THE HOLIDAY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5045, 25 May 1877, Page 2

THE HOLIDAY.

Her Majesty’s fifty-eighth birthday was duly honored in Wellington yesterday. Fortunately the weather was fine, and as there were many events of public interest transpiring most persons found congenial employment during the day. Annexed are notes and reports of the day’s doings : THE VOLUNTEERS. The proceedings of the day were ushered in by the Volunteers, who paraded at the reclaimed land. There were present the following companies:—Wellington Artillery, under Lieutenant Fox ; City Rifles, under Captain Crowe ; Kaiwarra Rifles, under Captain Thompson ; and the Cadets —in all a little over a hundred. The usual royal salute was fired by the Artillery, the feu-de-joie being fired by the Rifles. THE RAILWAY. A large number of people availed themselves of the railway as a means of reaching the country yesterday, and the officials on the line were kept pretty busy in accommodating the excursionists witli the limited means at their command. However everything passed off very well, without accident. It is .estimated that about 1212 people travelled on the whole line yesterday, 812 of whom were from Wellington.

LEVEE AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE. f A largely attended levee was held at Go veruraent House by his Excellency at noon. The following gentlemen had the right oi private entree to the levee : ’ Ministers, Chief Justice, Judges, Bishop Hadfteld Bishop Redwood, The Archdeacon, Members of tlu Legislative Council, Members of the House of Keprcsentatives, the Under Secretaries (Messrs. Cooper Fountain, Knowles, Giles. Hnmmcrton, Clarke, Seedj Gray and Halse), Colonel Moulc, Major Heaphy, V.C., the French Consul, the Gorman Consul, the Portuguese Consul, the Netherlands Consul, the United States Consul, the Belgian Consul, Resident Magistrate, Solicitor General, Crown Prosecutor. Clerk ol Legislative Council, Clerk of Parliament, the Comptroller of Audit, Surveyor General, Dr. Hector, Curator of Colonial Museum; Dr, Johnston, Coroner: Dr. Skey, Inspector of Lunatic Asylums; Colonel Reader, the Mayor. Allan, A. S, Lambert R. Allen, G. La Nauze, R. .T. Baker, S. M. Lcckie, Colonel Barton, E. L. Lewis. David Barton, G. E. Lockett, Major Barron, C. C. N. Lowe, G. B. L. Barron, A, Lowe, E. W. Benzoni, C. T. Maginnity, A. T. Beere, E. 11. Marks, M. L. Becre, G. A. Mills, T. Bethune, J. 11, Mi Is. E. W. Bishop, W. Molfitt, J. L. Boughton, Monteith, Lieutenant Brandon, A. dc 8., jun. Moore, George Bromley, Win. Moore, John Buchanan, T. Moorhouse, IV. S. Bull, Fredk. Morrah, E. W. Carey, Captain McOreclie, Lieutenant Chapman, M. McKellar, Mr. Churton, J. F. McTavish, A. J. Churton, W. 11. Nathan, J. E. Cox, S. 11, Nation, G. M. Crawford, George Ogilby, L, Didsbury, G. O’Neill, C. Diver, Dr. W. 11. Orbell, G. G. Dransfteld, E. Paul, Major Dransfield, F. Port. Robt. Dransfteld, J. Quick, W. H. Duncan, R. J. Read, J. S. Knsther, Com’nder, R.N. Rose, H. Edwin, Captain, R.N. Roxburgh, G. Fannin, George Sawer, J. Field, K, P. Sclmltze, C. W. Fitzgerald, Win. Sheath, A. B, Fox, E. Smith, A. M. Fox, James G. Smith, J, Gair, G. N. Snow, Hastings Garrard, T. Stevens, F. Green, 11. Stack, Captain Harcourt, J. St, Hill, Rev. 11, W, Harding, Dr. R. Tollmrst, G. E. Hardy, 0. J. Travers, 11. H. Harvey, Rev. B. W. Trcanor, J. D. Heaps, W, Tringham, C. Hewitt, Commander Turnbull, A. Holdsworih, J. G. Turnbull, W. Holmes, M. Wallace, J. 11. Holmes. Captain W. H, Wallace, R. B. Holliday, John Watts, S. L. Holt, Captain J. Watts, Dr. A. B. B. Hutchison, T. Wakefield, Oliver Irvine. S. D. Willmer, H. C. 1 Jackson, Alfred Wi Tako Ngatata Johnston, P. Woodward, J. Kemp, Dr. Young, T. E. Knowles, W. Iu the evening his Excellency entertained a number of guests to dinner at Government House. UNVEILING OF THE FBATHERSTON BUST. This interesting ceremony was performed in the Colonial Museum at 3 o’clock. The Museum was crowded in every part, aud it was <pute impossible to find convenient sittingroom for many. Those who occupied the galleries had decidedly the best view, and

there very .many persons stationed in this part of the building. The bust has been erected on a pedestal just inside the main entrance of the Museum, and was draped with a Union Jack. A dais ran round the pedestal, on which accommodation was prepared for his Excellency the Governor, and the Misses leathorston and Mrs. Charles Johnston, Sir Wm. Fitzherbert, Mr. Woodward, and Dr. Butler. Near the dais were the Hon. Ur. Pollen, Mr. G. Hunter, M.H.R.; his Honor the Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Johnston, Mi.

Justice Williams, Mr. Justice Richmond, Hon. John Johnston, Hon. W. Gisborne, M.H.E.; Hon.- W. B. Rhodes, M.L.C. ; Hon. M. Holmes, M.L.C. ; Mr. W. T. L. Travers, M.H.R.; Hon. M. S. Grace, M.L.C.; Mr. Brandon, M.H.R., and others.

