WAIRARAPA.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3109, 28 January 1871, Page 3

WAIRARAPA.

[Feom Oue Own Cobbesfondents.] the anniversary at fjeatherston. As if by common consent Boxing Day in the "Wairarapa is celebrated at Greytown, New Year's Day at Masterton, and the Anniversary atFeatherston. This was the case this year. The weather was very favorable, and the nomination brought many attendants from a distance. Mr C. Phavazyn looking like a fish out of water, was as a matter of course on the course, and so was Mr Bunny, and each did a little electioneering on the quiet. Mr Andrew was not present, I believe, and perhaps this was as it should be, as his warmest supporters were also absent, as being proud rather to be numbered with the saints then the sinners. There were a large number of welldressed ladies to witness the sports, and the Greytown Brass Band discoursed sweet music at intervals during their continuance. The first event was a foot hurdle race which was won by C. Gooding, J. Cundy gaining the second prize, The Boys' Vaulting Match was won by J. Jackson, J. Tidswell being second. The prize for throwing the heavy hammer was deservedly awarded to Oates, who threw it a distance of eighty feet, H. Jackson secured the second prize. T. Smith proved himself the most expert in jumping in sacks ; and the foot race of 440 yards was of course won by Yule, C. Gooding taking second place. The Vaulting Match was won by Heneri (a maori), J. Cotter securing the second prize. The Running High Leap was cleverly won by W. Wakelin, and the second prize, was divided between J. Tocker and Mr J. lorns, The Mile foot race was won by Yule, J. Cotter gaiuing the second prize. A cricket ball was thrown a distance of ninty-two yards, and he would have thrown it a much further had it been one suited for the purpose. The Boys foot raco was won by W. Wardell, who was also the winner last pear. Tkere were a number of hack races during the day, which appeared to excite much interest. The sports gave general and diserved satisfaction. TEE COMING ELECTION. All the talk just now is about the election, which is to take place on Saturday next, the 28th instant. From what what I can learn, the electors generally at Feathers ton, Carter ton, Greytown, and the Lower Valley will vote for Andrew and Bunny, and very plumpers to what was at one time anticipated will be given. At Master-

ton and Whareana, probably, the votes will be split between Andrew and Phara^yn, though each of the two firstnamed vandidates may get many plumpers' If this should be the case, Bunny and Andrew will be returned by a large majority. Braggadocio and^ cajolery, rather than bribery and intimidation, are relied upon to obtain votes, and when> as in the present case, candidates' opinions are " much of a muchness," even the popularity or unpopularity of a proposer or seconder may affect the result. " The gods forbid," said Themistocles, " that I should show no more mercy to my friends than my enemies," and probably the same sentiment will operate with the electors when recording their votes on the present occasion. The Roman virtues which sacrifice friends and kindreds for the good of the state is more admired than practised by our rulers, and with no better example before him, it is not to be wondered at if the humble elector should record his vote more on personal than on public considerations. In the majority of instances this will be the case at 'the coming election.