NEWS OF THE DAY.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 978, 2 January 1883, Page 2

NEWS OF THE DAY.

The Steward of the Hospital acknowledges, with thanks, presents as follow : A cake from Mrs Ilowitt, potatoes from Mrs Dixon, honey from Airs Taplin, flowers from Mr Williamson, fruit from Masters Taplin.

New Year’s Eve passed off very quietly indeed. The usual midnight .services in the Churches were held, and were well attended. Afterwards there were a few crackers flying about, but that was all. The Caledonian Society’s sports yesterday attracted a largo gathering of people. The weather was all that could be desired, and everything passed olf with eclat. The Champion Cup foil to the lot of Mr A. Walker, who proved himself to bo something better than his name.

Yesterday was observed as a close holiday by the Post and Telegraph Office, hence we are without our usual budget of telegraphic news. Mr D. Coutts, having let his house and grounds for a couple of.years, will leave for Auckland at the end of the month.

A requisition lias been presented to Mr Morgan, Chairman of the Patea West Road Board, asking him to call a public meeting for tlie purpose of considering the question of suspending the Counties’ Act in the district. In compliance with the request, a meeting will be bold at the Kakaramea Town Hail on Monday next; the Bth inst., at 7 p.rn. Tenders are invited for collecting tlie Dog-tax for the Hawera Borough Council.

Mr W Cowern will hold his stock sale at the Hawera yards to-morrow commencing at 2 p.m. There is a fair curry of stock.

Mr Bailey passed through Patea on Saturday with seven fine bulls from Mr Caverlnll’s farm. Six of them are destined for Mr J. Hair, of Wavcrlcy, and the seventh is to be shipped for Timaru.

A special meeting of tlie Borough Council was held on Friday evening, to decide the method of valuing the property within the Borough. According to a recent Act the Borough have the power of availing themselves of the Property Tax assessment ; but as that remains in force for three years, it is obvious that it would be objectionable in a growing borough like Patea. It was resolved “ That the Council declare by special resolution that a valuation o£ all property, as provided by the Hating Act, 1882, lie made by the said Council ; and that Thomas Eyton, Clerk to the Council, be appointed Valuer.” This was all the business. Those present were—His Worship the Mayor, and Crs Mahony, Haywood, Dixon, and Aitchison. They have got something now to talk about in Auckland, The Star of Thursday last says : Tlie sensation in Queen-street to-day was a 1 arly on a bicycle. She bad not ventured upon so great an innovation as the bloomer costume, but wore tlie orthodox skirt, from beneath which, however, peeped a large display of red atockiugs. Business men raised their weary eyes from the engrossing task, and as they cast a glance at the daring equestrienne, sighed the world is progressing.”

Some people cannot keep their lingers off other people’s property, no matter whether it is valuable or not. A case in point occurred last week in Auckland. A man named Roe was employed carting stone from where the prisoners wore at work outside Mount Eden gaol, and seeing one of the warders’ coats lying- down lifted it. He sold the article and bought some tobacco, which lie gave to one of the prisoners, who in return informed against him. 800 is now taking a hand with the labour gang himself.

Some smart work was done on Port on Friday, when the Waihi came in on the mid-day tide, discharged 53 tons cargo, and having shipped some sixty odd bales of wool, got away on the same tide. The Clerk of the Vincent County (Otago) has been appropriating the funds to his own use. liis defalcations, so far as are yet known, amount to £476 16s Bd. Is there no equivalent for “ tombstone” in the Maori language ? One witness at the Napier Supremo Court recently spoke in Maori, but continually camo to the word “ tombstone,” which was pronounced in excellent English. The effect, says the Hawke’s Bay Herald, was very comical.

