WAERENGA-A-HIKA CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1019, 3 January 1882, Page 2

WAERENGA-A-HIKA CALEDONIAN SPORTS.

Under the Patronage of Messrs. A. McDonald, M.H.R.; C. D. Bennett, Mayor ; C. D. Pitt, C. D. Bebby, A. Graham, S. Stevenson, W. Common, S. Locke, Montagu Smith, T. E. B. Bloomfield S. M. Wilson, M. J. Gannon, J. B. Poynteb and J. Whinbay. President : A. McDonald Esq., M.H.R. Stewards :C. D. Pitt Esq.; C. D. Bebby Esq.; A. Graham Esq. ; S. Stevenson Esq.; T. E. R. Bloomfield Esq.; J. Whinbat Esq.; Montagu Smith, Esq. Referee ■ A. Gbaham Esq. Judge : J. B. Poynteb Esq. Hand tc» fees, Foot Races : C.D. Berry Esq. Handicafpeb, House Racks : E. Dbvery Esq. Clerk or Scales : Montagu Smith Esq. Stabtee : C. D. Pitt Esq. Secretary A Treasurer : C. D. Berry Esq The sports advertised to take place on the grounds at Waerenga-a-hika on Monday last attracted a fair share of public patronage. We noticed that the attendance was not so large as on Boxing Day. That, doubtless, was owing to the many counter-attractions elsewhere in the shape of picnics, boating parties, and riding parties. In the early part of the day Gisborne itself presented quite a scene of bustle, almost every one being attired in holiday costume, and seeming intent upon having a regular gala day. The main centre of attraction was the Caledonian Sports at Waerenga-a-hika. The pleasure-seekers from town started off to the enlivening strains of music, all the coaches, in fact every available vehicle and horse in the stables having been utilized for the occasion. The drive out from town was far from as pleasant as it might otherwise have been, owing to the unpleasant westerly wind that has prevailed this season longer than usual creating a lot of dust. But once out of the Borough, ’ the inconvenience occasioned by the dust soon disappeared. When on the ground parties scattered themselves in different directions as their tastes indicated. The band during the day discoursed “ sweet music,” to the delight of the Terpsicborean votaries, who enjoyed themselves in dancing upon the greensward. The athletic games were very keenly contested. In many instances the competitors were so well matched ■that the events were- drawn out to an unusually long degree. I Throwing the . Cricket Ball, and another event, Vaulti ing with the Pole, took a very long time. The latter occupied an hour, ; and, as we are informed, to make . matters worse, resulted in a tie. The I horse racing part of the programme failed to elicit such; keen competition, the races, like many of the . foot races, being wen easily. The wants of the public were carefully and ably attended to by Mr W. Cooper and Mr J. Bailey. It was an arduous day for the Judge, Handicapper, Starter, Clerk of the Scales, and the other gentlemen who took an active part in i bringing the sports to a successful i issue. It was 7:30 p when the last event took place. Th day was exces- ■ sively hot, and no sliady spots were obtainable to eycape from the effects of the sun. Many visitors were compelled to leave befc re the day was ; over. The following are the events and • the names of the winne rs:— HANDICAP HURDLE RACE, of 36 Mil., with a sweep of wo eon. each, for acceptors added ; top 'eight list. Jibs., 2 miles, over f flights < ‘hurdles, 3ft. 6in. high ; winner of Boxii g Pay Hurdles to carry Tibs _ extra. Mr E. R. TO-AjH-ykr LIZARD, 10et (RodnwwdJ .5 ‘ ' 1 Mr J. S. Cooper’s hr g RATA, list (Thompson) ... 2