HARBOUR BOARD RESERVES.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 282, 29 December 1877, Page 2

HARBOUR BOARD RESERVES.

(To the Editor of the Patea Mail.) Sir, — It being reported that the Patea Harbour Board has determined to have the reserves belonging to them sold, can you inform the public if the land will be sold by the officers of the Waste Lands Board —or by an auctioneer appointed by the Board. If by an auctioneer, I would suggest to the Board, that there are three licensed auctioneers in the district, and it would be advisable, in the interest of the public, to ask those gentlemen to name the terras upon which they would dispose of the land belonging to the Board. I understand the land is worth several thousand pounds, so that a difference of even half or one per cent would make a considerable difference to the Board’s funds.—l am, &c., ECONOMY.

PATEA CHRISTMAS SPORTS. The above sports were field on Boxing Bay (26th instant), on the flat at the back of the Town Hall. The day was beautifully fine and a large number of spectators, of both sexes, were attracted to the scene of operations. The following aretthe names of the Committee—Messrs G. VV. Gano, J. Lett, T. Morgan, J. Dawson, D. Dickie, W. Colson, H. I. Davis, many of whom worked with thorough earnestness. Two of the committee (the most active being Mr W. Colson) looked specially after the little folks, amongst whom a number of small prizes were distributed. The Judges were —C. Symes, Esq., and R. E. Mcßae, Esq., who may take credit for having given general satisfaction, though, of course, not wholly so. The Handicappers were W. Coweru, Esq., and R. C. Tennent, Esq., and it must bo admitted that they had a difficult and somewhat vexations task to perform, and one in which it would bo impossible to please everybody. These gentlemen deserve no small share of the credit of the successful sports. Mr D. M. Harris acted as Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, and from an early hour in the morning was kept busy with the preliminary arrangements.

The following is a list of the events:— Maiden race, 150 yards—lst prize, £1 ; second do, 5s —Only three started for this race, which was closely contested, and was won by G. Nicholson by 3 yards. Hargreaves would have run him closer but for a jostle at the start. Hurly, third. Boys race, under 14 years —handicap; post entry; 100 yds. First prize, 10s; second do, 7s Gel; third do, ss—This brought a large field of botli European and Maori hoys to their respective places. The first start resulted in a dead heat, and in the run off was won by the Maori by 2 yards. Patea Cup (100, 200, and 300 yards), handicap. First prize, £5; second do, £1 10s; third do, 10s. This was the principal event of the day, and brought out a large field to toe their respective places. A false start was made, but at the next try the lot got away well together. Hargreaves (7 yards) cut through his men and led, when VV. Nicholson (5 yards) rushed passed, but Hargreaves putting on a sjsurt regained his former position, and led them along at a merry pace, which he maintained to the last, coining in first by 1 yard. VV. Nicholson ran Hargreaves close, and came in a good second. W. Williams and J. Adamson ran very close for third places. The judges being unable to decide which was third, hut the prize was afterwards given to G. Nicholson who ran second in the 200 yards. Running High Jump. First prize, £1; second, do, 10s —Five contested, and after a good tight tussel, the first prize was awarded to D. Williams (4ft llin); Broughton (half-caste) being second with 4ft 7in.

Three Legged race. First prize, 15s; second prize, 5s. —Only two competed for this event, which was won by two dark friends. Chadwick and Co, second.

Patea Cup (second event, 200 yards). —This only brought forward live out niton, the remainder being scratched. W. Nicholson (8 yards) jumped away at the sound of the pistol, and soon disposed of his brother (who had 12 yards), and won by 3 yards. G. A. Nicholson, second; W. Williams (scratch), third. Standing high jump. First prize, 15s ; second do, ss. Won by D. Williams. A Maori being second. Quarter mile hurdle race —8 hurdles, 3ft Cinches high; handicap. First prize, £2; second do, 10s. Four paraded for this event, W. Dixon being favorite. Adamson (10yds) jumped away and led for about 200 yards, when be had to give way to Dixon. On rising the hill at the third jump they were together again, and ran to the next jump which they negotiated with difficulty. Sangster, who was running behind, was baulked at the hurdle, but got over, and putting on a spurt, shot past Dixon, and almost collared Adamson when but one yard from the goal. J }. Williams was outpaced from the start, and pulled up half way from homo. I Boys and Girl’s racc.r 50 yards—About thirty paraded, and c,s all received prizes in the shape of toys, we suppose all won. Air W. Colson was director-in- chief. Vaulting with pole—First prize, £1 ; second do, ss. Both Europeans and Maoris again met to compete for victory. The Maoris succeeded in taking off first and second prizes, after a tough contest Height of jump, 9 feet 1 inch. Patea Cup (third event, 300 yards)— Three only took places, to settle the race. J. Smith (18 yards) made the running for 100 yards, when Hargreaves (who had 15 yards) ran up and took the lead, but had to give way to W. Nicholson (10 yards), who came forward full of running, and maintained speed to the finish. Hargreaves put on a good spurt but could not get on terms with Nicholson. Smith, a good third.

Sack race—Prize, 10s. Sangster, first ; Kongo (Maori), second. Maori race, half mile —First piize, 15s ; second do, ss. Four started, but two soon dropped out, tho others continuing at a jog trot, but put on a spurt at the finish. The winner turned out to be Broughton, with Ran go second. Tilting 1 he ring—First prize, £4 ; second do, £l. Harcourt (8 rings) first ; Keys, (7 rings) second. Quarter mile race, handicap—First prize, £2 ; second do, 10s. Four started. Adamson (20 yards) made play, but was soon passed by Smith, who led merrily, and won by G yards ; Sangster (10 yards) second ; Dixon (scratch) third. Adamson pulled up when he had covered half the distance. Standing long jump—Prize, 10s. Only two entered, the winner being Chadwick, with 9 feet 10 inches jump ; Sergeant, 9 feet. Half mile handicap flat race—First prize, £3 ; second do, £l. Three out of five entered, started —Dixon just going in to start the race. J. Smith (30 yards) led for about 300 yards, when Corrigan (who started from scratch) put on a splendid spurt, and disposing of Smith increased his lead to 12 yards, and on passing the judges pulled up, although he had only covered about half the distance. Smith came close up before Corrigan discoved his mistake, but again set off taking the lead. Smith, who had been running well, put on a fine spurt and shooting past Corrigan, increased his lead to about 12 yards which he maintained to the finish. Consolation race, handicap ; 250 yards — First prize, £1; second do, ss. Only three come forward. Dixon was put to scratch,

and had to give a fresh man 10 yards, and another (Sergeant) the same distance. Dixon soon overtook Sergeant, but could not catch Hurly, who won by 4 yards. Thus ended a good day’s sport. Thanks are due to the committee and other gentlemen who laboured so indefatigably to secure and achieve success.