His Excellency the Governor was received by a guard of honor formed of the City Eifles, and on his entrance to the hall the baud struck up the National Anthem, and he was conducted to his seat by Mr. Woodward and Mr. J. G. Holdsworth. _ His Excellency ; Misses Featherston, Ladies, and Gentlemen, —It affords me, I assure you, infinite gratification to be present on this occasion, when we are met together to pay a graceful tribute to the memory of one of the oldest settlers of tills colony, and who from the earliest days of ids arrival devoted his best energies and talents to the development of this now rising and great country. In all matters of a political character it is natural that there should be differences of opinion, and it is not unlikely that some may have differed from the views entertained by Dr. Featherston during his lifetime ; but of this I am sure, that he succeeded in gaining the regard and respect of those among whom he worked, and the love and affection of those who were his intimate friends. There is perhaps hardly a higher object to be attained by a politician than°this —to gain the esteem of the general public, and the affection of those who are more intimate with him. Those who are only acquainted with this country in its present civilised state can form but a small idea of the difficulties, the anxieties, and the obstacles which opposed themselves to the earlier settlers. In the days when Dr. Featherston first arrived in this country—and I think I am not mistaken when I say it was in the year 1810 —this place must have offered a very different view to that which it now presents to us. In those days the town, if it could he so called, consisted simply of a few scattered cottages ; there was no communication between this and the Hutt; a visit to Karori would offer as much difficulty in those days as a journey now of much further distance, and the means of communication with other parts of the colony were such that a visit to another port would offer as great difficulties and occupy a longer period than a journey to the mother country would probably now require. Dr. Featherston had all these difficulties to contend with, but from the first he exerted his great energies towards improving and developing the country. On the introduction of constitutional government he was elected Superintendent of this province of Wellington, a situation which he held until he left this country for Enffiand. He was also elected a member of the Parliament of New Zealand, and he retained his seat till he retired for the same purpose. He held high office in, I believe, two Governments, and from first to last he took a very active and energetic part in the politics of the day. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I think these are circumstances which well deserved to he commemorated by those colonists of the present day. Not only did Dr. Featherston evince this energy in civil life; but when, unhappily, war raged in various parts of the colony he also proved himself to be a soldier of no small reputation. His influence among the natives of New Zealand enabled him to do great service in the district, and one has only to read the account given by General Chute, to find him exhibiting in the field the same energy, coupled with courage, as he had shown in the Cabinet. There is nothing more valuable to a country, whether old or new, than the character and position of those who lead her in her political life, and if it is well in an old country I think it is so more especially in a young country, that where a servant has been found to serve his country well his memory should be handed down to posteritywithhouorand with distinction. I therefore rejoice at being present on this occasion, when a statue of Dr. Featherston is to be unveiled, and I trust that in future generations to come, when the young men of Wellington, and of New Zealand generally, who visit this building, see this statue and ask the meanim' of it, the history they will be told will stimulate their energies and activity, so that they may follow the example set before their eyes by one of the oldest settlers. (Applause.) I have slightly glanced back at the position in which Dr. Featherston found Wellington for I can hardly give it the name of city in those days—when he first arrived. Let us now look at the present position of Wellington, From day to day it is increasing in size, and while in the early days of Dr. Featherston’s residence here the arrival of a vessel from England must have been an epoch by which to mark the events of the year, now the daily arrivals of vessels from all parts is so common that it attracts little or no attention. Then, as I said before, a visit to the extremities of the colony was a matter of no little danger and difficulty; now it is a pleasure trip which all can enjoy. The revenues of the colony now amount to a sum which will compare favorably with those of many of the smaller States in Europe. If such, then, has been the progress of the past thirty-five years, what may we expect to see accomplished in the next thirty-five years. My anticipations of the future of New Zealand, I own, are great; and I have little fear of their being disappointed. Let the young men of New Zealand persevere, and show the same energy, the same determination, the same industry, that their forefathers have evinced; and I am sure that within a very few years the country will even astonish those who now hold the most hopeful views of her future. (Applause.) I will not detain you longer ; but I may say, that it was unfortunately never my lot to meet the late Dr. Featherston, and the remarks I have made have been gathered from public records. I have now to call upon the Chairman of the Committee to make a few remarks. (Applause). Mr. Jonas Woodward ; My Lord, Misses Featherston, Ladies, and Gentlemen,- —The committee have devolved upon me the task—sufficiently pleasant I need not say, yet so onerous that it is no mere form of speech to say that I would much rather have had it fallen to abler hands than mine. They have devolved upon me the task of describing to yon and to the subscribers generally, what has been done, and why it has been done; or, in other words, what has brought us to the event of to-day. When the suggestion was made—and it needed no more than a suggestion—that some memorial should be erected to the memory of one for whom so many had such reverence, a committee was formed to carry out the whole matter—to decide as to the shape it should take, aud so forth. It is for me now to explain what has been done. Various suggestions were made as to the form the memorial should take. A picture was evidently out of the question, because one already existed, which, though it is not one which shows the force and fire of our honored friend as we knew him in later years,is one thatsufficientlyrepresonts him as some of us remember him twenty or thirty years ago. Many of us thought ofsome public institution to be called by his name, but it was pointed out with irresistible force that such an institution would involve maintenance, and that probably in the progress of time circumstances might arise which might cause its associations not to he all aud always pleasing. , A statue was hardly thought I of, and this uot because of the expense, for I believe that would have been of no moment, if such a mode of perpetuating his memory had been thought desirable; but it was thought, and I quite agreed with the idea, that our present costume, useful as it is, is quite uufit for portrait statuary. So wo were almost confined to a bust, because there was a prevalent desire—a desire in which I am sure you will all sympathise—that we should transmit to those who came after us a “counterfeit presentment'’ of him, in order that all who looked upon him might read his character in his countenance. When this was once resolved upon, it was a matter of gratification to find that there were artists among us who could execute the work. Naturally, at first we were doubtful as to the ability of local men to perform the work ; but we wore speedily relieved from tho difficulty, for on being invited to visit the studio we were shown just what we wanted. True it was modelled in clay, but the likeness was so faithful that we could have no doubt as to the genius of the artists—and it must be remembered that all they had to go by was a photograph. From this simply, at any rate, they formed their first ideas, which were afterwards improved upon by those who knew our friend. I may mention one curious illustration of the surprise we felt on seeing the bust. When we saw it we jumped to the conclusion that they must have brought the

