NORMAN BY SPORTS.

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

NORMAN BY SPORTS.

(from oue own correspondent.) The sports held in this rising township on Boxing Day were a great success—the weather being fine, the attendance large, and the events well contested. The only fault to be found was the slowness with which the events were got off, caused by not having the handicaps closed earlier in the day, thus causing a lot of unnecessary delay. Minix (half-caste), as usual, carried off all the jumping events, with the exception of the running high jump, where he was beaten by M. Byrne, who cleared 17 feet 2 inches. Mininis is undoubtedly the best and prettiest jumper ever seen in this district. The running high jump seems to bo his special favorite, and for which he has never been beaten. The best event of the day was the mile race, for which seven started. Dougherty, who had previously won the quarter of a mile, was installed first favorite. Whitcombe, however, had a good many fanciers, in spite of his want of condition, this being his favorite distance. A good start was effected, Whitcombe taking the lead, and cutting out the running at a good pace, with Packer and the Maori close up, Dougherty lying nearly last. Adamson gave in after the first two rounds, Greig ran well for about three-quarters of a mile, when he gradually fell back. In the last round, the only two in it were Whitcombe and Dougherty, the latter being still a good distance behind, and the race was looked upon as a certainty for Whitcombe, until about 100 yards from home, when Dougherty put on a splendid spurt, passing Whitcombe, and coming in a winner by about 15 yards. The other events did not call for any special notice. The following are the prize-takers ; 100 yards race, handicap —Mininix, Ist, £1; Byrne, 2nd, 7s Gd 100 yards race (boys)—W. Darkness, Ist, 5s

410 yards race (handicap.)—Dougherty, Ist, £1 10s; Packer, 2nd, 15s Running high jump—Mininix, Ist, £1; S. Adamson, 2nd, 10s. Height, 4ft lOin. Putting the stone, 231bs—E. Blake, Ist, 15s; Harrison, 2nd, ss. Distance, 24 feet 8 inches 440 Yards Race (Maoris only)—Eruini, Ist, £1; Hawe, 2nd, 10s Mile race—Dougherty, Ist, £4; Whitcombe, 2nd, £2, Packer, Adamson, Greig, Swanson, and a Maori also ran. Vaulting with the pole—Mininix, Ist, £1 10s (7ft Sin); Packer, 2nd, 10s Standing high jump—■Mininix, Ist, 15s (4ft); Packer, 2nd, 5s 300 yards three-legged race—Dougherty Bros, Ist, £1; Byrnes & Broadbent, 2nd, 10s . Running long jump—Byrnes, Ist, 10s (17ft 2inj; Mininix, 2nd, 5s Hurdle race (440 yards), over six flights of hurdles—Packer, Ist £2; Dougherty, 2nd,lss Tilting the ring—G. Barrow, Ist, £3; Sutton, 2nd, £1; Harrison, 3rd, 10s Hop, step, and jump—Mininix, 15s Consolation stakes—Adamson