THE HOLIDAY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4879, 10 November 1876, Page 2

THE HOLIDAY.

Fortunately the Prince of Wales’ Birthday was conspicuous for glorious weather, although fears had been entertained that such would not be the case, owing to the unsettled state of the atmosphere on the night previous. During Wednesday there was nothing to complain of. The sky was clear; there was no wind, and the general indications seemed to be in the direction of at least a short continuation of pleasant weather. But appearances changed after midnight; and those whose duties or wakefulness, os the case might be, compelled them to be alive to passing events, were led to believe that there was' a probability of the anniversary of the Prince of Wales’ natal day being a damp one. The sky was clouded, the wind moaned dismally, and general appearances were ominous. However, there is this to be said of Wellington weather that you can mostly depend upon it with reliance, so far as experience has gone at present, for we have been exceptionably fortunate ; and it would be absurd of the most trustful and hopeful natures to expect perpetual summer anywhere. The Strait forbids it. In any case yesterday was a day which tropical climes could scarcely hope to rival. At early morn there was a genuinebreeze, not too strong, but, as it may be termed, purifying ; and the sun rose clear and unclouded. Not a dark cloud obscured its refulgent rays. Nature smiled, in fact. We cannot say whether she had taken into consideration the feelings of the Wellington people, the greater part of whom had evidently made up their minds for a day’s outing; but be that as it may, we have seldom witnessed weather more beautiful and temperate than was experienced yesterday. It may be said of the people of We lington that they enter upon enjoyment with heartiness. With them there is no half measure. On every festive occasion this has been fully demonstrated, and yesterday was not an exception to the rule. It is suspected that a number of persons, and especially the young members of society, must have been awake during the whele of the preceding night, in expectation of the pleasure to come, so early were the streets patronised by foot passengers and vehicles. The latter were evidently bound on excursions into the country, their general appearance being calculated to convey an impression of that kind. Some were seen presenting an appearance of comfort, ease, and plenty that would have excited theleastsensitiveof mortals. From the head gear of the horse, or hor.-es, to the tailboard ol the vehicles there was an air of contentment and satisfaction that fairly made the heart warm. The occupants of these were picnic parties and excursionists, and perhaps they enjoyed themselves more than those who set themselves down to take an interest in the sports in and out of town, good as they undoubtedly were.' The harbor received considerable attention, a great many boats being out on the smooth surface of the water during the day ; and the gardens at both ends of the town were fairly patronised by those who sought quiet retirement in shady places and pleasant walks. The city was almost entirely deserted by midday, and there was no attempt on the part of the business people to engage in trade, for the simple reason that there were no customers to trade with. After ton or eleven o’clock nearly every shop in the town was closed, and those which kept opened might, it is needless to say, have been closed also without any loss to their proprietors. It may be said without- the smallest fear of contradiction, that never was a holiday entered into more thoroughly than than that of yesterday.

THE SPORTS at THE BASIN RESERVE. Shortly after eleven o'clock numbers of people vrended their way in the direction of the Basin Reserve, the male sex chiefly predominating, and it was not until afternoon that sweethearts and wives and other fair unattached ones put in an appearance. The ground was decorated with flags, and a number of booths had been erected by the refreshment contractor, Mr. Hatch, of the Imperial Hotel. Oakes and ale were respectively situated at the north and south ends of the ground, the latter article being also obtainable in the Pavilion Too great credit cannot bo given to Mr. Hatch for his arrangements, and the refreshments supplied were really first-class, A word of praiso is also due to the groundkeeper for the great progress he has made in getting the ground into condition.' Although it was rather hard , for running purposes, yet the improvement is, so great that every credit should be given to him and his assistants. 'The Oity Rifle baud was in attendance, and discoursed appropriate music throughout the day. Messrs. A. Beauchamp and J. Bryce officiated as judges, Mr. Young having unfortunately to leave town' on business, but Mr. Beauchamp made a most able and efficient substitute. Mr. W. Edwards acted as starter, and Mr, .Black as timekeeper, in the absence of Mr. Qv Fisher at the Canterbury races. The first event was the Maiden Raoe, 150 yards, for which there were seven entries. Keatoh was first favorite with a good many, especially the printing fraternity ; but did not turn up at the start for some unexplained reason, as was also the case with Duddon and Luke. A very fair start was made ; hut the race was with Hickson all the way, he winning easily in 195e0., thU'taking the first prize, £2 ', Edmonds took the second prize, £l. ,The Beys’ Walking Handicap came next, for which there were seven entries. R. WaMtin took the first prize, £l, the time being Smin., 6eec.,; and H. Lawson the second, 10s. Young Moran was put at scratch, and

