THE TWENTY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROVINCE.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 777, 16 December 1876, Page 2

THE TWENTY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROVINCE.

Twenty-six years have passed away since the first pilgrims landed at Port (Jooper. During that short period the people of this province have accomplished much of which they may wc-U be proud. Our progress in many respects has been remarkable. Although j anterbury’s provincial entity ia now a thing of the past, we hope the day will never come when her population will learn to forget that she has had a history. Although her Provincial Government has, as the natural result of her progress, been abolished, her people are never likely to forget that they are Canterbury men, with a separate history and separate traditions. As long as such continues to be the case the 16th of December will always be observed as a strict holiday; such at any rate is the case to-day. All places of business have been closed, and a large number of people have taken advantage of the opportunity of visiting the places of interest on the Peninsula or elsewhere. The sports on Latimer square are largely attended. Although the weather looked threatening in the morning, it has turned out comparatively fine. The great event ot the day of course was the presentation to Mr Rolleston which took place at 2 30 o’clock on the square in the presence of a large gathering. It was a demonstration of which he may well be proud and was a fitting termination to a long and useful career. THE SPORTS. The following is the result of some of the events: — Boys under fourteen ; Ist prize, 20s ; 2nd, 10s; 3rd, 6s ; distance, 440 yards ; fourteen entries. T. Kelly 1 J. Nicholas 2 A, Lawrence 3 Time, 69secs. Boys under sixteen ; Ist prize, 30s; 2nd, 10s; 3rd, 5s ; distance, one mile ; nine entries, H. Freeman 1 H. E. Winney 2 J, Tomlinson 3 Time, smin 17seca. Men’s Race ; 440 yards ; Ist prize, 40s; 2nd, 20s; four entries, W. Pentecost 1 M. Gibbons 2 H. Boswell 3 Time—s7secs. Hurdle Race with pole for lads under 20 ; over ten hurdles, five 4ft and five sft. W. Middleton 1 A. Isles 2 W. Lavery ... ... 3 This was a most amusing race, some of the competitors evoking much mirth by the manner in which they got over the hurdles. Boys’Race, under 14; one mile; eleven entries. J. Atkinson 1 A. Lawrence ... ... 2 R. Gilkes 3 Time— smin 34|aecs. Men’s Race, half mile; Ist prize, 60s ; 2nd, 20s ; three entries. S. Hewitt 1 J, Smith 2 Time—2miu 14 ; fsecs. Handicap Walking Race, 2 miles. Ist prize, 60s; 2nd, 20s; 3rd, 10s. Three entries. C. Bowley, scratch 1 T. Granger, 120 yds ... 2 Lavery and Granger started at a good pace, but after going a short distance waited till Bowley had come up near them. Shortly after Lavery fell behind, and Bowley having come up with Granger, those two commenced to step it, tut at a moderate pace. About the middle of the fourth lap Bowley put it on, evidently to feel his opponent, and came away as he liked. Both men now began to increase the pace, walking exceedingly well, end in good style. Bowley gradually drew away continuing to improve his position, Granger slackening off. From this out it was evident that the race was over. Granger walked fairly but he has not nearly the pace of Bowley, whose action when he spurted in the la t lap was as fine a piece of walking as has been seen on the square. The time was not taken, THE PRESENTATION TO MR ROLLESTON. At half-past two the ceremony of making the presentation to Mr Rolleston took place, in front of the grand stand, Hon John Hall undertook the task, and on behalf of the ! subscribers presented Mr Rolleston with a quantity of plate and a sum of money, amounting to £4OO. Mr Rolleston replied in appropriate terms, A vote of thanks to Mr Ollivier for his services in connection with the presentation, concluded the business.