WAIPAWA.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3188, 16 September 1881, Page 3

WAIPAWA.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.;

September 15, 1881

Waipawa to-day was the scene of unusual bustle and activity in consequence of the celebration of the eighth anniversary of tbe Loyal Abbotsford Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., No. 6025. Flags and bunting were freely displayed in various parts of the town. Tbe principal business places were closed during the latter part of the day. At half-past twelve athletic sports commenced in a paddock next the Repository, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr S. McGreevy, a good number of both sexes being present, who all appeared to take much interest in the events competed for. The proceedings were enlivened at intervals by musical selections by the Waipawa drum and fife band, under the leadership of Mr Moffit, of.Kaikora. At about 3.15 p.m., some sixty brethren, clothed in the regaiia of tbe order, formed themselves into a procession at the Oddfellows' Hall, when, headed by the band, they marched through the streets of the town, and back to the hall. Three cheers were then given, and the procession broke up. shortly afterwards, between forty and fifty guests assembled in the hall for dinner, and did full justice to the excellent spread provided by the carterer, Mr H. Carson. Dinner being over, the usual loyal and other toasts were drunk, and several songs excellently rendered by some of the brethren present, the whole concluding with " Auld Lang Syne" by tbe company. Theballoommenced at 8.30, the room being very tastefully decorated with flowers, evergreens, &c. Some 60 couples took part, dancing being kept up with spirit till daybreak to music supplied by Mr C. Harding. On the whole, the anniversary may be considered a perfect success, and great praise is due to the committee for the excellent manner in which they carried out all arrangements. The following are tbe results of tbe principal events at the sports : — High Jump-P. McGreevy and H. McGreevy tied at 4ft. Bin. and divided the stake.

Vaulting with Pole—A. Nicholls (Bft. Bin.), 1 ; Lozell, 2. Men's 440 yards race—P. McGreevy, 1; H. Barry, 2. McGreevy took the lead at the start, and was never caught, winning easily. Hop, step, and jump-P. McGreevy (36 ft. 6in.), 1; Tommy (Maori), 2. A number of boy's and girl's races were run, tbe winners of the different events being Grenside, Browne, McGreevy, Sebley, Rathbone, &c, &c.