CALEDONIAN GATHERING.

Evening Star, Issue 3701, 2 January 1875, Page 2

CALEDONIAN GATHERING.

FIRST DAY. The thirteenth annual gathering of the Caledonian Society of Otago was commenced yesterday, when the weather was everything that could be desired. .There was a very large attendance, those present numbering from 7,<>00 to 8,000. So great was the throng that it was almost impossible to pass round the circle, the east side being blocked up for a considerable part of the day. The crowd Avas exceedingly well behaved, we noticing only one sci fße throughout the proceedings. The ring was kept clear v< ry well, and ’he stewards and judges carried out their duties with energy and success. The wearer of the prodigious Kob Roy bonnet, had, to the disappointment of many, dropped tha' article of head gear on this occasion, so that a usually conspicuous object was missing. It was almo-tt atoned for, however, by a big thing in hats worn by a well-known delineator of character’ The sports were, on the whole, good, tspeeially as they introduced some new competitors to our arena, but the running races were robbed of much of their interest through the hollowness with which Henderson spreadeagled his fields. Whether the handicappet'S are to blame for his ge 4 ting in so light it is hard to say, but we think not, for some of his competitors—no'ably Brooks, Burke, and J. Murdoch—have shown ns what hey can do. We ascribe Henderson’s victories to the thorough and systematic training he has undergone ; while Burke’s want of success is owing to his having barely recovered from severe illness. We do not see why the system of incurring a penalty for winning a race should not he introduced, as in horse-racing ; for, if Henderson had been brought so many va?ds nearer scratch for winning the 220 yards-race, the quarter-mile and one mile races would not have been l icking in interest The same thing applies to the dancing contests, in which year after year the same competitors carry off the same prizes, thus preventing who are Jess proficient from entering. How dancers are to be handicapped is, however', a difficult question. The contests in bagpipe music, quoiting, and Scottish dancing for yoiuhs would not be decided until to-day, therefore it is useless to r<fer to yesterday’s. ’! he horizontal bar performance was also postponed to to day. The wrestling was almost a failure. Robertson, the Maori, was put out of the contest, it being limited to thirteen stone men, and those who competed did not excite much interest. The committee got up boys’ races, &c., when there was a little time to fill up, and some of the se caused great amusement. The stewards are to be congratulated ou getting through the programme in such excellent time, the last event being finished by half-past five o’clock—and just in time, for clouds were coming over from the N. E., and during the evening and night very heavy rain fell. Bagpipe Music. - Special competition for youug pipers. Frizes, L2 and LI.

Arch. M ‘Coll was the only competitor. Handicap Race, 220 yards.—Prizes, L 7, L 3, and LI 10s. Heats. W. Henderson (8 yds) 1 W. J. Burke (3 yds) 2 J. Murdoch (scratch) 3 In the first heat Murdoch and J. Donaldson (5 yds) ran first and second, beating J. Murdock and J. Hinds. There was a good race between the first two, Murdoch waiting on his opponent until 50 yards from home, when he put on a spurt and won by a yard. la the second heat W. Henderson and W. Holxnsley (4 yds) ran away from Brooks, Hamilton, and Aarons, Henderson keeping his lead and winning by a couple of yards. In the third Burke and G. Stanbrook (7 yds) beat F. Wain (scratch), Easton, Nightingale, -and W. Hogg. Burke won easily by four yards, Wain being a good third. For the deciding heat there was a splendid race. Heuderson cut out the running, and though, when three parts round,-Burke and Helmsloy were nearly on equal terms with him, he came away without any apparent effort, and won by three yards, Burke second, Murdoch, who came with a tremendous rush at the finish, getting third place by a few inches. Time, 25-i secs.

Grand Highland Reel, in costume,—Prizes, L 3, L2, and LI. James Murray 1 John Ogg 2 Joseph Haig 3 A youth named Hugh Brown also entered, and danced very fairly, but the awards of the judges were properly given as above. Youths’ Handicap Race, 440 yards.—Prizes, L2, Ll, and 10s. John Lindsay (12 yards) ... 1 D. Gr iter (20 yards) ... 2 A. M‘Kenzie (9 yards) ) q W. Nicholson (scratch) ) ... There were pine entries for this race, but only the above started. Grater held his start for some way, but Lindsay gradually overhauled him, and won easily by ten yards. The other two made a dead heat for third place, but all four runners seemed fairly pumped out. Time, Imin. 7secs. Running High Leap.—Prizes, L 3, L 3, and LI, J. Murdoch ! ... X Four entered for this event, but as only Murdo'ch c'am'e to the post, J, Hiuda entered

