THE NEW YEAR OF 1883.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1237, 2 January 1883, Page 2

THE NEW YEAR OF 1883.

At midnight of the year 1882 a few roysterer started on their annual nocturnal rambling, bat, owing to the vigilance of Sergt. Bullen and his assistants, there w-as very littte dsmage done, and with the exception of a few trifling acts'of liveliness everything passed off calmly and quietly. The Fire Alarm. At seven o’clock yesterday morning the new fire bell sounded, and the brigade speedily mustered at the shed. Two horses from Mr S. M. Wilson’s stable were quickly attached to the steam-fire eigine, and no time was lost in removving it to the aproach at the punt at Road’s quay. Steam was got up in seventeen minutes, and with a presssure of 1601 Ls and l,Cv3 feet of hose out a jet was thrown to the heighth of Mr Townley’s building. Th’s was with a single delivery. It is evident that something has yet to be done in connection with the engine to get what was promised. There is no use disguising the fact that with a good supply of water the large manual engine is equally'’ as as effective and very much more handy We were not impressed with the tone of the fire-bell, but perhaps this might have been througli it being stiff. This should, however be at once attended to, so that in the event of a conflagration all might receive warning. Picnic Parties. A number of ladies and gentlemen spent their New Year in picnicing on the banks of the Waimafe, and as the weather was all that could be desired, a most enjoyable day was spent. Paterfamilias with his olive

branches, blowing and puffing after his ex. ertions in pulling hard against the stream, had to prepare a fire, obtain water, and act as a sort of Jemmy Ducks whilst the mater calmly sat beneath the shade of a tree, and the children wandered about at their own sweet pleasure. The “bachelors ” also gave a picnic, and invited a number of young ladies. Of course it would be almost neecT less to repeat the story, as told to us by our little bird, the many hand-squeezings, the soft nothings, the loving glances between those “whose eyes looked love to eyes which spoke again,” the fury of the slighted admirer, the timidness of the bashful lover, the —but if we went along We would fill the paper. However, we know what we have been told, but will promise “ the fair women and brave men ” that we will not divulge our knowledge. Sooner would we have been born a member of the Royal Family than relate all that was told to us. There were others who sought the seclusion that a shady nook imparts, and lunched with their sisters and their cousins and their aunts with a sedateness and propriety delightful to behold. Other parties wandered around the Kaiti Beach with well-filled baskets, and enjoyed the cool air wafted from the sea, whilst the little ones barefooted paddled about in the miniature lakes amongst the rocks, and gathered the small shell fiahwhioh abound there, in most eases, however, to quote the Words of the old song, “ to throw them one by one away.” The Sunday School Children’s Festival.

This was the great attraction of the day, and fully 1000 souls were present, 400 of whom were children. “From morn to dewy eve,” the brakes, waggonettes, landaus, and buggies from the local livery stables, as well as private conveyances were in full swing, with scarcely any intermission, conveying visitors to and.from the ground. A more suitable spot for a gathering of children could scarcely be found than Captain Winter’s paddock, and the thanks of the community as well as those of the promoters of the festival are due, and we believe will be readily given to that gentleman for his kindness in giving* the use of it. The arrangements were perfect and nothing was left undone to promote the pleasure of the children, as well as the comfort of the visitors. Games of all sorts were indulged in, foot racing, cricket, jumping, swinging, both boat and rope, rounders, and in fact almost everything down to “kiss in the ring. ’’ This latter was highly amusing, and it occasionally illicited roars of laughter, when a little lady of some five years of age would exhibit an inclination to be osculated by a full bearded man. Of course great attention was paid to the catering, and neither the children, or those of more mature years, could grumble at not having full and plenty. To the Revs. Mr Hill, McAra, and Hudson, too much kudos cannot be awardod, as they were indefatigable in their efforts to promote the enjoyment of all. The first named Rev. gentle, man, in his shirt sleeves, was here, there, and everywhere, starting the youngsters racing, and generally looking "after the boyish sports which were so freely indulged in. Messrs McAra and Hudson paid attention to the girls requirements, and kept the little lassies in high delight. In this they were materially assisted by a number of ladies, whose names, however, being legion, we were unable to gather, with the exception of a few, and as it would be invidious to mention only a portion of the names, we trust that the numbers of the fair sex who laboured so well and successfully, will excuse us simply mentioning the fact in ylobo, that each and all did their best, and that that best was everything to be desired. We sincerely hope that at the next New Year, we will again see u gathering of children of all denominations, as nothing is more desirable than that in a new countre bigotry and differences as to creed should b thrown to the winds. We sincerely congratulate the promoters of the Sunday School Festival upon the success their untiring labor undoubtedly achieved.