It is doubtful, according to a Home paper, whether the present generation has witnessed so great a rainfall as has been recorded during the past three weeks at this period of the year. Although occasionally stormy, October has usually been a not insalubrious month in point of weather : in fact, whenever we have had a particularly wet summer it has always been regarded as affording a short respite before we are launched upon the terrors of winter. But this year every anticipation of kind baa boon grievously beside the mark. Rain and sleet, only to be replaced by storms of unexampled violence, have prevailed throughout the entire month. The Meteorological Council has had its predictions so persistently falsified that public confidence in their reliability was much shaken. Their forecasts omitted altogether to give any warning of the two severe storms with which wo have been visited lately. The public, forgetful of the general character for accuracy earned by these reports, is beginning to ask whether they are worth the £15,000 a year expended in their preparation. Meteorological science is still apparently in its infancy ; hut it: is fair to hope that, much will have been done towards a better knowledge of its mysteries by the lessons of the last month. There died in Delaware county, Pa., a few weeks ago, a prosperous and generally esteemed fanner, nearly 100 years of age, who, for forty years, had never spoken a word to his wife, nor had she to him, nor had any one of their five children, of whom .three, with their mother, are still living, spoken a word to any other member of the family. And yet they all lived under one roof and were in full possession of their faculties. Forty years ago, it is said, Ure wife was bequeathed a small sum of money by a relative, winch her husband desired to use-in purchasing farming implements and otherwise improving the property. She said “No!” Ho vowed that unless lie was given the money he would never speak another word to her ! This vow ho steadfastly kept to the end of his life. The three daughters, then quite young, at first tried to reconcile their parents, but failed. Then one sided with the lather, another with the mother and the third became disheartened with the whole job. So they quarrelled, the two sous died, and never again a word was spoken in. the household, save to visitors. The death of the husband and father has -made no change in the situation, and the survivors move about the house as if utterly oblivions of each other’s presence.

Opunake people are wise in their generation. They pull well together when there is anything to he done for the place. Patea people pull both ways and the result is nil. The Opunake people with a view to calling attention to the good harbour accommodation which a slight expenditure would secure, some 300 copies of the survey plan, prepared by Mr C. W„ Hursthouse, are being secured for circulation in the chief towns of the colony but more especially for Chambers of Commerce and mercantile men. The forming of a breakwater, which, could also be used as a wharf, is, believed to bo not only practicable, but easy, by following the present line of reef. Fifteen to twenty thousand pounds is all that is required. An effort must be made by us to meet the above movement. Our plans must bo hurried on and a spirited attempt made to raise money and start work. If the matter is gone about in the right way we sec no reason why it should not be carried to a successful issue. The question of the advisablencss of harbour works has been settled long ago in the affirmative. It but remains for us to face o.ur difficulties boldly and “ by opposing end them.”

Storekeepers and others who arc in the habit of keeping a quantity of kerosene upon their premises, would do well to look up an order in Council that appears in tile Cfazcite oE December 21. It declares that kerosene and any other distillate or product of petroleum, shall come within the provisions of the “ Dangerous bloods Act, 1882,” except Section 10, which relates to vessels carrying such goods, notwithstanding that they do not give off inflammable vapour at a temperature of loss than 110 dogs., Fahr. Some of the Glauses of the Act arc specially interesting to carriers and shippers as well, and arc worth while looking into. One of the members of the Auckland team of cricketers has been writing a review of their tour in the And land Slur, and in the course of his remarks is very -severe upon Robinson, ttic captain. He says that the Christchurch match was lost solely through raisma'nagcmeut on (ho part of the captain, who, in spite of (ho remonstrances of the others would insist upon attending a dinner party to which ho and three or four of the best bats were invited. Ha persuaded thorn to accompany him, and it is assumed that the night’s festivities were too much for their nerves and hence their defeat.

New Zealand has five free public libraries at present, viz, ; Christchurch, with 14,533 volumes ; Auckland, with 5,150 volumes ; Greytown, with 2,100 volumes ; Palmerston North, 700 ; and Otokia (Otago), 235.

PATEA C A LED ONI YE SPORTS. •—— President —Mr R. C. Tonnent. Vice-President —Mr F. L. Jacob. Starter—LM.V R. C. Tcnncnt. Ilandicappers—lslQzsrs 1». 0. Tennent and W. Dixon. Judges; Running— Messrs S. Taplin and Jacob. Jumping —Messrs R. B. Hamilton, and J. Riselcy.