material from Home. We saw it was sculptor’s clay , that had been Jused, but when we asked them where it was procured, they said, “We got it from yonder hill.” It needed no more to show us that they were masters of the art. From that model they wrought the work we are about to unveil. It will be a source of great satisfaction to you, Miss Featherston, I am sure, to know that no less than four hundred of your late father’s fellow-colonists have raised this memorial—from many the small sums of 2s. and 2s. 6d. have beeu received ; but I think you will agree with me that such exhibit very forcibly the earnestness with which the proposalfor a memorial wasreceived. (Applause.) Itis not aquestion of money. They represent more genuine feeling than twenty times the sum if given by our more fortunate fellow colonists. (Applause.) It would ill become me, eveu if I were able, to attempt any labored eulogy of him whose impress is upon all our hearts, as your Lordship has already touched upon some of the most salient points of his career. Hut you will not be surprised to bear that the remarks you have made have very vividly brought to our minds that which we knew, for 35 years did not pass over without discovering to us qualities in him which may not be understood by those who were not acquainted with him. I should want words were I to attempt to express the personal feelings of regret entertained for our beloved friend by those who were most intimate with him. I mightcoutentrayself with repeating the expression made use of by one of those plain, honest, sterling men who aredoing and who have done sumach to put an ineffaceable mark forgood upon the histor yof this colony. I met him the morning after the sad news arrived, and lie said, ” We have lost our friend the Superintendent.” Simple words my Lord, but most expressive. No disparagement to his worthy successor—-he was still our Superintendent—. nay, more—he was “ our friend ” the Superintendent. My Lord, it is this dual character that endeared him to s-> large a number of his fellow-colonists. As you have very properly said, it is probable all may not have agreed with him in his politics ; for his opinions were so strong, so advanced, and may I not add so far-seeing, that they were sometimes misunderstood or misrepresented, and for various reasons not always agreed with. Tet many who did not agree with him as a politician loved him as a friend; and many of those who were not favored with his personal acquaintance will honor him for his public career and know him as a politician, and I had almost said, a statesman. My Lord, when I recall the past, when I remember how I)r. Featherston, hearing the cry of pain and distress in woman’s hour of sorrow in a small vessel tossing on the Manukau bar, with the weather so rough that she could not cross, and lie himself suffering from the pain of incipient sea-sickness—-how, under these circumstances, he rendered the necessary aid ; we can but feel that he was a man who earned the cross of valour years before the time, when lying upon the horse which from weakness he could not sit on, he rode with Geueral Chute from Patea to Taranaki in order to secure the services of the natives, who were ever so willing to follow wherever they were led by “Te Kawane Petitoni.” There was one other feature of his character which most of us will ever remember, and testify to—his unselfish disinterestedness. (Sir Wjr. FitzherBERT ; Hear, hear.) Under all circumstances, in every condition, he was ready to work for others, but never thought of himself—always thinking of his duty, thinking of that which he was required to do, regardless altogether of personal ease, and even of personal feeling. In 1843, when the infant settlement of Wellington, which you my Lord have so graphically described, was threatened with a danger whose nature, magnitude, and imminence we could not fairly estimate, and which our fears probably did not magnify, when the population turned out that they might protect what I will venture to call their “ hearths and homes,” then on a cold winter night, with heavy rain and biting south-east winds, shouldering his musket as a private militia-man, Dr. Featherston kept guard in the streets, or what are now the streets, of Wellington. During the six weeks of all but fatal illness which followed, we blamed him for so exposing his valuable life, but after years showed that this was only the outcome of his sterling character. In ins view of duty lie thought little even of life itself. My Lord, when we remember that he was always a weakly man—a man who had left England three times that he might escape tiiat terrible scourge consumption, we may well thiuk more of his conduct ou this occasion than on occasions on which it come under the notice of General Chute. These are the thiugs which recur to our minds, and would do apart from any representation of his form, but yet which urge us to hand down his lineaments to coming generations, so that when they look ou the sculptured marble they may see in some measure what “ manner of man ” he was. (Loud applause.) Miss Featherston then, at the request of Mr. Woodward, advanced forward and drew the flag from the bust. Mr. Brandon, M.H.K., on behalf of the

committee, returned thanks to the Misses Featherston for the part they had taken in the ceremony. The Hon. Wi Tako addressed the assemblage in Maori, Dr. Buller, C.M.D., kindly consenting to interpret. He said : Your Excellency,—l salute you. I salute the representative of her Majesty the Queen —the living representative of her Majesty. Daughters of Dr. Featherston, I salute you ; daughters of my friend, X salute you. Your late father has departed from amongst us. Ladies and gentlemen, I salute you. Ladies whom I see around me, salutations to you all. I present my congratulations to the gentlemen who are around. Peace to him who has gone. Peace to the Maori chiefs who have gone. I stand alone. I have a word to say to you, ladies and gentlemen, about this man. I cast my eyes back upon the time when he was made Superintendent of Wellington. I well remember it. I and my tribe were among his supporters. I was one of those who assembled to vote for him on that occasion, and during the whole course of his Superiutendency I watched his proceedings, and approved of them. He was not only earnest in buying lands forthepakehas, but was earnest in making roads and bridges, and in improving the country. I bear the memory of Dr. Featherston with me. He was careful in trifling things as well as in large ones. Before he left for England he visited the settlements in the Wairarapa to say good-bye. I have seen none to equal Dr. Featherston. There was a large gathering. At the time of the Waitara war Dr. Featherston exerted himself on our behalf. At the time of the Kohimarama conference he was again present, and he came to Waikanae to ask mo my opinion on the Waitara war. I told him that ray sympathies were with Wi Kingi, I told him 1 should remain at Waikanae during the whole of that disturbed period, and lie paid me several visits. He never appeared to fear, or to be timid. He always came alone. There was much commotion about the position of the Otaki natives, and Dr. Featherston came up to reassure us. During the whole of tills period he was building bridges. I have seen noire to equal him. He has left behind him in Wellington many traces of his greatness, therefore I ask the public men present to follow his example. I mean except the Governor—we all know he will do what is right. Let the public men follow the example of Dr. Featherston in his greatness and goodness. He was not only a Maori sympathiser, but also bestirred himself for the pakehas. I do not know whether you approve of what I have said, nevertheless I have spoken fairly. I will not detain yon. My words are short. < This is the end of my subject. (Applause.) i