. The Maori Haka, During the afternoon, a large number of residents and visitors to Gisborne availed themselves of the opportunity of witnessing the Natives dadoing their great tribal dance “The Haka,” under the leadership of Tutu Nihoniho, and other chiefs. The number of Natives who took part may be estimated at slightly over fifty, but what was lost in quantity was made up by quality, and the haka passed off very successfully. It is almost needless to describe to our Poverty Bay readers the peculiarities of the dance, but we merely state that some of the visitors to our town were altogether astounded at the regularity and precision of the movements introduced.

The Sports at Kaiteratahi. Owing to the fact of tbe Karaka Race Meetin£ clashing with the sports to have been held at Kaiteratahi, there was a very small attendance at the latter place. The great event was the living for a Winchester rifle, capable of discharging sixteen shots without being removed from the shoulder. There were eight competitors, and Mr O. Hansen, a well-known rifle shot in Gisborne, was the fortunate winner. The following are the scores of the two highest, the others being altogether out of it: —

The rifle which is a very valuable one, is to be presented to Mr Hansen in the course of a few days. Those present amused themselves in various ways, and all were loud in their praise of the spirited and liberal proprietor of tlie hotel, Mr A. Peters. Karaka Races. These races, which had been for some time announced, came off on the Ist, and attracted a large attendance of both town and country visitors. The course was in very fair condition, and the stewards and officers of the Club were evidently desirous of afford ing, as far as was in their power, a good day’s sport. The following gentlemen officiated :— Stewards : —F. Ewen, Esq.; Kuare ; W. Cooper, Esq.; Jno. Parsons, Esq.; M. J. McLeod, Esq. Starter : J. Brown, Esq. Clerk of the Course : E. Tait, Esq. Handicapper : P. Breingan, Esq. Judge :W. B. Mills, Esq. Clbbk of Scales : G. Grey, Esq. KARAKA HANDICAP HURDLE RACE, of 10 sovs.; distance, 2 miles, over 8 flights of hurdles. Nominations, 20s; acceptances, 20s ; open to all comers. Lizard was the favorite. The race was a perfect farce, as both horses after the first hurdle shirked their jumps, and baulked at every hurdle. Eventually by patience, perseverance, whipcord, and steel hooks the pair managed to finish Lezard (Bodger) 1 Progress (Maher) 2 HACK HURDLE RACE, of 5 sovs • distance 1 mile, over 4 flights of hnrdles ; post entry, 10s ; lOst up ; for horses that have never been trained. Three started for this event, which was won comfortably by Piigarlick. STOCKMEN’S RACE, of 74 sovs.; distance 14 miles; owners up; confined to Shepherds, Stockmen, and Station Hands. Post entry, 20s. I

Venus 1 Queen of the Forest 2 Rangltlra 8 Venus made play from the start and won as she pleased,*in fact there was nothing else in it, KARAKA HANDICAP, of 124 sovs.; distance 2 miles. Nominations, 20s; acceptances, 80s. There were nine entries, but only seven started, viz.:--Karawinia 1 Erlcthonlous 2 Glenfern, Venus, Progress, Te Hula, and Seagull. Venus, who was running very toward, fell during the first mile, throwing her rider. There was a capital contest between the two, who finished a long way a-hesd of the others. The little grey horse struggled hard and gamely, but could not collar his more powerful antagonist. The following races were not over when our reporter left the course ;— MAORI RACE, of 5 sovs.; distance, 8 miles ; catch weights ; port entry, 10s. HACK RACE, of 5 sovs.; distance, 1 mile; catch weights. Post entry, 10s. CONSOLATION RACE, of 5 sovs.; distance 1 mile; catch weights ; entrance, 10s. Tologa Bay Races. The day turned out all that could be desired, cool and clear, and the Course wm in its natural state of turf, nice and springy, and no dust at all. Everybody in the district enjoyed themselves, except those few whom business kept at home from the race course. At such country races there is pure enjoyment, and there being no jockeying or cooking results, no instances of races being won before they have been run. The stakes and money run for are not high enough to tempt the professional bookmaker, who may be described as the bete noir ot legitimate sport. The following are the events run for, with the respective results: — New Year’s Day Handicap. J. A. Harding’s Penguin ... 1 H. Potae’s Sea Boy ... 2 H. Potae’s Tupara 3 Penguin won easily by three lengths, Maiden Plate. J. A. Harding’s Eru 1 R. Finlay’s Waitotara ... 2 W. Rangi’s Kapongo 3 Won easily. Pony Race. J. Trimmer’s Tommy Dodd ... 1 M. Mullooly’s Hakiaha ... 2 Nikora’s Jacob 3 Hakiaha went off with the lead, and maintained it for three-quarters of a mile, after which he lost groumd, Tommy Dodd winning by two lengths. Flying Stakes. H. McLean’s Mate 1 J. A. Harding’s Penguin . . 2 S. D. Swainson’s Rob Roy ... 3 Mate kept the lead well all the way. Hack Race. There were nine entries for this race, which was a most exciting contest, and resulted in S. D. ‘Swainson’s Tukutuku winning by half a length. Christy Minstrel Entertainment.

