OTAGO ATHLETIC SPORTS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2296, 7 January 1884, Page 2

OTAGO ATHLETIC SPORTS.

The worst weather that could be remembered for some time past marked the opening day of the Otago Caledonian Society’s New Year Sports in Dunedin. Continual and very heavy squalls of wind and rain swept over the ground throughout the day, and the condition of the spectators was one of extreme discomfort. In spite of this drawback there were several thousand people present in the morning, but the attendance gradually thinned, and several of the competitions had to be postponed. Donald Dinnie only competed in a few events, and was victorious only in Putting the 16Bi. Stone. His distance for this was 44ft. sin., nearly 10ft. beyond any of the others. In dancing reels and Highland flings he took only third prize, J. Murray, Jun., being the winner in both instances. Tossing the Caber was attempted, but it proved impossible upon the wet ground; and all wrestling, except light weights, was also postponed. There were only three competitors for the three prizes for Vaulting with the Pole—George Rae, Bft, 9in., Jas. Black, Bft. Tin., and A. Richardson, Bft. sin. The prizes at Kumara were won by—James Murtha Bft. 6in., J. R. Stenhouse Bft. 4in., and M‘Davitt and 0, Murtha Bft. lin, Kumara was therefore beaten by Sin. But in the Hop, Step and Leap (which we may pretty safely assume was a running hop, step, and leap) both Tyrer and Greenwood at Kumara beat the best distance of the great Otago Caledonian athletic meeting, the records of which are—T. Andrews 38ft. Sin., 6. Rae, 37ft. 4in.j and J. M'Donald 37ft., whilst Tyrer sprang 41ft. 3|in. (or 3ft. o|in. farther than the Otago athletes), Greenwood 38ft. 4in., and Chambers 37ft. Sin., first, second, and third in Otago being severally beaten by the Kumara records. During the wrestling, Cornish and Devon style, Robertson (the Maori) threw Tyson, a former champion, with ease ; but, to the surprise of the spectators, Hoare threw Robertson in the final round and won first money, Robertson taking second, and Tiffen third. But most interest was shown in the Championship Wrestling (Border style), for all comers, for which there were eleven competitors, prizes, £l2, £5, and £2.; iu fact, more excitement was manifested over this event than over any competition during the two days. Hudson made short work of Hoare, lifting him clean off his legs, and swinging him round before throwing him for the first time. He was a little too unguarded, however, at the second attempt, and Hoare scored a fall, only to be cross-butlocked with tolerable ease at the third time of meeting. In the second round. G. Robertson (champion) and Tyson met, and the first throw was easily taken by the former. Robertson lost the second fall by letting go his hold, but the third he won without a great deal of trouble. Then amid the cheering of the spectatators Robertson and Hudson met. The first throw was won by Hudson, his skill proving too much for his formidable opponent’s strength. Hudson appeared to be much exhausted, and after a good interval they again got hold, and what promised to be an interesting struggle was suddenly terminated by Robertson letting go his hold, s-une of his ribs on the left side being fractured. Of course the throw was given to Hudson, who consequently took the belt. The excitement at the result of the contest was great, and Hudson whose weight is about list., w as car ! ried shoulder-high off the ground, it was kuowu hat RoberfcgoA

was injured, the crowd was very demonstrative in showing sympathy towards him. In the course of a brief speech Mr Warren stated that Hudson was the best all-round wrestler he had seen in the Australian colonies. Mr E. Wilson, on behalf of Hudson, suitably replied, and added that all the wrestling contests that had taken place on Monday and New Year’s Day were fairly carried out, and there could be no doubt that the best man had won the championship.