Sir William Fitzheubeut; Misses Featheratou, Ladies and Gentlemen, —I have been requested to propose a vote of thanks to his Excellency the Governor for having consented to preside on this occasion. His Excellency, as we all know, is willing at all times to take an interest in the doings and anything which tends to the welfare of the people, and I can assure him that the people appreciate his kindness. His Excellency has made some remarks on the character of the man whose statue we have uuveiled to-day—remarks such as oue would make upon an unknown man, a man whom we had read and heard of, but had never

seen and conversed with in the flesh. His Excellency honored this great man—a mm who I venture to say has made a deeper and a more lasting, and a better mark upon the history of New Zealand than any other man who has vet been amongst us, (Applause.) A man who lives not only in our memorv, but deep down in the affections of the people who knew him. And why was it ? There must surely be some great reason ? Why do we hear such sentiments as those expressed by the native gentleman just now—that there have been no more come after him like him. Well might it have caused petty feeling in the mind of a jealous successor, but I "endorse every word that was said. (Applause.) They were plain truths. There has been no man to compare with him among us. I do not say he was faultless ; far from it, but I say he had qualities which will make his lifgifor ever illustrious m this to-he-great ■■ country, and therefore you, my Lord, have done well,, and we have done well in coming here unveiling his countenance and presenting his lineaments to the colonists of the future—we have done well to-day in thus honoring the memory of a great man. What then in reality were some of the great qualities upon which such lasting affection and such words of high encomium are given? Ladies and gentlemen, he was a man inasmuch as he had undaunted courage. That did not require the testimony of General Chute, however great and excellent a geueral was Geueral Chute; and we knew when he was here that we had a gallant soldier with us. But we did not require his testimony. We knew Dr. Featherston was a brave man during the whole 35 years he lived amongst us. The whole of his life was one act of courage. He had also another great quality—he was an unselfish man. He was at the beck of everybody to render services at his own cost. To quote the words of one of the greatest historians who ever lived, used 2400 years ago in respect of a public man who has never been sufficiently estimated —a man who was the ornament of the greatest country which at that time existed, and this at the very height of civilisation. In speaking of this great man—Derides—the historian sab , “He was uubrihable by gifts;” and so we may say of the great man whose bust we have been unveiling. (Applause.) I have given sufficient reasons why this great man occupied the high position he did, and why we have met here to-day to do our best to honor the memory of Dr. Featherston.

His Excellency having acknowledged the thanks, withdrew, cheers being given for bis Excellency and tile Misses Featherston. The bust was then viewed by an immense number of people, everyone who had known the late Dr. Featherston expressing admiration at the manner in which Signori Del Sano and Vescovi had reproduced his features and expression of countenance. BIRTHDAY sports. The Basin Reserve presented a scene of gaiety, being largely attended by those who find entertainment in sports. During the first two hours after the gates were opened there were not many people on the ground, but as the afternoon advanced the attendance increased, until the ground round the ring was crowded, and the grand stand was very well patronised. It should be unnecessary to stat« i that there were, as usual, many sources of ) amusement outside the ring, such as would be generally summarised in vulgar language as “ speculative fakements.” In addition to the ordinary attractions, however, aunt sallies, odd man out, whirligigs, &c., there was a shooting gallery, erected by an adventurous trader, who, by the way, did a very fair business, for, be it known, there are a great hueher, who attend what are popularly denominated “sports” that seek amusement to be found on the ground other than what may be discovered by the performances of the athletes within the ring. This shooting gallery, therefore, was patronised to a very large extent. Those who could shoot went there to display their excellence in that accomplishment, and those who were, at best, indifferent marksmen went to the gallery in the hope—vain of course, but unhappily peculiar to the impotent aspirant to honors—of doing something which would gain for them distinction; firmly believing, whether or no, that their relations had, and have still, occasion to rejoice. But the racing and other events on the programme were of course the principal attraction, and it was frequently during the day a subject of congratulation and satisfaction that tire weather was so fine as to permit of the various events going off satisfactorily, and consequently giving the anticipated entertainment to spectators. Those who care to call to memory the birthdays of Queen Victoria in the past, will recollect—providing that their memories serve them—that such occasions have been distinguished by weather such as would reduce to melancholy either a stormy petrel or any' other hardy member of the ornithological order. It will be remembered also that the weather on Wednesday night was such as to indicate that the day following would be unfavorable to the success of a meeting like that of yesterday. Hence there was additional reason to he pleased ; and pleased we feel sure every one was who attended the Basin Reserve, where the birthday sports were held. Whatever be the reason, there was i i all respects more than usual amusement to be found at the sports yesterday. When persons were tired of looking at the events as they transpired within the ring, they found diversion in witnessing or participating in what ate commonly known as “ holiday swindles,” of which something will no doubt be known by those who take the trouble to read the reports of such meetings. One of the most

common and yet interesting of these is an ingenious contrivance, consisting of a round plate, painted in different colors, and revolving on a pivot, the object of which is that speculators may hazard money on one color stopping at a given point. As may be anticipated, to conduct such a business requires the possession of “points” not peculiar to most people. It is necessary to be singular for a certain amount ot loquacity, for instance, and to have a general appreciation of the gullibility of the British public. “Take what place you please, gentlemen, and support the colors of your choice,” iusimiatiugly exclaims the proprietor of the mystic roundabout, which pays nobody but its owner, who nevertheless looks as if lie would sacrifice his little all, and a grhat deal more if he had it, for the amuse-

meat and financial progress of those who surround his stock-in-trade—a convenient, because light and portable, means of acquiring cash without further exertion than that for which the Whitechapel and East End magnates are notorious. This class of showmen, if they may be so called, did well. Not a whit less was the profit attached to the booth business; thatuuder the grand stand being occupied by the representatives of Mr. Unvin of the Theatre Koyal Hotel. It may be mentioned, also, in this connection, that notwithstanding the liberal patronage bestowed upon the booths, there was nothing on the ground approaching rowdyism, the proceedings being noticeable for orderly conduct and sobriety. There can he no hesitation in saying that the sports were a success. The attendance numbered nearly 2000, as gathered from the amount realised in the shape of entrance money taken at the gates, namely, .t'ho 14s. Mr. Edwards was the purchaser of the gates at i£SO. The committee consisted of Messrs. J. Ames, F. Harrison, and A. Black ; timekeeper, Mr. T. Stewart; starters:, Messrs. Edwards and Harrison ; judge, Mr, A. Young. It is not too much to say that the manner in which the programme was arranged gave ample satisfaction. There was not a single hitch iu the day’s proceedings, there were no protests lodged, and the committee and all concerned deserve great credit in consequence, as upon those occupying such offices, it should bo needless to say, devolves all the responsibility. Following is a description of the various events :

Maiden ■ Face, 120yds—Prize, £1 10s.: second, 10s.—Collins, Wylie, J. Greenfield.. Kelly, Guise, Minifie, Smith, and Jennies’ Jennings took the lead, and won easily, never . being headed, Wylie a bad second. / Birthday Handicap, 100yds—X’rizes, £7 10s. and £2 10s.—In the first heat Webber (scratch), Pollock (scratch), and Hearn (syds), got away badly ; but the two former

soon passed Hearn, aud Pollock did not apparently try to pass Webber, as this heat was

only for places. The sccoiul heat resulted in a dead heat between Hanson and .Donovan. Major, Greenfield, and Jennings also started. In the final heat a deal of time was wasted owing to the eagerness of Pollock and Donovan to obtain a good start. Eventually, however, Mr. Edwards got them away. Pollock and Donovan getting a little the best of it. Donovan and Hanson finished first and second respectively, Pollock being one yard behind them.

