BLENHEIM.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue XXVII, 31 December 1898, Page 861

BLENHEIM.

Dear Bee, December 12. The most notable events of last week were the Circuit Cycling Races, and the triumph of Mr Purser, which, however, may be short-lived, as the General Exploration Company intend to appeal against the verdict, which, by the unanimous decision of the jury, was in Mr Purser’s favour. A day or two of southerly wind preceded Wednesday, when the cycling Races took place,'and the day itself was cheerless and lowering, consequently the attendance at the races was not so large as had been anticipated. Some of the best cyclists in New Zealand competed, and though our local riders had good handicaps, none succeeded in winning a race, though in the final beat of the Wheel Race and Mile Handicap Mr Percy Redwood was second and third. In the Circuit Handicap. of five miles, the competitors who started away back, and at scratch, put on great speed until they caught up those who started in advance of them, then all slowed down, and round ami round they went, one immediately behind t,,e other, lookinglike a serpent undulating round the track. Three capsizes took place, but those who fell were not much hurt, though no doubt they would feel a painful stiffness for several days. Seats were placed round the track for the convenience of the spectators, and very good afternoon tea was provided by Mr Rothwell, of the ‘Trocodero,’ in a large tent. Mr A. P. Green was referee, and Messrs H. F. Thompson. F. Redwood, and C. Ball, judges. Most of the spectators were unknown to me. but among the few I recognised were Mesdames H. F. Thompson. A. P. Green. F. Richmond (‘Richmond Brook"). Clouston. MaeSlmne, 11. <■. Bell. Ball (2). Carey, the Misses Dobbie (Pieton), Eyes, Green (2). Broughan (2). ami Messrs Cottrell and Harden (Westport). F. Dodson. W. Seymour, F. Richmond. Clouston C. Mae Shane, and many others.

There was quite an exodus from Blenheim last Wednesday, when Judge Denniston and secretary. Sir Robert Stout, and Messrs H. D. Bell, Myers, of Wellington, and Messrs Braddon. Cottrell, Harden and a host of wit-

iiesses from Westport took their departure, some going North, some

A SALE OF WORK was held in the schoolroom adoining the Church of the Nativity last Tuesday afternoon and evening, and apparently a good deal of business was done. Amongst other attractive things in the stall managed by Mesdames C. W. Adams and Black was a collection of Sydenham pottery, consisting of teapots, vases, flower-pots, and jugs. etc., which seemed to sell very readily. 1 did not know that such things were made in New Zealand. and was charmed with many of them. A second stall was superintended by Mesdames Mclntire and Smith. Little tables were dotted about the room, at which most delicious tea and cakes were served; and fruit salads were to be had for a small sum. Some of those I saw present were Mesdames Grace. Moore, Graham. Merewether. Duckworth. Monro, Carter. Howard. A. I*. Green. Mclntosh. Mae Shane. Currie. Collins. Jackson. the Misses Moore. A. Williams,

K. Smith. Waddy, Norgrove, Adams. • etc. During the evening a concert was held ami refreshing n;s s< rv-d. Of those who went from here to Nelson to compete in the Cycling Club's sports, Mr Percy Redwood has been the most successful, having won two races the Nelson Wheel Race, and 1.1 Mile Raee. He also came second in another raee. The Amateur Opera Society have taken "Rip Van Winkle' for practice, and are having the scenery painted by Messrs Hutchins and Ward. late of the Cowan Dramatic Company. There was a large assemblage of members at the Marlborough Tennis Courts on Saturday afternoon, when Mrs G. Robinson gave the afternoon tea. Croquet is deeidely popular already, and there were many players. The dav was a lovely one. FRIDA.