THE SPORTS ON LATIMER SQUARE.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1083, 18 December 1877, Page 3

THE SPORTS ON LATIMER SQUARE.

The following events were disposed of after we went to press yesterday : Running in Sacks, masked ; 220 yards ; Ist prize, £2 ; 2nd, £1; 3rd, 10s, Or Whiting ... ... ... 1 Gt. Aarons... ... ... ... 2 P. Kerr 3 Ten others also started, A profile view of the competitors when placed in line to start was very interesting, and the race caused some fun, but nothing equal to last year. The second boy fell at the post, and was found to have fainted, but soon recovered under the hands of some members of the committee. Two Mile Handicap; Ist prize, £6 6s ; 2nd, £3 3s; 3rd, £1 Is. S. Hewitt (60 yards) 1 H. Freeman (200 yards 2 H. G-odfrey (170 yards) 3 Jerrard (scratch), M. Gibbons (50 yards), T. Sheridan (60 yards), J. Tomlinson (160 yards), F, Gibson (160®yards), Q-. Whiting (220 yards), also started. Freeman and Whiting kept the lead at intervals until the seventh lap, when Hewitt came up to them, and in the straight in this lap came up with Freeman, both spurting to the stand close together, Freeman being a shade in front at what he supposed to bo the finish, when he pulled up. Hewitt, however, who had been better advised, continued the race, and though Freeman was urged and tried to catch him, he was unable to do so in the distance. This mistake would not have occurred if only one person was held to bo responsible for giving the men the number of the laps as they come round. Time —Bmin. 43secs. Bovs’ race, under 1-1, 220 yards, Ist prize, £1; 2nd, 10s 5 3rd, 5a ; 19 entries j run in heats. Final'Heat. Horner 1 Jilkes 2 Morgan 3 Boys’ Three-Legged race, 220 yards. Ist prize, £1; 2nd, 10s ; 3rd, ss. Howroyd and Hill ... ... 1 W. Clark and Ore 2 R. Jilkes and J. Atkinson ... 3 Two other couples also contested. Running High Jump, to start at 4ft. 3in., for Messrs Petersen and Co.’s prize. Four entries. W. Cudley (sft.2oin.) ... ... 1 T. Lyford* (sft. lin.) ... ... 2 This event was exceedingly well contested, the jumping being excellent throughout. Hurdle race, 410 yards, over flights of hurdles 3ft. Gin. in height. Ist prize, £3 ; 2nd, £1; 3rd, 10s. J. Lukey ... ... ... 1 J. F. Gough 2 J. E. Fagan ... ... 3 Three others also started. A competitor named Hill led the way all round, and when coming over the last hurdle unfortunately touched it with his hand, thus throwing himself out of the race. Boys’ Walking race, under 17. One mile. Ist prize, 20s ; second, 10s ; 3rd, ss. Philpott ... ... ... ... 1 Pearce 3 Bowley 3 Seven other boys started. The winner was rather too strong for the other lads, but little Bowley walked splendidly. A very small boy named Norton walked so pluckily that he was presented with a prize of 5s at the post all for himself. Boys’ race, under 16, 440 yards ; Ist prize, £1 10s ; 2nd, 10s ; 3rd, 5s ; four entries. A. Lyford 1 J. Tomlinson 2 P. Kerr .... 3 Boys’ sack race, under 16, 150 yards; Ist prize, £1 ; 2nd, 10s; 3rd, ss; eleven starters. A. Ford .. 1 P. Kerr ... . 2 J. S. Whiting 3 Consolation race, for men, 440 yards (handicap) ; Ist prize, £2 ; 2nd, £1; 3rd, 10s. T. W. Little (6 yards) ... 1 J. Bowley (12 yards) 2 J. Jerard (scratch) ... ... 3 Three others also started. Costumes— J. F. Q-ough, Ist prize for men, J. Atkinson, Ist prize for boys. THE FIRE BRIGADE DINNER. The dinner to the Fire Brigade representatives and a number of invited guests took place at the Oddfellows’ Hall at 5 p.m About 250 invitations had been issued, and nearly 200 gentlemen sat down to a capital spread, admirably put on by Messrs J. O. Sheppard and Oookson, whose catering was excellent in every respect. The chair was occupied by his Worship the Mayor, Mr J. Gapes, having ou his right Mr

