NEW YEAR'S SPORTS.

North Otago Times, Volume III, Issue 46, 5 January 1865, Page 2

NEW YEAR'S SPORTS.

The sports which came off on Monday last were attended with the samo genial spirit as those of Boxing Day, showing that the good folks here know that " 'tis good to be merry and wise." The weather was propitious, and all went on in mirth and harmony.

At the Northern Hotel, the sports, which Were superintended by Mr Baker and Mr S. Williams, comprised the following;—

Qooit Matoh. : -First prize, £110s; second do., lfis. This match, "which, was continued from Boxing Day, was played out and won easily by Joseph M'Kay, John Ponton second. M'Kay's play was much admired. Foot Race (half-mile).—First prize, £2; second do, £1. Six entries. The first heat waa won by Wm, Ferguson ; the second by G-. Mackenzie. These two then contested the final heat, Ferguson coming in first. Hurdle Race (150 yards, over four leaps).—First prize, £110s; fsecond do, 15s. Three entries. Both heats were won by John Branning, Blackwood second. Greasy Pole.—Prize, leg of mutton and purse containing £1 ss. This caused much amusement, and was at length won by Mr Murray, who had no rivals.

At the Star and Gaiter Hotel, the sports begun, under the management of Mr Payne, with a quoit match, the entvipq for which were numerous. There was some first-rate play made; and at the finish of the game, Mr A. Henderson took the first prize, and Mr J. Pringle the second. After this a match was made up k between Mr Henderson and Mr Al'Kay, the winner of the prize at the Northern, at which Mr Henderson came off victorious. I

There was a pretty good spin for the hundred yardi race, six coming to the scratch. Mr Champney made a splendid start and got away in good style, but -when the race was about half run, the heavy metal of Mr Stanley began to toll, and in spite of great perseverance on the part of his opponent, Stanley dashed past him at the 80th yard and came in a good winner.

The expectation of a large crowd was somewhntj marred at tho pig race, which was to have been the fun of the day. Whether the pig was too fat, or had too much soft soap or grease upon him when he was let loose and the word " off " was given, he lay down for about a score of anxious competitors to rush upon him. It was impossible to say who got hold of him first, but there were three or four claimants. How it was arranged we are unable to say, but have no doubt it was arranged amicably. The greasy pole was certainly a formidable affair, being some thirty feet out of the ground, very smoothly planed, and covered with alterr ate layers of soft soap and grease. The first to try Ms hand at it was Win. Murray, who, after several vain attempts, gave it up for a bad job, and for a long time it seemed that the prize would not be carried off. However, William Ferguson prepared to mount it, and after a few attempts brought down the flag amid the cheers of the crowd.

A free dinner was also provided and done ample justice to.

The sports throughout the day were very attractive, and enjoyed by a crowd of spectators. A ball and »up» per took place at Baker's Hotel in the evening.