THE HOLIDAYS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5848, 27 December 1879, Page 2

THE HOLIDAYS.

■ST. PAUL’S CHURCH. At the Anglican CSthedr.il yesi-.-r lav Holy Communion was celebrated at S o’clock, and again at 9. At 11 a.ra. there was the sendee proper to the day. the " Adcste Fideles " b-.-iug used as an ‘iutru'tt. 'l'd - >ervic-' was fully choral, the ver-dclt.- and re.sp.ia.es sun;, and th- “To Deum" was glv-n to a service by J >r. Dyke*. The in.-u the Kev. Mr. Harvey, preaohine f-.a: the i-sc “ Glory to G id ’ll 1 he Hi an iuk-i' -ting sr -man apt- ,e t> th- bar. AH th? Christina.- . -.ertories at tins place < i worship were to he devoted to the reduction of the debt on the church, and must hive re. Vised a considerable sum. In speaking cf the choral service on Christmas Eve, particular praise was due to the admirable manner in which Eire's anthem, “ Rise and Shine," was rendered by the choristers. It was used as an introltt. The anthem in its ordinary place, Perg.'s “Gloria hi Excels!#,” was rendered with effect, and bore witness to the careful training which Mr. Parker must have bestowed on his boys. In this connection, by the way, it may be mentipuod that the choristers evidently appreciate the care which has been shown in their training, for they have, of their own accord, presented to the organist “ Cassell’s edition of Shakspere,” by Charles and Mary Cowden Clarke, as a mark of their appreciation of the pains he has taken, and also for Lis kindness to them. At the service, after a pastoral symphony on the organ by Mr. Parker, a selection of chorals and other Chri-tmas pieces was sung by the choir, interspersed with voluntaries on the organ. ST. MARY’S R.G CATHEDRAL. The usual Christmas services took place at St. Mary’s Ca'hedral morning and evening, when the building was crowded on both occasions. The church wa# beautifully decorated throughout, the altar being profuse! v covered with floral offerings. The decorations of the high altar, with its many flowers and evergreens, and its myriad of tall candles, were the theme of general comment, while the dressing of St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s altars, was also much admired. The pulpit was wreathed with’ flowers and evergreens, and presented a very pretty appearance, while fe-toons of the same ran round the entire church, passing from pillar to pillar. The Rev. Father Macnamara served Mass in the morning, and the Rev. Father Coffey preached a short but very eloquent and effective sermon, thoroughly appropriate to the occasion, and a sermon which went far to show that he may do incalculable good in his newly-acquired position. But the feature of the morning was the singing. The service commenced with the Adcstc Fidchs, opening with a solo, which was admirably sung by Mrs. F. Swift. This was followed bv “ Farmer’s .'0 ass" in B flat, the same lady taking the solo. The three solos, “ Kyrie,” “ Gloria,” and “ Cncdo” were splendidly given by Mrs. Swift, who was in flue voice, and upon whom uer rly the whole of the solo work of the services devolved. In the “ Sauctus,” Miss O’Neill sang the solo very nicely, and Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Swift rendered the “ Agnes Dei” with telling effect. Mr. Rowe sang the solo in the “Gloria,” hi; fine voice ringing through the church with great beauty, and in the “Quitolb’s” he was equally good. The choir, too, sang with remarkable precision, and on the whole, from a musical point of view, the service has never been better performed since the Cathedral was opened. Miss Cimino presided at the organ, and lent very valuable support to the solo singers and the choir generally, some of the obligato movements being exceedingly beautiful. The whole of the musical service was under the conductorship of Mr. Putnam, who deserves great credit for the pains he must have evidently taken to bring the choir to its present high statu of efficiency. Vespers were celebrated in the evening, when the church was again crowded.

