PRINCE OF WALES’BIRTHDAY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5500, 12 November 1878, Page 2

PRINCE OF WALES’BIRTHDAY.

Monday was observed as the holiday in honor of the above event, and Mr. Pilcher's promised negotiations with the clerk of the weivher appear to have been crowned with complete success; for the day was ex-'option-ally fine, and the town looked gay with bunting, A pleasant breeze tempered the warmth caused by a bright sun, aud at an early hour the streets were thronged with people, and the tram cars were to be seen going to and fro well filled with passengers. These cars are roost popular, aud are always in great request on high days and holidays, We heard a very large uumber of passengers menti.med last night as the total of those carried through the day, but refrain from giving it until we can verify the report. ■ The shipping in the harbor was well decorated, the numerous flags and streamers that are at each holiday exposed to the tender mercies of Wediugton breezes is truly surprisiug, as fl .gs must soon wear out when flapping and fluttering iu the winds that sweep over our wharf. A gentleman whom we met yesterday, who has been redding for some months in Invercargill, assures us that he considers Wellington calm as compared with that town, so ihat the North Island is evidently not so exceptionally treated by rude Boreas as our Southern neighbors would have us ne ieve. We hear that more passengers were carried hy the Hutt railway than have ever previously patronised the lino The steamboats that left on excursion trips were welt filled, and even the cabs and busses were iu full employ, the 1 itter no doubt wishing that holidays w-re of more frequeut occurrence iu our ualendar. Of course, the graud meeting of the Athletic Club was the chief topic of conversation in the town, aud it is satisfactory to be able to say of the meeting that it was on the whole a most complete success. The committee and the stewards and the indefatigable hon. secretary deserve great priise top the complete and thorough mauner in whiuh tueir work was performed. The great virtue of punctuality which was generally attained throughout tin* day is specially praiseworthy. The only part of the programme that we noticed as being decidedly inferior was the mode provided. We hope that at any fuiure meeting a better baud may be provided. The great event of the day was the Club ■Steeplecha-e, and as the water-jumps were known to be both wide aud deep, some amusement was anticipated. In point of fact, as almost all if not every competitor came to grief at these obstacles, the fun created was quite up to expectation. We think that the water in the ditches, might have been cleane'r, as a wet jacket is a sufficient damper for any bold spirit, without the additional mortification of a soiled suit. G. Wright won this event in good style. The jumping was inferior both in the high jump and wide; and the Club Milo Walking Ilace was also a tame affair. The Tug of War brought out a couple of .-pleudid teams, the A. O. and the Star Beating Club, the latter pioving the winners. As usual this event excited a great deal ofiuterest among the spectators, who can enter into and thoroughly understand the object of the rival teams. £. Davy was successful in carrying off the championship, as he took no leas than four first and four second prizes. Bast year C. Webb was the champion of the sports, and many people expressed a wish that these two champions should try conclusions with each other. No doubt a very interesting series of matches might be arranged if these two gentlemen would-give their consent. Good ail round athletics ought to be specially encouraged, and valuable championship prizes are likely to further this aim. The day’s entertainments were brought to a brilliant finish by theatrical aud musical enterraiuments aud a Maori war dance, which were very liberaUy'patrouised,

THE WELLINGTON ATHLETIC CLUB SPORTS.

