CHRISTMAS SPORTS.

North Otago Times, Volume II, Issue 45, 29 December 1864, Page 3

CHRISTMAS SPORTS.

Last Monday — Boxing Day — witnessed a series of sports, which for variety and the vigor with which they were contested, may claim to rank with those of any up-country district in this colony ; and the more satisfaction should attach to this, as it was the first time in the history of Oamaru that sports have been got up to celebrate this day — perhaps the chief period of amusement of Britons. To Mr Baker, of the Jforthern Hotel, we must accord our thanks for his praiseworthy and successful attempt to rescue us from the perpetual beer and billiards that characterise the chief amusement of up-country holiday-times. The day was excellent — a cloudless sun, with a good sea breeze to temper the ardor of his rays ; and, strange to say, not a single case of drunkenness or fighting occurred to mar the day's amusement. We regret other demands upon our space preclude our giving so full a report of the proceedings as we could desire, and as their interest desei ves ; but the following is a brief list of the winners of the various prizes, which amounted, we believe, to about £25 : — Quoit Match.— First prize, £1 10s. ; second do, 15s. Ten entries. One round was played ; when, as the match promised to be rather long, and other sports wore waited for, the final playing was postponed till Monday next. Foot Race (120 yards).— £1 10s. and 15s. 12 entries. This was a spirited affair, and was run iD heats, resulting finally in a viotory by John Haggle ; Allen second. Throwing Heavy Hammer.-— £1 10a. and 15s. 6 entries. A close affair, won by Lindsay; Underbill second. Putting Heavy Stone.— £1 and 10s, 9 entries. Peter Orr first ; M'Kay second. Sack. Race (80 yards). —10s. and fis. 9 entries. This caused immense fun — one competitor falling when within a foot of the goal. Won by Haylock ; Murray second. Hurdle Race (150 yards, 3 foet hurdlea). - £1 10s. and 15s. 9 entries. Run in heats; Bi'ennan first; Murray Becond. Throwing Quoit (21bs).— £1. 10 entries. Won by S. Williams ; Lindsay second. Running Leap. -£1 and 10s. 9 ontries. After somo close leaping, it was decided in favor of White ; Brennan second. Walking Match (one mile). — £3 and £1. 9 entries. This wa<s more a running than a walking match ; and the first at the goal was disqualified on that account, tho prizes being awarded to the second and third -Ponton and Blackmore. Boys' Race (100 yards).— 15s. and 10s. 6 entries. Won by Carr and Wilson. Wheelbarrow Race (for boys, blindfold, 60 yards). — 15s. and 10s. 0 entries. Winton first ; Baker second. Foot Race (one mile).— £2 10s. and £1. 10 entries. A splendid race, and a long mile, the course being about 80 yards over that distance. Won by Sharkey in 5 min. 50 sec. j Baiclay becond. Standing High Leap, — £1. 5 entries. Won by Hook. A free dinner for the competitors was given by Mr Baker, and ample justice done thereto by a goodly number of hungry athletes. A supper also took place in the evening, at which " harmony ' was kept up till a late lunir. We believe it is the intention of air Baker to prepare more sports for next Monday— 2nd January — at which the orthodox greasy pole will be erected. We lmwt not, by-the-bye, forget to mention the name of Mr S. Williams, to whose excellent management and active exertions, the success of the spoi ts may be in no slight degree attributed.