There being no entries for the Wrestling, Cumberland and Westmoreland (prize £5), the event was passed over, and the committee decided to go on with the next event, namely, The Two-milo Walking Handicap—Prizes, £3 10s. ami £l.—Fraser (scratch), Hodge (SOyds), and Knight (100yds), started. The race was a very exciting one. Fraser gradually lessened the gap between him and those who had the distances at start, but could not overtake then- ; lie was too heavily handicapped. Hnd"e reserved his strength until the last, and then passed Knight, coming in a good first, with '.Ought, second, and Fraser, who walked beautifully, some thirty yards behind. Time, 16miu. 45see.

Birthday Handicap, 220yds.—This race was run in one heat. Webber, Hanson, Donovan, and Greenfield started, Donovan soon assuming the load, and winning easily, Hanson second. Webber did not appear to bo rapid enough at short distances for our men. Time, 2Si secs.

Five Mile Handicap for silver cup, value £ls ; second, £2 10s. ; extra prize of £5 to each man beating twenty-nine minutes.—For this race the starters were Hearn and Webber (scratch), Pollock (200yds), and Collins (220 yds). Pollock caught the scratch men in the first half of the first lap. Collins got lapped in the 10th round. Webber and Hearn passed and repassed each other until the ISth round, when Webber fell behind and was passed by Pollock. In tiie 21st round Pollock passed Hearn, and in four rounds had increased his lead to about 50 yards. At the 24th round Webber passed Hearn, who gave in at the 3Sth round. Pollock repassed Webber, and finished the whole distance in 30min. 24sec., Webber therefore taking second place. This is the first five-mile race that has been run in Wellington, and it was performed in creditable style. We would uggest that in future no raefis should be h.-dicap races unless some knowledge of the pedestrians’ performances be known.

Birthday Handicap, 440yds.—This race was contested by Donovan, Webber, and Hanson. The performance of Webber was a surprise to all spectators, because, after running in the Five-mile Handicap, he was thought to be out of this race completely. Not so, however, for just as it appeared that Donovan was going to come in grandly for first place, Webber put on a magnificent spurt, passed his front man, and came in flying a capital first amid great applause; Donovan second. The time, which was slow, was 62sec.

The result of the Handicap thus stood as follows :—Donovan 13 points, Hanson S points, and Webber 7 points. Consolation Handicap, lOOjds. First prize, £1 10s.; second, 10s.—Four started for this event, viz., Webber, Hearn, Hanson, and Wylie, resulting in a dead heat for first place between Webber and Wylie. They agreed to run off, and five yards from the tape were again a tie, but Webber made a desperate effort, and won by about six inches. This concluded the programme, which fact was announced in the usual way by the band playing the National Anthem. WELLINGTON FIRE BRIGADE. We have already given a description of the new premises of the Wellington Fire Brigade, the oldest established in the city; but we could not necessarily touch upon the most interesting feature in connection with the station, namely, the view to be obtained from the tower, for the very simple reason that the tower has only just recently been completed. On an occasion so marked as this in the calendar, it may not be inappropriate to give an idea of what our progress has been so far as the spread of the city is concerned. Whilst in this tower the fact forces itself upon one that it is an admirable look-out for a lire brigade station, embracing as it does a view of the whole town. The city of Wellington, with its harbor and surrounding hills, as seen from the tower of the Wellington Fire Brigade station (and most if not all of our readers are aware of the handsome new building which that brigade has recently erected) on such a glorious day as yesterday, when it was “Queen’s weather” from daylight to dark, presents as beautiful and varied a landscape as within our experience can be found anywhere. Looking towards the north, over the bright waters of the bay, glittering [in the noonday sun, are seen the white houses of the Hutt, dotted amongst the green foliage, and backed bv the lofty Rimutaka Mountains. To the right and left the hills look fresh and green, and Somes Island, to and from which boats with their white sails spread to the breeze are gliding pleasantly, forms a picturesque centrepiece. More immediately beneath our feet is the business portion of the city, with its numerous, extensive, and handsome storehouses and public buildings, evidencing an amount of material prospeiity which few could have supposed Wellington would have attained within the short space of a few years. The many neat villas, surrounded by pretty gardens and ornamental grounds and croquet lawns, which are to be seen on all sides, also bear testimony not only to the comfortable circumstances of a large number of our fellow citizens, but also to their taste and love of the beautiful; and last but not least, the number of churches and schools that are to be seen from the spot on which we stand pronounce emphatically that this is not a community of mere money grubbers, whose only thought is “ the almighty dollar,” or a “comer allotment.” The very great improvement that will be effected when the reclamation of land from the sea is further proceeded with, and Cuba-street carried out to Custom House-street, is brought forcibly to our mind when we look down from our tower of observation and take a bird's-eye view of what has been done by Mr. O’Malley on his contract at the Thcrndon end of the town. The proposed extended reclamation will add, as it were, another town to the Wellington of to-day, and afford some splendid sites for building purposes. Looking southward, towards the Adelaide-road and Newtown, the great progress that the town is making in this direction is very manifest. Where a few months ago there was not a house to be seen, there are now main and cross streets being rapidly built upon; and when the tramway is completed there will be a further demand for houses in this locality, which will then be brought into easy and rapid communication with the central and northern portions of the city. If trees are planted on either side of the streets which will in the natural progress of events be formed, the appearance of the city will be greatly a ided to, whilst it will have the effect of making the city—or possibly we should say city and suburbs—more pleasant for residence. Departing from the appearance of Wellington from the position we have, as it were, occupied while endeavoring to describe it, we may remark that it is intended to have a watchman stationed in this tower during the night, and two or three men, besides the sta-tion-keeper, will sleep on the premises, so that immediately on the alarm of lire being given there can be no possibility of delay, arrangements being so thoroughly complete. THE BANQUET. The banquet to celebrate the opening of the now Fire Brigade Hall in Manners-street was held last evening at the hall, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion and brilliantly lighted. There was a large attendance of members and friends. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, having on his right Superintendent Whiteford, Messrs. Greenfield, R. B. Wallace, and Captain Mossof the Central; and on Ids left G, Hunter, Esq., M.H.R., Ven. Archdeaeon Stock, Messrs. Roxburgh, B. Moeller, Tolhnrst, Merchant, H. Anderson, &c. The vice-chairmen were Messrs. Bowie and Wilson. The dinner was an excellent one, and reflected much credit on the caterer, Mr. Urwin, of the Theatre Royal Hotel. Ample justice having been done to it by the guests, the following toasts were proposed from the chair and heartily received:—“The Queen,” “The

