THE CALEDONIAN SOCIETY OF OTAGO.

Evening Star, Issue 3390, 2 January 1874, Page 2

THE CALEDONIAN SOCIETY OF OTAGO.

ANNUAL GATHERING The twelfth annual sports meeting in connection with the above Society commenced yesterday, at the North Dunedin Recreation Ground. Between nine and ten o’clock a light drizzling rain began to fall, threatening to spoil the day’s enjoyment. This continued, with occasional gleams of sunshine, for two or three hours, when the weather cleared up, and a splendid afternoon and evening followed. The gathering may be considered, in point of numbers, perhaps the most successful ever held here, there being close on 7,000 people present; but in interest some items of the sports were deficient—notably the wrestling. The ground was enlivened by about the usual number ol Scots in their national costume, including the inevitable Hob Roy representative with the “ wee” (?) bonnet. The Artillery Bund playedgood selections of music throughoutthe day, and the ears of some at least of the vistors were agreeably tickled by the occasional strains of the bagpipes. The arrangements of the directors were very satisfactory, and the day’s programme was got through sue cessfully and in good time. At two o’clock his Excellency the Governor and his son arrived, accompanied by his aid de-camp, Captain Jaquemar: and three other officers of the French war-ship Vire, his Honor the •Superintendent, and Lieut.-Colt,nel Cargill. I'te party was received by Mr K. Ramsay, President of tbe Society, who in a few words • welcomed his Excellency on behalf of the direclois, saying that in this instance they had done away with all formality, knowing his wish to avoid all needless ceremony on such occasions. His Excellency said he was glad they had done so, and thanked Mr Ramsay for his reception. During the progress of the games the vice-regal party left their box and walked round the ring, apparently taking some interest in what was going on. The competition for the prize for gymnastics fell through yesterday, in consequence of the hor zontal bar (which is of wood, with a steel bar running through it) becoming injured through exposure to the weather, but that was to be remedied for to-day. The jumping in the running long leap match was very poor, the winner clearing only Ujfc. last year Fox won with 20it. 7in. ; and the previous year 18ft. llin. was cleared. The wrestling was very uninteresting, there being only three entries altogether, and this caused great disappointment, as at the last meeting some excellent sport was shown by Tyson, Hoare, and Robertson. Of dancing there was an abundance; in faot we think that department was overdone. The racing calls for no particular mention beyond noting the fact that F. Wain appears to be getting into form again; and that A. D. Wilson, anew hand here, will prove dangerous when in better training. In the walking matches, J. Campbell bids fair to soon be at the top of the tree, unless Austin’s novice, the little boy John b'cott, should turn out to be the prodigy be appeared to be yesterday. We must express our thanks to the directors, stewards, and judges of the various events for their courtesy and readiness to supply information, and to Mr R, H. Bailey, who officiated as time-keeper. The following are the results of the competitions ; Handicap Sprint Race, 100 yds ; heats.— First prize, L 4 ; second, L2 ; third, LI. There were twenty-three enti’ies for this race, the first heat of which was won, on the post, by E. Hogg (0 yds), F. Wain (4 yds) second; the second heat —G. Aarons (6 yds) 1, J. Murdoch (4 yds) 2; the third heat—A. JL). Wilson (4 yds) 1, H. Carey (6 yds) 2. On these six running off, Aarons won easily by three yards, Wilson 2, Wain 3 ; time, We understand that a protest has been entered on the ground of Wain jostling prison. Youths’ Handicap 220 yds.-First prize, LI; seeibnd, 10s ; third, ss. Three started, and after a fair race came in as followsM’Beau (7 yds) 1, J. Mayne (6 yds) 2, M'Lennau (scratch) 3. Running High Leap.—First prize, L2; second, LI; third, 10s. Only three competitors turned up for this event, which was a gift to Murdoch, P. Wain breaking down at 4ft oin, and 1). Auld at 4ft Tin. Murdoch cleared 4ft Oin. Throwing the 161b Hammer.— First prize, L 7; second, L 3 ; third, LI. D. Chalmers wo* easily, with a splendid thrown of 100 ft 2in, the winning throw last year being S7ffc llin; Matheson second, with 02ft lOin ; and Webster, a stiff-built youngster, close up with 92ft Sin. Quarter Mile Handicap Race.—First prize, L 5 ; second, L2; thirc, LI. Fifteen started for this race, which resulted in what was. evidently a surprise, F. Wain (10 yards) winning easily. From the start E. Hogg (Byds) and A. 1). Wilson (Byds) kept to the front until within about eighty yards of home, when Wain put on a spurt, passed them as if they were walking, and won by several feet; Hogg 2, Wilson 3. Time, 57secs. Highland I' ling, in Costume. —First prize, L 3 ; second, LI 10s; third, 10s. The first prize was awarded to J. Murray (Athol tartan); R. Brown (42nd tartan) 2:3. Haig (Macduff tartan), 3.

