ODDFELLOWS’ ANNUAL FETE.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1606, 14 April 1879, Page 2

ODDFELLOWS’ ANNUAL FETE.

Patron : His Worship the Mayor of Christ church ; judge : Mr Henry Thompson : handicapper and starter : Mr S. P. An drows.

The second annual fete in connection with the Independent Order of Oddfellows took place to-day. Unfortunately the weather was anything but propitious. The morning broke unfavorably, and as the day wore on towards noon, it became so much worse that doubts were entertained as to whether it would be advisable or even possible to hold the sports A start was, however, made. A number of representatives from the different Lodges in town met the country members of the different Benefit Societies coming from the country districts to take part in the demonstration, and falling in then, they marched into town, headed by the Hibernian band, under the leadership of Mr GK E. Chapman. Arrived at the hall, they were met by a largo number of society representatives, and at this point the entire assembly, numbering something like 400, were formed into procession, accompanied by the Hibernian and Toomer’s bands. The different lodges took the following order as they marched : —First, the district banner, carried by the junior members of the Star of Waltham Lodge of Oddfellows, followed by the Loyal Perseverance Lodge, and then came the Volunteer, Benevolent, City of Christchurch, City of Norwich (from Lyttelton). There were also representatives from Oust, Southbridge, Kaiapoi, and Hoyleston. The Hibernian Society and the Foresters were present in great force, and formed, therefore, a considerable feature of the procession, which, it should be mentioned, was marshalled by Mr B. J. Lehy, who performed the duties of his office excellently, having been for nine years in the Imperial Army. Leaving the hall, at 11 o’clock, the whole body marched round the city, and, returning to Colombo street, arrived on the ground (Anderson’s paddock), at a little before 12 o’clock. They then dispersed. By this time the weather had not at all improved, and the attendance of the general public was, in consequence, exceedingly limited. For the same reason the entries came in very slowly, as it was considered highly probably at one time that the sports would have to bo postponed. It was ultimately decided to carry out the programme “ come what may,” and a start was made at half-past twelve, the prospect then being very dismal indeed. Following is a record of the events as they transpired : Boys’ race, 220 yards, for Oddfellows’ sons only (under sixteen). Ist prize, 15s ; 2nd, 7s Gd ; 3rd, 2s Gd. Entrance, Is. C. Woodham 1 Sydney Simpson 2 Woodham won the race easily, having lead all the way. Grand Open Handicap, of 220, 440, and 88 yards. Ist prize, <£lo ; 2nd, .£4 ; 3rd, .£lO Entrance, 2s 6d ; acceptance, 2s Gd. First, event 220 yards. There were eleven entries. The first heat resulted as follows : W. Both 1 C. Hulston 2 C. Brown 3 Boys’ Open Walking race (under sixteen), one mile. Ist prize, ill 10s ; 2nd, 10s ; 3rd, ss. Entrance, Is.

This was a walk over for J. Holey, jun., who was the only entry. He accomplished the distance in XOrnin. 3sec.

Grand Open Handicap, second event, 410 yards.

W, Roth 1 C. Brown 2 W. Whiting 3 This was a good race, and well contested. They all got a capital start, but on the first round it was apparent that the first place lay between Roth and Brown. The finish was very pretty, Brown having kept the lead till fifty yards of the finish, when Roth made a great spurt, and came in a hard winner. Men’s Open Handicap Walking Race, two miles. Ist prize, .£8; 2nd, £3; 3rd, ill. Entrance, 2s (id : acceptance, 2s. J. Boley 1 C. Pearce 2 W. La very 3 An interesting race. There were four entries, Boley giving the others a long distance start. The race, though a good one, lay principally between Boley and Pearce, the others being nowhere. Pearce kept the load till the sixteenth and last round, and then Boley passed him near the winning post. Half-n ile Handicap Flat race, for Oddfellows only. To be run in plain clothes, in regalia. Ist prize, handsome set of regalia, presented by Bro. Dr. Campbell; 2nd, ill. Entrance, Is. Five entries. J. Smith ••• 1 S. Keets _ 2 Grand Open Handicap. Third event, BSO yards. Five entries.

C. Brown I W. Both 2 P. Ewett ... ... 3 Boys’ Open Paco, one mile, under sixteen. Ist prize, ill; 2nd, 7s (id j entrance, Is. Six entries McLean ... 1 Woodham 2 Only two ran,

100 Yards’ Flat Rare, for Oddfellows only. Ist prize, ill ; 2nd, 10s. C. Hnlston (of Woolston) 1 11. Corbe t (Leeston) ... ... 2 C Ride,v 3 Four started. Oi’e Mile Open Handicap Race. Ist prize, JBt; 2nd, £i ; entrance, 2s (Id. C. Brown (40 yards) ... 1 J. T. Smith (40 yards) 2 J. Montgomery (55 )ards) ... ... 3 Six entered, and all started. In connection with the fete there was a baby show. Mrs J. McGregor’s baby carried oil the prize.