Prince of Wales and the rest of tho lloyal Family,” “ The Governor.” Mr. Roxburgh proposed the next toast. “ The Health of the Ministry,” coupled witli the names of Messrs. G. Hunter, M.H.R., and W. T. L. Travers, M.H.R., members for the city of Wellington. He observed that the Ministry had the confidence of a large portion of the community, and believed that they would continue to do their duty iu advancing tiie existing prosperity of the country. Their member, Mr. Hunter, had done everything he could at all times to advance Wellington interests. Mv. Travers was yet untried as their representative ; but he (Mr. Roxburgh) believed he would do his duty by the constituency. He passed a high euloginm on tiie late Dr. Featherstou, and pointed him out as an example to be followed of a man who did a great deal for the welfare of the country, and kept himself aloof from petty jealousies. Mr. Huxtek, who on rising was received witli loud cheers, said it had afforded him great pleasure on many occasions to return thanks as their representative in Parliament, but be bad not hitherto been called upon to return thanks for tiie Ministry. He was not a Minister, nor connected witli them ; but he had always supported them. They were a part of the old Ministry of whom Sir Julius Vogel was the leader, and he (Mr. Hunter) had confidence in their carrying out tiie Public Works Policy. Tiie colony was becoming a great nation, and they should one and all have one object in view—the welfare of their adopted country. His colleague, Sir. Travers, was not an untried man in Parliament, and had taken an important part iu the legislative deliberation of tile country. He hoped to act in concert with Mr. Travel's, as he had done with Mr. Pearce : if tiie members for Wellington became disunited, their influence would bo lessened. He referred to the unity and good feeling which had hitherto existed between the old settlers and the new-comers, and said he trusted they would continue, and that all would unite to further the interests ot their adopted country. (Cheers.) Mr. Hcntek next proposed “The Health ot his Worship the Mayor and the City Council,” observing that tiie powers of these municipal bodies had been greatly increased of late years by legislative action, and it was important that the citizens should be well represented in the Council, and that the geutleraeu who took the onerous duties of Councillors upon them were deserving of at least consideration. He thought the gentleman who now Held tiie office of Mayor had devoted himself heart and soul to the welfare of the city, aud lie (the Mayor) had had evidences of tile esteem in which he was held. The existing Council, he also thought, were entitled to the support of the citizens; but he thought they ought to assume a little more responsibility in reference to the large schemes and undertakings which now devolved upon them. He looked upon the reclamation of the Te Aro foreshore as a very necessary work which must be undertaken. He hoped next session a Bill would be passed to enable the city to raise the money necessary to go on with tiie work. A thorough reclamation around the bay, an efficient water supply, drainage, and lighting, were all works which were required, and the people of Wellington should not rest satisfied until they were carried out.

The Chairman ably returned thanks. Song by Mr. Merchant. Mr. H. Anderson, in a long speech, proposed the next toast, “Prosperity to the Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigades,” coupled with the name of the Superintendent, Mr. Whiteford, to whom he considered the erection of the new hall and the present position of the Brigade was to a great extent due. (Cheers.) Mr. P.~ Moeller said he cordially agreed with what had fallen from Mr. Anderson, and suggested that a memorial of the late Mr. J. Osgood should be put up in some conspicuous place. Air. Whiteford returned thanks, saying; I may say that after the burning of the Aurora Tavern in Willis-street about the month of November, 1864, an attempt was made to organise a fire brigade, but without success, until the large fire on Lambton-quay, on the morning of January Ist, 1865. At that fire it was plainly visible that if an organised body had been there a vast amount of property would have been saved ; but still no attempt was made by the older residents of Wellington until the mouth of February following, when three or four persons, then entire strangers to this city, but having experience in other parts of this colony of the value of such a body, held a preliminary meeting in Osgood’s Empire Hotel, when they resolved to call a public meeting of persons favorable to form a Firo Brigade. The meeting was called at the Crown and Anchor Hotel on the 16th of February, 1865, at which 37 persons enrolled, themselves as the Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade. There being three manual fire engines in the city, the property of the insurance companies, we waited upon tlio.se oentlemcn to see if they would place their engines at the service of the newly-formed Brigade, together with such other assistance as they might give us. Those gentlemen readilly consented lo hand over their engines, together with £IOO annually, provided we could raise a like sum from amongst the citizens, of which we found no difficulty, the then Town Board, also giving £IOO annually. Thus, with an estimated revenue of £3OO ayear we started operations ; but in the year 18G8 the Town Board withdrew their annual subscription, leaving us entirely supported by the insurance companies donations and what we could raise from amongst our fellow-citizens by annual canvassing; and in like manner we have been supported up to the present time. About four years ago, finding the requirements of the Brigade gradually increasing with the city, and thinking the Municipal Corporation the proper quarter to make application for support, we submitted to them a scheme for the proper organisation of the fire department. Such application was referred to a sub-committee to report upon. They reported ; hut their report I consider unworthy of comment. But I am glad to state that the Corporation now has adopted the principle of tliat scheme, and since April last they have provided the necessary expenses of our operations as far as the working expenses arc concerned, the insurance companies paying into the Corporation hinds their annual donation. 'The amount of moneyreceived by this Brigade from February, 1865, up to Juno, 1576, the time of our last balancing has been—from the public £1472 17s. Gil.; from insurance companies, £llO3 10s,; from the Town Board, £236 13s. 4d. ; in all, £2873 os. lOd. If I was going to take into consideration the time given voluntarily by the members during that period, I should be taking the minimum if I were to charge ten hours per mouth per man ; and thirty men at that rate for eleven years at Is. per hour would amount to £I9BO. I might pntthe query who has received the benefit of such service ? Coining to the building of onr new station. About two years ago, finding we had not room enough to house our plant, and also no proper place for the members to meet, we made application to the Municipal Corporation for the same site that onr new station now stands upon. That application met with a refusal. When on my recent journey to Victoria I had an opportunity of seeing the accommodation provided for the Fire Brigades in other parts of tliis colony, and also in Victoria, I felt ashamed of the capital city of New Zealand. My mind was made up when wc arrived back that an attempt should be made to have the accommodation for the Fire Brigades of Wellington second to none in other parts. I renewed the application to the Corporation for the site, which was granted upon a 42 years’ lease at a peppercorn rent, together witli a grant-in-aid of £l5O. An application was also made to the insurance companies for a grant-in-aid, hut their defitiiiiito reply we have not received yet. Thu building, as you sec, has been completed, the cost of which will he about £llOO, including stables, furniture. &c. Of that amount £250 has been paid off, leaving the actual debt about £BSO. Of this amount the members have advanced from tbeir sick and accident fund £2OO, also privately £2OO, leaving the building indebted thus 'L’o the members, £4OO ; to sundry accounts unpaid, £450. It will thus be seen that the members have assisted beyond what I consider ought to