very heavily handicapped, or he would un- - doubtedly have carried off the prize. There was also hardly sufficient attention paid to the question of. fair heel; and: toe walking, or probably : some of the other competitors would have been disqualified.; The first event, for the Birthday Cup—the 100 yards race—came next. ■Jn the first heat five came to the scratch, Pollock coining In first in 11 seconds, and Jones being second. In the second heat only four ran, Blythe, who came in first, making excellent running, and doing the distance in the splendid time of seconds. Major took the second place. Some of the Jack tars from the Sapphire, who were in strong force, created a diversion by heading a race for a cup—consisting of a bottle of James Hewn easy. The time made was not first-class, as each gentleman, considering that all was as fair in play as in war, seemed to make it his especial endeavor to to trip his neighborup,in which they were pretty successful. The race caused considerable amusement to themselves and the spectators, the question of winning not appearing to cause any of them the slightest anxiety, one hairy-faced son of Neptune stating that it didn't matter, as they meant to drink it out between them. Ihe Running High Jump was the next event on the programme. There were six entries, but only five put in an appearance. Blythe was the winner of the first prize, £1 10s., jumping 4ft. lOJin., and Severs took the second, 10s., with 4ft. 9 jin. All the men jumped well, and there was a close contest. The second event for the Birthday Cup was the 220 yards handicap,; which was run in two heats. Five came to the scratch in the first heat, which was pulled off by Blythe in the very good time of 26secs., Pollock making 'a-good second. In the second neat only four ran, Cooper; coming in first in 26|seca., Chuck being second. The next item in the programme, the Old Man's Race, 220 yards., caused considerable amusement. There were three competitors, the race being won by Deerfoot, who is fifty-three years of age, in 39secs., who took the first prize of £1 Stevens was a poor second, but was backed heavily by the printers, who thought he would be in better form, and took the second prize, 10s. The final heat for the 100 yards handicap in the Birthday Cup came off next, and excited considerable interest. There was a false start, Major and Jones being put back a yard, then Pollock and Jones rushed away, and got .dear some 14 or 16 yards when Mr. Edwards fired the pistol; Blythe then started, and : all three ran out the whole hundred yards, Major very -properly standing quite quiet,’ and making hia protest when the proper time came. The judges, of course, very properly decided that the race must be run over again, and >.n the second attempt a capital stare was made. Major came in first in 10|sec., Blythe second, and Pollock third, after a really splendid race. Owing to there being no entries the “tug of war” was omitted.