Patron: His Excellency the Governor. President: Sir William Fltcherhect, K.C M.G. Vice-Presi-dents: HU Wors ip the Miyor »nd Tnuma» Buchanan. Esq. Committee: Geo. Fisher, E. Davy. H Pollen, C. Wettb, J. Thompson. X. Cooper, j; Berry, t. Uarviacm, and c. K. Welsh. Hon. Secretary: J. Berry. Judge : Geo. Fisher. Stewards: F Harriso i, C. Webb, H. Pollen, C. K. Welsh, J. Thompson, and H. S. PollenStarter: J. Berry. Official Timekeeper: If. Benjamin. This meeting was the feature of the day so far as the city was concerned, and was in every respect a thorough and entire «uccess. The club, which has heeu distinguished for its iberality in the matter of prizes from its very inception, excelled iteclf in that respect this year, and put before the local athletic world a programme which has not been surpassed by that of any similar body ia the colony. There were some thirty events on the card, and to each there were attached substantial first and second prizes, and in many events there was a chird given. 'Phe result of this was that all the events filled up extraordinarily well, and he public was afforded an excellent day’s sport. The weather also favored the club, and there was a very large attendance on the ground, notwithstanding that railway and marine excursions took a great number of persons out of the town altogether. And these were not' a few, for this being the first holiday of the season, aud moreover an exceptionally fine dav, a great number seized the opportunity of taking their first trip along , the railway extension, and viewing the great works in the vicinity of the Rimutaka, and many patronised the Nel<ou excursion aud the bay pleasure tips. However, the sports attracted a good deal of attention, and during the afternoon each train of the tramway brought up large additions to the number of spectators. As usual the course had been carefully staked aud fl igged, the various handicaps marked, and all other necessary arrangements made to the entire satisfaction of the competitors aud for the gre at convenience of the public, if that section of the public which always wants to know, you kqow, aud tries to see more than everybody e se, had for once been a little reasonable. But then they could not be induced to be reasonable, and if anything interesting was going on would insist upon being allowed to rush the enclosure and get in positions which enabled them to see nothing in particular, but which completely prevented their betterbehaved companions fromseeinganything at all. The committee and a small body of police did everything they could to clear the enclosure, and generally succeeded admirably when the excitement was over and there waa nothing going on. It is perhaps worthy of consideration by the various societies using the reserve from time to time as to whether it is not highly desirable to erect a fence enclosing the competing ground, so that on occasions of this character all who pay their shilling may have equal value for their money. It might also have the effect of reducing the number of those who take “ outside tickets ” and from vantage spots view what is going on ** free gratis aud for nothing.” The fields of coarse were not nearly so numerous as the entries. There are a. good many chances ami, changes in the process of training, and not a few unforeseen contingencies, such as those ia horse-racing, but which in these sports have no other effect than that of merely reducing the number of competitors. Some don’t like the handicap, and others go wrong j some are too fat, and some too fine; and then when the convincing day arrive* men select the events for which they believe they have the best chance, and go in to win. All this reduces the field for each event, but yesterday there could be no complaint or tameness on that score. , All the events were keenly contested, and the work actually .done, as recorded by the time attached to each performance in the more detailed report below, shows that Wellington athletes are advancing in proficiency, aud that freqeut meetings *nd good prizes are having the effect of raising up in oar midst a large class of active muscular, hardy, enduring meo. An mte.estmg feature is the fact that the Armed Constabulary and, the volunteer corps famished very many competitors, and were credited with a good average of success. There were present on the ground the usual accessories ou such occasions. There were the merry-go-round’, the skittles, the lucky wheel of fortune, and the thousand and one other means of amusement which usually receive patronage; and there werei clean, uaj fruit, cake, and tea and coffee stalls and wellordered refreshment booths. One , gentlemen professing mystical lore wlt “ aud dice had a stealthy entrance and a speedy exit, thanks to the stewards. I he efforts of three or four waodercta froua sunny Itahf to

