Hospital Fete.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 1006, 1 December 1881, Page 3

Hospital Fete.

Yesterday was Queen’s (some said it was Sam Stevenson’s) weather for the Volunteer and Friendly Societies’ fete, and a most enjoyable time was spent on the Whataupoko Block, access to which permission had been ac-

corded to hold the sports, by the proprietor ; as, also, by Mr; Rees, or Read’s Trustees, or Mr Davies, the contractor, or whomsoever (he bridge ever the Taruheru belongs to, to cross, and levy toll on that structure. The Volunteers, under Captain

Winter, headed by their excellent band, under Bandmaster Faram, marched to the ground about 10.30,

and were put through a few infantry movements as a preliminary to the sports, which began tolerably punctual at the prescribed hour. Amongst the Volunteer proeessists,

and following in order, were representative members of the Oddfellows, Hibernian, and Forester Lodges, who, being clad in Regalia, and other insignia of office, imparted an additional interest to the proceedings.

There was a large gathering on the ground ; the sea breeze moderated the of a glaring sun, beaming from an unclouded sky, and everything passed off with satisfaction to all. The space at our disposal will not admit of our doing more than giving a record of the results of the various events, which are as follow :—-

1. 150 YARDS HANDICAP, for Boys under 15. Entrance, Is. Ist Prize, 12s 6d, and Parnell & Boylan’e prize of set garden tools ; 2nd Prize 7s 6d and Cricket Ball, E. K. Brown’s. Eleven youngsters put in an appearance for this opening event. F. O’Meara, who received two yards of Martin and King, won by a yard from Hepburn; Langford and F. Vandy close up.

2. St. ANDREW’S HANDICAP. For this race there were three events, and a prize for each. The highest scorer in all the events obtained a cup, presented by Mr. J. Berry. The scores counted sto Ist, 3to 2nd, and 2 to 3rd. Entrance, 2s 6d for each event, or 5s for the Handicap. Ist event, 100 yards ; start 11 40. Ist Prize, £1 ; 2nd Prize a Ham, presented by H. A. Downes. Eight faced the starter, and E. Chrisp, with seven yards start, won all through. McNeill second, three yards off; Adeane and Cook nearly level.

3. HOP, STEP AND JUMP. Entrance, 2s 6d. Ist Prize, a Dressed Sheep, presented by Thelwall & Co. ; 2nd Prize, Copy of Standard for 6 months, presented by Mogridge and Webb. J. Nash and J. Boynton made some good attempts, and paved the way for McNeill and TamatL The jumping of the Maori was exceedingly clean, and on being told by the judge, Mr C. D. Berry, that he had lost by some six inches, he simply remarked “ Too much tucker !” McNeill’s distance was 39ft Bin.

4. BOAT RACE, by Members of the Gisborne Rowing Club ; Ist Heat to start 12.20.

We could only get a bird’s eye view of this, but Pavitt’s crew, who rounded the Point close in, won by two lengths. 5. MAIDEN FLAT RACE ; 220 yards ; start 12.40, Entrance, 3s. Ist Prize, Good’s Cup ; 2nd Prize, Clock presented by M. G. Nasmith. H. Cook won, and McNeill was second, four yards off, but they did not over-exert ■themselves, as the programme was not finished. The interval of lunch was welcomed by all, and the committee in fulfilling their arduous duties were prepared to go into the question of the 100 Yards Race, for which a protest had been entered—some saying the distance was short [and if the “ clock ” was right it ’was]. We were happy to hear that the protest had been withdrawn. '6. SECOND HEAT BOAT RACE ; to start 2 p.m. Won by Mr. Ratcliffe’s crew by a length. St. ANDREW’S HANDICAP, 2nd Event; 200 yards ; to start 2.20. Ist Prize £1 ; 2nd Prize, Picture, value 15s, presented by Bourke, Smith & Co. Chrisp won by four or five yards. Cook and J. Berry appeared to be level for second honours. •9. STEEPLECHASE; i-mile ;to start 3 p.m. Entrance, ss. Ist Prize, £1 and Horse, presented by S. ’Stevenson ; 2nd Prize, £-ton Coal presented by Kennedy and Bennett. The course decided on after some debate ’•was from the winning-post against the flags, across’the river, round a flag on -top of the hill, and ‘round the course to the start. This an interesting race, and McFarlane took a fair the river, breasted the hill gallantly, “ condition ” Celling -by Ins Ultimat e ’win.’ Berry looked dangerous'when they rounded the flag, but died away.

10. CHAMPION SWIMMING RACE ; 200 yards ; to start about 3.10. Entrance 2s 6d. Ist Prize, 80s, and Cup, presented by Messrs. Brassey:and Nolan ; 2nd Prize, Coat value 20s, presnted by Messrs Teat and Friar. For this event, that one would imagine a host of competitors would have been on the bank or about the starting-boat, only two appeared, and as .it was “ three or no race,” it fell through, Thomas swimming placidly down in company with Jameson. 11. SWIMMING RACE, for Boys: 100 . yards ; to start -aboiit 3.20. Entrance, Is; Ist Prize, ss,’ and J. Erskine’s Prize Cake, value 10s ; 2nd Prize, set of Jugs, presented by J. East. No entries. Not a lad of. Poverty Bay, in which, to our knowledge, there are some good swimmers. 13. St. ANDREWS’ HANDICAP, 3rd Event ; 300 yards. To start at 4 p.m, Ist Prize, £1 ; 2nd, Lamp, value 15s, presented by Large & Townley. E. Chrisp, with 26 yards Start, led till within 20 yards of the post, and could have won he fejt. so inclined, r but for some inscrutable reason he allowed McNeill to win by a*yard, Obok being close up for 3rd place. $ - 14. HANDICAP WALKING RACE, U miles ; Entrance, 3s. To start at 4.20. Ist Prize, 1 doz. wine and spirits, presented by* S. -M. Wilson ; 2nd Prize, 'Carr & Sons’ prize 'value 255. J. McFarlane (250 yards start) led twice round by about 100 yards, when Collett and J. Berry came . together, and Berry who certainly showed fair heel and toe, then passed Collett who retired. Berry stuck gamely to McFarlane, and got within 80 yards of him, but died away. Mac won by 150 yards. 15. TUG OF WAR, between teams chosen from Friendly Societies, Boating Club, and Volunteers, 5 asida. Entrance fee, Is. To start at 4.40. Ist Prize, Fatted Calf, presented by J. Tutchen. There were two trials for this event, the first being between 5 members of the A.O.F 1 Lodge; and a like number of the J Battery and after a good struggle the latter won. There was a dispute about the other trial' 17. CONSOLATION RACE, for defeated competitors in any event of the day ; distance, 150 yards. Start at 5 p.m. Entrance, Is. Ist Prize, A. Weston’s prize of 1 pint of milk delivered daily for 12 months ; 2nd prize, cake value 7s 6d presented by A. Allanach. This race was the last of the day, and was won easily by James Wyllie, who led from the start. There were two extra events contested for, one being a standing high jump which was w’on by A. Gray; the other being a running high jump which was won by a Native, who cleared 4ft 10in.-