Wrestling (North Country Style), 10s given to Standards. —For men 12st and under— First prize, L 4; second, L2; third, • LI. lor All-comers—First prize, L 7; second, L 3 ; third, LI. For the light weights only two men entered, Fotheniigill and another .the latter being speedily thrown; and for 44 A11-comers” Fotheniigill and G. Robertson were the only competitors. This was a rather tamo affair, Fotheniigill being either unable or unwilling to 44 get a gi'ip” of his stalwart until told that he would have to do so or that the two tyould be put together. Eventually both men got a hold,-and after a sharp tussle Fotheniigill was thrown. Handicap Walking Race, 2 miles. —First prize, L 5 ; second, L2 ; third, LI. Tins was one of the most amusing events of the day. There were four starters : M 4 Gregor and . J. Spence at scratch, J. Campbell with 75 yards, and John Scott, a little fellow only twelve years and a-half old, with 220 yards start. Spence seemed to take it as a reflection on him that such a youngster should be pitted against him, but the result showed that his consideration might have been spared. At the start, Campbell went off at a great pace, which he kept up all through, walking in first-rate style. M‘Gregor came next, going as well as .ever, then Spence, who has an ugly style, with Scott In the rear—the last walking in real professional form. This order was kept up till the last two or three laps, when tie 4 ‘little ’un” put on a terrific spurt, and, amiust uproarious cheering, passed Spence, and then, in the last i went ahead of M 4 Gregor, actually passing the post before him with his start to the gooi. However, there can be no doubt that Scott broke into a run several times, the judges having repeatedly to caution him, and the result of the race is therefore given thus : -Campbell, 1; M 4 Gregor, 2; Spence, 3; Mr Kirkcaldy, the hon. treasurer, recommending the directors of the Society to present the boy Scott with a sum of money (even equal to the first prize) for the indomitable pluck aud endurance he showed. One Mile Handicap Race. —First prize, LG; second, L 3 ; third, LI. Six started for what proved a rather hollow race, W. J. Burke (scratch) passing all his men in the first half-mile, and running easily ; E. Hogg (22 yds) 2; D. Auld (45 yds) a bad third. Sailor’s Hornpipe, in costume.—First prize, L 3 ; second, LI 10s ; third, 10s. J. Haig 1, D. Buchanan 2, J. Murray 3. Wrestling— 44 Catch as catch can”—North Country style, for youths of about 20. First prize, L 3; second, LI 10s; third, 10s. A large number entered for this, and some hard struggles were exhibited, and a good deal of merriment caused. The winners were— Gorby 1, T. Ramage 2, W. Braithwaite 3. ■Seannteeus, in Highland Costume First prize, L 3 ; second, LI 10s ; third, 10s. J. Haig, 1; J. Murray, 2; E. Brown, 3. Handicap Hurdle Race— 22o yards ; heats ; 3ft hurdles; first prize, L 5 ; second, L2 : third, LI. ’ Eight started for this event. The first hurdle was cleared in capital style, the men going over nearly all at the same time. No alteration took place till after leaping the third hurdle, when Wain (oyds) was seen to go away from the rest, and came in a winner by a couple of yards ; Howe (3yds) being slightly in advance of Lefevre (scratch). Time, 29secs. Grand Highland Keel, for Boys, in costume.