so as to make a competition. Murdoch only jumped once, clearing 5 feet, and as Hinds could not come up to this, the former was the winner. Throwing the 16lb. Hammer. -Prizes, L 8; Li, and L2. D. Chalmers (98ft. lOin.) ... 1 W. Mathieson (SBft. 3in.) ... 2 W. Webster (86ft. lliu.) ... 3 F. Muir, J. Ogg, and others competed, some sending the hammer in too close proximity to the people to be pleasant, The best thr aw was made by last year’s winner. Quarter-mile Handicap.— Prizes, L 7, L 3, and LI 10s. Heats. W. Henderson (16 yards) ... 1 J. Murdoch (scratch) 2 S. Brookes (3 yards) 3 The first heat was simply a farce, only Murdoch and Nightingale (16 yards) starting, and as the first two of each heat run off together it did'not signify which came in first. Nightingale won, on sufferance. For the second heat F. Wain (8 yards) and Aarons (16 yards) started, but were beaten by Henderson and Brooks. Aarons was leading first time round, but was then passed by Henderson, Brooks coming up rapidly. The last-named could not, however, get within ten yards of the winner, but obtained second place, the other two giving up 150 yards from home. For the final contest the struggle lay between the three placed, Nightingale giving in during the first round. Brooks gained a little on Henderson, but only at the latter’s pleasure, as he came away, and won with consummate ease by 5 yards. Murdoch passed Brooks and got second place. Time, 57secs. Highland Fling, in costume.—Prizes, L 3. L2. and LI. James Murray 1 John Ogg 2 J. Murray, whose dancing earned loud applause from the spectators, took first prize. Joseph Haig also competed, but as there were only three performers we believe only two prizes were awarded.

Handicap Walking Race. Two miles. Prizes, LB, L 4, and L2. T. B. Jacobsen (scratch) ... 1 M. Macgregor (scratch) ... 2 J. Campbell (25 yards) ... 3

D. Wade (63 yards), Henry Eade (80 yards), and William Stuart (135 yards) also started for this, which is always looked upon as one of the principal items of the sports. Macgregor and Campbell were about equal favorites, though a few knowing ones whispered that Jacobsen, who hails from Christchurch, would make the pace warm, and they were not disappointed. All started off at a good pace, Campbell soon creeping up to Wade and Bade', and Stuart going well and keeping ahead. After going half the distance in good style, this last had to retire, and then a series of spurts -between. Wade and Campbell commenced, varied by some terrific lunges on the part of Eade, who would every now and then come with one of his furious rashes. These exertions, however, soon shut him up, and Campbell having walked Wade down, the latter and Eade in the tenth round retired. Mtanwhile Jacobsen and Macgregor had not been idle, and Campbell soon found his attention and sinews occupied by them, and then ensued as fine an exhibition of walking as has ever been witnessed on the grounds. Foot by foot the ground was contested, now one and now another snatching the lead, amidst uproarious applause, until 200 yards from the winning post, when, to the astonishment of all, Jacobsen, flinging off his cap, sprang forward like an arrow—leaving the others as if they were standing still—and won by any distance. Whether He really walked the last part a few appeared to think an open question, but the judges decided in his favor, though Macgregor and Campbell threw up the sponge in disgust—either at being beaten so hollowly or as a protest—and sauntered iirat their leisure. The winner did the last eighth, of a mile in 50 seconds.

Gymnastics on the Horizontal Bar.—Prizes L 4, L 3, and L2. There was no competition for this event, but Professor Long, and Messrs R. Long, F. Muir, and Edgar went through some very clever and difficult performances ou the bar. Sailors’ Hornpipe, in costume,—Prizes L 3. L2, and LI. D. Buchanan ... . i j. Haig 2 J. Murray ... 3 This produced some pretty dancing, of its class, the opinion of the spectators coinciding with that of the judges—that Buchanan's neat style entitled him to the prize. One-mile Handicap.— Prizes, LB, L 4, and L2. W. Henderson (80 yards) ... 1 S. Brooks (20 yards) 2 W. Burke (scratch) 3 Two others started, but soon fell out, Henderson, after his beautiful running throughout the day, was the favorite, although Burke, who is a fine long-distance runner, was held to have a good show. A bad start was effected, Henderson getting away before the rest, while Burke had actually not got his coat off. Some of the judges cried out that it was a false start, but no notice was taken and the xace went on. It calls for little comment, as Henderson, running well within himself and like a machine, added another to his list of victories. Brookes toiled on manfully, but only made a poor 6 ®c°Qd, and Burke, who seemed quite unwell, third. lime, smin. Henderson fainted after the race, but was soon broughtjound. Youths’ Wrestling.—" Catch as catch can,” North Country style, Pi%s, L 4 L2, and LI. w F. Campbell ... ~ ... j D. Higgins ‘ 2 R. M‘Skimming ] 3 Another item of the programme was being proceeded with while this was going on, so that we are unable to give a detailed account of the play exhibited. Running Long Leap.— Prizes L2, LI, ‘and 15s. F. Muir 18ft sin. J. Murdoch 17ft sin. S. Brooks also competed, but came nowhere near the above. Youths’ Handicap Walking Race.—One mile. Prizes L2, LI, and 10s. A. Sims (scratch) l H. Duff (scratch) ... ... 2 Sims took the lead from the start, and was never caught, winning easily by twenty yards. Seanntreus, in Highland Costume.—Prizes L 3 L2, and LI. J, Murray 1 J. Haig | 2

