until to-day. Pursuant to the expressed desires of many, they called for entries for a SIX HUNDRED YARD FOOT BACE. Seven responded to tho call, and having drawn for places, took up their positions at ! the post. When all had been duly m&rshalled in line, Captain Anderson gave the signal, and " they're off " was the cry. . Mr. Phillips was the favorite,;Hud ho bounded

off with the lead and kept it, winmn<PeafH]y. After, another little interlude spent; Ef^tfte committee, in endeavoring to clear 1 the, ring, the pipes again sounded, and two gentlemen. - mounted the dais, and bowing gracefully to the multitude, danced an Irish Jig amidsc the continued plaudits of the spectators. , 1 The great event of the day was ; * A MILE BACE ■'';'' Fi^at Prize, £i. Second Prize, £2.» " Captain Anderson having marshalled thej competitors, gare the word, and they started beautifully together. For the first lap'thei runners, eight in number, kept well together, but by degrees Phillips drew to the front, and won a splendid race, M'Culioch taking socond place. The day's amusements were wound up by an impromptu WAR DANCE. In which about forty Maoris of both sexeg joined. The band, which under the con? ductorship of Mr. N. Valentine, had played admirably throughout the day, then struck up .. theNationalAnthem,andeveryonewenthome well pleased with the first Caledonian gathering held in Wellington. His Honor Mr. Justice Johnston and the elite of Wellington society visited the ground in the afternoon, and expressed themselves surprised and delighted at the very creditable manner fn which the whole affair wafl conducted. We - congratulate the Committee upon the success which has crowned their efforts to pleas#, and cordially wish them equally pleasant sport and good humored fun to-day. ; x