Sporting.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 226, 8 January 1876, Page 18

Sporting.

We have to call attention to the Athletic Club sports, which take place this afternoon. The entries for the handicap races closed on Thursday evening at the Pier Hotel. His Excellency the Governor has notified his intention of being present. The City .Rifle band will play during the afternoon, and there is no doubt should the weather prove fine the sports will be a success. The Caledonian Society met at the New Zealander Hotel on Wednesday, for the purpose of distributing the prizes won at the late sports. Present—Messrs. Buchanan (vicepresident), Captain Mclntyre (treasurer), Mace, Pollock, McDowell, Thompson, Young, Graham, and Dr. Diver. The competitors all received their prizes,’ including the handsome silver cup, won by Davis, of Christchurch; and a great amount of other business was got through. One item was ordered to stand over, viz., the Artillery band. It appears they agreed to find their own lunch, notwithstanding which they forestalled the directors, and quietly demolished a lunch especially prepai'ed for the directors themselves, for which the society have received the account. The matter was left until the Band Committee gave their decision on the matter. The society have had an undoubted .success, and financially is in a better position than it has been for many a day. The Wairarapa races came off on Thursday and Friday last. Lady Grey won the Maiden Plate, and Ivorari the Wairarapa Stakes, with Fishhook second, and Premier third. For the Produce Stakes, Scrip was first ; and for the Ladies’ Purse, Fishhook. The latter horse also carried off the Jockey Club Plate, after a sin-

gular race. There were only two starters, Fishhook and Korari, and the latter led for three parts round the course, when he bolted and threw his rider. Fishhook also bolted, but not throwing his rider, was got under command and came in a winner. The District Plate fell to Premier, and the Hurdle Pace to Kangaroo, who came in with the lead in the two first heats. CALEDONIAN SPORTS. Under the patronage of his Excellency the Marquis of Normanby, his Honor the Superintendent, E. Pearce, Esq., M.H.E., and G-. Hunter, Esq., M.H.R. The Caledonian Society held their annual sports on New Year’s Day. At first it was apprehended that the celebration would have to be postponed, owing to the miserable state of ths“ weather during the early part of the day. A less cheering prospect than was presented on the first morning in the new yeai - could scarcely be conceived. The clouds were lowering, the sun was obscure, the rain came down steadily, as though it did not intend to leave off in a hurry, and indeed the general appearance of matters weatherly was most discouraging, and the most sanguine anticipated having to postpone the sports till another day. Flags were taken down, and booth proprietors neglected to adorn and stock their stalls.

It has generally been found in reference to the climate of Wellington that it is an impossibility to speak with any degree of confidence as to what an hour may bring forth. Fortunately for the Caledonian Society and the public this limited power of prophecy, as touching Wellington weather, was witnessed to on Monday by a most unexpected change from shower to sunshine. The clouds cleared up, a gentle breeze was blowing, which, aided by the sun, soon dried the streets. This change in the aspect of affairs induced the committee of the Caledonian Society to proceed with the original idea, and the flags were therefore rehoisted, and preliminary arrangements were made for a fair start. A scene of bustle ensued, stewards and other officials too numerous to mention, worked energetically, and the public soon began to arrive. Carriages conveyed a large number of people from the town, and a larger number still made their way on foot. It very soon became evident that the attendance would be exceedingly large, the change in the weather having induced everybody to assume that the sports would eventuate, and so chance the journey. Two men at the gates had more than they could conveniently do to pass in the crowds that thronged to the reserve for some hours. By degrees the pressure became less ; but people were arriving till a late hour. The Governor arrived on the ground at about half-past 2 o’clock, accompanied only by Lieutenant Le Patoural, and took his seat in the Vice-regal box, on the Grand Stand. His Excellency appeared to take great interest in the various events, particularly in one race—a two-mile walking-match—an account of which appears below. He did not leave the ground till an advanced hour.

