ANNIVERSARY SPORTS.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2712, 18 December 1882, Page 3

ANNIVERSARY SPORTS.

President—His Worship the Mayor. VicePresident —S. P. Andrews. Hon. Treasurer —H. E. Alport. Judges—Messrs W. R. Mitchell, James Gapes, G. Turner, and J. Hebden. Referee —S. P. Andrews. Starter —S. P. Andrews. Clerks of Course—Messrs Atkinson, Farr, Lambert, Samuels, J. Q. Walker, and S. Clarkson. Handicappers— Messrs Andrews and Parr. Timekeepers —Messrs Sandstein and Lambert. Clerks for Entries —Messrs John Smith and B. J. Leahy. Hon. Secretary—F. T. Haskins.

The fear expressed by many that the success of the Popular Sports would this year be interfered with by the determination of the Caledonian Society to hold their meeting on the same day was not realised to any appreciable extent. Indeed the Popular Amusement Association are to be congratulated that Saturday’s sports in Hagley Park afforded every prospect of the same success in the future that has distinguished their efforts in the past; and it is to be trusted that the Anniversary Day of the province will long continue to be observed in a manner so evidently agreeable to the tastes of the citizens. The committee, after so many years’ experience, have, as nearly as possible, reached perfection in their arrangements, and assisted as these were by favorable weather, the result was all that could be desired. The attendance of the public throughout the day must have numbered between {7OOO and 8000, and the voluntary contributions at the gates amounted to .£SO 13s 2d, which, though not so large as the amount collected last year, is a very satisfactory sum, especially considering the large number of children who were present. It will be seen that the programme, which comprised rather more events than usual, while not neglecting the higher grades of pedestrian talent, was framed more particularly with the view of encouraging more youthful and less ambitious competitors. The fields were large, and the different events well contested. The arrangements on the ground were nearly similar to those of previous years. The Artillery Band, under the able leadership of Bandmaster Hamilton, was stationed in the centre of the pound, and enlivened the proceedings with some excellent music. The children’s sports formed, as usual, a very attractive feature in the programme, and Messrs Crooks and Geo. Turner dispensed during the day over J 620 worth of judiciously-selected toys and other luxuries to hundreds of happy and grateful recipients. The Burnham Industrial School Band, whose services had been kindly given for the occasion, played in their usual able manner in the enclosure set apart for the juveniles. In addition to the amusements provided by the association, an Aunt Sally and a merry-go-round were on the ground, and were both largely patronised, and refreshments of very good quality were obtainable from a booth presided over by Mr Hansmann, of the Feathers Hotel, as well as from other booths, in which the sustenance provided was of a lighter description. The same familiar faces were to be seejn among the officials, one of the most prominent figures being that of the town clerk, to whom was allotted the post of bellman, a function which he performed with all the necessary vigor and efficiency. Mr S. P. Andrews was again indefatigable in his exertions as handicapper and starter, and all the other officers without e-ception deserve great praise for their tervices. His Worship the Mayor was present and took great interest in the proceedings. Inspector Pender was on the ground, but the duties of the police were little more than a sinecure.

