CHRISTMAS SPORTS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1997, 31 December 1874, Page 2

CHRISTMAS SPORTS.

WEDNESDAY. The Christmas Sports held on the Camp Reserve, which had been adjourned since Saturday last, took place yesterday. The weather was very fine, and the ground in capital condition for all purposes. In th 9 forenoon there were few visitors, and the sport did not commence until 1 p.m., but after that hour a large number of visitors arrived, and throughout the afternoon there was a very large attendance, and the sports went oft very well indeed. The Town Band was present and considerably enlivened the scene. Outside the sports, the children assembled seemed to have immense enjoyment on the merry-go-round and swinging-boat erected by Messrs Leathwood, who, both on Saturday and yesterday, did a roaring trade. The proceedings commenced about one o'clock by resuming the undecided wrestling match, collar and elbow style, which had been adjourned from last meeting. Two pairs had been left to decide the event — Flaher and Bourke, and Carton and M'!Namee. After wasting much time in the morning, the stewards resolved to make a start, but then only Carton, and M'Namee were present, and they went to work on the understanding that it was for first money. After M'Namee had been thrown, the other pair appeared and claimed their right to go in for the money, as they had been 'present all morning, and as the sports were not proceeding, they had gone up town to dinner. It was then arranged that the first bout should go for nothing, and the whole affair be commenced afresh. Some splendid play was shown, which lasted for one hour and a half. The final tussel was between Carter and M'Namee, and as the latter acted entirely on the defensive, depending upon his length of reach and great strength, nearly one hour was occupied before Carton was able to throw him. The result] was— T. Carton, 1; J. M'JNamee, 2 ; J. Flaher, 3. Dancing Irish Hornpipe. Prize L 3. Three entries or no dance. A stage was erected, and there were five entries, and some good dancing. The prize was awarded to Thomas Walker. Wrestling, Cornish Style — First prize, L 1 0; second, L 3; third, LI. There were five entries, and the prizes were awarded as follows: — John Borlase, 1 ; Wiliiam Borlase, 2 ; Edmund Cameron, o. Sack Race, 10D yards— First prize, L 3; second, LI. There were five entries, and after much fun the prizes were declared to be divided between Joseph and William Heaphy. Boys' Race for boys under 14 years of . age; handicapped. — First prize, LI; second, los ; third, ss. There were eleven entries, The winners were — William Kilgour, 1; D. M'Davitt, 2 ; M.Flannagan, 3. For catching the greasy pig there were nine entries, and the event caused much amusement, but at last, after much hard running, the animal was caught by the tail and claimed oy Joseph Heaphy, who was declared the winner. This brought the Christmas sports to a close.