Superintendent Harris, Sir Cracroft Wilson, Messrs C. 0. Bowen, John Anderson, and H. J. Tancred ; and on the left by Messrs E. C. J. Stevens, W. R. Mitchell, &c. The vicechair was tilled by the Mayor elect of Christchurch, Mr H, Thomson. The brigades represented included the Lyttelton, Rangiora, Christchurch and Kaiapoi, and the visitors numbered the members of the City Council, Eire Police, and other principal citizens. The capital providing of Messrs Cookson and Sheppard having been done ample justice to, His Worship rose and said he had received apologies from his Honor Mr Justice Johnston, Mr Win. Montgomery, M.H.R., and about thirty other gentlemen. He then gave the health of her Majesty the Queen and the Royal family. National anthem —Band. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. His Worship then rose to give the health of his Excellency the Q-overnor and the General Assembly coupled with the names of Messrs E. C. J. Stevens and C. 0. Bowen, “ Rule Britannia ” —Band, The toast was drunk amid cheers. Mr E. C. J. Stevens, who, on rising was warmly cheered, said that he thanked them very sincerely on behalf of the Governor and the members of the House of Assembly. He felt sure that the Marquis of Normanby regretted as much as they themselves did that the extraordinary duration of the session prevented him being present at their spring festivities. So far as his colleagues and himself were concerned, they felt that there was no place like home, and the Committee of Supply into which they had that evening gone was far more agreeable to them than the Committee of Supply into which they had been going recently. That was not the place to introduce politics, as he felt that he had during the last five months heard nothing but politics. Hence he was only too glad to get a little cessation from it. He only desired, on the part of his colleagues and himself, to thank their host for the kindly welcome afforded to his colleagues and himself that day. [Loud cheers.] Mr C. 0. Bowen, who on rising was received with great cheering, said that his friend Mr Stevens had spoken for the Assembly to which they both belonged. He would imitate Mr Stevens and not refer at all to politics further than this—The last time he stood before a Christchurch audience he did so as a member of the Government of the colony. Now he was before them as the representative of a beaten party. But while this was so, he had that day received at their hands as warm a welcome as ever had greeted him in Christchurch. [Cheers.] There was no doubt of this, whatever they might think here, that those who represented them in Wellington had an arduous and most responsible task to discharge, and they did so in a manner which was a credit to them and their constituents. But be this as it might, there was a great consolation in the fact that they had behind them an array of modest talent in the shape of the wielders of the pen, who were able to tell who was a rogue and who was a fool, and who was a little of both. [Cheers.] Who was to be be blamed, and who to be praised. [Cheers.] He thanked the worthy host of that day for his kind invitation, which was tendered to him so soon as he reached these shores, and also for the warm reception which he had that day received. There was no doubt of this that he should always in whatever position he served them do his duty, and whatever might be the opinion as to it he felt he should always be warmly greeted by the people of Christchurch. [Cheers.] The Vice-Chairman then proposed “ The Army, Navy, and Volunteers,” coupled with the names of Sir C. Wilson and Captains Hawkes and Craig. These gentlemen briefly responded, as also did Captain Jack of Dunedin. Mr John Ollivier, who was received with a perfect storm of cheers, rose to propose the next toast, the health of “ His Worship the Mayor.” He thought they would drink the toast with much enthusiasm. He had been present at the birth of many Mayors, but this evening he had to be preseat at the obsequies of a Mayor, and this too at one of the largest entertainments he had been present at in Christchurch for many a day. It was only proper on such occasions that he should recount the services rendered by his Worship to the city of Christchurch. But as he knew they had to go forth to discharge most important duties he would not detain them by recounting these deeds. All he would now asked them to do was to drink the health of “ His Worship the Mayor, and might he never die.” [Loud cheers.] The toast was drunk with musical honors. His Worship said he felt deeply honored at the manner in which his health had been drunk. There was one subject upon which ho desired to make a few remarks. It was as to the health of the city. Some eighteen years ago Christchurch was one of the healthiest places in the world. But, however, as the population increased, the sanitary condition gob worse. The City Council, however, woke up and went to work, and the statistics showed that their labors had been very successful in the matter of the public health. But the powers that be had taken away the power from the City Council and placed it in the hands of another body. The two bodies did not get on amicably together, and the result was that the sanitary affairs of the city had come to a dead lock. This, at the present season of the year, was a very serious matter, and one which should engage the attention of the inhabitants and the City Council at once. His opinion was—and it was based on experience—that the City Council was the only body which could properly manage the sanitary affairs of the city. He trusted they would excuse him for introducing the subject, but it was one of such paramount importance that ho could not refrain from making a few remarks on it. He begged to thank them most heartily for the manner in which the toast of his health had been received. [Cheers.] Mr Ruddenklau rose to propose what he was sure they would recognise as the toast of the evening. Ho did so with very great pleasure, as he had been connected with the Eire Brigade for a number of years in all kinds of capacities. It was, therefore, with much pleasure that ho gave them the health of Mr Superintendent Harris and the Eire Brigade. In Mr Superintendent Harris they had a very efficient and valuable officer, and they possessed a Brigade second to none in the Southern Hemisphere. They were liable to be called out all hours of the night to fight an enemy and to secure their property from destruction. He regretted very much that his powers of oratory were so limited that he was unable to do that justice to the toast it deserved, but he would ask them to drink with all honour. “ Mr