The third event for the Birthday Cup, the quarter mile handicap, followed, and waa run in two heats. In the first heat six put in an appearance, and there was a very good start. This was one of the most closely contested races of the day, Pollock and Jones, who came in first and second, running very close, and Major, the third man, being so close behind that it was anybody’s race until the finish. The time was 56Jsec. In the second heat three came to the scratch, but it was a very hollow affair, Blythe having it all his own way, coming in first in 59Jsec. Cooper made but a poor second. Vaulting with the pole, which came next, perhaps pleased the spectators more than anything else throughout the day. The performances of all the competitors were excellent, and Hughes especially earned the plaudits of the as-embled multitude. His jump was Bft. sin., and took the first prize, £1 10s.; Brown, who took the second prize, 10s., coming within three inches of him. After the vaulting the final heat for the 220 yards handicap in the Birthday Cup waa inn off. There was a very fair race, but Pollock acted very unfairly by Cooper in pushing him when passing. Hutwithstanding this Cooper won in 27sec., Pollock being second, and Chuck third. For the bicycle steeplechase three came to the scratch, Webber, Hadden,' and Plummer. Webber was mounted on a regular “highflyer,” but it didn't work very well at the hurdle, the velocipedist getting several awkward spills. Dudden only succeeded in getting over the hurdle two or three times, but fell in a most artistic manner. Plummer, who was mounted on one of the old-fashioned bicycles, won easily, and did the hurdle business very well, being frequently applauded. His time for the two miles was Ifimiu. 4secs. Webber rode very pluokily, and was suffering from a game leg. The rowdy element in the crowd interfered considerably with this event. The quarter, mile hurdle race was next on the programme, but after the bell had been rung and the hurdles placed in the ground for a full quarter of an hour, no competitors turned Up, and the judges, acting very discriminatcly, struck it out of the programme. The final heat for the quarter-mile handicap for the Birthday Cup excited considerable Interest. Blythe seemed to have a good chance, but in trying to pass Pollock and Joues was so carefully shepherded as to be out of the race. Cooper, however, knocked spots out of both Pollock and Jones, as also did Blythe out of Pollock. Cooper came in first in 56Jaeo., Jones second, and Blythe third. The great event of the day, the baby show, came next, and was held in a booth at the southern end of the ground. Mothers and their lovely offsprings had congregated at the appointed place for some time previous to a quarter past four, the appointed time for inspection by the judges. There was a splendid show of babies, no less than a dozen being presented to the judges for inspection. Their fine healthy appearance speaks well for Wellington and its people, and their respective get-ups in pink and white, blue tartan, and every other color which can suggest itself, showed the taste of their proud mothers. It would be invidious to enter into a description of each particular baby, and. the scientific manner in which the judges told off their points. The prize was awarded to an infant Claridge, who richly deserved the imposition of such an honor. Notwithstanding the care of the judges a protest waa lodged, of which the following is a literal copy:—

To Mr. Bryce, Hoa. Secretary of the sports held on Prince of Wales Birthday. Sib,—l hereby enter a protest against the decision In tile Baby Show, on account of the children not being fairly judged. Joseph Aveby. In consequence, however, of there being no deposit of £1 with the protest as required by the rules, it could not be entertained. The fourth event for the Birthday Cup —the half mile handicap—was next run in two heats. In the first heat six put in all appearance. There was a good start and race, Cooper winning in 2iuin. ISsecs., and Pollock and Jones being respectively second and third. 'ln the second heat Jones and Edmunds only put in an appearance, and it was consequently a ’very hollow affair. In the walking race, which followed, Zesch was placed at scratch, with Moran, a mere boy, which appears to have been an error in judgment on the part of the handicappers. Young and Luke also came to scratch, but were never in the race. Zesch went away with a burst, and got about SO yards from Horan, and although the lad stuck to it like a man, he could only reduce this lead by about 20 yards before the finish. Moran deserves every credit for his pluck, and we can only hope that on another occasion the handicappers will give him a chance. Zesch's time was 26min. 56sec. for the three miles, and he took the first prize, a silver cup and £1 ; Moran took the second prize of £l.. In the fifth event for the Birthday Cup only Pollock and Jones came to time, the latter winning easily in fimin. 30secs, Pollock was completely baked, and at the latter end of the race was compelled to walk. This concluded the events'for the cup, and as it had been arranged that points should count as follows: 5 for the winner of each event, 3 for the second, and 2 for the third. The score stands as follows : _ . . Points. Cooper .. Po lock.. ~ .. .. .. •• “ , Jones • Cooper thus taking the cup. The judges, in consequence of the lateness of the hour, struck out'the Consolation Pace from the pro-

