THE CHRISTMAS SPORTS.

Manawatu Times, Volume III, Issue 82, 11 October 1879, Page 3

THE CHRISTMAS SPORTS.

The first meeting of the general coraI mittee appointed at the public meeting on Saturday evening, m connection with the approaching Christmas sports, was held m Mr. Hector Booth's office on Wednesday evening, Dr. Johnston m tjie chair. The first matter that engaged the attention of the meeting was the ground on which the sports should be held. After some discussion it was resolved — " That Messrs. Johnston, Bray, Macarthur, and the Secretary, he appointed a committee to select suitable Grouutl, and report at the next meetings." In the event of the Recreation ground being chosen, the question of a water supply "cropped up. It was stated that on the occasion of the last sports visitors were charged threepence a glass at neighboring cottages for water, which could not be obtained on the ground, and the advisability of at once sinlnng an artesian well was mooted. It was agreed, however, that the matter should stand over until the next meeting. It was resolved — "That the following be appointed a working committee to manage the affairs of the sports : — Messrs. Macarthur, Bray, Johnston, Cullanan, Wbrsfold, Jackson, Capper. Price Sherwill, Beattie, Halcombe, Booth, W. Bailey, Chamberlain, F. Lethbridge, W. Whisker, and Di'ummond — five to form a quorum. The question of having publicans' booths on the ground was also discussed. One of the committee stated that it had come to his knowledge that m the event of there not being any Licensed Victuallers' booths allowed on the ground, it was intended to got up apposition, sports, where they would be, and these, no doubt, would be well patronised. With this fact before them, he should move, m order to elicit an expression, of opinion on the subject — " That the. privileges for tho erection of two publicans' booths be sold." The motion was not seconded, and a very strong- opinion was expressed that on no account Jshouldl licensed booths be permitted. An amendment to this effect was carried unanimously. ' The question of selling the privilege of the gates, or retaining it m the hands of the committpe was discussed, and a resolution — "That all privilege* connected with the sports be sold by public auction — was carried nem. con. Dr. Jojinston wa,s elected chairman of the general committee. It was resolved — "That the first meeting of the managing committee be held on Wednesday evening next, at eight o'clock sharp. Lists were distributed to those members of the general committee who were present, and a vigorous and early canvass for subscriptions recommended. The usual vote of thanks to the Chair," terminated the proceedings.