Inside the gates the ground presented a most animated appearance. There must have been 4000 people present, and it may safely be said that such a sight as was there presented has seldom been seen in Wellington, in connection with any such sports. Around the ring or circle in which the sports were held there was a complete wall of men and women, whilst the hill on which the grand stand is situated, and all that quarter, was covered with people, for the most part ladies. It was quite as much as one could do to find room in which to move about, so great was the crowd. At the gates alone they took £162 165., from which an idea of the number of people on the ground may be gathered, and all seemed to be influenced by the occasion to an unusual extent. Everybody appeared to enjoy themselves with that thoroughness which is seldom seen on such occasions, and is very often melancholy enough. Outside of the ring there were different kinds of entertainments, which spring up like mushrooms on holiday occasions, and are seen no more till the next term. But Aunt Sallies or lotteries received less attention than perhaps they have ever had before, the reason being that the sports generally were so undeniably excellent as to command all the interest that spectators had to bestow upon anything. It was only during the short intervals between the different events on the programme that the majority of those present seemed at all inclined to look round them. Some of course there were, as usual, who went not to see the sports, and who, pairing off—after the manner of doves—employ their time in holding mysterious converse in retired spots. The music provided for the occasion deserves a special notice, because it was of such a peculiarly interesting character, and varied likewise. In the first place there were two bagpipes, the pipers being, as we are confidently assured, very superior blowers. Then there was a brass band, and likewise a barrelorgan, being an appendage of the whirligig. When each of these musical instruments were going at one and the same time the effect was very striking. Notwithstanding the large attendance there was little or no rowdyism to mark the occasion, a fact upon which' the committee may congratulate themselves. Order was strictly maintained throughout the day. One individual succeeded in creating a trifling disturbance on the ground, but the police soon disposed of him.

The following is a list of the officers appointed by the Caledonian Society :—President, Geo. Crawford, Esq. ; Vice-President, Thomas Buchanan, Esq. ; Hon. Treasurer, Captain Mclntyre \' Directors, Messrs. T. McKenzie, W. N. Grant, J. McDowell, Greenfield, Mace, J. S. M. Thompson, J. Dransfield, It. J. Duncan, J. Laurie, J. Gilligan, W. Graham, A. Young, G. Hunter, E. Pearce, Sellars, Lockie, J. H. Pollock, Bethune, T. K. Macdonald, and Dr. Diver. PROGRAMME : 1. For the first event on the programme, Bagpipe Music, there were no entries, but the