This annual gathering, now in its fifth year, is increasing in importance and popularity with every meeting. Ample proof of that was evinced yesterday by the largo crowd of people that gathered on the Domain to witness the contests and listen to the sweet music discoursed by the band. The sports themselves were thoroughly successful. Except in one or two instances the fields were numerous, and the handicappers had, on the whole, succeeded in bringing the men pretty well together. Mr A. Walker certainly showed such good form that his handicaps made things easy, but then it was the first lime lie had run in public and therefore no fault can be found. G, Pearce was amongst the successful competitors, and the easy manner in which he appropriated the hail-mile showed' that at that distance he would take a lot of beating. The jumping was good, Mr Sergeant really deserving first place although he had to be content with second through the handicaps. The mile race was a very hollow affair Johnston making an exhibition of the field. We think it was a pity that this race which really should have been the event of the day was placed so tar down on the programme. Those who had entered thought so too, for out of thirteen nominations only four faced the starter. Details of the events will he found below. The stewards worked with a will. Mr Tennent, managed to get the men well away together and the Secretary, Mr Hyams, was always at hrs post. We beg to thank him for the readiness with which he furnished whatever information we required. The little ones were not overlooked in the day’s proceedings. Swings had been erected, and were in constant use throughout the day, while somewhere about fifty races were improvised for the youngsters amusement. The Stewards provided a large supply of toys for prizes, and managed to handicap the tiny competitors so adroitly that (here was a fair distribution of the gifts. The band showed how nicely they can play, and their lively strains served to fill the intervals between the events very pleasantly. Mr F. McCarthy had the booth, and must have done pretty well out of it; while, judging from the smiles upon Mr Dixon’s face, ho must have come out right in his gate speculation. The society may fairly congratulate themselves on the success of their sports this year. Next time we hope they will see their' way to rope in the courses so that everybody can see what is going on, and also make arrange numts to have an official time-keeper. It is hopeless to expect really good handicaps unless an official record is kept of the time made by the men in various events. Competitors also would be much better pleased to have the time taken. Subjoined is a list of the events: Boy’s Race, 150 yds (under 15 years)— First prize, 15s ; second, 5s Lett, 4yds 1 Hirst, 7yds 2 Tui, scratch ... ... ... 3 This, the first event of the day, was a capital run. Hirst ran gamely throughout, but his bigger opponent was too many for him.

Maiden [Race, 150yds—First prize, £2 ; second, 10s Tuirirangi ... ... ... 1 A Pearco .. ... ... 2 Temporley ... ... ... 3 Munro, Carmody, and Quinlan also ran. At the signal all got off well together. When about half the distance bad been covered, the Maori assumed the lead, which ho maintained to (he finish, winning by about a yard from Pearco. Temperley was a good third. Time, ITsecs. Running High Jump, Handicap—First prize, £3 ; second, £1 10s ; third, 10s Hep. Cleared S Ussher ...4in...4ft IHin 1 . A Sergeant ...2in,..5ft |in... 2 Josh McCarty. 4in...4ft BUn 3 G- Broughton (2 inches) and Carmody (scratch) also competed. The jumping commenced at 4ft 4m, and was risen to 4ft 54in, at which the scratch man broke down." McCarty was.unable to ncgociato 4ft 91-in, and another inch proved too much "for Broughton. The jumping between Sergeant and Ussher was very creditable." The latter failed at 4ft IHin, while Sergeant cleared sft in fine style. Ho declined to try any more, and by way of showing that; an accident had put him out of it, cleared the same height with comparative ease. 100 Yards Handicap—First, £3 ; second 30s ; third,los First Heat. A. Walker, (syds ... ... 1 D. Kitchen 4yds ... ... 2 G Pearce, 4yds 3 . Time, 12seca. Second Heat. A Pearco, syds ... ... 1 Temperley, 7yds ... ... 2 Stretch, scratch ... ... 3 Time, 11 secs. Final Heat. .Walker 1 A Pearco 2 D Kitchen ... ... ... 5 Six ran in the first heat, which resulted as above. G. Pearce entered a. protest against the decision of the Judges, who gave the third place to Aldridge, and, after discussion, the Committee decided that both men should run off for the privilege of starling in the final. The men agreed and Pearce won easily. The second heat was well contested, and the final heat was a fine race between the second and third man, Walker winning pretty easily. There wove thirteen competitors altogether. Standing High Jump, Handicap—First prize, £1 10s ; second, 10s. Hep Leaped G Pearce Sin 4ft tin 1 Carmody scratch 4ft Bin 2 Sergeant 2in 4ft 3 Broughton lin 4ft lin 0 A protest was entered against Pearce on the ground that he made a foul jump.