—First prize, LI; second, 10s; third, 10s. J. Murray, jun., 1; W. Allen, 2; A. Allen, 3. J. Caldwell was recommended for an additional prize. Running Long Leap.— First prize, L2; second, LI; third, 10s. Four entered. Murdoch the first prize with 16ft IO.Mn ; Howe, the second, with 16ft lOin ; Auld, the third, with 16ft Sin. Youths’ Handicap Walking Race, one mile. First prize, LI; second, 10s ; third, ss. Four entered for this event, but only three competed. At the start Campbell put on a magnificent spurt; his walking, which is the counterpart of that of Edwards, who was here a couple of years ago. was much admired. Scott, the little boy who had so distinguished himself in thj men’s walking match, also went away at a t«rrific pace, maintaining the lead throughout, but the judges declared the walking to be infair, and disqualified him. The first and seemd prizes therefore fell to Campbell and M 4 Lennan respectively. Time, Btnin. 30seos. Grand Highland Reel, in costume. Prizes, L 3, LI 10s, and 10s. J. Murray, 1; R. Brown, 2; J. Haig, 3. .SECOND -DAY. The weather to-day was much finer than yesterday, and the atten Lance for a second day was rery good, there being close on 5,0C0 persons present at four o’clock. The quoiting, continued from the previous day, resulted in the first prize falling to Macrorie and the second to Cramond. The bagpipe music had not been decided when we went to press. Lady Fergnsson, MrFergusson, Mr Hare, and others arrived on the grounds shortly after threa o’clock, where they were met by several of the directors ; the band playing 14 God’save the Queen,” and all in the stand rising. Handicap Race, 220 yards, Heats—First prize, L 4; second prize, L2; third prize, LI. In the first heat Westland (6yds) came in first, Henderson (9ycls) second, about a yard behind. Wain fell half-way from home. Time—2sfj seconds. Murdoch (7yds) won the second heat; Howe (2yds) second. Time —25 seconds. In the third heat only two started. When about half way had been run Collins fell in trying to pull back Hogg, after which he retired. Time —2B seconds. The fourth heat was well contested, E. Hogg coming in first; S. Collins second, about a yard behind. Time—244 seconds. In the final heat S. Collins (4yds) came in first; L. Westland (6yds) and Henderson (9ydf) equal for second ; di ride the second and third prizes. Time—244 seconds. Youms’ Handicap Race, 440 yards,—First prize, LI; second, 10s ; third, ss. Six entered. Nightingale (12 yards), had the race all in his own hands, and won -easily. Hogg sc.xatch), second ; Main (12 yards) third. Tune, 59secs. Putting the 221b Ball.— First prize, L 7 ; second, L 3; third, LI. Fire competed. Chalmers threw the ball 32ft 2in, securing the first prize; Matheson, 2Sft lOin, second ; Johnson, 28ft Bin, third. Tossing the Caber— Fsrst prize, L 3; second, L2; third, 1. Three competitors. Chalmers first, 31ft 6in; Nicol second, 30ft 3in ; Grant third, 29ft 4in. i Length of caber, 13ft. Handicap Hurdle Race, 440 yds., 3ft. hur4llc«—Fn'st prize, L 5; secon, 2; third, LI. Westland first, Lefevre second, Auld third. Auld and Lefevre led to che last hurdle, when both baulked, Westland passing them. Time, limn. 5 see. Swokd Dance—First prize, L 3; second, LI 10s; third, 10s. Murray first, Mcldrum second, Brown third. Ihe wrestling, which caused great excitement, had taken an hour aud a-half, and had not finished when our reporter left. There were only three competitors.