pipers played throughout the day, so that the public had the music, if the pipers did not get the prizes. 2. Boys’ Race. —Prizes : £1 and 10s. Entrance, Is. In this race the boys were to be under fourteen years of age. There were four entries. The youngsters got a fair start, and ran pluckily, the result being as follows : Rowlands, 1 ; Boyd, 2. 3. Highland Fling. —Prizes : Ist, £2 ; 2nd, £l. Entrance, Is. 6d. There were three entries —Miessrs. Glover, hlcLachland, and Meuzies. It was a decidedly interesting event, each of the competitors dancing well. Glover was in appropriate costume, MoLacliland was not, but the latter danced remarkably well, and the judges declared that Glover and IVlcLachland tied, and the prize money was therefore divided. 4. Maiden Plate —looyds. Prizes : Ist, £3 ; 2nd, £2 ; 3rd, £l. Entrance, 2s. 6d. There were fourteen entries for this race, so it was run off in heats, as thus: —-Ist heat, Major, 1 ; Aitken, 2. 2nd heat, Corbett, 1 ; Bock, 2. 3rd heat, Avery, 1 ; Freeman, 2. Final heat, Freeman, 1 ; Major, 2 ; Aitken, 3. 5. Stone and Basket Race— so stones. Prizes : Ist, £3 ; 2nd, £2 ; 3rd, £l. Entrance, 2s. 6d. There were five entries. There was a good deal of fun attached t® this match. The performance consists in placing a basket (each man has his own basket) at the head of a line of stones, in-eviously placed by the stewards, and then picking them up and placing them in the basket, the one who soonest gets rid of his stones in this way wins the race. The result was :—Bennett, 1 ; Douglas, 2 ; Montgomery, 3. Mr. Chuck was disqualified. To many of the bystanders, it appeared that Chuck’s mode of disposing of the stones was somewhat eccentric —that is, he seemed to work on an original principle —but he got along very well till one of the judges conceived the same idea, and put Chuck out of the contest. Chuck thereupon entered a protest. 6. 440 Yards Handicap.— Prizes Ist, £3 ; 2nd, £2 ; 3rd, £l. There were originally fifteen entries, but the last man did not show up. The race was run in heats, the final heat resulting as follows :—Barrington, 1 ; Wm. Moran, 2 ; Hooper, 3. Time, 58sec. 7. Putting the Heavy Stone. —Prizes : Ist, £2 ; 2nd, £l. P. Farley took first prize, throwing the stone 27ft. 4in. ; D. Murphy, 2nd, with 26ft. Bin. 8. Sailor’s Hornpipe. —Prizes : Ist, £2 ; 2nd, £l. There were five entries. Smith was very much superior to either of the others, and was awarded first prize. Glover and Malone tied, and it was decided to give each a second prize. Mr. Malony provided the music, instrument a flute, upon which his execution was very fine. 9. Two-mile Walking Handicap. —Prizes: £4, £2, and £l. This was the most interesting event on the card, and deserves special notice. There were seven entries. Edwards’ was to have competed, but did not put in an appearance. We give the names of those who started, as the race caused the most intense excitement. They were Purdy, McKain, John Moran, A. Anderson, and Rickman. They all got a fair start, and Anderson soon got away from his opponents, walking in a manner that would do a professional credit. But the interest of the crowd of onlookers centred in young Moran, a boy of fourteen years, whose walking was something wonderful to behold. At starting the sight of this youngster entering to compete with big bearded men was made the subject of jocular comment, and a smile of amusement might have been seen on many faces as the little fellow stepped out in really capital style, walking fair heel and toe. But amusement soon changed to wonder, as it became evident that Moran was making on Purdy rapidly, and he at once enlisted the sympathy of the crowd, who cheered and applauded him lustily. When about one mile had been walked, the judges intimated to Rickman that he might as well fall out, as he would be disqualified for not walking fairly. Rickman fell out accordingly, and the positions of the men were then as follows—Anderson, McKain, Purdy, Moran. Young Moran then overlapped Purdy, at which the air rung with shouts of approval. Purdy tried his level best to overtake the youngster, but to no purpose, the latter maintaining his position gallantly. At this stage it was thought that Moran would have third place, and McKain second. It seemed scarcely possible that Moran could overtake the man in front of him ; but the sequel showed that such an idea was a mistake. When they had gone about thirteen times round the course, Moran pulled up, and still appeared to be walking within his power, although he was sensibly fatigued. After that he gained rapidly, and eventually, putting on a beautiful spurt, which elicited rounds of applause, passed the man in front of him, and placed himself at a safe distance ahead. And here it was most amusing to see him looking back with calm assurance to ascertain how the man in the rear was getting along. The interest now became intense; Anderson, who was a long way ahead of the others, was forgotten in the sympathy felt for Moran, who still kept the lead of McKain. They had to go sixteen times round the ring ; when fifteen times round, McKain struggled hard to gain what he had lost, but Moran succeeded in keeping the lead, and came in second, a good three yards ahead, amid the cheers of the spectators. Time, 15min. 45sec. Subscriptions were made at once, and in a veryshort time £9 ss. Bd.. was collected, his Excellency the Governor contributing £1 himself.

10. Vaulting with the Pole. Prizes : Ist, £3 ; 2nd, £l. S. Jackson and A. Jackson took first and second prizes, the highest jump being Bft. 9in. 11. 100 Yards Handicap. —Prizes: £3, £2, £l. There were eighteen entries and the race was run in heats, the final heat resulting thus:—Major, Ist; Freeman, 2nd; Donoyan, 3rd. Time, llsec. 12. Sword Dance. —Prizes : £2 and £l. Glover took Ist prize, Menzies, 2nd.

