DIMOND JUBILEE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2373, 1 February 1915, Page 7

DIMOND JUBILEE

PROCESSION & SPORTS'

tjTHE POSTPONED CELEBRATIONS. ■'«-;■, — "■';- ; .-i : -

arranged for Wellington's diamond jubilee, which had to be postponed on Anniversary Day owing to the boisterous weather, were carried »at at Newtown Park on Saturday afternoon in dull weather, but much of the success which would have attended them on the original day .was lost, for interest always slackens in postponed' celebrations. However, the executive did their part to make the. gathering successful, and about 1500 people attended at the park, during the-afternoon. Shortly after 2 p.m. a procession was formed up at the Post Office, consisting of a gold-mining exhibition by the West Coasters' Association, members of the J. C. Williamson Theatrical Company, picturesquely, attired for the costume cricket match which was later to be held in the park, and others interested. in tie celebrations. Headed by the Highland Pipe Band, the procession marched to the park, and on the way aroused much interest. The. chief attraction was the gold-mining display by members of the West Coasters' Association, .which, attired in the mining costumes of the early gold-rush days, showed the then methods of seoking gold'. A lorry carried; one party' industriously .washing gold, the old-time cradle being used, while other lorries had erected on them mining' camps, etc., while pack-horses, laden with sugar and flour, marched alongside. -Although not lengthy, the procession was very creditable,' and reflected credit on the pro-' motors. . ■ ■ : " .

Shortly before 3 p.m. Newtown Park was reached, where many interesting events were under way. Included in the gathering were the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke), many members of the council, and the New Zealand Natives' Association, but the attendance of early settlers was disappointing, and not nearly up to that at last year's' gathering. This, no doubt, was due in a measure to the unavoidable postponement. The costume cricket match scheduled between the theatrical company and the Maoris arid Pakehas did not eventuate, but members of the former company added greatly to the amusement of those attending by playing an impromptu match, the implements of the game being of all sizes and conditions. The game helped considerably to while away the afternoon, and especially amused the children, of whom there were scores present/There were numerous other side-shows, including a very creditable''dancing competition, and a display of national dances by the pupils of Miss Flora Shaw. Perhaps the most successful event was the baby show, for which close on one hundred competitors were presented.. Dr. Platts-Mifls was the judge for this feature, and she had a difficult task in making the awards. General satisfaction was expressed at th 9 result.of her placing, the following being the winners: Best baby born since outbreak of war: Walter Kivell, two months old. Best, baby boy, up to 12 months: Baby Tom Ballard. Best baby girl, up to 12 months: Doris Gregory. Best baby boy, 'over 12 months and under two years: Lawrence Mason. Best baby girl, over 12 months: and under two years: ■DorothV Elliott. Special Glaxo prize: Baby 'Brook-Taylor. Special prize: 'Robt. Douglas. First prizs twins: Jean and Mary Kennedy. Bands in attendance during the afternoon were the New Zealand Natives' Band, Jnpp's Band, and the Highland Pipe Band, and these liveried the proceedings with spirited music. Plenty of entertaiment was _ provided for tho juveniles present, in the shape of sack races, potato »aces, greasy pole events; etc., culminating with a ■'■ greasy ■'. pig hunt, which brought the afternoon to a close. .''.'•.

, A short athletic programme was carried out, under the N.Z.A.A.A.. rules. .The results were: —

■ 100 Yards Handicap—G. Heley, syds:, 1; R. Adams, 7yds., 2. Time, 10 4-sseo. 880 Yards Handicap—G. Bilderbeck, 55yds., 1; P. Doyle, 15yds.', 2. Time, 2min. ssec. ,■■'

Half-mile Boys' Walk—R. M'Kenzie, 1; J. M'Kenzie, 2. '--■ 220 Yards Handicap—H. E. Wilson, 16yds.': 1; G. Heley, Byds., 2. Time, 23 2-ssec. ■;■. ■ ; , - '

220 Yards, Boy'Scouts—G. Stark, 1; G. Dutch, 2. :' One Mile Handicap—W. Dnimmond, Boyds., 1; J. F. Byrne; scr., 2. Time, (tmin.- 51 4-sseo.