gramme, but on going into the pavilion Edmonds and Major signified their intention ■of running, the former gentleman tendering his’entranco money, which was refused. Wc understand that the judges acted strictly lO accordance with rules, having an absolute discretion in the matter, but in any case as only one, competitor tendered his money, there could not be a race. This brought the sports and a very enjoyable day to a close. There were nearly 3000 people on the ground in the coarse of the day—a. proof that muscular Christianity and athletics have as strong a held on our people as they have in Old England, ■ RAILWAY EXCURSION; ' The value of the Wellington and Mastertoa Railway (so far as the same has been completed) as a means of contributing towards recreation or holidays was fully " tested yesterday. The principal attraction to be reached by rad was furnished by the Upper Hutt sports, but besides this picnic parties innumerable availed themselves of the facility afforded to them by the main road, and these conduced to a most enjoyable day’s outing. On the part of the employees of Messrs. Mills and Co. and their friends, who, proceeding to the Hutt by train, spent a most pleasant day, and returned expressing the most thorough satisfaction with their excursion. It is needless to say that under the circumstances mentioned the capacity of the railway line and passenger rolling stock was tested to the utmost. To say that it was a little unable to overtake the extra strain put upon ■ it is but to say that it is as yet of course incomplete, hut the manner in which that extra strain was so far met reflects infinite credit on Mr. Smith, the traffic manager, who considering the resources at hia disposal literally did wonders, a fact best attested by the good humor with which all potty inconveniences were borne by the passengers, in consequence of the civility with which they were generally treated. To be sure, the time table for running trains got, as the Yankee might say, “ somewhat mixed." In other words, os Punch's Irish guard put it to an enquirer, “ The 10.20 a.m. train started to-night and the next , one went first thing in the morning. However, as trains were dospatefieda- - at the shortest possible intervals that the working of the line would allow, but’ little complaint was heard on this score. One thing, however, we might suggest to Mr. Smith, namely, the advisability of keeping the office for thrsale of tickets open right through the intervals between the departures of trains. The result of not doing this is that person* wishing to obtain tickets are, if the word may ; be pardoned, “ scrooged ” in an effort to form a “queue,” whxeh'is continually interrupted by someone “pulling hard against the stream" for a ticket. The arrangement certainly has the advantage, which the late Mr. . Alfred Jingle found at r Mrs. Leo Hunter’s “ fete champetre," it enables one to get up Jus linen or have it mangled as he presses or is pressed along. But in the general enjoyment of the day the above little disadvantages were quite lost sight of, as was also a neatly framed and diminutive placard stuck in front of each carriage, and running as follows : — -t Caution. —Passengers are warned against standing on the carriage platform whilst the train is in motion ; also against leaning therefrom or out of the windows. Strict observance hereof is highly necessary to avoid contact with objects alongside the line. The" Government will not be responsible for anj accidents arising from neglect of above caution.—Feank B. Passmoke. Superintending Engineer for Constructed Railways.” 1 Several thousand people in the aggregate must have. left town by train, and of these, despite the picnics on hand, quite a goodly number attended the sports at the Upper Hutt, having first worked off the fatigues of their trip by a capital dinner provided by Messrs. Ames, of the Provincial Hotel, which was so substantial in its character that it stood more than a couple of relays of visitors. The sports themselves commenced a little before one 6’cl >ck by a One Hundred Yards Flat Race Handicap.— Prizes ; 60s. and 20s. The following shows the result of entries and handicaps :—Donovan, scratch, 1; Roberts, 4 yards, 2. Blythe, 1 yard; Corbett, 2 yards; Hooper, 3J yards; Judd, 4 yards; Boyd, Bayards; Lee, 6 yards; and Haase, 6 yards, also ran. Donovan though placed at scratch, by not being nervous, absolutely jumped through those in front of .him at the report of the pistol, and obtained a lead which no one could wrest from him.