13. Three-Legged Race (youths under 18; 80 yards).—Prizes: £2 and £l. This race was a failure, Bishop and Campbell tripping, and not being able to get up when once they had fallen down, Bennett and Coe had an easy victory. 14. One Mile Handicap for a silver cup, the second prize being £3. There were eight entries, and the race was well contested. Davies, Ist ; Judd, 2nd ; Parrington, 3rd. Moran (who entered) was unfortunate in falling when about four times round, having become suddenly ill, otherwise he would have run Davies close for first place. Time, smin. 3see.

15. Bicycle Race. One Mile. —Prizes : Ist, £2 ; 2nd, £l. G. South, 1 ; Webber, 2.

16. 220 Yards Hurdle Race. —Prizes : £3, £2, and £l. There were ten entries, but only eight started. The race proved very interesting. Wood had the lead, and would certainly have taken first place, but fell at the last round, and consequently lost, Donovan coming in first ; G. Bishop, second ; and Freeman, third. Time, Slisec. At this stage of the proceedings, the committee, seeing that it would be impossible to get through the remainder of the events on the programme that day, decided to close the day’s sports, and finish up on Monday. SECOND DAY. The .second days’ sports came off on Monday, when the attendance far exceeded expectations. The gates were opened at two o’clock, and the people soon began to roll up in large numbers, ladies being present in force. The sports were quite as good as on the previous day, thanks to the efforts of the officers appointed to carry them out, of whom none worked harder or more efficiently than Mr. Pollock, who being practically acquainted with sporting matters, has been able to render great assistance in making this year’s celebration a success. The day was fine, although occasionally the clouds wore a threatening aspect, and the ground was in splendid condition. PROGRAMME : 1. Running Hop-Step-and-Jump. prize, £2 ; 2nd prize, £l. Five entries. Avery, 1 (40ft. 3in.) ; M‘Grath, 2 (37ft. lin.) 2. Irish Jig. Four entries. Ist prize, £2 ; 2nd prize, £l. Glover, 1 ; Smith and Murtagh (tie), 2; Steward, 0. The judges decided to divide the second prize between Smith and Murtagh, adding 10s., so as to make it 15s. each. This was the only event in which the award of the judges caused much dissatisfaction. There appeared to be some difference of opinion between them as to how the prizes should be disposed, but the result of their deliberation cannot be taken as displaying great judgment or knowledge of the subject regarding which they were called upon to pronounce. As a matter of fact Murtagh was the only man who danced an Irish jig proper, while there can be no question that as a dancer Smith is infinitely superior to either Glover ©r Murtagh, and the action of the judges in placing the competitors as they did is certainly susceptible of criticism. 3. Handicap Hurdle Race, 440 yards, 8 jumps.—lst prize, £3 ; 2nd prize, £2. Seven entries. Donovan, 1 ; Freeman, 2 ; Bidmead, 3. Donovan kicked down one of the hurdles, and a protest against his being placed first was entered, but the question was reserved for decision.

4. Throwing Heavy Hammer. —G. Jackson, Ist, 66ft. 4in.; Faralay, 2nd, 64ft. 6in. 5. Hale-Mile Handicap. —Parrington, Ist.; Bidmead, 2nd. 6. Bicycle Handicap. —This race was in the most important respect a failure. South, who gave Webber 100 yards’ start, and quickly overhauled him, became suddenly ill and fell down fainting. Had not this accident unfortunately happened, there can be no doubt that South would have run his compeer very closely. The result was that Webber took first place ; the third man, who rode an oldfashioned bicycle being nowhere.

