ODDFELLOWS’ FETE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1096, 10 November 1883, Page 2

ODDFELLOWS’ FETE.

The Ashburton Oddfellows are singularly unfortunate in the choice of a day on which to hold their annual sports. It will be remembered by many what a bitterly cold and wet day the Oddfellows had for their last anniversary, and the state of the weather yesterday certainly did much to mar the success of what might have boon a thoroughly good day’s outing. As it was, only about 350 persons made their appearance on the Show Ground where the sports were to be held, and more than halt that number were children. The committee provided an excellent programme, and each event on it was wellcontested. There were two refreshment booths on the ground. In the one Mr T. Quill, of the Commercial Hotel, had prepared luncheon, while in the other Mr T. Davison, fruiterer, of East street, was attending to the wants of the hungry and thirsty public ; but neither of these places could be said to be well patronised. A shooting gallery on the ground appeared to do a good business. The first item on the programme was the Oddfellows’Grand Handicap, 100yds, 200yds, 300yds; Ist

prize, L2; 2nd prize, 15s. Five entered for this race, which was ultimately won by Betts, Kenny coming in second. The next race (for Oddfellows only) was for a regalia, second man to reoaive a collarette. In this Kenny took first place, and Parkin second. Whatever chance Macfarlane had of being placed wa-i lost through his slipping when he was a few yards from home, and just as he was passing Parkin. In the Running High Jump Macfarlane had it all his own way at 4ft Sin. In the 120yds Hurdle Race, over twelve flights hurdles, Hyland took first prize of 20s, Kenny coming in for second. Betts showed very good form until the eighth hurdle had to be negotiated, when he fell and came in a bad third. The One Mile Handicap, with a first prize of L2, second prize, LI, brought out five competitors. Before half a mile was covered only Johnsand Walker were left, the former coming in an easy winner. Five also faced the starter for the next event which was the 440 yds Handicap. In this race Hyland’s and Kenny’s running was about equal, for although Hyland arrived first at the winning post he got three yards start of his opponent. The Twenty Stones a Yard Apart Race is one which always causes a considerable amount of amusement. Three prizes were offered—20s, 10s ss—-and nine entered for the race, which was won by Johns, Vince.it, and Lucas, in the order named. The Mile Walking Race, which was perhaps the beat race of the day, was contested by Messrs Minnia, Macfarlane, Hooper, and Smith, Smith soon overtook and passed both Hooper (who got twenty yards) and Macfarlane (who got forty yards’ start of him. A desperate struggle then ensued between Minnia and Smith, the former managing to keep the lead for about twothirds of the distance, when Smith put ting on a spurt passed him and led the way home ; but he was only all >wed to take second place after all, as Minnis passed him just as he was within a foot of the winning post. A protest was entered by Hooper against the stylo of Minnia’s walking, but the Committee upheld the decision of the judge. The last race was a three-legged one and was won by Belts and Stewart, 1 ; Bartlett and Gilpin, 2. Six couples entered for this, the distance being only 100yds. Besides the races above mentioned several others were got up for the benefit of the [children, and there were also married women’s, married men’s, and big boys’ and girls’ races. Mr Alfred Harrison acted as judge, and Mr Walter Dolman as starter ; while the task of handicapping was performed by Messrs Vincent and Bayli s. It is hard to say how the youngsters present would have fared had it not been for the exertions of Mr Quill, who appeared to thoroughly delight in using his best endeavors to make the children happy. The proceedings were considerably enlivened by the selections of dance and other music played by the Ashburton Brass Band, and taking advantage of the music, dancing formed an item of the day’s amusement, which was brought to a close shortly after six o’clock.