NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 203, 17 January 1866, Page 5 (Supplement)

NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES.

To the colonist but recently arrived from the old country, the " compliments of the season" are rather puzzling. Accustomed all his life to expect — even if occasionally disappointed — frost and snow at Christmas time, he. experiences a strange sensation of uncertainty about his almanac when fanned by a " hot wind" and powdered with dust at that festive season. AU the old-fashioned traditions about yule logs and blazing hearths, mulled wine and mighty bowls of punch, give rise to no regretful feeling at their absence. A passing thought may be given to the mistletoe, but even that honored parasite I finds no place in our halls, although we believe few even at midsummer would object to the pleasant exercise with which in our ideas it is associated. The fact, however, remains — obstinate as these things proverbially are — that with us New Tear and midsummer are nearly synonymous, and, as a natural consequence, instead of wrapping ourselves as warmly as possible when out of doors, and creeping close to the fire when within, we use our best endeavors to reduce the personal temperature. Everybody puis on the lightest dress at command, insists upon open windows, wears a white semi-turban; after the AngloIndian style, and, if possible, tries to find a shady nook undisturbed by vagrant sandflies or errant mosquitos. Open air sports aro the only ones indulged in, horse-racing, cricket, quoits or aquatics. Invercargill proper, on New Year's day, looked a very "deserted village" — shops closed and inhabitants out of town. Ample provision had been made to gratify pleasure seekers, and while excursion trains ran to the Makarewa on the north, conveyances and saddle horses were obtainable by those who desired to witness the races at Waihopai on the east. As the latter was the chief point of attraction we may commence with j the " WAIHOPAI baces.

These came off near the Bridge Inn, (Mr. A Sutherland's) about six miles from town. Con' siderable interest was manifested in the events, the horses entered belonging chiefly to neighbor ing settlers between whom a friendly difference of opinion existed as to the merits of their respective nags. In the opening race — for a new saddle — heatsone mile and a quarter, Mr.Paget bay horse ridden by Mr. Barclay, gained the first, winning against Mr. Douglas' bay horse " Norval " ridden by Mr. G-. Smith, by a half length. The letter horse won the next heat easily and the event terminated in a walk over. Six horses started. A trotting race succeeded, won easily byMr.Russells " Ranger," ridden by the owner. The result was expected from the known qualities of the horse. The Publicans Purse of 10 soys. one mile and a quarter heats, was next run for. The first heat was won by Mr. Brown's mare — ridden by Martin " Norval" a good second. An objectiononthe score of age was raised against the mare, she having been entered as a four instead of a five year old. It was sustained, and she was, in accordance with the rules, disqualified, The second heat run between " Norval " and Mr. Hall's chesnut pony — won by the latter — was an excellent race ; but owing to the late hour it was agreed to divide the stakes, instead of running the final heat. A trotting match between Mr. Smith's black mare " Lily " and Mr. Oughton's do, , was won by the former. The Hurry Skurry, in which eight horses started, was perhaps the best race of the day. It resulted in a dead heat between Mr. Dawson's " Prince " and Mr. Brown's bay mare . It was afterwards run off, and won by " Prince." Some minor events were also decided. Everyone appeared to have enjoyed the day, which passed off without the occurrence of any serious accident. Refreshments were at a premium, and the booths on the ground did an excellent business. MAKEEEWA BAILWAY EXCTTESIOU" TBIP. On Monday, in addition to the ordinary trains, an " excursion train" conveyed parties to the picturesque banks of the Makarewa River. Pic-nics were the order of the day, and under the influence of the splendid weather, every one appeared to be in high spirits. Dispersing in all directions, the excursionists disported themselves as fancy dictated. Some, seeking a sequestered nook, laved in the clear water of the river ; others grouped themselves into little coteries for the discussion of strawberries and cream and other decades in and out of season, not forgetting a dv proportion of light but exhilarating beverage The arrangements gave great satisfaction, and everyone on returning seemed to think the day had been only too short. Many private parties were made up to spend the day at one or other of the numerous suburban homesteads. The juvendes enjoyed the change, making tremendous havoc among the fruits, cream, &c, and getting healthily sunburnt in addition. In the evening many social gatherings took place, the dance and song making a fitting termination to the festivities of New Year's Day.