Superintendent Harris, the members of the Fire Police and the Fire Brigade,” and might he long continue to get such good men to command as he now has under him. [Cheers.] He (Mr Ruddenklau) had cause to bo grateful to the brigade for their services, and no doubt many others were the same. [Loud cheers.] The toast was drank with musical honors. Mr Superintendent Harris, who on rising was loudly cheered, said—Mr Mayor and Gentlemen, —I have to thank you, in the name of all the brigades present, for the very ‘ hearty manner you have drank their health and success to their labors. I think that their work, which you have had many opportunities of seeing, speaks better for them than anything I would say. I prefer rather to point out the difficulties we are working under, and how impossible it shortly will be for us to do all that is expected of us with the appliances at our disposal. To prove this I have only to mention the last three fires. We had in use then no less than two miles of hose. You are all aware that this must be laid before wo can commence to extinguish the flames. It was to call attention to these facts that we have asked so many that are interested to be present to-day. I fear that you have all been putting too much confidence in our brigade. I want you to remember that the number of engines and men we have in our brigade today is the same as it was seven years ago. At that time the value of property insured against fire was half a million, while the present value of property insured against fire is three times that sum—one and a half millions—and, from very reliable information, I learn that there is an equal amount uninsured, so that while the property looked after is three times as valuable, our brigade is no larger. Again, what have we done in the supply of water during the seven years ? Why we have just finished one tank during that time. It is with no desire to find fault that I say this, but in the hope that all interested will, with me, see that the time has arrived for us to do something to protect in an efficient manner both the city and suburbs. Some will say that this is work for the insurance companies. There never was a greater mistake. This can be proved from the experience of other cities. Just one example. Liverpool some years ago lost large sums by fire. The consequence was that the mercantile rates of insurance gradually rose from about 8s per cent, to 30s and 40s, and in some cases to 45s per cent. Such premiums could not be paid on wholesale transactions, and the insurance companies said it would not pay for less ; so the Liverpool people did what I am going to ask you to do. They obtained powers to bring in a supply of water for the purpose of extinguishing fires and watering the streets only. This work, with others, in the shape of party walls, &c., cost the city from £200,000 to £300,000. Now mark what followed: the rates of insurance fell again to eight shillings per cent. Apply this to ourselves. We have insured property within the belt to the extent of one and a half millions; take the fire insurance premiums at an average rate of thirty-five shillings per cent. —which all will agree is a low average—and in return for a good water supply, only reduce our rates one-half. Remember, in the case I have given the reduction was much greater. We shall have saved in fire insurance alone a sum sufficient to pay interest and sinking fund on more than £200,000, to say nothing of the large saving in the cost of watering the streets. Then we could have all our streets watered from belt to belt, which would give additional saving by lessening the repairs needed to the streets. Put these savings together, and we have a sum sufficient to pay interest and sinking fund on a good round sum. I could say more, but hope I have said enough to induce you, before you leave this room, to appoint a committee to inquire into the whole matter, ana report at an early date. There is a very good reason why this should be done promptly. Mr Clark, the hydraulic engineer, is coming to report on the drainage, and I hope he will not leave without reporting on a water service also. This, gentlemen, is all I have to say on this matter. I merely introduce the matter to you, and hope to hear Captain Mitchell and the superintendents of the visiting brigades express their opinions on the subject. The Mayor elect, Mr H. Thomson, will read you a list of committee presently, who, I hope, you will appoint to report on the matter. [Cheers.] Captain Mitchell said he was very glad to find that the necessity for Fire Police had travelled outside of Christchurch, and that in Lyttelton and Kaiapoi Fire Police corps had been established. Indeed he felt that the introduction of the system into larger cities than their own would be a very good step. He could point to much property saved by the Fire Police not allowing goods to be removed after the water had been got. In fact he felt such confidence in the brigade that so soon as the water came he took upon himself to interdict any removal of goods. He thanked them very heartily for the way in which the services of the Fire Police had been recognised. Mr Superintendent Sowden (Lyttelton Fire Brigade) spoke in high terms of the advantages afforded to the brigade by the system of water supply. He trusted the day was not far distant when Christchurch would also have a water supply such as they in Lyttelton possessed. [Cheers.] They had not now to wait for steam to got up, but simply to put on the hydrant and there was the water. With the arrangements now in course of being carried out by the Council in the providing of a reservoir, they might have two engines at work for twenty-four hours. [Cheers.] Captains Keetley (Kaiapoi) and Lilly (Rangiora) also responded.