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. Port Chalmers, January 2. Captain Thomson received a telegram stating that .the ship Surat has gone ashore at Gatlin’s River. There were 270 passengers, who were all landed safely. The French man-of-war steamer Yire proceeds to the wreck at 1 p.m. Captain Thomson accompanies her. No further particulars to hand. The Lady of the Lake and the Wanganui arc under orders to proceed to Gatlin’s River, and it is expected they will be there before the Virc. ; Oamaro, January 1. The Samson arrived at 2.30 this morning, after a rough passage. The Provincial bandsmen were awfully sick. The weather was magnificent for the Caledonian games, and two thousand people wore present. Tho principal events were a splendid quoiting match won by J. Johnston; hop-step-and-jump, won by Sutherland with 36ft.; vaulting with the pole, J. Sutherland with 9ft., lin, after close contest. Everything passed off »|)lendidly, ending with a concert and ball. Balclutha, January 2. At the New Year’s Day sports there was a large attendance on' the coarse, and the grand stand was well patronised. The Maiden Plate was won by Romance, Atalauta, 2. Trotting Handicap—Maid, 1; Jessie, 2. Clutlia Handicap—Atalanta, 1; Color Sergeant, 2. Selling Race—Color Sergeant walked over. Consolation Stakes —Mr Philp’s mare walked over. Foot Racing: 150 Yards Race—Mason, 1; Melrose, 2. 250 Yards Race—Melrose, 1; Willox, 2. Half-mile Handicap—Anderson, 1; Tobin, 2. 100 Yards Match —Mason, 1; Willox, 2. .The amateur entertainment on behalf of the local charities was a great success, Invercargill, January 2. The s.s. Wanganui had a rough passage, not arriving till 3.40 yesterday. The cricket match commenced at 10 this morning, the wind blowing half a gale, and perfect clouds of dust. Invercargill won the toss, and took the wickets, Buchanan and W. Wesney facing the bowling of Johnson and Thomson. The only men who made a stand were R. Wesney and Born, the captain. The Invercargill innings terminated shortly after twelve, the Dunedin men fielding remarkably well, considering tho weather and drawbacks. Score:— Invercargill—First Innings. Buchanan b Thomson 5 W. Wesney b Johnson 1 Henderson b Johnson 4 Howard c Hart, b Johnson 0 R. Wesney c Austin b Thomson ... 14 Born c Rhodes, b Thomson ... 9 Cross b Thomson ... ... ... 0 Pickcrford c and b Thomson ... 5 May b Johnson 2 Makeig b Johnson 1 Cook, not out 0 Byes 5 Total 46 Major Atkinson acts as umpire for Dunedin, and Mr Mackorie for Invercargill. Dunedin—First Innings. Fulton b Wesney 21 Rhodes 1 b w, b Wesney 0 Austin c Cook, b Wesney 21 M‘Donald c and b Wesney... ... 2 Johnson c Pickerford, b Wesney ... 14 Brown b Cook 2 Thomson b Wesney 0 Fulton, Frank, b Wesney I Park c Howard, b Wesney ... 4 Begg b Cook 1 Hart, not out 0 Byes, 2; Wides, 1 3 Total 69 Oar correspondent states that Rhodes was given out unfairly. After the fall of Fulton’s wicket, the others went rapidly; Johnson being the only orie to make a stand. Invercargill. —Second Innings. Cook, b Thomson ... 8 Cross, b Thomson 9 Pickford, b Thomson 4 Buchanan, b Rhodes 11 Henderson, c Park, b Thornton *... 2 Borne, b Rhodes 0 Six for 42. Nelson, January 2. We have lovely weather here for the sports. Yesterday the steamer Murray, from the West Coast, • in coming up the harbor, ran into the ketch Mary, and sank her ; and then into tho Government wharf, to a depth of twelve feet. Her engines were reversed, but the current was so strong that they could not stop her. The ketch and her cargo were worth LSOO. The highest scorers at the competition firing, so far, are—Crossman, Burn, and Tomlinson, 88 each. Queenstown, December 31. John Hayes, an old miner, was returning home to the Shotovcr with his mates, and, while resting on top of a track, accidentally rolled over a precipice and was killed. A verdict of accidental death was returned. The man was affected by liquor. His remains were brought into Queenstown. The priest refused to perform the funeral ceremony, and objected to his being buried in the Catholic department of the cemetery. _ The trustees replied that the ground was theirs, and that the interment should take place. Tho priest refused to allow any of his flock to read prayers over the deceased. Mr Worthington, of the Church of England, read a prayer. Tho funeral was well attended. The holiday has been disappointingly dull Money is scarce. The weather is wretched. The sports and regatta were failures. Wanganui, January 2. t The scullers’ race was won by Wood, of Wellington. In the pair-oared race, Roman Fall won easily; Logan’s Te Kooti Point coming in a good second. She shipped a heavy sea, and broke into a hundred pieces three lengths from home.' The greatest excitement was a match between the Elvira and Eclipse for fifty pounds, Wanganui and Wellington picking their own crews. Over LIOO was bet, the odds being in favor of Wanganui. The boats were abreast nearly the whole of the distance, but in the last few hundred yards the Eclipse, of Wellington, put on a spurt, and wen by several lengths. Distance—a little over three miles.