TEMPERANCE DEMONSTRATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 820, 16 December 1882, Page 3

TEMPERANCE DEMONSTRATION.

The advocates of temperance in Ashburton celebrated Anniversary Day by a “ United Demonstration ” at the Alfred Mill paddocks this afternoon. About one o’clock the various temperance bodies assembled at the Templar Hall, and marched in procession to the scene of operations. The weather was intensely hot, but the day was a very suitable one nevertheless for out-of-door sports. The attendance was very good all things considered, and would have doubtless been larger had the townspeople been unanimous about observing the day as a holiday, but, unfortunately, there was a want of unanimity, and the result was that to-day has only been a “ half-and-half holiday,” a good many business people closing their premises, while others kept their places open as usual. Of course Saturday is a busy day, when time is money to the business man, but still it seems a pity that no definite arrangement ■was arrived at beforehand, so that one thing or the other might have been done —either the day should have been observed as a general holiday, or not observed at all, but the keeping of it postponed to another occasion. The demonstration was held under the auspices of the Church of England, Wesleyan, Presbyterian, and Primitive Methodist Temperance Societies, and, in addition to these, the Dawn of Peace, Star of the East, Safe Retreat, Will and the Way and Sunbeam Juvenile Lodgas. “ The procession arrived at the paddock at a quarter to two, headed by the Church of England drum and fife band and the Excelsior brass band. Those walking in the procession carried aloft a number of enormous banners. The Church of England temperance banner, a big black and gold one, bearing the bind’s name in conspicuous characters, is reported to have been presented by Mrs Charles Fooks, and a very handsome gift it is. The whole appearance of the long procession, with a number of “ outsiders” bringing up the rear, was decidedly imposing. Mr W. T. Davison, of East street, had a capital booth erected in the inner paddock, replete with all sorts of luxuries, and appeared tb be well patronised. We noticed thp Rev. A. E. Scott, the Key. J. Nixon, tffeßev. A. M. Beattie, and the Rey. C. H. Standageonthe ground. Mr S. E. Poyntz, the hop. sec., was most assiduous in his efforts to promote the success pf thp demonstration, and the enjoyment of all present. No time was lost in making a start. The first event was the 100 Yards Race, men (open), first prize,: 15s; second do, 7s 6d. R.. McFarlane ... ... ... 1 P. Betts 2 R. Lechner 3 A. rather bad start was effected. McFarlane very soon cut out the running, i and won easily.' , 100 Yards Race, Boys under 16 (open). ’ First prize, 10s; second do, s*. ’ J. McFarlane ... 1 J. Cass ... ... 2 Five ran. A capital start was madet t The quintette kept well together for three

quartets of the distance, when McFarlane came away, and won without muc. trouble, Cass a fair second. 220 Yards Race, Men (open). First, 16s; second do, 7s 6d. R. Lechner... ... ... ••• 1 F. Betts 2 A very straggling start was effected, of vi hich Lechner had the best. He got well away with the lead, and maintained it right round the course, winning hands down. 220 Yards Race, Boys (open). First, 10s; second, ss. J. McFarlane ... ... ••• 1 G. Yenabks ... _ 2 Four ran. McFarlane got away with a strong lead, and kept it throughout, Venables lauding a capital second. Running High Jump (Men). First, 10s; second, ss. W. Dalton ... sft 2in \ , G. Johns sft 2in } Lwa Two others competed. Half-mile Race (open); second, 10s. J. McFarlane (60yds) J. Groves ... Shiley These were the only runners. First, 20s ; ... 1 . ’ ... 2 ... 3 McFarlane’s 60 yards was too great a concession, and 30 yards would have been enough folium. All three competitors were youths.