WAVERLEY.

Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 418, 19 April 1879, Page 2

WAVERLEY.

(From our own Correspondent.) April 17. This Tournament on Easter Monday went off splendidly, though early in the day it was feared that the weather would turn out nnpropitions ; fortunately, however, it cleared off. The first contest was started at 10 a.m., and shortly after that hour spectators began to roil up in numbers. Vehicles of all descriptions made their appearance on the ground, the occupants, including a large proportion of the fair sex, appearing to have made up their minds to a day’s amusement. Mr Ballam’s booth was replete with refreshments, which seemed to be well appreciated. A pair horse coach plied from the Commercial Hotel to the course during the day, and proved a great convenience to a number of people who, owing to the distance, would not otherwise have been able to attend. The Patea Light Horse were represented, Captain Gower among others, being present. It was hoped that they would have had their uniforms ready in time, but it could not be managed. Some disappointment was expressed at the absence of the Hawera Troop, but doubtless it was Unavoidable. The following are the scores made by the different competitors .' — Ist contest, in squads of half sections, one-quarter of a mile, over two hurdles —D. McLean and J. Howie, 96 points; T. Thurston and A. Howie, 91 points ; A. Aitken and G. Johnston, 82 points ;• G.

Howie and W. Howie, 77 points ; Captaiii Walkinton and T. Aitken, 68 points . Messrs J. Thurston and Wisdom, 67 points ; Captain Gower and Gower, 63 point; Messrs Somerville and Laird, 47 points ; Milne and Nicholson, 47 points ; Allison and Allison, 29 points ; Cheyne and Vincent, 22 points. Register-keeper, Mr O’Hawes ; starter, Mr R. N. Hawes ; time-keeper, Capt. Parkes. 2nd contest. —Squads of three, centrd man to hold the horses ; half mile, over four hurdles—Messrs Allison. A. Symes, and Allison, 121 points ; Howie, E. Symes, and Howie, 157 points ; Somerville* Higgie, and Lain!, 172 points ; Milne, Riddle, and Nicholson, 117 points ; Gower, Contts, and Gower, 133 points ; Waikinton, Aitken, and Johnston. 130 points; M-Lean, Walker, arid Howie Howie’s horse fell at first hurdle, and squad did not fire ; Thurston, Aitken, and Howie, 207 points; Cheyne, Vincent, and Vincent (Cheyne’s horse refused the jumps), 54 points ; Thurston, Harrison, and Wisdom* 167 points. 3rd contest.—Heads and posts :—Mr A; Aiken, 21 points; Mr T. Ch»yne, 17 points ; Mr J. Thurston, 13 points ; Mr T. Taylor, 13 points; Mr W. Howie, 11 points*; Mr T. Walker, 10 points ; Mr Riddle, 9 points ; Mr W. Wisdom, 9 points ; Mr T. Riddle, 9 poiots ; Mr McLean, 6 points. Thurston and Taylor tied, the result being in Thurston’s fajor* he therefore took third place. -* m The pursuing practice did not come off. A ball was given by the Wairoa Cavalry in the evening, at which all enjoyed themselves. It was well attended, and the blue uniforms of the Alexandra troop formed a pleasing relief to the scarlet Wairoas. The committee were, as usual, indefatigable in their efforts to make everything go off well, and succeeded to a marvel. Mr Taylor again took charge of the refreshment department, which was_ excellent. Dancing was kept up until daylight. A rifle match was fired on Tuesday between the Wairoa and Alexandra troops, with tire following results ;—Wairoa, 284 ; Alexandra* 249. The Assessment Court was opened here on Wednesday, and again adlourned until the 30th April. At the R.M. Court on Wednesday, D. M. Hogg was charged, on the information of Constable Burrow, with a breach of the Arms Act. It was shown that three pounds of powder had been sold, the vendor not having a license. Accused was committed to take his trial at the District Court, the Bench saying that the law gave them no option in the matter. The first instalment of books for the Library has arrived, and appears a very good selection. The committee will commence to issue as soon as possible. In report of Mr Macandrew’s visit a slight error appeared—viz., .that the likely site for the railway station was in the' direction of the country. It should have read “ cemetery ” instead of country.