These were the only competitors. Handicap Hurdle Racb.— 3oo yards, over G flights of 3-feet hurdles. Prizes L 3 LI 10s. Heats. ’ J. Murdoch (scratch) i Stanbrook (13 yards) ’ 2 Brooks (5 yards) 3 !u the first heat J. Murdoch, Staubrook, and hj. Wain started, coming in in that order. Wain received 5 yards, and Stanbrook 13 yards start, but Murdoch rapidly gained on them and won by two yards. Wain, who was coming again at the finish, was upset by a dog at the last hurdle, and so lost his chance of running in the final heat. In the second Hamilton and Brooks beat Aarons after a good race. W.' Henderson entered, but did not start tor tbi? race. In the final heat Murdoch won strongly and though Stanbrook went very gamely the former won, passing his men at the finish. Brooks was a good third. Time, Wrestling, North Country Style.—For 13 stone men : Prizes, LlO, L 4, and L2. Fob all comers, LlO and L2. F. Fothergill j W. Davidson o J- Ogg \\\ *" 3 In consequence of the disconnected way in which this competition was carried out, we ars unable to give any particulars of it, but mav mention that Fothergill first threw JohnHinds on his knees, which the latter declared not to be a fall. It wlis, however, decided against him. Davidson and Ogg had a hard and long struggle, during which the latter showed more science, but unfortunately slipped his hold, which counted as a fall. 1

SECOND DAY.

Owing to the ram this moming a commencement was not made till about 1 o’clock, and at that time there were nbt more thafi WO pebplf

present. The hnd weather v. as unfortunate, as new handicaps being issued for the day’s racing and Henderson 'placed at s ratch for most of the events, some interesting contests were looked for. The quoitiug was carried on in front of the stand, instead of at the hack of the ground, as usual. The first event was the Handicap Race, 250 yards. -Prizes, L 7, L 3, and LI 10s. Heats. 5. Brooks (6 yards) 1 W. J. Burke (4 yards) 2 F. Wain (3 yards) 1 o G. Stanbrook (6 yards) j In the first heat Brooks (6 yards) got off best, and made the running, Stanbrook ((5 yards) keeping second place all the nay round, about one yard separating eacli of the five starters. These positions were not changed, Brooks winning by two yards, Stanbrook second, Murdoch (scratch) a close third, Miller (4 yards) and Eas on (5 yards) well np. In the second heat Aarons (7 yards) started undoubtedly before the signal, and thereby got four yards in addition to his handicap, He made the pace a, craeker, Bennett (6 yards) closing up to him, Burke (4 yards) third, Henderson (scratah) yards behind. In the last fifty yards the race looked Aaron’s all over, but Burke came up on the outside with a magnificent spurt, and won on the tape by a shade. Aarons was second, Bennett as good a third —the three breasting the tape almost at the same time. Seven started for the third heat, Nightingale (11 yards) keeping his lead the whole way and winning by a yard, F. Wain (5 yards) snatching second place from J. Donaldson on the post. Donaldson at a hundred yards from home looked dangerous, for he came through his men well, hut the effort was too much, and, tiring, he only took third place. The final heat produced a splendid race. The pace was very fast, and Brooks cut down his opponents, taking a clear lead. In the last 100 yards Burke put on a spurt, but was not within two yards of Brooks till opposite the stand, when the latter, apparently confident of winning, took a look round at the people, and Burke sprang forward and made a dead heat of it. Wain and Stanbrook made a dead heat for third place. Time, 30A seconds. In running off the tie for first place, Brooks kept his start and won by two yards. For third place Wain and Stanbrook ran another dead heat, and the stewards awarded them a third prize each. Youths’ Handicap Race, 440 yards.—Prizes L2, LI, and 10s. Heats. A. M'Kenzie (20 yards) ... 1 D. Grater (3 yards) 2 W. Nicholson (scratch) ... 3 Reel o’ Tulloch.. —ln Highland costume. Prizes, L 3, L2, and LI. J. Murray 1 J. Ogg 2 Putting the 221b Ball.—Prizes, LB, L 4, and L2. D. Chalmers (29ft Sin) 1 D. Johnston (28ft 10in) ... 2 W. Mathieson (28ft 2in) ... 3 Handicap Hurdle Race, 440 yards.— Prizes, L 7, L 3, and LI 10s. J. Murdoch (scratch) 1 6. Easton (8 yards) 0 S. Brookes (7 yards) 0 This most usually interesting race was (owing to the sloppy state of the ground) a perfect farce. Murdoch, the winner, was the only one who cleared the hurdles.