Divine service was also celebrated at St. Peter's Church, Willis-streot; St. Mary of the Angels Roman Catholic Church, Bonlcottatreet ; St. John'sPresbytorian Church, Willisstrett ; and at the Manners-street Wesleyan Church—at all of which there were large congregations. At the Bethel, Herhert-street, on Boxing Night, Mr. S. Costall gave a lecture, the title of which was, “ Reminiscences, instructive, practical, entertaining, and personal.” ATHLETIC SPORTS. WANGANUI V. WELLINGTON, Under the patronage of his Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Lady Robinson. Judges—S. T. Fitzherhert anil N. W. Werry. Referee—John Nntman. Starter— A. King. Timekeeper—H. E. Nichnlls— Stewards —R. R. Saunders, G. E. Anson, T. M. Copeland, G. Marshall, J, H. Nixon, C. B. Turner, W, Id. Barton, G. C. Wheeler, W. Blood, Dr. Gillon, C. A. Knapp, B. Goring, H. Pollen, R. P. Lynch, J. Thomson, H. Hickson, C. DeOastro, H. Lambert, G. Wright, Hon. Sec. and Treasurer—J. Berry. Yesterday, Boxing Day, was fixed for the contest for the championship between Wellington and Wanganui in the way of athletic sports; and after great exertions on both sides, Wellington became the victor, although at one time things looked very gloomy for her. Defeated in the cricket match, she had evidently made up her mind to do her best to retrieve her laurels, and this she succeeded in doing by a point, winning six out of the eleven events put down on the programme. Unfortunately the day was very unfavorable for such out-door sports, rain falling from an earljr hour in the morning, although it ceased for a short time between twelve and two. After this late hour, however, it came down with a steady perseverance worthy of a better cause. Special tramway cars had been put on for the occasion, and brought up a good mauy “ pleasure ” - seekers, but the number was at no time more than about five or six hundred. There was a very good attendance outside the fence, where the entertainment could be seen for nothing, and it is not at all likely while the present low fence remains round the Basin Reserve that there will on any occasion where a shilling per head is required be a very large attendance inside the enclosure. It was announced that the sports would be in the presence of the Governor and lady, and that the latter would distribute the prizes ; but neither his Excellency nor Lady Robinson showed up, no doubt in consequence of the wretched state of the weather. We cannot compliment the committee on the punctuality with which they got off the various events, for there was a great deal of time wasted between the various eveuts, notably in the case of the jumping, hammer, and cricket ball throwing and putting the weight. These might very well have been taking place while the races were going on, which wen’ ' have saved time and been far more gratifying t.j the spectators. However, considering the bad weather, and the other militating circumstances, the sports must, on the whole, be pronounced to have been decidedly successful. The band of the Wellington Guards was on the ground during the day, and did their best to enliven the proceedings. The refreshment and luncheon booths in connection with the stand, which, under the circumstances, was patronised very fairly, were kept by Mr. Robinson, of the Family Hotel, while there was a smaller booth on the lower part of the reserve kept by Mr. Philips. Shortly after one o'clock a pose of six police arrived to keep the British public in order if necessary, but fortunately there was no occasion for their services, if we except the sergeant, who immediately on arrival entered into an argument with a wheel-of-fortune man, which resulted in the latter leaving the ground with soma little precipitation —having, no doubt, in his eyes the fear of a summarily seizure of his goods and chattels. Prior to the commencement of the contests between the Wellington and Wanganui men, there were several outside matches, which resulted as follows : Bots' 100 yd. Handicap.

Six -T this race, Liardet starting at scrat-e, ; - getting Syds. and Itichards 6.1. In the seojitd heat, Davy had a walk over. FIN AX HEAT. Davis 1 W. Davy •• -

