THE ANNUAL SPORTS AT MR BAKER'S SCHOOL.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 668, 8 December 1882, Page 2

THE ANNUAL SPORTS AT MR BAKER'S SCHOOL.

The annual breaking up sports in connection with Mr Baker's school were held on Wednesday last, at French Farm. A good many ladies and gentlemen from Akaroa and the Bays were present to witness the proceedings, and were entertained by Mr and Mrs Baker. The grounds had »yen prepared for the occasion, and the weather being bright and cool, and the boys in really good training, the whole ftfairwasa complete success. M.i Tossvill look a number of ladies over in his roomy boat, and there were al«o t others \ resent who bail ridden round. M ssrs Struan Robertson and J. Broderick acted as starter and judge, and Mr Baker as handicapper. At intervals there were extra races introduced, the contestants being chosen from among the visitors present, the distances being limited, on account of corpulence and want of train ■ ing. Perhaps the most amusing part of the programme was the handicap steeplechase, which was over a long course, and had two immense water jumps, all the boys failing to ?eaeh the other shore, and consequently going in with a splash, and coming out refreshed and cool for tho rest of the run. The following is an account of the races :—

1. 100 Yards Race, open—R. Temple 1. There were bis. competitors in this race, which was run in heats, Temple proving the winner. 2. 100 Yards Race for boys under 12 years—X, Johnston 1. Thus also was run in heals. 3. Q inter Mile Handicap, three prison--E. Johnston 1, G. Johnston 2, McLean 3, This was a very good race, E. Johnston running exceptionally well.

4. High Jump, open —Courage 1. There were three entries, Courage succeeding in winning the prize by a jump of 3ft llin. 5 One Mi'e Handicap, open —McLean 1, E. Johnston 2. G. Johnston 3. This was an excellent race, though there were only three competitors. The boys kept well wi ".Mi themselves, McLean winning by about 10 yards, about the same distance separating the two Johnstons. G. Long Jump—Tempio i, Courage 2. hi this eve.it Temple showed up well, jumping lift llin. Courage also jumped v/oil. but could not succeed in reaching Temple's distance by an inch or two.

7. Walking Match, handicap—Courage (scratch). 1, Temple (8 yards) 2, Hall (18 yards) 3. Hall took a decided lead in the

first lap, and kept it till wilhin 50 yards of the finish, walking very plnckily throughout. He was then caught by Courage and Temple, who kept close together till near the tape.

8. Handicap Steeplechase, distance about lfj- miles—B. Williams 1, G. Henderson 2, R. Temple 3. All the boys contested this race, which resulted as above.

A Sack and Consolation race were also ran.

There was an entertainment in the Government School in the evening in aid of that school's prize fund, which was a great success.