QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY SPORTS AT MANUTAHI.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 222, 26 May 1877, Page 2

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY SPORTS AT MANUTAHI.

Sports took place at Manutahi, as per announcement, on Thursday last (Queen’s Birthday). The heavy downpour of rain on Wednesday, and the damp and uncomfortable appearance of the weather on Thursday, was not favourable to a large gathering. Maoris, however, were present in force, and during the day a goodly number of Europeans visited the grounds —ladies and gentlemen. Several vehicle and horseback parties were in attendance from Carlyle, whilst Hawera and surrounding districts were represented to some extent.

The sports wore held in the large flat paddock adjoining the Manutahi Hotel, which Mr Schultz had considerately allowed to be used for the purpose. Every preparation had been made by the committee for the proposed sports—hurdles and appliances being at hand, and the ground having been taped off for the different events. The sports commenced about the time stated, and for most of the events there was no lack of entries, Maoris figuring largely amongst tho competitors, and carrying off many of the prizes. In the vaulting match, the competitors were all Maoris. Settlers around responded fairly well in the matter of subscriptions, and had the weather been more congenial, there is little doubt but their would have been a large gathering. The most active members of the working committee were Messrs R. W. Foreman, J. G. Ginger, G. Ginger, and Corrigan Mr Fraser, of Carlyle, assisted as starter in the running matches during the earlier part of the day. All are deserving of credit for their efforts to make the sports successful. Tho host of the Manutahi Hotel served a good dinner at a most reasonable charge, and the arrangements made showed that his establishment was equal to a tolerably heavy crush of visitors. A room was set apart for ladies and married couples—the large room behind the bar being devoted to the committee and visitors of the sterner sex.

The following is a list of events which had taken place up to the time our reporter left the ground : 100 yards Flat Face, for all maiden runners—First prize, £1 ; second do, entrance monies. Six entries. Jas. Smith, 1 ; Ngapuki, 2. Boy’s Bacc, under 1G years (200 yards), handicap—First prize, 12s Gd ; second do, entrance monies. Kariritahi, 1 ; John Campbell, 2. Running High Jump—First prize, 15s ; second do, 7s 6d and entrance monies. Five entries. William Minex (half-caste), 1 ; Taunini, 2. Putting the Stone —First prize, 15s ; second do, entrance monies. Seven entries. Ngapuki (16 feet 9£ inches), 1 ; W. Adamson, 2. Hurdle Race, 200 yards, over 8 hurdles 3 feet G inches—First prize, £1 10s ; second do, 7s Gd and entrance monies. Five entries. William Minex, 1 ; Jack Adamson, 2. An awkward start was made, and two of the competitors stopped running. Adamson, who kept second place all through the race, slipped after clearing the last hurdle, and the third man pushed forward. A protest being entered, Adamson was awarded second prize. Running Hop, Step, and Jump—First prize, 15s ; second do, entrance monies. Four entries. William Minex, (37 feet 8 inches), 1 ; Te Rongo (37 feet 4 inches), 2. Flat Race, 150 yds—First prize, £1 15s ; second do, 7s Gd and entrance monies. Eight entries. William Minex, 1 ; D. Williams, 2. Running Long Jump—First prize, 15s ; second do, entrance monies. Four entries. William Minex (18 feet 5£ inches), 1 ; Rongo (17 feet 11 inches), 2. Half-mile Race—First prize, £2 ; second do, 10s and entrance monies. Three entries. B. Corrigan, 1 : D. Williams, 2. Vaulting with pole was won by Tiny (a Maori), 9 feet 6 inches ; the quarter-mile race by B. Corrigan. The greasy pig, which was brought on the ground In a large case, was caught by a Maori.