provide sweet music we kopo were rewaided by pucketstal of well-earned coppers Annexed U au account of the results of the principal events: — The first started wan the Club Race : Distance, iiSOvdf*., Handicap; first priz , cup; second prize, tna*t rack—35. Davy (scrath), 1 ; G Bi'h f> (scratch), 2 ; A. Cooper (Byds.), 3 ; G. Wiijht (l"yds.). i '. There were nineteen entries, lm r . only four came to time. A good start was effected. Cooper if anything getting the best of it. After travelling 100 yards Davy ran through bid men, hotly pushed by Bishop for about 20 yards, when Davy let out, and won easily. Wright never finished. Boys* Race : 250yds., handicap; first prize, silver watch ; second prize, cricket bat —O. Snow (10yds.), 1; A. C.Bishop (10yds), 2; J. Taylor (scratch), 3. Thirteen youngster started. The race was a good one from first to last, and the pace was pretty hot. Club Maiden Scratch Race : Prize, a cup.— O. De Castro, 1 ; E. H. William*, 2 ; E. Connal, 0 ; T. H. Hamer, 0. Thera were tea entries for this event, but only four went for it. Hayner ran away with a strong lead, but when 20 yards from home was pumped out. De Castro won somewhat easily. Time, 40sec. Tradesmen's Athletic Club Race : Distance. 220yds., hundicip; first prize, tea and coffee service ; second prize, set of studs. Open only to members of the above club.—l. Woods (scratch), 1 ; R. Freeman (3yde.), 2 ; J. Moran (12yds.), 3. Six started. One false start was made, in which Horan ran half the course before he knew that be was alone. In the second start they all got away together. The scratch man ran very strong, and won a good race in 23£sec. Running Long Jump : Open ; first prize, cup ; second prize, cigar case. Post entries. —Taylor (16 fc.), 1 ; E. Davy (15ft. 10in.). 2. Eight competed for this event. The ground was very hard, and consequently the distance was not np to the general average. Club Handicap : distance, 100 yards ; first priz. l , claret jug ; second prize, oak and silver cup.—E. Davy (scratch), I ; J. Taylor (3 yds.), 2 ; ' Bishop (scratch), 3 ; A. Cooper, 0; E. H, Williams, 0. There were 20 entries. This was decidedly one of the best races of the day. Instead of running round the ordinary course a straight 100 yards was measured across the ground. A good start was made, and all the men got away on equal terms Taylor and Bishop led for 80 yards, when Davy came up with a grand ruffi and won by half a foot. Time, llsec. Tradesmen's Athletic Club and All-comers Race : Distance, 440 yards, handicap ; first prize, salad stand ; second prize, cruet stand.— F. Woods (scratch), 1 ; J. Moran (10 yds.l, 2 ; Freeman (8 yds.), 3. Five started. After going 100 yards Burdell took the lead ; at 200 yards Woods ran through his men, Directly Davy was passed he dropped out of the race. 1 The winner came in as he liked, and won with the greatest ea*t. Time, 65*oc. Open 440 yards Handicap; first prize, card basket; second prize, toast rack. Davy (scratch) 1; Hastings (25yds) 2; Bishop (scratch) 3; Cooper, 0; Hale, 0. The two distance men ran away with the lead, but had only got half way round when they were collared by Davy, who was running in grand form. It was thought Bishop would have pulled off this event, but he was a long way oat of form. Davy won it in a canter. Time, 45 sec. Throwing Cricket Ball : Open; prize, oak and silver butter dish ; second prize, cigar case. J. H. Gray 1 (9Dyds2it 9in); K. Lynch 2 (90yda oft 7iu). Fifteen tried for thi*. The competitors had to throw against a strong wind, which accounts for the short distance. Open Maiden Race, 300yds,, scratch ; first prize, cup. -T. H. Hamer, 1 ; E. H. Williams, 2. Five started. The race was closely contested from the start. Time, 4iM*ec. Boys' Race; distance, 440>tK ; handicap, open ; first prize, silver watch ; second prize, cricket bat.—C. Snow (20yds.). 1; S. K. Kennedy (20yds.), 2. Eight started for this race. J. Taylor was evidently too heavily handicapped, and he was out of the race from the start. Time, Imin. Ssec. Running High Jump ; open ; first prize, cup ; second prize, set of studs, etc.—Ohurstrike, 1 (4ft. 9in.); Thompson, 2. There was little or no interest taken in this. The jumping was very inferior, as the height cleared will show. Mile Race : Open, handicap ; first prize, cup; second prize, cup.