THE CALEDONIAN GATHERING.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 50, 6 January 1872, Page 4

THE CALEDONIAN GATHERING.

From causes beyond the ben of the Committee of the Society, the gathering of this year suffered much by comparison with that of last year. The interest manifested, by the spectators was not of the usual mark. Nor on the whole, were the performances in themselves such as we have before witnessed. New Year’s Day was ushered in by ominous signs of bad weather, which had the effect of deterring many from being present at the sports. The ground management was perfect. The events down for decision by force of arms and legs were kept going from half-past ten o’clock in the morning, and only in the dancing was there any delay in “ getting off ” the items on the card. The outer ring was well kept by the police, while on the inner ground Mr Gilligan, the factotum of the Society, exercised a rigorous and commendable impartiality in excluding from the plateau every individual of that class of person who, even at athletic gatherings, will persistently foist themselves into positions of prominence without the smallest pretence of a right to the privilege. There was the additional element of success in the carrying out of the programme, that no member of the Committee was a ’prentice hand at his business, and to this must be attributed the complete absence of protest or complaint against their action or decisions. Of the number of the concourse it would be placing it within the mark to put it at from two thousand five hundred to three thousand. The onlookers were densely packed the whole extent of the circle. The diversity in taste as to the best manner of passing the time found outlets in various ways. Some betook them to the opposite shores of the creek, and there engaged in various games. The booths were occupied by publicans, pastrycooks, toy dealers, &c, and in the neighborhood of these were the tent for receiving entries for the events and the competitors’ dressing tent. The arrangements in these matters were very convenient. Continuing the winding of the course, the next attraction, was the music of the Artillery Band, and here, it is appropriate to remark, was found one of the most potent agents in the successful entertainment of the visitants. Crowds flocked the neighborhood of the tent, and during the whole of the day a giddy throng was perpetually on the whirl, assisted a little in their giddiness, perhaps, by the strong wind. About three o’clock his Excellency the Governor and Lady Bowen arrived on the ground, the signal for which was the striking up of the National Anthem by the band The party stayed some time on the ground, and apparently much enjoyed the proceedings of the afternoon. Some little disappointment was created among a section of the spectators by the absence of the professionals, Messrs Austin and Edwards, who it was expected would have competed in some of the races. A more profitable engagement at the Wairarapa had, during the week, attracted them thither, and as a consequence the races looked forward to as the features of the day were tame in the extreme, the walking match being a gift to MTntosli, the number of entries being made up and the ground gone over in a leisurely way, merely to entitle the starters to claim the money. MTntosh walked well, and in good style, none of the unfairness complained of in the previous match being nerceptible, though it must be understood that at no part of the match was it necessary to put on the steam, so that a fair specimen of his powers was not given. We hope next year to see a number of trained competitors from among the youths of the city enter for this race. Next in importance was the Champion Mile Race, which also was a hollow affair, Austin’s presence being missed in this as was Edwards’s in the walking race. Pyke started with a lead of about five yards which was increased during the last three rounds to about forty yards, and then he finished by a voluntary spurt, there being no one in the race fit to push him to conclusions. The time was nob very good, smin lOsecs, though that is not to be wondered at, seeing that the winner chose his own pace throughout. Taine, the second man, ran very well, though there was not the slightest evidence of bottom; in fact he seemed) quite content in maintaining the position for second money, an effort by Wilkinson to gain a place being unsuccessful. This is the first appearance of this amateur at our annual gatherings, and although he did not succeed in pulling off any great amount in prizes this is entirely attributable to want of knowledge in the art of running ; in no race did he run with any approach to discretion. This is a fault overcome by experience, and we doubt not that at the next gathering Wilkinson will be more successful. The 500 yards race was the best'thing of the day, in which Pyke unexpectedly met with a little more than his match. Murphy, who by an unfortunate mistake only got the