Kicking the Football. Ten competitors entered for this, but only five came to the scratch. After an exciting conte-t, the following was the result: — Lvneh, OStvJ. ... ... ... 1 Blood, 57yd 2 Bov#’ 440vd. Handicap. Bull! r (13yd.) .: 1 Koroiil:, w-..i started at scratch, made very rood wav ha',f round the course, but he was then coll.r- d by Bailer, who passed him when coming ■ . and won bv about three yards. Eight s-.r,. 1. i Tits' ot>i\vds. Handicap. Croft* G/vds.) ... ... ... 1 Brady rddydsj 2 Armstrong went off with a good lead, with Croft second, but the latter soon took the lead and maintained it, winning by eight yards, and the others in cluster behind. Six started. Champion Events. The events to decide the championship between Wellington and Wanganui then commenced. The following are the particular# : 100yds. Plat Race. Saunders Wanganui! ... ... 1 Bishop (Wellington) ... ... 2 Time. lOsocs. 4-sths. A good deal of time was lost in starting this race. Saunders got away with a rush, and won with apparent ease bv a couple of yards. Pettin* the Weight (161b5.) Worry (Wellington), 35ft. Ciu.) 1 McGregor (Wanganui), 35ft. pin.) 2 Tliis contest caused a good deal of,interest. There were four competitors. 120yds. Hurdle Race Over a flight of 10 hurdles, 3ft. 6iu. Turner (Wanganui) ... ... 1 Copeland (Wanganui) ... ... 2 Four ,-tarted in this event, viz., the two above-mentioned and Messrs. Bishop and McCardell, representing Wellington. There was a pouring rain at the time, and the grass was very slippery, and it was not surprising that two of the men—Bishop and McCardell —made a mess of the fifth hurdle and fell. McCardell picked himself up and came in a good third, but Bishop slightly injured his leg, aud had to leave the course. High Jump. Burton (Wanganui), sft. 4jin. ... 1 McGregor (Wanganui) sft. jin. ) 0 Thompson i Wellington), oft. lin. ( One Mile Flat Race. Berry (Wellington) ... ... 1 Turner (Wanganui) ... ... 2 Time. 4miu. 55miu. 4-ssec. Six started for this race, which, after n splendid contest, was won by Berry, of Wellington, who was loudly cheered, and carried out shoulder high. Long Jump. Marshall (Wanganui), 18ft. 9in. 1 Barton (Wanganui), ISft. 2in. 2 Four entered for this, and some splendid jumping was made. Although the official length of the winner's jump was as above, it was actually 20ft. 2in. Throwing the Hammer. Thompson (Wellington), 70ft. lin. 1 A. King (Wellington). 65ft. ... 2 Quarter-Mile Flat Race. Saunders (Wanganui) ... ■ ... 1 Lambert (Wellington) ... ... 2 Time, oflsecs. This was a good race. Bishop got the lead at starting, but lost it when half way round. The finish was a very close one, Saunders not winning by more than about a yard. Th lowing the Cricket Ball. Bums (Wellington), 95yds. sJin 1 Brown (Wanganui), 95yds. 3Jin. ... ... 2 This event created a great deal of interest. After a prolonged contest Burns, of Wellington, was declared the winner by a couple of inches. Only three competed, the other being Lynch, who showed some very good throwing. Two Miles Walking Race. Beswick (Wellington) ... ... 1 Lynch (Wellington) ... ... 2 Three started. Time, ICmin. 33sec. Beswick got away with a slight lead, with McGregor and Lynch close behind him, but after the first lap McGregor gave up and left the course, the race thus resting between the two Others. The men were evenly matched, and both walked very fairly. For several laps they were almost heel and heel, but towards the close Beswick drew ahead, aud won the race with apparent ease by about 80yds, Both men walked very fairly throughout. Three Mile Flat Race, Berry (Wellington) ... ... 1 Fitzherbert (Wanganui) ... ... 2 Time, 17min. 25 2-ssec. Six entered for this race. Berry took (ho lead from the beginning, and at the 'ml of the first lap Burns had second place with Fitzherbert third, and Lynch fourth. At this juncture the latter gave in. At the end of the second lap Berry was still leading, Burns second, Fitzherbert third, Turner fourth, and Allison fifth. After doing the third lap Burns caved in, and retired, leaving the other four to fight it out. After the first mile had been covered Berry was leading by 4 (yds., aud this position he steadily improved, being fiOyds. ahead at the fifth lap, with the other three in a cluster at COyds. in the rear. At the sixth lap Allison dropped out. At the end of the second mile Berry put on a spurt, and increased bis lead another twenty yards. Turner, soon after this, dropped out, leaving the race to Berry and Fitzherbert, the latter of whom ran a game race throughout. Ultimately Berry won by about ninety yards. Both men were loudly cheered, aud carried ont of the ring. This was the last of the champion contests, and gave Wellington the victory by one point. There were some other races on the list, but as it was now half-past six, and raining in torrents, the stewards wisely thought it right to bring the sports to a conclusion, and the ground was very soon afterwards vacated. In the evening the members of the two clubs dined together at the Panama Hotel, when the usual complimentary speeches were made, and a very pleasant evening was spent.