—G. Wright (60yds.), 1 ; H. Hastings (80yds.), 2 ; Pringle (30yds.), 3 ; Johnston, 0. There were twenty-four entries for this race, but only five started. At the start everybody thought that the scratch man was going to do something, but he was either out of form or too heavily handicapped. The first time round the men kept about their own distances. ' n the second lap VVriuht came up to Hastings; on the third lap the same places weie kept, ancf it was apparent to all Wright could go to the front when he pleased. This was shown in the la t round, when he rushed to the front and won easily. Cooper dropped out at the third lap. Hastings ran a plucky race, but Wright's staying powers were too much for him.. Time, 4min. 52sec. Open Handicap ; Distance, 158yds.; first prize, claret jug; second prize, oak and silver cup. G. Bishop (scratch), 1 ; E. Davy (scratch), 2 ; J. Taylor, 3. Seven started. They all got away well but Davy, who hung back at scratch. He, however, made the running pretty warm, but could not get through bis men in. time, and had to be content with second p’ace. Time, 18-jec. Boys* Race (blindfold): Open ; first prize, cricket bat ; second prize, cricket; bat. G. Tally, 1; J. Taylor, 2. The distance in this race was only about fifty yards, and was altog tber too short. The youngsters struck out a straight course, and ran as if they were not blindfolded. Walking Race: Distance,! mile, handicap ; open; first prize, cup ; second prize, vaaeo —Connal (20uec.), 1; Galoraith (lOaec.), 2, Five starter. Connal was never passed. The race was a very indifferent one, and no good walking was exhibited. Club Hurdle Race: Distance, 120yds, handicap, 10 hurdles; first prize, salt cellars; second prize, oak and silver cup.—G. Davy (scratch), 1 ; E. Webb (Byds.), 2. Seven started, A straight was laid out through ’he centre of the oval. They all got away together after one false start. E. Webb led until clearing the last hurdle, when Davy put on a grand spurt and just managed to breast the tape first. Time, lOsec. Club Race: Distance, 880yds.; handicap; first prize, a cud (presented by Messrs. Kohn and Co.); second prize, a cup.— Hastings (30yds.), I; Hale (30yds.), 2; Bishop (15yds), 3. The two scratch men, Harrison and Cooper, never finished. Webb was running well up for third place in the second lap when he fell, and consequently put him out of it. Time, 2min 22sec. Tug of War: Prize, 6 silver and oak mugs ; best of three tries ; between teams of the following : Wellington Football Club—Black and yellow (club uniform); Armed Constabulary—A.O. uniform; Athletic Football ClubBlue and white (club uniform) ; scratch team; Star Boating Club-club uniform (white jersey with blue stripes, white trousers and white cap with blue star); City Rifle Corps—Corps uniform. These events caused considerable interest. The Wellington Football Club was easily pulled over by the AC.’s. The scratch team was victorious over the Athletic Football Club. 'The Star Boating Club faced the City Rifles, and very soon pulled the volunteers over the line. The pull off between the A.C-'s and Boating Club was exceedingly well contested. Both teams were very evenly matched iu strength, the heavy weight of the aquatics however was too much for their opponents. The ground was not at all even; that is to say, on one side there wan an advantage. In the first try the Stars pulled the AC.'a quito easy. Sides were then changed, and a desperate struggle took place, each one banging on all he knew; at last after a good steady pull the Stars were pulled over. In the puli off the heavy weight* had it all their own way, and th£ Constabulary had to bo contented with second honors. Putting the Stone : Open ; first prize, oak and silver preserve jar ; second prize, photograph frame. —D. Murphy, 1; Avery, 2. Seven started for this event, and from the fir«t it was easily seen the prizes rested between Murphy and Avery. The former won by 6iu, Single Tug of War ; one trial only ; first prize, silver and oak biscuit} box ; second prize, pair flower stands.—Thompson, l;.McLellau, 2. There was a number of competitors, but the winner was far too strong for any of his opponents, and in many instances pulled his man across the line hand-over-hand. Steeplechase : distance, about 1000yds., including six water jumps, 12 hurdles, and two gor«e hedges; open, handicap; first prize, fruit stand ; second prize, travelling clock; third prize, mug.—G. Wright (s«ec,) # 1 ; E Davy (scratch), 2 ; A. Cooper (7»ec,), 3, 'This was looked upon by tho general public as th* ev» nt of the day, as it was anticipated there would be Several spills, and those who expected to see them wore not disappointed. The tint .jump, a water one with a gon-e hedge, was a very ugly looking one. The water waa nearly five feet deep, and nicely mixed