be expected of them, and I consider the Corporation and insurance companies ought to bear the principal part of the expenses. A number of the. citizens have kindly promised their contributions towards defraying expenses when called upon, and my experience of our fellow citizens is that they are not backward in rendering aid for a worthy purpose. Mr. Tou.cr proposed “ The lusurauce Agents and Supporters of the Fire Brigades.’’ Mr. Wallace returned thanks, eulogising the services of the Fire Brigades, and saying he should always like to see them placed on an equal footing, so that there should be no cause for jealousy. Mr. Hunter, on behalf of Mr. Krull, explained the cause of the" latter’s absence that night, as he was a guest at Government House iu the capacity of German Consul, “ The Central Fire Brigade ” coupled with the name of Captain Moss, “ I’he Press, “ Tiie Ladies,” “ The Host,” “ The Inspector of Police,'’ “Success to the New Station,” &c., were cordially drunk, aud tho meeting separated towards midnight, after spending a must pleasant evening. RIFLE MATCH. Tiie last of three rifle matches for a fowlingpiece was fired off yesterday at Kaiwarra, and, as will he seen by the annexed scores, the prize has fallen to Private Turner, who lias succeeded in winning two of the matches. The wind vosterday greatly militated against good shooting. Tiie following are the scores : 200 300 400 600—Tl. Prize, Private J. Turner.. 10 30 14 10 00 gun anti 10S Lieut. Harris 17 17 ’l6 10 60 12s Private C. France.. 15 *2.0 10 *13—58 10s Sergeant Nairn.... 13 17 0 11 40 0s Private Menzies .. 30 IS 11 o—4o0 —40 is Sergeant IJealo .... 16 15 14 0—44 0s Corporal Overeml.. 14 12 10 G—43 4s Private Coleman .. S IS 0 6—40 3s Those marked ' get range prizes of ss. each. PIGEON MATCH. A pigeon match was got up at Mr. Valentine's, Lower Hutt, yesterday. The following is the result of two sweepstakes ; —There were five entries, 3 birds to each man. Tiie first sweep was divided between Mr. Owen aud another gentleman, and the second sweep was won by Air. Owen. The birds were young, and tiie shooting was not very good. WANGANUI RACES. (FROM OUR OWN COHIJESPONDENT.) Wanganui, Thursday. Wanganui Grand National Steeplechase.— This popular tryst took place to-day, when the weather, which had been very bad for some time previous, took up, and left nothing to be desired in that respect. The course was in splendid order, and the attendance good, ,01110 fifteen hundred people being present. All the horses figured on the card stripped, aud presented a really creditable appearance, as they were in nearly every instance fit aud well. Te Whetumarama, the winner of the hurdle race on the first day of the last Wellington meeting, was much fancied, be-ng big and strong, while Victor (late Ireland) who looked as hard as nails, had a few loyal followers, who backed him in both singles and doubles, and had their confidence duly rewarded. Gazelle looked very gay aud fit, and with tiie most skilful of gentlemen riders on his back went out as good a favorite as anything. But the chances over ditoli aud bank, furze,aud rails were neitherfew nor far between, aud silk comes to tiie mud with increasing frequency after the first mile or so lias taken tiie steel out of even the most gluttonous of the first flight. Don Juan with Rhocly McTvor as his pilot and top weight as a set olf, looked a trifle stale, but ran a game horse from end to end. Arbitrator, a grey stock horse of the good old style, carried 2st. 3lbs. over weight, and plodded away gamely with it until the stiff rails coming into the straight brought him down a cropper, and left him with the barren honor of finishing fourth. Had he carried his handicap weight, 9st. Sib., he would have been iu it, and most likely have carried off the honors. Deborah, a Traducer mare of great bone and substance, was much fancied for an outside show of winning; but short preparation and want of experience told their tale, and left her still a raaideu, although she struggled gallantly to carry off the prize. The race itself, as will be seen below, was a succession of falls, nearly every horse engaged coming to grief at some part of tiie struggle, fortunately without injury to any of the riders except Lloyd, who got a nasty fall or two, and a final cropper that left him hors dc combat for some hours after. Several of tiie horses after being relieved of their pilots kept ou their voyage, taking the fences as steadily as though the most experienced of jockeys had been at the helm. St. Albans especially distinguished himself among the riderless, entering the straight close on the heels of the winner, and clearing the stiff rails like a deer, witli an evident determination of. securing a place, from which he was only debarred by the clerk of the course, who cut. him off, so that he might not interfere with the racing of those who had kept their pilots to the last. Five horses weighed out for the Maiden, for’which Greyhound was made a hot favorite, having been named in most of the double-event betting. He never left his friends in doubt, as he sailed away, taking his fences splendidly; but, baulking at the back of the course, he was for a short distance deprived of the lead, which he had no difficulty in resuming and maintaining. Tupauuka, who was also fancied, cut a very sorry figure, refusing every jump, Jonathan Wild would have had a good show had he not done so much in the big race ; as it was he struggled gamely home. Rebel Chief won the Hack Steeplechase in a walk. The meeting was closed with a Consolation Steeplechase of one mile and a quarter, which Te Whetumarama appropriated very easily. Everything passed off most successfully, accidents being of but a mild character, inseparable from such contests. In the Consolation a protest was entered against the three leading horses, but was not allowed.

