TRADESMEN’S RACES.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2579, 24 May 1871, Page 2

TRADESMEN’S RACES.

The Tradesmen’s Races took place to-day on the Porbury Racecourse. The programme had the effect of collecting together a largo number of spectators—probably 150J persons. There was a fair sprinkling of carriages on tho ground. It was apprehended that the rain which had fallen so heavily and unceasingly during the night would have had an effect upon the ground, rendering it so't and bad for running. This, however, was nob the case. Though there was a little elasticity, tho ground was firm and hard for the horses. This is attributable to the praiseworthy efforts of the Porbury Company in thoroughly draining the ground. The events of the day commenced with The Handicap Hurdle Race, of 15 fovs ; entrance, 1 sov.; one mile and a half, over seven flights of hurdles. Five horses started. Tho race was from the first between Pilgrim and Forbury; the others, especially Fiying Childers, hesitating to take the fences. The race was not of particul >r into cst, and the horses arrived at the winning post in tho following order ; Pilgrim 1 Forbury ... ... 2 Lottery 3 Surprise 4 Flying didders 5 There was no betting on this event, the doubtful condition of the ground probably preventing much speculation. The Maiden Plate, of 10 sovs. ; entrance, 10s ; one mle and a quarter; weight for age ; for all horses that have never won a prize. Four horses only were entered and started. There was some interest manifested in this race, and it was generally believed if Saladin, a bad tempered brute, could only bo started, he must inevitably be the winner. Fortunately he started well; but the vaticinations of the prophets were not realised. Pilgiim (that had won the former race) made an effort when about a quarter of a mile from home, and came in first. T his was a well contested race; Thorncy taking the lead until towards the end, when Pilgrim making a spurt, showed that he was capable of greater endurance than his rival. He came in about a length ahead. The old tricks of Saladin came back to him when about half-way over the course. A protest, however, has been entered against Pilgrim or Thorney’s taking the first place, as neither is a maiden. Saladin finding the place too warm fur him, cleared oil the course, and though his owner was fortunate enough to secure one of our best jocks (Goodman), the horse would not forget his old tricks, and bolted. 'The following is the order in jwhich the horses came in : Pilgr m 1 Thorncy 2 Tomboy 3 Th re was considerable cheering when Pilgrim came in first. Birthday Handicap, of 30 sovs.; one mile and a half; nomination 1 sov. ; the second horse to receive the acceptance money. This was the great event of the day, and considerable interest was taken in the race. Seven horses were entered. A good start was effected, and at the end of half a mile it was impo-sible to say with any certainty which stood the best chance, so clostly they ran together. The last half mile, however, shewed the stuff of which they were made, and Merryman came in a good distance ahead. The following is the order Merryman 1 Little Nell 2 Tiger 3 The Butcher's R ace for 10 sovs : entrance 10s; one mile and a distance; weight for age; for Butcher s II acks that have regularly carried the basket one month previous to tho day of the race. Three horses started. Mr Menlove’s Sandy was the favorite; Ranger however finding backers. When about half the distance Ranger was discovered to be unequal to the distance, and fell in the rear. Indeed it was no race ; Sandy taking the lead from the first, maintained it to the end, and came in about fifty yards a-head. Sandy 1 Tommy 2 Ranger 3 Selling Race, of 20 sovs. ; entrance, 1 sov ; 1 mile ; weight for age ; winner to be sold for L4O. Nine horses were entered; eight started. Saladin being scratched. Little Nell was the favorite, but it was feared that the great weight she carried would stand against her in the race. The next in favor were Regnum and Gazelle. Great interest was taken in this race. A good start was effected, Sandy taking the lead, followed closely by Merryman, who, when about half the distance, went ahead, and maintained his position to the end The prophets of the turf were clearly at fault in their predictions; the following being the order in which the horses reached home Merryman 1 Little Nell ... 2 Gazeller 3 Butchers’ Subscription Rack, of 15 sovs, Bismark 1 Mischief .. 2 Flying Tomahawk 3 Benevolent Asylum Hurry Scurry; post entries, ss. Fifteen horses were entered. This race, which was a spirited one, was won by Pilgrim ; and we believe, as a result of it, a sum of L3l odd will be presented to the Benevolent Asylum.

CENSUS RETURNS,

The following table gives the population for the several electoral districts of the Canterbury Province, as ascertained by the recent Census:—

The population of the Province, according to the Census returns in 1887, was 33,448, so that there has been a numerical increase during the three years of 8,353, or at the rate of nearly 22 per cent.

In a recent Gazette are published the approximate results of the late Census in Taranaki, Wellington, Hawke’s Bay, and Marlborough. The tota 1 s are, Taranaki. 4,480 ; Wellington, 23,982 ; Hawke’s Bay, 0.059; Marlborough, 5,235. In each of tin se Provinces there has been an increare since ISG7. The increase stands as follows : T ranaki, 121 ; Wei ington, 2,032 ; Hawke’s Bay, 77(5; Marlborough, 804. The population of the City of Wellington is 7,890, and country districts 2,029.

Males. Females. Total. Christchurch Fast 2,912 2,785 5,967 Christchurch West 3,374 3 395 6,759 Lyttelton ... ... 1,427 1,124 2,551 Kaiapoi ... ... 2,523 2,119 4,642 Timara ... 2,434 1,916 4,350 Akaroa ... 1 500 1,225 2,725 Ashley ... 2,314 1,725 4,039 Avon ... 1,693 1,451 3,141 Coleridge ... ... 1,3S1 774 2,155 Gla-lstouc... ... 1,249 732 1,931 lleathoote ... 2,677 2,407 5,084 Sclwyn ... 2,297 1,356 3,663 25,781 21,020 46,801

We are now able to give the results of the Census for the Middle Island, and a comparative table showing the increase or decrease in Provinces since 1867 :— 1867. 1871. Otago ... 48,577 69,570 Southland ... ... 7,913 8,070 Canterbury ... 38,448 46,801 Westland ... ... 15,418 18,000 Nelson ... 23,814 22,396 Marlborough ... 5,347 5,026 139,547 ... 101,463