SPORTS ON THE BASIN RESERVE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5252, 23 January 1878, Page 3

SPORTS ON THE BASIN RESERVE.

Notwithstanding the wretched character of the weather yesterday fully one thousand persons attended the sports on tho Basin Reserve, got up under the auspices of the Rcehabite Order. We are informed that some 2300 tickets of admission to the ground wore sold, and there is little doubt had the weather been propitious yesterday there would have been witnessed one of the largest crowds which ever gathered on the cricket ground. Although the rain fell heavily and almost continuously the whole programme of the sports was carried out, and satisfaction was expressed at the manner in which the various arrangements were conducted in the face of considerable difficulties. Mr. A. Brown, Mr. Sidey, ami Mr. O’Kell were entrusted with the management of the sports, and great credit is due to them for the efficient manner in which they discharged their duties. An excellent spread was provided by Mr. Tafner, of tho Temperance Restaurant, Ouha-street, at a moderate cost, and ho was well patronised, considering the somewhat limited number of peoplo on the ground. Preparations were made for quoit matches, archery, swings, and other amusements for children ; but owing to tho spectators being compelled to bo under shelter, the games were not much patronised. A feature of the day was the Art Union at the conclusion of the sports. There were thirteen prizes, comprising a quarter acre of land at Woodville, a sewing machine, pictures, &c.

The arrangements for tho drawing were carried out under the supervision of the ex-Mayor, Mr. Hutchison, and Mr. Rous Marten. The winning numbers will be found in our advertising columns. The following are the various events, with the winners’ names ; Hoys’ Race, 220 yards,— Cudhy, 1: Lawton. 2. Mens' Race. -140 yards.—Hurranni, 1 ; J.ewers, 2. There were eight entiles for this event, which was ran off in heats. Hop, Step, and Jump. —Reid, 30ft. Oin. Thirteen entries. 100 yards Race.—Thera were fourteen entries for this event, which was run in heats Howe and Poole in running tied twice, and divided tie; slakes. Wheelbarrow Race (blindfold). —Lawlor, ). Seven entries. Walking Match, one mile and a halt (20 entries),— McOin- took the first prize. There was a dispute as to tho winner of the second prize, which was ultimately awarded to a youth whose name did not transpire. ■ . Stone and Basket Race (eight entries). —Davis, I ; Ilnme, 2. Tlie next event was a man-of-war s race, for which there were five competitors, Tlie race created a groat deal of amusement, botii among the onlookers and competitors. No name was given. Sack Race. 100yds (10 entries).—Wise, 1 ; Rockhy. 2. Jingling Match.—There were only three entries for this event, which was won by Ilnrno. Ono-Milo Race (10 entries).-Johnson, 1; Nichol(latching a Greasy X’ig, capture! to retain possession of the animal. —After an immense amount of fan in hunting tho slippery quadruped, MclCain succeeded iu retaining ids hold, and tlie pig was consequently declared ids property. There were several impromptu boys’races g’tnp after tho programme was got through, and notwithstanding that tlie rain fell heavily a goodly number of youngsters competed. The drawing iu the art union took place at the conclusion of the sports, and at half-past five tho whole programme was gone through, and the gathering separated.