THE CALEDONIAN GATHERING. President, Mr P. Cunningham; vice-presi-dents, Dr. Mcßean Stewart and Mr H. A. Watt; Hon. Sec., Mr Neil Black. The Canterbury Caledonian Society have cause to congratulate themselves on the entire and complete success of their first gathering, which took place at Lancaster Park on Saturday. Not alone was the gathering a success in the matter of attendance, but the very varied and lengthy programme, including no less than thirtyfour items, was got off with a rapidity and smoothness which is worthy of all praise, and we heartily welcome so great and valued an addition to our purveyors of athletic sports for the public amusement as the Canterbury Caledonian Society. Those having the matter in hand may rely upon securing even a much larger attendance than on Saturday, though that must have been exceedingly satisfactory on the occasion of the debut of a new society, considering the very powerful counter attraction of the popular sports. The prizes were exceedingly liberal, the weather was good, attendance large, and every event was well contested. Even the veriest gourmand in athletics could not wish for more. The proceedings opened with a procession to the ground, headed by the pipers, all of whom blew lustily. On arriving at the scene of action, no time was lost in getting to work. The two Scottish standards, one kindly lent by the Otago Caledonian Society and the other by a gentleman in Auckland, were displayed from the flagstaff on the pavilion and on one erected at the southern side of the grounds. They were much admired during the day. The platform for the Highland and other dances was somewhat nearer the stand than on the former occasion, and a better view was therefore obtained of what was one of the principal features of the meeting. The pipers contesting also, instead of performing on a platform, strode up and down, attired in the garb of old Gaul, just in front of the pavilion, so that the concourse of sweet sounds evoked by them was enjoyed to the full by the public. Beyond the dancing platform was one on which the City Guards band was stationed, and under the leadership of Herr Braun they played several selections very nicely indeed. At intervals round the inside of the running course wore some very peculiar looking erections, which excited considerable curiosity. These were for the obstacle race, and comprised barrels with both ends out, some slung with ropes a little above the ground, others disposed loose on the ground, and others placed in a vertical position. Then there were long poles raised in the air, with ropes attached, and finally a long scantling so placed as to leave but small room between it and the ground for any man to crawl through. To a City Councillor it would be impossible. This race, which has only recently been introduced into athletic sports in England, was productive of the greatest possible fun, and will no doubt now become greatly popular here. Of the athletic events, it may be said generally that they were all very I keenly contested, Mr O’Donnell securing the lion’s share of the prizes. The jumping, both running long jump and vaulting, showed good records, as also did the putting the stone and throwing the cricket ball. The tossing of the caber, which to Southern eyes is so strange, was accomplished successfully, and the one hurdle race on the programme was capitally contested.’ The dancing throughout deserves special mention. The committee, with a laudable desire, whilst maintaining to the full the truly national character of the gathering, to evince a warm welcome to other nationalities, had on their programme dances peculiar to the dwellers in the lands of the rose.

shamrock and thistle. Of course the latter predominated, but there was the sailor’s hornpipe, dear to the hearts of Englishmen, and the jig, equally so to the funloving son of Erin. The reel of Tulloch, the sword dance, and the seauntreus were given in a way which elicited the warmest approval of the judges and the hearty applause of the spectators. The jig and the hornpipe, especially the latter, were also well danced. The winner of the hornpipe competition deserves more than special notice, it being without exception the best seen here. In the sprint races good time was made throughout, 10 2-sth secs for the 100 yards and 12 secs for the 120 yards being very creditable. In the longer distance events also a fair record was obtained, the mile being done in 4min 31 l-sth secs. The two bicycle events were well contested, Langdown’s riding in the mile and the ten-mile races being deservedly greatly admired. The tug of war, which concluded the programme, evoked great enthusiasm amongst those “ frae ayont the Tweed.” A Scottish team, captained by Mr Ogg, was victorious over two teams representative of Ireland and the railway. During the proceedings, by the invitation of Mr P. Cunningham, who dispensed hospitality right royally, the committee, judges, and other gentlemen mot at luncheon in the pavilion. Mr Buggey was the caterer, and deserves the very highest credit for having provided a spread, the like of which has not been seen in Canterbury for many a day. At the instance of Mr John Ollivier, the toast of “ The President” was duly honored. Work being the order of the day, this was the only toast proposed. At the conclusion of the sports Mrs Cunningham presented the prize for the best dressed Highlander, a very handsome cap, to Mr Munro, and a gold St. Andrew’s cross for the best piper on the ground to the same gentleman. Master Macrae, of Ashburton, also received a gold medal for the best dressed Highlander amongst the lads. Three cheers were given for Mrs Cunningham, the prize winners, and “ The President.” The competitors then, at the invitation of Mr Cunningham, went into the pavilion, where a a stna’ drappie of dew was circulated. Mr Cunningham, after speaking of the success which had attended the day’s proceedings, gave “ Our next merry meeting,” which was duly honored. The next toast was also proposed by the President, which was “ Kindred societies,” and in doing so mention was made of the kindliness shown by the Otago society in lending their standard. The toast was coupled with the name, of Mr Ogg, of the Dunedin Caledonian Society, 'who responded, expressing, the pleasure the visiting competitors had felt at being so warmly and hospitably welcomed in Christchurch.

Mr H, A. Watt proposed “The President/’ speaking in terms of high eulogium of the efforts of Mr Cunningham to advanae the interests of the society, neither sparing time, trouble, nor money. Mr Cunningham, in responding, said he was a thorough sportsman at heart, as well as a Scotchman, and he took the keenest possible interest in all sports. He desired to take this opportunity of thanking the competitors who had come from a distance, particularly their Southern friends, who had done so much to make the gathering a success. Of course Dunedin was the premier Caledonian gathering in the colony, but the Canterbury Caledonian Society would in a very short time run them close.