second prize, ran his race scientifically, coming up at the finish with a rush that somewhat appalled Pyke. The two struggled gamely for lhe pride of place, the result being highly creditable to Murphy, who was carrying about a stone of superfluous flesh. The vaulting was next in point of excellence, the height cleared by the winner, Oft 3in, being as high as has been done in New Zealand. The competition was very keen all through, and occasionally drew forth plaudits from all parts of the ring. The standing high jump was also amongst the best performances in the colony, the height cleared being seldom reached. Some fine horizontal bar exercises were given by Cohen, the paragon, but the other events were mediocre in the contests. We were sorry not to have the presence of our best amateur, M'Masters, business arrangements having necessitated his absence ; indeed, those of the Wairarapa squad who did put in an appearance seemed entirely out of form, the veteran Yule not being able to equal his worst performances of previous years, although he did succeed in getting through the ruck for the hundred yards. We hope next year our pedestrian visitors from that district will have more time for preparation, and consequently better reward for their long journey ; indeed it is to the country division that we look for wholesome competition with the town pets. Borne very good singlestick play was shown, and immediately at its conclusion a storm of wind and rain unmitigable in its rage put a stop to further proceedings, and the remainder of the events, including the half mile hurdle race, had to remain unconcluded. The committee had offered about £9O in prizes, distributed among the following races : Boy’s Race, 300 yards.—Seven entered and came to the post. All in a cluster, of course, till near the end, when a lad named Moran came away, and won without much difficulty, Read being second. Foot Race, 100 yards.—Eight entered, who were divided into two sets, the winners of each heat being Messrs Yule and Crawley, the former winning after a good race in the run off. Running- High Jump. —Six entries. Some capital jumping was shown up to 4t"fc 9in where Dixon fell out, Evans following suit at 4ft lOin. Cornish caved in at 4ft llin, after jumping in good form. Wakelin cleared this, but dropped at the following rise, which Murphy cleared and won the prize at sft, B/ornpipe.—Five entered for this contest, headed by the veteran Smith, a competitor familiar to those who regularly visit our annual gathering. Of the rest ofthe competitors O’Connor and Petford were the only ones who showed any proficiency. Smith was awarded the prize, O’Connor being placed second, though there being no prize on the programme none was awarded. Putting- the Stone. —Five entered, the prize being won by Hallard, by a throw of 27ft lOin, Oates being second with a throw of 25ft Gin. 500 Yards Race. —Murphy, Yule, Scrimshaw, Golder, Cornish, Pyke, Wilkinson, Crawley, Sullivan, and Laird, started for this race, which was looked upon with great interest by the spectators. Pyke was placed right outside on a crowded scratch, Cornish having the inside place. At the word “go” Pyke and Sullivan, who was placed about the middle, made a rush and got in front, Sullivan leading. Whether he was playing into the hands of any other competitor it is impossible to say, bub he certainly took the steam out of Pyke, who made every endeavor to pass him, and even- , tually did so at the end of the second round. He had no sooner succeeded in doing so, than Murphy began to mow his way through the ruck, and although 30 yards behind Pyke it the finish of the second round, lie ran gamdy, and overhauled the leader when about a tiird of the distance from home. Here a splendid race ensued, the severe tussle with Su/fivan early in the race telling greatly on Pyk>, but this was balanced by the want of preparation in Murphy, who might conveniently lisve been reduced a stone in weight. Evidently Je would be more than a match for Pyke at thedistanee, although both were completely pumped at the finish, which was very close. An xiafortunate mistake' gave the race to Pyke, although Murphy was leading by a yard wlen he mistook the winning flag and stopped as also did Pyke, who, however, being first to perceive the mistake, made two or three stepsforward, sufficient to entitle him to claim tip money. Pyke complained of being jostled b/ Murphy, but the protest, although it was aot necessary to investigate it, was complete]/ groundless, as Murphy did nothing more tlpn he was entitled to do on such a course to enable him to obtain and hold the inside place. /Murphy was much cut up about his mistake, hut of course the judges had no alternative/in the matter, and Pyke was declared the vinuerTossing- the Caber —Murphy, Hallard, Oates, and Dodds entered, and the prize was won by Hallard, who turnd the sapling beautifully straight after it hs4 been several times shortened, the lengtlybeing finally twelve feet. Murphy also turned/the caber, but not being so straight as Halb.nd’s throw the prize was awarded to the latterVaulting. —J. H. Percy, W. Longhurst, W. Percy, Cotter,'Mundy, and T. Mudgeway, competed. Mufldy and Longhurst failed to get over the stick before it had reached Bft, at which height the elder Percy, Cotter, aud Mudgeway were jumping well within themselves. The wind greatly interfered with the jumping at this stage, not only blowing the bar and stands down, but frequently taking away the judges with them. At Bft 9in Cotter and H„ Percy cleared in flying style. At 9fb both cleared beautifully, Mudgeway falling out, a hurt to his foot in falling interfering greatly with his chance. Percy was next to fall out at 9(t 3in, which Cotter cleared and was declared the winner, after some splendid vaulting had been shown by all engaged at the finish. Heavy Hammer—Sis competitors, Hallard

