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New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 572, 25 January 1851, Page 2

Wednesday, being the anniversary of the founding the settlement, was generally observed by all ranks as a holiday ; but whether from the apathy of the “popular leaders,” who, whenever they have their own ends to serve, affect a very great regard for the interests of the people, but who, when the object in hand is only to promote the recreation of the working classes, do not attempt to disguise the indifference they feel on the subject, —whether to this or to whatever other cause owing, the attempt to get up a subscription for promoting the customary sports, proved a complete failure. A few’ sailing matches, however, served to afford some amusement to the lovers of aquatic sports. The first race was between the Mary of 40 tons, and the Maria Elizabeth of 15 tons, the former from her superior tonnage allowing her opponent ten minutes start. The course was from the head of Lambton Harbour round Somes’ Island and back. The Mary won easily with ten minutes to spare. A race between two dingies, the Hope and Fairy to sail from Messrs. Hickson’s wharf round all the vessels in harbour, was won by the latter. During the first part of the race the Hope took the lead, but when rounding the Henry was passed by the Fairy. which came in first. A sailing match then took place between the following boats, the Fairy, Hope, Mystery, and Friar Dick, which was won by the Fairy.