This concluded one of the most successful athletic gatherings yet held in Canterbury. With respect to the prize awarded for the best piper, the judges considered Campbell the best piper, but he had not entered, considering it unnecessary to do so. The matter is, however, under consideration by the committee. In the meantime, the judges had no other course but to award the prize to Munro. Mr Anson’s starting of the various races was excellent, not one bad one taking place all day. The handicappers, Messrs Andrews, Ollivier and J. Campbell, also deserve credit for the way in which they discharged their difficult task. Messrs Gundersen and J. E. Piper were the timekeepers, and this part of the day’s proceedings was most creditably performed. Mr E. Sutherland, the treasurer, in the role of first robber, was a success.

FIEE BRIGADE DEMONSTRATION,

The annual display of fireworks’ by the Christchurch Fire Brigade took place in Hagley Park on the evening of Anniversary Day. From a little past seven o’clock the various approaches to the Park were lined with pleasure seekers, bent on seeing the display; the trams also contributed a quota, and many from the suburbs came in vehicles of various descriptions ; indeed it is computed that upwards of ten thousand persons were present. Hitherto the spot selected for the display has been the green sward encircled by the running track, but on Saturday the higher ground to the north-west of the old spot was selected, the ground being kept by a body of firemen, amongst whom were men belonging to the Kaiapoi, Eangiora and Lyttelton Brigades, who kept the eager crowd in check by talking of torpedoes, which, whilst frightening the timid, provoked laughter from others. Everything being in readiness, the display was commenced at nine o’clock by the discharge of a rocket, being continued with but little intermission till halfpastten. The following was the programme ; —No. 1, coloured lights and lights round ring; 2, large fountain and two bouquets Eoman candles; 3, large cascade and two Chinese trees; 4, two vertical wheels and lights and one rainbow ; 5, rainbow and bouquet gerbs ; 6, fountain and two jewel jets; 7, large cascade and two Chinese trees ; 8, illuminated V.E.; 9, large vertical wheel and lights and bouquet gerbs; 10, fountain and two Chinese trees ; 11, rainbow and two small trees ; 12, sun and two large trees ; 13, large fountain and two bouquets gerbs; 14, cascade and two Chinese trees ; 15, fiery pigeon ; 16, fountain and two bouquets gerbs; 17, rainbow and two bouquets gerbs ; 18, large Chinese tree and two jewel jets ; 19, cascade and two bouquets gerbs; 20, two large trees and Blondin poles ; 21, device. In addition to the above thirteen dozen rockets, shells, tourbillions, mines, Jacks-in-the-Box, and Devils among the Tailors, &c., w?re discharged. The demonstration was very effective, the weather being very calm, a dark bank of cloud in the background causing every item to be well displayed. The cascade, fountains and Chinese trees called forth expressions of approval, but the fullest token was accorded to the last device, which showed in different colored letters the loyal sentiment, so dear to Englishmen, “ God Save the Queen.” At the moment of illumination the strains of the Artillery band were heard playing the National Anthem, above which the cheers of the vast crowd could be heard. The Brigade are to be congratulated on the success attending their effort. The fireworks were made up from imported materials by Messrs Hillier and W. B. Hobbs, and a word of praise is justly due to them for the number aud variety of the devices and the effective arrangement of colors. The demonstration over the vast crowd were soon moving homeward, and, although at the various exits from the park the usual crushings took place, it is satisfactory to note that not the slightest accident occurred to mar the success of the night. The public contributions at the gates exceeded .£53.

ANNIYEESAEY DAY AT LYTTELTON. Several hundreds of excursionists found their way to Lyttelton on Saturday to spend their holiday at the seaside. The steamer Akaroa took about a hundred to Little Akaloa, and the steam launches carried quite two hundred to Governor’s Bay. The day was observed as a holiday among the business people generally.

LYTTELTON AMALGAMATED FRIENDLY SOCIETIES’ PICNIC. The above picnic was held at the Heathcote Valley on Anniversary Day. The prizes were very keenly contested for, and the judges (Messrs S. R. Webb and Wm. Bailey), starter (Mr Slater) filled their different posts very efficiently. Messrs Hiidyard, Burns, Sullivan and Baker acted as toy committee for races, Ac., and did all they possibly could to please the youngiters.