throwing the hammer 62ft 6in being the winner, with Oates, 56ft, second. Hale-mile Race— Oooley, Pyke,, Yule, Minifie, and Wilkinson started. The course was five and a half times round, or six times past the post. Pyke again drew outside place, Yule being inside. At the start Pyke rushed into first place and was followed by Yule and Wilkinson, five yards dividing each. Passing tile post the fifth time Pyke led by about twenty yards, and finished about thirty yards in advance of Wilkinson, who was second Running Hop, Step, and Jump —Avery, W. Murphy, J. Murphy, Fisher, and Baßsett jumped, Avery winning with a jump of 37ft lOin, W. Murphy being next with a jump of 36ffc 7|in, Fisher following wilh 36ft 7in. Horizontal Bar —Several competitors entered, and after some good muscular display Cohen was declared the winner, the others not being able to approach him. Boys’ Race, 300 yards— About twelve boys started, and a good race, run with a deal of deal discretion by the first boy, MTlwain, who, however, was disqualified on account of his not having’ handed in his ticket previous to the start. After some delay, however, the prize was given to him, Farley being second. Race por Youths, 300 yards —Corbett, a youth much advanced in age though not in growth, won this race very easily. Hitch and Xick— Four entered, but the competition was confined to Phillips and Fisher, the lattter winning with a kick at a height ridiculously low, 6ft Bin. Standing High Jump —The two Murphys, Dixon, Bassett, and Fisher jumped, the latter and W. Murphy dividing at 4ft Gin. An inch off this must be allowed for the bend in the rod, and even with this allowance the jump was one of the best results of the whole competition of the day. The Miie Race— Four started, Pike, Taine, Wilkinson, and Cooley. Pike started in front with a lead of about five yards- This gap he gradually increased as lie liked, Taine arriving second at the post. Time. 5m lOsec. The race requires no further description. Horizontal Bar for Youths. —A good show of muscular agility ended in Petford winning, Lambert being awarded second prize. The lads were noticeable for their exceedingly neat dresses. Reel op Tulloch. —This was a good display of the Highland reel, Bowie, the piper, and Lennox dancing very gracefully, for which they were awarded first and second prizes respectively. Two others competed. Sword Dance. —Smith and Dawson competed, and after some good dancing were awarded first and second prizes as their names stand. Two Mile Walking Match. —This was a good exhibition of stamina on the part of MTntosh, who walked easily but well from start to finish. Williamson and Mailman entered, bub made no effort to compete with MTntosli, who walks fast enough and strong enough to take a good place with the best of amateur walkers. Now that this kind of competitioa has been started, it is to be hoped the committee will retain the event on the card at future gatherings. Singlestick —Gore and M'Lean were first to cross the timber, Lennox, and M f L«lland being next. The play was between Gore and Lennox, and the former was adjudged the prize, having shown some pretty cuts. M'Lellind lost by some accidental inner cuts, none tub outer cuts being allowed. Otherwise hia play was extremely good, and he had a fair /chance of winning, although his play was rather rash, by which he left himself open to defeat. He was wholly beaten, however, by the foul hits scored against him. Sack Race —Only four started, and Murphy won easily. Bicycle Race —Smith, 1; Barry, 2. The other events on the programme had to be put off on account of the weather. If anything the programme was too rich in prizes, as was evidenced by the fact that eight hours proceedings failed to exhaust the provision made for the day’s amusement. Next year the committee should reduce the number of events, and increase the prizes of those remaining, else a large staff of committee should be pressed into service to keep the games going at both Bides of the ground simultaneously. In justice to the committee who acted on Monday, it must be said that it would be a difficult matter indeed to find a body of gentlemen to carry on the proceedings more energetically, and great credit is due to them on this score. The following are the gentlemen who officiated as stewards and judges Major M‘Barneb, Messrs G. Crawford, Gilligan, M‘Xenzie, MTntyre, Rayer, Buchanan, Bromley, Lockiß, Stewart, Lawrie, Greenfield, Sellars, and Daniels.