Mr H. Thomson then moved —“ That a committee be formed to inquire into the expediency or otherwise of providing a better water supply for the city of Christchurch, the committee to consist of Councillors Ick, Bickerton, and Ruddenklau, the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce (Mr J. Anderson), the Deputy-Chairman (Mr 0. W. Turner), Chairman of the Selwyn County Council, Chairman of the Drainage Board, Chairman of the Local Board of Health, the Mayor of Christchurch, the Mayor of the Borough of Sydenham, Chairman of the Heathcote Road Board, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Messrs L. E. Nathan, E. C. J. Stevens, with power to add to their number.” Mr J. D. Macpherson seconded the motion.

Mr Ollivicr, while not wishing to throw any cold water on the matter, yet would desire to ask if this meeting were competent to create such a body as this committee. If it were not it would be very much better for his Worship to call a meeting and submit the whole question before the public. It must be recollected that although they could not get a much more influential meeting than the

present, they were there that evening in a private capacity as guests of his Worship the Mayor. It was a question of the greatest possible importance to the inhabitants of the outside districts, and therefore it was the more incumbent on them to go by steps, so that no cavil could be made at their proceedings. If the Mayor would call a public meeting in that hall or elsewhere he would support the proposition of Mr Superintendent Harris most cordially, and so he felt would the citizens of Christchurch. He now waited for the ruling of the chairman on the matter.

Hr. Turnbull thought that the least they could do was, as citizens of Christchurch, to support the proposition of Mr Superintendent Harris and the Brigades. Those gentlemen had had practical experience as to the want of water for fire extinction purposes, and if they were willing to take upon themselves the onerous duty of coping with the necessity of increased water supply, let the citizens heartily support them. [Cheers.] He heartily supported the proposition of Mr Thomson. His Worship the Mayor said that the city solicitor had placed a memo, in his hands to the effect that the meeting was quite competent to appoint a committee. The resolution, however, did not contain any reference as to what body the committee should report to. However, Mr Superintendent Harris had a few remarks to make upon the subject. Mr Superintendent Harris said that it was intended that the committee should report to the City Council, and that on that report being made, the Mayor would call a public meeting to consider the whole subject. [Cheers.]_ _ Mr Ollivier said that this being the case, he was sure the proposition of Mr Thomson would receive a cordial support from all parties. Mr Thomson added the words —“ And that such committee shall report to a public meeting to be called for the purpose.” The resolution as amended was then put and agreed to unanimously. Mr C. C. Bowen rose to propose the next toast —“ Trade and Commerce of Christchurch.” The trade and commerce was increasing at a rate which none of them, even the most sanguine, could have looked forward to. Now the city of Christchurch was taking its proper position, as regarded the trade and commerce of this part of the colony, and this was due, he thought, to the increase of the system of railways. He looked forward to the day when the West Coast would be in communication with Christchurch by railway. He felt sure that this would be one of the most remunerative lines which could bo constructed, and one which would add greatly to the trade and commerce of the city of Christchurch. He would couple with the toast the name of a gentleman whom he had known for twenty-seven years, ai?d who, he felt sure they all respected, viz., Mr John Anderson. [Loud cheers.]

The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. Messrs Anderson and Cunningham briefly responded. The following other toasts were given—- “ The City Corporation,” coupled with the names of the members present ; “ The Officers of the City Council,” coupled with Dr. roster; “The Insurance Companies,” coupled with the names of Messrs Reid and Jack ; “The Police Force,” coupled with the name of Inspector Broham; “The Press,” &c.