7. Vaulting with the Pole.— Jackson Brothers took first and second places in this event.

8. One Mile Walking Race for Youths. —This was a well contested race, Howe taking the lead, but being closely pressed by Wilson. The result was : —Howe, 1 ; Wilson, 2. 9. Running High Leap.— Jackson Bros, again took first and second prizes. 10. Firemen’s Race. —Competitors in uniform. Distance, 440yds. Hebley, 1 ; Dodsworth, 2. 11. One Mile Walking Handicap.— There were eight entries, and all started. This was undoubtedly the best, as it was the most interesting race of the day. Williamson and Purdy made the pace very warm from the start, but neither of them being in good form could not catch the leaders. The result was a splendid finish between Bidmead and Rickman, who walked a dead heat, Williamson third close up. 12. The last event on the programme was a consolation handicap, 220yds, for which there were six entries. Wilson, 1, having received syds start ; W. Moran, 2, from scratch.

A private match between Messrs. Pollock and Donovan was then arranged. The distance was 100 yards—a running match. Donovan obtained a start of about one yard and a half, as the starter gave the signal, which gave him a great advantage over his opponent; but Pollock made the most of the race, and only lost by six inches—a fact which speaks much in his favor, considering that he had had no training, and that the race was got up at a moment’s notice.

MARTON-RANGITIKEI RACES. (from our own correspondent.) Marton, January 3. Our annual races came off on the Jockey Club course at Bull’s, on Saturday last, under the most favorable auspices. The weather was fine, the company numerous, and the racing first-rate. A prettier race than that for the Consolation Stakes need never be witnessed. The company was composed chiefly