Those who had so far recovered from the day's feasting and pleasure-making, and who attended McFarlane's Hall last evening, wound up a most enjoyable day, and certainly none had cause to regret having witnessed one of the best amateur performances ever offered for the delectation of a Gisborne audience. We had expected to have been called upon to apologise for the entertainment not being up to the mark, but this is not necessary as it was all that could be desired, and indeed considering the few rehearsals more than we could poasibly have anticipated. There cannot lie the slightest doubt but that the success achieved woe due principally i« the exertions of Mi J. 8. Cohen, the stage manager, who “worked like a Nigger,” although only assuming the character for the time being. The arrangements were good, and the result all that could be desired. There was a full house ; The singers rendered the songs and ballads opposite their names with great taste or humor as occasien required : the orchestra, consisting of—Piano, Mr H. Towsey ; First Violin, Mr Veale ; Second Violin, Mr Crawford Flute, Mr Morgan-Morris; Cornet, were in excellent form and played the accompaniments and overtures with great skill, and very much to the delight of the audieqee. The opening chorus “ Strike Boys, Strike ” was spiritedly rendered, after which Mr Towsey sang “ ’Tis but a little faded Flower” with exquisite taste,|aud was loudly applauded. Mr J. Pierce gave evident latisfaction in “ A Jockey Hut and Feather." Mr McElwaine (the Johnson of the company).sang “ Down by the Deep Sad Sea” with great expression, and the applause bis rendition received was thoroughly merited. Mr Finlay’s powerful baritone voice was heard to great advantage ia “ Sweet Belle Mahone,” and his song received a most favorable recption. Mr J. S. Cohen sang “ Mino Little German Band ” in a most humorous manner, and received quite an ovation. Mr W. Edwards brought down the house in the ” Lullaby,” and was compelled to respond to a rapturous encore. Mr Edwards possesses a pure clear tenor, with a wonderful range, and must be heard to be appreciated. The first part concluded with “ Scenes in the Circus,” which was immensely funny, and occasioned roars of laughter. During the “chair” business the cornermen, Messrs Cohen and Pierce, gave a number of now gags, which appeared to hit the fancy of the audience to a nicety.

After the overture Mr F. Finlay sang, for the first time in Gisborne, “ Some Day I’ll Wander Back Again,” a most pleasing bailed, which was capitally rendered, and elicited marked approval. Mr W. Ewbank followed with a violin solo, “The Cuckoo’s Song ” with variations, through which the peculiar note of the bird was charmingly produced. The audience were astonished, as the solo was that of a master of the instrument, of whose existence iu Gisborne but few were aware. Mr Ewbank was compelled to return and again delighet the audience. Mr Cohen, in a local stump speech, made some very sharp hits which were well received. Master Morgan Morris, who possesses a sweet voice evidently under control, sang “The Harp that once Through Tara’s Hall’s,” and in response to a well earned recall, “The Minstrel Boy.” He gave evidence of great ability. Mr McEUwaine so pleased the audience with his song “A Warrior Bold,” that he had to substitute another as an encore. Mr Edwards again made an immense hit in “ Keep thy heart for me,” and had, at its conclusion to sing, “Alice where Art Thou,” which he did in so sweet a manner that a third appearance was almost demanded. The farce of the “ Quarrelsome Servants,” in which Messrs Cohen, Pierce, apffi McEHwaine took part, was highly amusing, and wound up a most successful andl enjoyable entertainment.

200yds 300vds 400yds Total 0. Hansen 18 IS 8 44 A. Taylor 10 111 6 32