Gore News

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 2, 8 April 1893, Page 2

Gore News

The weather on Easter Monday was perfect, and this was all the Hibernian Society wanted to enable its members to successfully wrestle with the arduous task they had set for themselves to amuse and satisfy all the various tastes of each one of the huge gathering of their friends and patrons from early on that day up to the small hours of the next morning. On venturing into the open ail- you Avould immediately bo accosted by a host of small boys, one struggling with another to provide you with a programme of the day’s games, and to find an owner for any sti-ay shilling you might have. Old men could be seen in earnest confab, with youthful athletes, discussing the merits of the different competitors, and naming the various events which they supposed to be “ soft things ” for certain favourites. Sundry committeemen could be spottedfby the rosettes they wore so bravely, rushing about to complete their duties, and have everything in readiness for a punctual start. The golden haip on the green background was waving proudly over the held, and as the time for starting drew near, the officials were all there, and evidently determined to begin at the advertised time, and keep as nearly as possible to it for the various events, and in this they were eminently successful. Over fifteen hundred people paid for admission, this constituting a record for an athletic inerting in Gore. One very pleasant feature of the attendance was the large proportion of the fair sex, dressed in their brightest and prettiest costumes. Most of the events were keenly contested, and close finishes were the order of the day. It is difficult to select any events which are more worthy of notice than the others. The running high jump was exceedingly well contested, and M. Hanley well deserved his trophy and congratulations. In the two-mile walk Gilfedder wore down all his opponents but Bowdler, and giving him 270yds. in two miles was, I think, a task beyond his powers, as Bowdler was walking well and strong at the finish. In the chopping matches the brothers Fisher easily disposed of the other competitors. The Hibernian Handicap (three distances) was Avon by Gordon. The sports closed with a hurling match, the opposing teams being captained by the president and Mr f. Holland. A very fast and enjoyable game took place, and resulted in a draw.

A concert -was held in the evening at the Town Hall, every inch of available room being occupied. A good programme was provided, and each item was satisfactorily rendered. Mr Bowler, I think, deserves special mention, and his choice of songs certainly pleased his audience; each being most determinedly encored. During the evening the Mayoress graciously presented the trophies to the successful competitors at the sports. Mr Popplewell, the honorary secretary, in a happy little speech, thanked all who had in their different ways helped the Society to such splendid results in connection with the gathering. The hall was next cleared for dancing, and its capacity for this pmpose also was severely taxed, but though it was too crowded to allow the dancers much scope, everyone appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves. I must heartily congratulate the popular president (Mr Coghlan), the energetic secretary, and individually each committeeman on the splend d results of their exertions.

Our worthy townsman, Mr F. R. White, evidently knew Avhat he Avas about when he purchased Conjurer. This horse must be in’rare fettle just now. May he continue so, and AA'in further laurels for his popular owner. A team of the Dunedin Irish Rifles paid a visit here to try conclusions with the local men. The match took place at the range on Monday morning, and resulted in an easy victory for the home team. A good Avord for Gore. Although the day (Monday) Avas so Avarm, and everybody was holiday-making, there Avas an entire absence of anything like roAvdyism or even inebriates. This is especially to be remarked, as occasionally excitement Avas pretty high over the sports. A neAA r toAvn hall is badly required here. The present old-fashioned, badly - arranged building, is utterly inadequate to a place like ■ Gore. It might do fairly Avell, Avith a few improvements, for a barn for an upcountry farmer until he could afford something better, but for a town hall meet for Gore, oh, no ! Wont some of our prominent men take the toAvn hall and athenaeum cases in hand P