Quarter Mjle Handicap— •First, £5 second, £2 ; third, £1 A Walker, 18 yards 1 T Copeland, scratch 2 R Aldridge, 9yds ... ... 3 There were ten acceptors for tins race, viz., T M Copeland scratch, A T Wills, R Aldridge, (I Pearce 9yds, T Powell 12yds, T Johnson 15yds, A Walker, W Seaife, W Kitchipg 18yds, I Baxter 20 yds. The men got off well together, and, passjng the post for the first time, Walker was leading, with Seaife and Kitching close up, the rest being in a hunch about three yards in the rear. Half way round Copeland commenced to go up, and, on entering the straight, had run into second place. A good race ensued, but Walker could not be collared, and won easily, Copeland secondhand Aldridge third, with Seaife close up. Vaulting with Pole, Handicap—First, £3, second, £1 Hep Cleared D Kitchen sc 9ft Tin 1 Wbanau 2in 9ft 4in 2 John (Maori) Sin Bt't lOin 3

McCartney, the other competitor, retired after the first jump. Hurdle Handicap, 220 yds—First, £4, second, 30s, third, 10s T Copeland scr ... ... 1 Wills 6yds ... ... ... 2 Broughton 2yds ... ... 3 Aldridge 6yds ... ... 0 Sheahan, 15yds ... ... 0 Five accepted for this event which was won easily by Copeland. All tbe men cleared the hurdles, which wore pretty stiff, in first-class style. Putting Shot—First prize, £1 10 second, 10s. McKenna 36ft Oin 1 Hurley 33ft 9in ... 2 , Cannody, McKittrick, -and Sangstcr also competed. Stone and Basket Race—First, £4 , second, £2 ; third, £l. T. Johnston ... ... 1 M. Quinlivan 2 C. Copeland ... ... 3 I). Kitchen ... ... 0 There was a good deal of interest manifested in this competition which resulted as above. Johnston went to- work in a very systeihatic manner, and kept pegging away very, steadily' throughout, winning a trying event with something to spare. Running Long Jump Handicap—First, £3 ; second, £1 10s ; third, 10s. hdeap. jump Walker, Dins, 17ft Din ... 1 Tmirangi, Sins, 17ft lOins ) . 9 Ussher, 12ins... ... ) A Sergeant, Gins ... ... 3 Carmody, Sins ... ... . 0 Turirangi and Ussher being equal, the lie was jumped off, when they again tied, and agreed lu divide the money 7. 200 Yards Handicap—First, £3 ; second, £1 10s ; third, 10s A Walker, 10y 7 ds ... ... 1 J Stretch, scratch ... ... 2 J Temperley, 10y 7 ds ... ... 3 This race was an easy thing for Walker, who, throughout the day, proved himself a great deal better runner than the handicapper had given him the credit of being. Throwing- Cricket Ball—First £2, second, 10s Seaife 84yds ... ... 1 Temperley 82yds. ... . ... 2 McKenna, Sweeney 7 , Read, W Kitching, and Wills also competed. Champion Half Mile —First, £5, second, £2, third £1 G Pearce ... ... ... 1 T Copeland ... ... ... 2 . R Aldridge ... ... ... 3

Kitchen and Quinlan also ran. Passing the post for the first time Pearce held a lead with Quinlan next. Going round the off side Copeland improved his position and Aldridge and lie were on terms. Pearce, however, was full of running and came in some yards ahead, the others being all pretty 7 close together. Old Men’s Race (50 years or over) —150 yards ; first, £3 ; second, £1 D. Pellat was the only entry 7 , and this race was, therefore, scored off the programme. Champion 100 Yards —First, £5 ; second, £2 ; third, £1 J Stretch ... ... ... 1 B Aldridge... ... ... 2 G Pearce ... ... ... 3 O. Copeland, Neill, and Dixon also ran. The lot got off well together, but after 50 yards the result was never in doubt. Aldridge and Pearce ran well for second place. One Mile Handicap —First, £6 ; second, £3 ; third. £1 10s T Johnston, 30yds ... ... 1 Powell, 25yds . . ... 2 Wuiser, 30y 7 ds ... ... 3 W Seaife, 40yds ... ... 0

Out of thirteen nominations only 7 four came to the post. Seaife made the pace for them, and led for the first two laps, when Johnston, who was waiting upon him, assumed the lead, Wuiser and Powell being in the rear. This order was maintained to the end of the race, with the exception that Seaife dropped out in the fifth lap. The race was most uninteresting, neither Powell nor Wuiser being able to make Johnston extend himself. 100 yds Race (Boys under 12) —First, 15s ; second, 5s Hurley 1 Patterson ... ... ... 2 D Hurley 3 Consolation Handicap, 200 yds First, £3 ; second, £1 W Seaife ... ... ... 1 Temperley ... ... ... 2 Wills 3

Aldridge, W Kitching, C Copeland, Carey, and Carmody also ran. This was a capital race, the first three being very cIo D e together. This event was the last on tbo card, and the assemblage then dispersed, well pleased with the day’s sport.