THE CALEDONIAN GATHERING.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2078, 3 January 1870, Page 2

THE CALEDONIAN GATHERING.

We continue our report of Saturday’s games : Walking Race.—Two miles ; heel and toe. First prize, L 4 ; second, L2; third, LI. This is always the event of the gathering, and the interest that was centred in the event this year evidenced that the public had watched narrowly the previous performances of the competitors. Those who stripped were Macgregor, Eadie, Thompson, Macdonnell, and Jollie. The two former were first favorites, and betting was pretty equal on them, although Macgregor had a shght preference, Thompson, from the manner in which he had figured on a recent occasion, found a great many backers ; the others were unknown to fame. When the start was made Eadie jumped off with the lead, Macgregor following closely at his heels ; Macdonnell, Thomson, and Jollie keeping pretty close together. The first half-dozen leaps did not show any sensible diminution in their relative positions ; but in the seventh Thompson was induced to put on a spurt, which brought him close up to Macgregor and Eadie. He again increased the pace, and brought himself up level with the other two. Encouraged by the advice of his friends he increased the pace still further, the consequence being that the other men were ’livened up a little, whilst he tired himself. It is very much to he regretted that this young man, who walks remarkably well, should have been so led away; and had he reserved his strength until the final struggle, we doubt not but that he would have stood a better chance. His friends also are much to blame for allowing their zeal to outrun their discretion. When the first mile had been accomplished, Jollie, who had occupied a rear position throughout, “caved in.” On lap 14 being completed, it was plainly observable that Thompson was done, and he gradually fell behind. Macdonnell had for some time been a lap behind the others. Macgregor and Eadie were well together ; but on lap sixteen being finished, the former by a magnificent spurt went to the fore, and in a few strides placed a distance of fully eight yards between him and Eadie. The latter tried his best to recover his position, but in vain, for when the last • lap was begun Macgregor was nearly half a 1 lap in advance. Macgregor won easily, Thompson being a fair third. The first mile was accomplished in Smin lOsecs, and the second in flmiji Ldsccs. Tlie several laps were accomplished in the following time ; 2nd, 58secs; 3rd, JS.jjsecs; 4th, GOsecs; sth, filsecs ; 6th, 63secs; 7th, 63secs; Bth, 65secs; 9th, 67secs; 10th 62secs; 11th, 64secs; 12th, 1 62eecs; 13th, Olsccj ; 14th, GUsecs; 15th,

Glisecs; IGth, 624secs; 17th, Glsecs ; ISth, 624 secs. Highland Fling. First prize, L 3; second, Ll • Murray, 1; Brown, 2. One-Mile Back for Championship of Otago for IS7O. First prize, LG; second, L 3 ; third, L2. There were four competitors—E. Brown, G. Murdoch, Howes, and M'lntyrc. The men got away well together, and kept close to one another until entering upon the seventh lap, whan Murdoch put on a magnilicent spurt, and shot ahead fully ten yards. lie increased the distance as he wont along, the others trying hard to pull up on him. Brown, in the next lap, made a second effort to catch upon Murdoch, but failing, retired from the contest. Murdoch came in an easy'winner, Howes being second, and M‘lntyre third. Time, smin. 45secs. Murdoch has a very good style of running, but it is his immense stride and powers of endurance that carry him through. The result of .this race was that preliminaries have been entered into for a match, for LSO a side, between Murdoch and Higgins and Osborne, of Australia, which it is expected will be run iu February or March. Sailor’s Hornpipe. —First prize, L 3 i second, Ll. There were three competitors. The first prize fell to Hay, whose dancing w;is decidedly the best; and Murray secured the second. Wrestling (in the Cornish and Devonshire style).—First prize, L 6; second, L 3 ; third, L2. There were three entries. STOOD. FELL. Stranger Fotherham Eohiuson Steveus Egg and Ladle Race. —2oo yards. First prize, L2; second, Ll. ■ This race was run in heats. The first prize ought to have fallen to Robinson, but through his own carelessness he had to content himself with second, the first prize being taken by Howes. Singlesticks. First prize, L2; second, Ll. There were four competitors. The bouts were won by Hogg and White respectively, who will play off for first prize on Saturday next. Velocipede Race, One mile. Bicycles only. First prize, L 3 ; second, L2. This was easily won by Flying Jib (Thomas) ; Win-if-you-can (Stewart) being second. The race, which was an indifferent one throughout, was run iu Smin. Sosecs. Saauntreus. First prize, L 3; second, Ll. Murray, 1 ; Mackenzie, 2. Throwing the Heavy Hammer. First prize, L 3; second, Ll. There were ten competitors. E. Chalmers, 1 ; Nicholls, 2. Hurdle Race ; 600 yards. First prize, L 4; second, L2 ; third, Ll. Four competitors. Murdoch, 1; W. Robertson, 2 ; Howes, 3. Time, Imiu. 35secs. The last event on the programme was The Sack Race for Boys. This race was won by Mitchell, Aarons being second.