GKAND HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE. Of 150 sovs, second horse to receive 25 sovs out of the stakes. Four guineas on nomination and live on acceptance. Over three miles of hunting country Top weight not to exceed 12st, and lowest not under Pst. Mr. Lumsdon’s b g Victor, aged, 9st 81b (Owner). - 1 Mr, Watt's ch g Don Jean, aged, list 121 b (U.

Mclyor) Mr. Stevenson’s ch g Jonathan Wild, 4yrs, Ost (I’ae)

Gazelle, aged, 11st 61b; .St, Albans, aged, 10»t 121 b ; Slora, Cyra, 9st 121 b ; Arbitrator, aged, 9st Sib ; iirilliaut, aged, list 51b ; Deborah, 4yrs, '.lst; Te Whetnmarama, syrs, lOst 71b ; Junius, syrs, list 31b ; also ran. Arbitrator and St. Albans made the , running, and as the different obstacles were negotiated falls became frequent owing to the .stiffness of the jumps. Junius was the first out of it, after which Dim Juan, who unis going well, came down heavily, but Mclvor was soon on him again and in pursuit. To Whetu also gave his rider a few spills, the last of which left Lloyd unable to rise. Gazelle, who had been ridden with great judgment and patience and was looked upon as the probable winner, was interfered with a few fences from home, and parted company with Air. Nicholson in a gorsc hedge, after which Victor sailed away and won hands down; Lou Juan and Jonathan Wild finishing second and third some lengths behind. .MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE. Of 60 sovs. Weights Ulb over weight for ago, over tltts same course as thv Grand National. Stevens and Crosbie’s g t; Greyhound, Oyrs, list lOlbs (Campion) 1 Mr. Stephenson's eh g Jonathan Wild, -lyrs .. 2 Mr. A mon’s eh g Awahou, 6yrs. lOst lOlhs.. .. :i JCxchange and Tapanuka also ran. Greyhound won all the way, taking his jumps splendidly, and walking in an easy winner ; the rest either baulking or fulling. HACK STEEPLECHASE Of 10 sov3, added to a sweepstake of 1 guinea. Once round the steeplechase course. Weights, 7lbs over weight for age. Mr. Anion’s Hebei Chief .. .. .. .. 1. Several others started, but had no chance with the Chief, who took his fences in fine style, winning easily. CONSOLATION STEEPLECHASE. Of 60 aovs, with a sweep of 2 guineas added. One and three-quarter miles. Mr. T. V. llrown’s eh g To Whetumarama, 6yra (Campion) 1 Mr, Fraser’s c h St, Albann, aged (Kraft) .. ..2 Mr. Watt’s cli g Hon Juan, aged (Mclvor) .. ..3 Gazelle also ran.

This was a capital race, all the horses jumpiug splendidly, and making no mistake. Gazelle led for about a mile, when To Whetu took the ditch and bank in a flying leap, and assumed the lead, which he held to the end. ELLKHSLI K HACKS. Auckland, Thursday, The weather was fine to-day. There was_ a lar"-e attendance at the Kllerslie races. Ariel was scratched for the Tradesmen s Plate, CHAMPAGNE STAKES. A sweepstakes of 10 so vs, with 100 sovs added; for two■\Vsilters’ Venus Transit, Sst 71b 1 J. Watt’s ch g Longlnnds, Sst 7lb “ Auckland's blk f Queen Mab, Sst 71b .. .. 3 J. Leonard’s ch f Verms (Sst 71b) and Wyuard’s ch £ Lady Coventry (Sst 71b) also ran. Betting : Even on Longlnuds, 3 to 1 any other. At the start Venus took the lead, closely followed by Venus Transit ; Longluuds and ■Queen Mab two lengths behind; Lady Coventry, who was fractious, a long way behind. At the middle turn Venus Transit took the lead, Queen Hab at the same time falling away. Entering the straight Walters’ Ally had a lead of a length, with Longlands second, Venus third. Longlands challenged at the dip, and it looked as if he would get up ; but French called upon Venus Transit, and won by a length after a good race. Matthews was obliged to declare Gibs overweight, which cost him the race. Lady Coventry ran inside the first post, and took no farther part in the race. HANDICAP TRADESMEN’S PLATE, Of 100 sovs. Acceptance, 2 sovs at post. Distance, one mile. Mr. Walters’ br h Isaak Walton, 4 yrs, 7st ‘lib ~ 1 Mr. McGee's bin Perfume, Gyrs, Sst 01b .. .. 2 Mr. liucklaml’s blk h Magician, aged, Gsl 121 b.. 3 J.M. KushcJl’s hr g Daybreak (aged, 6st lib), Edward’s br c Baron (*2yrs, sst 71b), and j. Watt’s b h Ariel (4yrs, 9st) also ran. Betting : Even on Isaak Walton and Perfume, 5 to 1 any other. Isaak Walton got away with a lead of a length, Perfume and ‘ Magician following closely together. Baron bolted after going two hundred yards; his jockey, weighing 4st 7st, aged 10 years, not being able, to keep him straight. Isaak kept his lead easily. Perfume came up with a splendid rush at the finish, but Laak won by a length. HURDLE RACE. Sbaughraun 1 Butcher Boy .. . - .. .. .. 2 Buckstone 3 Don, Arrow, and Medea refused. Sbaughraun was the favorite. Butcher Boy took the lead and held it up to the grand stand, when Sbaughraun forged ahead. The race afterwards lay between Butcher Boy and Sbaughraun. The latter, when leading, kicked a hurdle, which enabled Butcher Boy to get a slight lead at the beginning ; but Sbaughraun with a spurt won by a short head. BIRTHDAY HANDICAP. Bide-a-Wce, syrs, 7st 1 Ariel. 4yrs, Sst 131 b 2 Shannon, nged, Ost 81b 3 Elsa, 4 yrs, Sst 51b .. .. .. .. 0 A magnificent race, won by half a length.