of equestrians, so that the fortunate purchaser of the gate must have done very well. There were a great many natives present, who relieved the monotony by indulging in spirit manifestations in the shape of free fights later on in the day. Aunt Sally seemed entirely deserted—in fact, there was but little time for any of the usual concomitant amusements, as there were eight events on the card, and these were supplemented by several hack races. HURDLE RACE. £3O. Two miles, over six jumps, 3ffc. 9in. high. Mr. D. Fraser’s b g Whitefoot, 6yrs, lOst 31b (Lloyd) 1 Mr. It. Stevens’ b g Gazelle, aged, list 51b (McCoy) 2 These were the only horses that came to the post, the third entered having gone North. The pace at first was very slow, Gazelle leading, and talcing the leaps in a very clever style. Gazelle kept increasing the distance until the bend, when Whitefoot went up. The last jump was taken together, and a nice race up the straight ensued, Whitefoot winning by a couple of lengths. HACK HURDLE RACE. Sweepstakes of £l, with £5 added. Open to all horses that have never run an advertised race (hack races excepted). One mile and a half, over four jumps. Mr. C. Chavanne’s blk g Stargazer .. .. .. 1 Mr. R. Stevens’ b g Ireland .. .. .. .. 2 Mr. D. Grant’s c f Fabina .. .. .. .. 3 Mr. J. Stevens’-blk g Long Time .. .. .. 4 Mr. D. Macarthur’s b g Whaka .. .. .. 0 Mr. A. Milner’s b g Earleter .. .. .. .. 0 Mr. Norton’s b g True’P.lue .. .. .. .. 0 Mr. A. Campion’s b g Reehabite .. .. 0 All got away to a good start. Stargazer led, was never headed, and won by a couple of lengths, three lengths between the third and fourth. PRODUCE STAKES. £SO. One mile and a half. Weight for age. Mr. D. Scott’s eh g Haphazard, 3 yrs, 7st 81bs (A. Walker) 1 Mr. J. Freeth’s ch c Treason, 3 yrs, 7st lllbs .. 2 Mr. C. Bull’s b f Onida, 3 yrs, 7st Slbs .. .. 3 Mr. C. T. Harrison’s b f Frowning Beauty, 3 yrs, 7st Slbs 0 Mr. Stent’s ch m Pet, 6 yrs, Ost 91bs .. .. .. 0 All went away together. Haphazard made the running till opposite the grand stand, when Frowning Beauty went to the front, maintained the lead to the bend, when she gave way, and Haphazard came up with a rush and won hands down. HACK RACE. 10s. sweep, with £5 added. Won by Mr. Coghlin’s Patient, beating Mr. Morton’s Crusoe by thirty yards. Four others ran. GOODWOOD STAKES. £SO. Two miles. Weight for age. Mr. J. Belcher’s g g Satellite (late Sloper), 5 yrs, Ost 71bs (Owner) .. A .. .. .. 1 Mr. J. D. Powdrill’s b c Resolution, 3 yrs, 7st Slbs 2 Mr. J. W. Jackson’s gg Folly, 6 yrs, Ost lOlbs .. 3 Mr. J. Walker’s ch m Glenara, 5 yrs, 9st 71bs .. 0 The two greys took the lead, and kept up the running, Glenara on the inside close up. Glenara swerved at the bend and bolted off towards the gate, and Walker found it impossible to catch the lot again. Satellite then took up the running, Folly lying second; this order was maintained half-way up the distance, when Resolution challenged Folly and passed him, coming in second. Won by three lengths, half a length between second and third. Time, 3min. 52sec. ladies’ purse. £2O. One mile and a half. Welter weights. Gentlemen riders, who are members of the club. Mr. D. Fraser’s b g Whitefoot (Mr. J. Stevens) .. 1 Mr. Makuera’s g g Clymenus Mr. W. H. Flyger’s ch g Fox Mr. J. L. Buller’s ch g Prophet .. .. ■ i ' .. Fox went away with the lead, closely followed by Clymenus and Prophet, Whitefoot being last. This order was maintained to the bend, when Whitefoot let out and passed the lot ; Clymenus beating Fox for second place. HACK RACE. 10s. sweep. Won by Mr. Higgins’ Mocking Bird, beating Mr. Watts’ Don and five others. MARTON-RANGITIKEI HANDICAP. £IOO. Two and a half miles. Mr. J. W. Jackson’s b m Flora, 5 yrs, Sst 31b .. 1 Mr. W. Wilson’s ch g Wildbriar, aged, 7st 131 b.. 2 Mr. D. Fraser’s br h New Clium, 4 yrs, 7st 121 b.. S Mr. McGrath’s b gTim Whifller, 6 yrs, Bst 21b .. 4 Mr. J. Freeth’s g g Magnet, 5 yrs, Sst 31b .. .. 0 Mr H- N Harrison’s b m Zillali, aged, Bst 71b .. 0 Mr. J. Day’s ch m Cornelia, 4 yrs, Sst 101 b.. .. 0 Mr. O. McKillrick’s bm Miss Stevenson (late Task) aged, Sst 131 b. 0 Mr. U. F. Harrison’s blk f Frowning Beauty, 3 yrs, Cst 101 b 0 Mr. J. E. Stents’ b g Exchange, aged, Sst 51b .. 0 New Chum led to the bottom of the course, with Wildbriar close in attendance. At the straight Wildbriar went to the front, and a good run ensued between him and Flora, who had also managed to pass New Chum. At the close the mare won, beating the gelding by a length. CONSOLATION STAKES. £2O. A Handicap for all beaten horses. Once round and a distance. Mr. Jackson’s Folly, 9st (Belcher) .. .. .. 1 Mr. Fraser’s New Chum, Bst (Jenkin) .. ..2 Mr. Stent’s Pet, 7st 71b (A. Walker) .. . .. 3 Mr. Freeth’s Magnet, 7st 121 b.. .. .. .. 0 Mr. Flyger’s Fox, Bst 51b .... .. .. 0 Mr. McKillrick’s Miss Stevenson, Bst 71b .. .. 0 Mr. Day’s Cornelia, 7st 71b .. .. • - .. 0 This was decidedly the best race of the day. The horses got away to a capital start, and on passing the grand stand the first time round a sheet would have covered them. Fox led, closely followed by New Chum, Magnet, and Folly. Coming into the straight run in Magnet was done up, and Fox dropped behind. A splendid race ensued between New Chum and Folly, the grey winning by a head.