The remaining events were as follows: Running High Leap ; Prizes,- 30s. and 10s. —Roberts and Avery tied for first place at sft. lin., and divided the money. Quarter Mile Race Handicap; Prizes, 60s. and 30s.—Donovan, 2 yards, Ist. Hooper, 10 yards, and Roberts, 13 yards, had a protest between them as to who was second. The following also ran:—Judd, 8 yards; Hoarn, 10 yards; Kirkus, 13 yards; McGurk, 15 yards; Cooley, 17 yards; Boyd, 20 yards. One Mile Walking Handicap. —Prizes, 60s. and 20s. Anderson, scratch, 1 ; McGrath, 20 yards, 2. The following also contested— McKane, 20 yards; Howe, 20 yards; Blythe, 40 yards ; Kidminster, 50 yards ; Alexander, 70 yards; Bell, 70 yards. The course involved eight laps. Before the second was completed Anderson had come through his men and led for the remaining, winning by fully 20 yards. Vaulting with the Pole.—Priz -s, 30s. and 10s. Cudby, 1; . Corbett, 2. This was one of the most interesting events of the day. When a height of 8 ft. 4in. had been reached only three competitors, Cudby, Corbett, and Whiteman, remained. The latter fell out at Bft. 10in., and tho others successively c'eared Bft. llin., 9ft., and 9ft. lin., until Oft. 2in. put Corbett out, and left Cudby, who cleared it, the winner. One Mile Race Handicap.—Prizes, £lO and £2. Jud , scratch, 1; Hearn, 25 yards, 2. The following also ran:—Hooper, 2o yardhVa. Vincent, 25 yards; Harrison, 25 yards; Cor?' bstt, 35 yards; Howe, 40 yards; Cooley, 40 yards; VVilton, 50 yards; Lee, 50 yards; Webb, 50 yards; Boyd, 50 yards. One Hundred and Twenty Yards Hurdle Race Handicap.—Donovan, scratch, I ; Roberts, 6 yards, 2. These were the only competitors, others who entered being scratched. The race was a gift to Donovan. The sports wound up by a three-legged race, a tilting tournament, and other events. Most of the town visitors left for Wellington by the 5.40 train, and with additions at the Lower Hutt numbered nearly a thousand people. The band of the City’Rifles was in attendance on the ground, and played with their usual talent. Mr. Wylie, the secretary, and the committee of management worked so well that there was no hitch in getting off the various events.

KAIWARRA VOLUNTEER RIFLE- . MATCH. The Kafwarra Volunteers made 'use of the holiday yesterday by Indulging in a Wenoly rifle shooting match at their range. The following? is an account of the scores, prizes, &c. o n.A ana inA EAA IMvai r

♦Takers of range prizes. The clock, which is shot for annually by the Kaiwarra Volunteers, passes into the possession of Private Turner, the highest scorer. EXCURSION ON THE HARBOR. Not the. least amongst the many places where pleasure-seekers betook themselves yesterday was the harbor. The a.s. Moa left the wharf at 10 o'clock crowded with people, and went round the bay, calling at every point of interest In it, and landing parties.: She returned to the wharf at 6 p.m., everyone on board having, thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Mr. E. Peace’s schooner Aurora also went cruising about the harbor with a private pleasure pai'y oh board ; while the hay was dotted by small hosts, and although the wind was rather strong at times, which made the yachts-

' bow down to it, still vheir white sails could be' Counted by dozens ■ as-they glided over the waters of our b»y, , PAHAUTANUT. A cricket match between the Pahautariui and Thorndou clubs took place at Pahautanui. Subsequently a dinner was held, and the Cricketers afterwards attended a ball. The Thorndou team did not return until about 5. o’clock this morning. . THEATRE ROYAL. ' • “Our Boys" was a tremendous success at tbe Theatre Royal last night, a number of country cousins returning the compliment of the visits they bad received from town folk during the day by having a night in the city. . The reception of the piece was moat enthu- ■ ’ elastic. BARLOWS CIRCUS. There was a big house at Barlow’s circus lost night, and the performance was thoroughly appreciated by the audience. To-day and to- ■ morrow are the last two days of the circus in Wellington, and in addition to the two evening -entertainments there will be a morning performance for children.

200 300 400 BOO Prizes Name. . yds. yds.. yd?* yds. . Tf S. 1 4. pt. J. Turner .. 17 16 17* 10 — GO 20 0 Ft. Henries .. 1C 11 xe 14*— 67 30 0 Lieut. Harris .. 16 16 13 11 - 66 25 0 Ft. C. Franco .. 16 15 15 9 — 65 6 Capt. Thomson 16 19 16* , 2 ~ 68 20 0 Sergt. Naim .. 16 18 15 s — 52 17 6 Pt. Taylor Ft. Aplin Corp., Cameron 14 17 18* 12 13 13 15 12 11 10 — 7 — 7 — 51 49 49 15 12 10 0 6 0 Ft. Hodges 14 17 0 6 — 45 7 6 Col.-Sergt. Beale 18 IS 9 6 — 46 5 0 Pt. Compton .. 16 16 8 4 — 4S 5 0