QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY AT WANGANUI.

Patea Mail, 26 May 1881, Page 3

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY AT WANGANUI.

The trains running at excursion rates, with the extension of time for departure in the evening, led to a large influx of visitors from both south and north of Wanganui. The Exhibition and races were the chief centres of attraction, after the review of Volunteers which took place ea.ty. Only two trading steamers were in the river, and the display of hunting was meagre. During the afternoon, except the Avenue, and in the direction of the Race Course the town appeared as if deserted. VOLUNTEER PARADE. At ten o’clock on Tuesday morning the two companies of Rifles and the Cadets paraded near the bridge on Taupo quay, being drilled and put through a number of evolutions by the officers. Major Noake was present as inspecting officer. The volunteers then marched to the Drill Hall, where the exhibition was being held, the bands playing during the march. THE EXHIBITION. The .exhibition was well patronised from the time it was opened at eleven o’clock until the close, and was crowded in the evening. Since the opening day many improvements have been made. A number of new pictures have been hung, and those which were in position have been placed in the best possible light. The fountain in the centre of the nave has been quite finished, and now presents a very handsome appearance. THE RACES. The Races attracted about 1200 people The Wanganui Rifle Band played during the intervals of the races. The arrangements were all that could be desired, and the strictest order prevailed. The racing was good and resulted as follows : Wanganui Handicap Steeplechase, of 225 sbvs ; second horse 25 sovs. Distance) about 3 miles W. Douglas’s Venture 1 J. Higgie’s King Don 2 Brodie’s Chandler 3 Eclipse, Grey Momus, Lone Hand, Lady Mary, Sunray, Parikaranga, and Omannka also ran. Maiden Steeplechase, of 100 sovs. Distance, about 3 miles. W. Douglas’s Uira 1 J. Stevens’s Sunray 2 J. Rae’s St Swithin 3 Hawthorne, Parkaranga, Lady Mary, Czar, Monk, and Rawenata, also started. The Gx-and Stand Steeplechase, of 75 sovs. W. Douglas’s Venture 1 McAlister’s Eclipse 2 Lone Hand also ran. Consolation Handicap Steeplechase of 40 sovs. Distance about 1£ miles. J. Rae’s Grey Momus 1 H. Bradley’s Czar 2 J. Gallagher’s Rawenata 3 Lone Hand, 'Chandler, Omanuka, and Hawthorn, also ran. There were a number of throws during the races, but no serious accident occurred. Taylor, who rode Omanuka in the Consolation, received a severe shaking, but was able to walk off the course.