up with yellow clay, .Young, Davy, and 'Taylor were the fir*fc sent away. The litter manage*! to scramble over, it in some way, ' but the little fellow cleared the gauze, fell fairly into the middle of the lole, and whs completely l"*t from sight. Ho very short!* ga*heit;d himself together, scraped rim bnud «>ff hi* f.Yc-, and made another start wlh lii.-t Q\e< nod ears half full of mud and water. Hastings came next, and very narrowly escaped sharing a similar fate to young Davy. : He, however, managed to escape the deep hole, but was very nearly jumped on by Lynch, who was following. Cooper scrambled through it. Bi-hop did ditto. Wright was slightly better. Davy the elder, who was the only scratch man, was the only one who cleared it properly, and slipped after landing clear of the water. Nearly all the hurdles were taken cleanly. At the second water jump some more splashing* and duckings took place; At the ditch, which was the longest jump, scarcely anybody cleared it. Wright had it all bis own way, and won by about 70 yards. All the competitors piesented a most sorry appearance, as they were more or less saturated with dirty water. This race brought to a close a most successful programme of sports. The events were all started punctually tw time, and the consequence was that fh« pubic were not kept waiting by hanging about expecting every minute the next event to take place. The great' success iu this particular was duo to .the unwearied exertion- of Mr. Berry, .the* hon. secretary to the club. The burden of the work was left almost solely to him, though of course the other members of jhe committee and the stewards were not idle. >; The prizes were given away to the winner* by Miss Buchanan, who was introduced by his Worship the Mayor. After the prizes, Mr. Berry; the indefatigable secretary, observed that the club were to be congratulated on the • successful termination of the day’s proceedings, and stated that he hoped the next meeting, which would take place on the 14th, would be 1 as successful. Three hearty cheers were given for Miss Buchanan, his Worship the Mayor, and Mr. Berry. This brought the proceedings to a close, and the spectators left. DELANEY’S SPORTS. There was a very poor attendance during the day at these sports, the Amateur Athletic Club having drawn pretty well the whole of the sporting population of the city ; but towards evening, when the end of Delaney’s fifty-mile match was approaching, a good many anxious t» see the finish dropped in. He started at 11 o’clock, and went around a kind of a circle stated to have been measured by a surveyor and to be 220 yards in circumference. His pace was very even throughout the day, except when he spurted with friends, who at intervals walked short distances with him. Certainly he was not yesterday paid for his pains ; but it is stated he is going to Sydney to perform in conjunction with Edwards, the walker, who is so well known in Wellington Delaney is a native of Dunedin, a well-made young fellow, about sfc. 10in., and runs‘with,a long, swinging stride, though his aty'e is not in accordance with orthodox notions of what i* the thing iu these matters. He was evidently not up to his usual form, and was probably a little discouraged by the email attendance, as he retired from the course before he had gone 40 miles. MARINE EXCURSIONS. Large numbers of persons went iu the paddle steamer Samson to Somes Island and Lowry Bay ; the steamer was crowded in the various trips she made during the day. THE RAILWAY. Such a crush as occurred yesterday was never previously seen on the Wellington line. The cheap fares and addirional a‘traction by reason of tho recent extension of the line, together with the fine weather, combined to f*»rm an irresistible attraction. The early trains were crowded with picnic parties and tourists, and people continued to pour out of town by every train till late in the afternoon The return trip by the evening trains was something to be remembered. Every carriage was crammed at an early stage of the homeward trip; as the train moved along the line there was nothing for it but to bring into requisition trucks of ail descriptions for the purpose of carrying the passengers into town. The special train which arrived at 5.55 was an exceedingly long one, and completely packed, as was also the ordinary train due at 7.5 p.m. A great many persons also came down by the lost train. It is estimated that more per-ons travelled on the line yesterday than ever were carried in a given day before here, but we were unable lost night io gee the number of passengers. ICAIWARRA RIFLE MATCHES. Two rifle matches came off successfully yesterday at the Kaiwarra butts. ‘The Kaiwarra Rifle Volunteers competed for a handsome marble clock, given by the captain of the company, Captain Thompson ; a special prize of £5. presented by Jas T. Hirst, of Kaiwarra, and several other prizes. We hear that the clock, which was much admired, was procured from Mr. Cohen, of Willis-street, The firing was remarkably good, considering that the weather was not favorable for high scores, a strong wind sweeping right across the range. For the first event there were twenty-one competitors. The six highest scorers were as follows

The second match waa fired for a revolver given by Mr. Wm. Donald, valued at £5; the second prize heiug given by Mr. B. M. Taylor. Several small prizes were also subscribed for by the company. The following were the winning scores :

An enjoyable day was spent by the company, and the shooting was inter* ting, the different events being well contested, and the matches came off without hitch or mishap of any description.

200yds. 300yds. 400yds. Pts, Cnleman 16 . 16 . . 17 . , 49 Captain Thompson 10 . 13 . 17 . 46 Pr Yates 15 . 13 . 12 . 45 Pr Gregory .. 20 . 15 . . 10 . 45 Corporal Hodges 13 . . 10 . 14 . 43 Lieut. Ov rend 15 . 17 . 10 . 42

200yds. 300yds. 400yds. Pts. Pr. Greer .. 10 . 10 . . 14 . 47 Lieut. Overend 10 . 14 . . 14 . 47 Pr. Gregory .. 17 . 13 . . 12 . 48 Corporal Hodges 13 . 14 . . 18 . 45 Fr. Menzies .. 18 . 18 . . 11 . 45