INTERPROVINCIAL CRICKET MATCH. (per press agency). Nelson, Friday. The interprovincial cricket match com. menced to-day. The weather was fine. The first innings of Nelson closed for 49. The fielding and bowling of the Wellington team was very good. The only double figure was made by 5. Fowler. In Wellington’s first innings they seemed to be able to do very little with the bowling of Wigzell and Eden until Eden strained himself, and Wigzell was taken off shortly after. Then the three last men ran up the score to 51, England making a fine score of 29 by first-class play. Duncan and Brown made 8 each. Extras, 4. Nelson went in at 4.20 to the bowling of Ingle and Page, the latter being shortly afterwards removed for Arraitage. Halliday was making things very lively for the field when stumps were drawn at five o’clock, with a total score of 29 for three wickets. The weather looks threatening for ts-morrow. NAVAL BRIGADE EXCURSION AND BALL. The beautiful weather which prevailed on Christmas Day was succeeded early yesterday by some heavy showers and drizzling rain ; but the youthful enthusiasm which prevails in the ranks of the Naval Brigade was proof against any little inconvenience. They had made preparations for an excursion to Lowry Bay on the Prince of Wales Birthday holiday, but the wretched weather then prevailing led to a postponement. Consequently, they were determined not to be baulked yesterday, even though the elements were against them. Soon after the time specified, two steamers were despatched—the Stormbird and the Samson—and each boat afterwards made two trips to and from Lowry Bay. In all, about 1500 excursionists were carried to the pretty little spot across the harbor, notwithstanding the unfavorable appearance of the clouds. The Rangatira was also engaged for the day, but it was not fonnd necessary to bring her into requisition. The long-talked-of cricket match between the Naval Brigade and the Wellington Fire Brigade came off, and resulted in a victory for the seamen ; but the contest was a close one, as the game was only won by three runs. _ A very good programme of sports was advertised, hut it was impossible to get through all the events set down ; they will, however, he run off at an early date. The Open Handicap (for all volunteers) was won by Private Hales, of the City Rifles. The Brigade Handicap fell to Seaman Simpson. The 100 yards race (each competitor to carry a man on hia back) was won by GaverilL The running hop, step, and jump was won by Lieutenant Ballinger, of the City Rifles ; Seaman Simpson securing the second place. The Brigade baud accompanied the excursionists, and some dancing waa indulged in, although, of course, the ground was rather too damp for the “ light fantastic ” business. : In the evening, a fancy dress ball was held at the Arcade, which proved a great success. Over one hundred couples were present, and up to eleven o’clock six hundred persons were admitted to the gallery alone* Twenty-two dances were set down on the pro.

