CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 2, 2 January 1872, Page 2

CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

Tlte public of Nelson were indebted to the Caledouion Society for a most pleasant holiday yesterday. At an curly hour the cabs began to run in the direction of the Maitai well hiden with passengers, in addition io whom there was a constant stream of pedestrians all wending their way towards the same goal, aud by two o'clock there must have been quite 1500 people ou tbe ground, where the arrangements that, had been made were excellent, and reflected great credit upon the Committee and thoir indefatigable secretary, Mr. Brind. A ring, 180 yards in circumference, had been roped off for greater convenience in carrying out the various sports, for viewing which, every facility was afforded by the erection ©f a Stand, which was largely patronised throughout the day, while tho commisariat department was well attended to by the proprietors of the iimm-rous booths. Tlie weather, too, proved delightful, the clouds being just sufficient to form a protection against the sun's rays, while a delicious breeze that, was blowing rendered the atmosphere cooler than it had been for several days past. Shortly after eleven the programme commenced with a hundred yards race for hoys., and was carried out with considerable spirit throughout tho whole day, special interest attaching lo Ihe racing aud wrestling, in the latter of which Mr. Stavert., who proved himself the champion last year, again came off •vith fly i uk colors, even though he had to contend agaiust. the most disadvantageous circumstances, (here being altogether* five competitors, and he, having thrown, first the man against whom lie was originally matched, and secondly, the winner of the other bout, being compelled to tackle the odd man, who came into the ring perfectly fresh, for the best of three throws. It also happened that this last man proved by far tiie most formidable of the three against whom he had to compete, and a prettier tussle than that which took place between these two could scarcely be imagined. It was evidently Mr. Christopher's g ame to wind his opponent, who was not by any means in first rate condition, not having undergone any previous training, aud consequently it was a long time before the necessary grip was obtained, but when the struggle arrived at tbat, stage, the result was not long in doubt, Mr. Christopher quickly going duwn with his massive rival on top of him. At the secoud turn an equally long contest took place with a different result, however, Mr. Stavert being this time underneath in the fall. Iu a very few minutes the rivals were hard at it agaiu for the third time, but this was but a very short bout, Mr. Stavert succeeding almost afc the first attempt in getting a grip nf his man who wks at once thrown heavily, the victor ou this occasion uot. accompanying him in his fall. Jn the running flat leap the fine distance of 20ft BJin was accomplished by Mr. E. Blundel), who gained the first prize, the second being awarded to Mr. Norgate, who run, or rather jumped, faim very close, the umpire recording 20ft, 7iu as his leap. The gymnastic feats on the horizontal bar were exceedingly clever, those performed by Messrs. Brind and Gully attracting considerable attention, and giving rise to no little applause. The mile race, for which nine started, was cleverly . won by Mr, Tennant, who ran with great judgment, and appeared to be iu excellent -condition, the result, we are told, of hard training,

which fully entitled him to the prize he go fairly won. One of his opponents, Mr. Sayle, ran in far better form- but, either from want of speed or of wind, he was uuable to successfully compete with the winner. The tiltiDg in tho ring was a very pretty trial of skill, and was viewed with with much interest by the lookers-on, Mr. Lines, who occupied a similar honorable position last year, proving the wiouer. We have alluded to these few events as being specially worthy of notice, but canuot afford space- to describe in detail the whole of the day's proceedings, the results of which will be found below. The three prize medals for vaulting with tlie pole, lilting in the ring, and the mile race, were, before the close of the day, presented to the successful competitors by Lady Monro, who addressed a few suitable words to each of the winners, as she pinned the prize to his breast. The Nelson band, which was iu attendance, tended to enliven the proceedings, and its strains proved irresistible lo lovers of the dance, who formed themselves into parties in various parts of the field. On the whole the sports were a decided success, and the Society under whose auspices I they were <*ot up are to be congratulated on their able management. The following is a list of the various events, and of the respective winners : — Flat Race for Boys under 15; 100 yards. Ist prize, 15s.*, 2nd, 7s. 6d. This was well contested. There were six entries. Adams, 1; Slieat, 2. Running High Leap. Ist prize, 205.; 2nd, 10s. C Russ, 1. C. Monro and Russ a tie, Tossing the Caber. Prize, 40s. This was accomplished by J. Lines, who took the prize. Flat Race for men; 200 yards. Ist prize, 305.; 2nd, 15s. C, Y. Fell, 1; J. Best, 2. Hitch and Kick. Prize, 30s. Four entered for this game, and R. C. Kelling won the prize. Vaulting with the Pole. First prize, silver medal and 305.; 2nd, 20s. Four entrants only were attracted to this game, and the greatest height reached was 9 feet 1 inch. I, T. Rnss, 9 ftet 1 inch; 2, F. Powell, 9 feet. Flat Race for men; 300 yards. Ist prize, 305.; 2nd, 15 s. The conlCft lay between the first-named three, Norgate following well up for third. Job Best, 1; Geo. Buss, 2; C. Norgate, J. Bolton, F. Coleman. Dancing Highland Fling. Ist prize, *>0s ; 2nd, 10s. James Robertson, 1; T. Chittenden, 2; T.Morris, Michael Hayes. Running Flat Leap. Ist prize, 205.; 2nd, 10s. 1, E.F. Biundell, 20 feet 8 J inches; 2, C. Norgitc. 20 feet 7 inches; W. Barnicoat, 18 feet (5 inches; Jas. Burnett, 18 feet J inch; Sam. Powel, 15 feet S inches. Wrestling Cumberland Style. Ist prize, 405.; ind, 20s. Stavert, 1 ; Christopher, 2. One Mile Champion Race. Ist prize, Silver Medal and £4; 2nd, £3. R. C.Tennant, 1; T. Russ, 2. Feats on Horizontal Bar. First prize, 305.; second nrize, 20s. A. H. Brind, 1; L. Gully, 2. Tilting in the Ring Twiceround. Ist, Silver medal and £4; 2nd, £2; third man to save his stake. Job Lines, 1; C. Bird, 2; J. Rutherford, 3. Standing High Leap. Ist prize, 305. ; 2nd, 10s. E. F. Bluncleli, 1 4ft 9in; W. Barnicoat, 2. Dancing Hornpipe. Ist prize, 305.; 2nd, 10s. T. Chittenden, 1; Thomas Morris, 2. Putting the Stone. 2*2lbs. Ist prize, 40s ; 2nd) '20 s. 1, W. Forrest, 2<5 feet 5 inches; 2, T, Wootton, 26 feet 4| inches; J. Robertson, 25 feet 8 inches; R. M' Murray, 25 feet 5 inches; C. Kelling, 24 feet. There were eleven entries. Hurdle Race. Twice round. Ist prize, 40s ; 2nd, 20s. This was a good race, and the leaps were well taken . Time, 52 seconds. Norgate, 1 ; W. Burrett, 2. Standing Flat Leap. Ist prize, 205.; 2nd, 10s. 1, W. Forest, 8 feet 10 inches; 2, W. Barnicoat, 8 feet 10 inches; Burnett, 8 feet 9 inches. In leaping for the tie Barnicoat slipped. Three-Legged Race. Ist prize, 205.; 2nd, 10s. Eight pairs started. Best and Russ, 1 ; Avery and Loasby, 2. Broad Sword Exercise. Ist prize, 205.; 2nd, 10s. It was with difficulty a match was got up, when a few bouts wero undertaken by Mr. M'Cabe and Mr. Guy; M'Cabe winniug the most hits. The prizes for best Highland Costume were given to the two sons of Mr. Alexander Mackay, very neatly dressed little boys; and to the Highland piper.