gramme, to get through whith it was necessary to continue duini£ tbe “ su)JA. hour* of tne niorriinj'.” All who were present thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Some of the dresses were very pretty, although, generally speaking, they were neither costly nor gorgeous. The wearers, too, to use Dr, Daly’s very emphatic recommendation, were “ very cum-ly, very cum-ly. The hall was opened hy Captain Johnson and Mrs. Alien, and great praise is due for the successful manner in which the day’s amusemeats terminated. WORKING MEN’S CEDE PICNIC. This, like all other out-of-door Christmas amusements, depending on the weather, was to a great extent spoilt by the rain, but still, with the tenacity so characteristic of the AngloSaxon a fair show was made to prove what might have been had the weather been in any way propitious. About two iiity persons put in an appearance at McNab s gardens, Lower Hutt. The whole grounds, gardens, and paddocks were open to the public, and those present did their beat to enjoy themselves. They tried cricket, but the ram beat thorn at that ; they tried football, with a similar result ; they then tried_ quoits, hut-wen there Jupiter Pluvius was in the ascendant; and so having done all that could be done wisely and well in tbe fight against the element**, they returned to town in comfort, which was due to the excellent arrangements made hy Mr. Ashcroft. It was mooted t..at as the present attempt had been marred by the weather, it would be well to repeat the oxperiment at an early day, when it ia hoped taat the whole of the sports and other amusements could be gone through, which was impossible on the sodden ground yesterday. Much sympathy was expressed by the members for ..he loss and trouble entailed on those who bad bought the booths. THEATRE ROYAL. Ou the occasion of the sacred concert at -.he Theatre on Christmas evening there was but a very small attendance. This ia to be accounted for by the fact that people as a rule prefer to stay at home on Christmas evening rather than to go out ; and also_ by the fact that many people do not care to visit a theatre at all on that evening of the year. Then there is a class who believe that a minstrel company is not competent to sing the music of a sac.-ect concert; while, again, there is another who, by some extraordinary confusion of ideas, think they ought not to do so, even if they are able. Doubtless, from a combination of these circumstances, the result was a thin house. It need hardly be said that such voices as those possessed by Mr. T. Campbell, Mr. Beaumont Head, Mr. Amery, and Mr. Fredericks, are perfectly well able to interpret almost any sacred composition, and those who were in the house enjoyed a rich musical treat. The gentlemen mentioned sang several quartettes admirably, and some of the solos were very telling, especially three by Mr. Campbell—'“ Tantura Ergo,” “ Nazeretb,” and “ Consider the Lilies ’; and three by Mr. R. Read—“ He was despised,” ‘‘He wipes the tear from every eye,” and « The Sweet Bye-and-Bye.” Both gentlemen, in each instance, received an encore. Mr. Amery and Mr. Fredericks also sang several solos, and the remainder of the programme was made up by a violin duet by Messrs. Thompson and Stoneham, and some very excellent selections by the orchestra. Considering the general character of the concert, it was to be regretted that there was not a larger audience. No matter what may be the state of the weather, there is always a large proportion of our townsfolk who determine to enjoy themselves in every possible mode, and this may account for the fact that, notwithstanding the steady downpour of rain last night, the Mnnimoth Minstrels, at the Theatre Royal, had the largest audience of the season. The programme was a very good one, the first portion comprising several new items —notably “ Grandfather’s hen” by Mr. Bent, and “ Only a withered rose ”by Mr. 0. Fredericks. Ihe jokes, however, were so very stale that we can only account for their being favorably received by tbe consideration that, as stated above, those present had determined to enjoy themselves under all circumstances. “Fun in a Fog” was exceedingly diverting, and was accompanied by some really excellent marine scenery. The sketches, “ The Briny Cataract,” and “ Stratagem,” were each provocative of considerable merriment, and the quartette “The Message,” which was rendered by Messrs. Read, Fredericks, Campbell, and Amery, was received with rounds of applause. The entertainment concluded with a pantomime entitled “Jack, the Giant Killer, the part of clown being taken by Mr. Newlanda. The fun was fast and furiouf throughout the pantomime, and the mechanical effects were very good. The same programme ia announced for to-night.

ACADEMY OF MUSIC. The Academy of Music was crowded to the door last night on the occasion of the first production of the new pantomime of “Ladyebird, Jadyebinl, fly away home.” Great preparations had been made in the getting up of this Christmas piece, and the result was not at all disappointing, judging from tbe loud applause that greeted its prodvetion last evening. The extravaganza was one of an exceedingly simple character. The plot and scene are laid in New Zealand, and the references to the political state of the country are numerous, if not brilliant. The dresses are extremely appropriate, and the scenery very good, while the songs and dances do much towards the success of the pantomime. The principal characters are impersonated by Messrs. Cary, Brown, Gill, and others, and tbe Misses Cordelia Potter, Brown, Gwynne, and Heath. We have not space to speak in detail of the pantomine further than to say that it went very well for a first night. There were, of course, a few little hitches hero and there, but these will probably be avoided on repetition. Wo ought not to emit to mention the very pretty mameuvrea of a number of lads, who were dresaed as navy boys, who worked very well together. In tbe harlequinade Miss Gill sustained tbe part of the columbine with much grace and sprightliness, and Mr. Gill that of the harlequin, and Mr. Sylvester that of the clown. In this part there were a number of local allusions which appeared to find favor with the audience, particularly in reference to the “Auckland Four,” and how to bait rat traps to catch them. The transformation and final scenes were exceedingly beautiful, and fully deserved the hearty applause lavished upon their painter by the audience. On the whole,, for a first night, the performance was very creditable. The same programme will be given this evening, and until further notice.

FIESI HEAT. J. Gair I H. Tripe 2 pour entered. SECOND HEAT. Pi. Kirk i F. Rickards 2 Four entered. FINAL HEAT. Kirk 2 Gair 2 Open 120yd. Handicap. FIK3T HEAT. Davis 1 Rickar.D ... 2