RIVERTON.

Southland Times, Issue 1686, 7 January 1873, Page 2

RIVERTON.

(prom oub own correspondent.) January 1. On New Tear's Eve our town as usual was very lively. As the hour of twelve was striking, tho Tin Pot Band, according to ancient custom, passed through tbe streets, and executed noisy if not very melodious serenades opposite the residences of those citizens who were deemed worthy of that honor. They woucd up by singing "God sive the Queen," opposite the Commercial Hotel, in a style which formed a pleasing contrast to their previous performances. Fireworks were discharged in all directions, and a Tery pretty illumination was exhibited on the front of the Commercial Hotel, lighting up the street with a dazzling brilliancy, which was visible a long way out of town. Young Austin arrived here yesterday by the coach, intending, it was understood, to run the day after the regatta. Ia the evening he practised for some time on the course, in bis walking costume ; but this morning, for some reason which baa not transpired, be returned on foot to Invercargill. Our annual Regatta came off to-day, and though the attendance was not as numerous as on previous occasions, owing to so many of our townsmen being iu Invercargill to witness the sports there,

still it proved a great success. In tbe morning tbe weather was fine, with a light easterly breeze. The first class Sailing Race was the principal feature of tbe forenoon, and a good deal of betting took place as to tbe result. A very good start was made, tbe " Success " making a fine run before tbe wind, closely followed by tbe "Tormentor." tbe ** Firefly " being third, with tbe " Orwell " in tbe rear. On rounding tbe top buoy and coming up to tbe wind the" Firefly " soon showed her capabilities, and proved berself to be in skilful bands, by leaving tbe others behind. She maintained her position until near tbe lower buoy, where she lost tbe wind with a strong current against her. Tbe " Orwell," being then under the land, got a nice little puff, with which she was just enabled to round the buoy, the " Firefly " being close astern, and fast overhauling ber. Good sailing ( was then made, bnt tbe wind again falling i light the " Fly " never made up. but came in 4i minutes after the" Orwell," having fought well for tbe victory. Had tbe wind freshened up tbe result might have been different — tbe " Fireflv " and " Tormentor," needing a good stiff breeze, while the " Orwell," a very small craft had plenty, and ur.like ber antagonists was able to sail in shoal water. Tbe Sculling and Pulling races were far superior to those of last year, while the Ladies' pair-oar race was the novel attraction of tbe day, it being tbe first time the fair sex have ever bandied the oars in a race here. On tbis occasion tbey acquitted themselves most dexterously, and would doubtless have given tbe gentlemen in tbe pair-oar race a hard beat for first place. Walking tbe pole was also something novel. A pole, 26ft. long, was fastened so as to project some 20ft. beyond tbe jetty, and on the extreme end was placed a small flag. The competitors bad to walk out without touching the pole with tbeir hands, and on securing the flag could either drop into tbe water or return. Bell made an attempt but failed, and fell into tbe water. Hunter then made a sort of rush to tbe end of the pele, wbich, bending very much, precipitated bim into tbe water, but not until he had managed to secure tbe flag. Bell got two more chances for tbe second prize, but always went below minus tbe flag. Hunter then made an attempt or two, and securing tbe flag again came out winner of both prizes. Great praise is due to the Committee, Messrs Tall, Mills, Longford, Simpson and Murchie. Tbe latter gentleman kindly undertook tbe collection of funds, and after providing for all prizes bas a balance in band. Mr J. P. Young acted as judge, and Mr Gray (of the " Paxton ") as starter, both gentlemen giving every satisfaction. I hear tbat some private sailing matches are to come off between tbe " Firefly" and tbe «• Orwell." PRIZE LIST. Ist Class SaiHng Bare, 4 entries (Orwell, Fireflv. Tormentor, and Success) — Ist prize. £8, Mr Tail's Orwell ; 2nd cio. £6, Mr Longford's Firefly ; 3rd do, £2, Mr Mills's Tormentor. For the 2nd class Sailing Race, there was on'y one entry, consequently there was no race. Pair-oar Race, with Coxswain, 3 entries — Ist prize, £3, Simpson and Port ; 2nd do, £2, Lodge and Teesdale. A third boat made a good start, but managed to break her bow oar. came in for another, and fast overhauled her opponents, when she again brote another, and procured a fresh one from one of the flag boats, coming in a good third. Boys' Pair-oar "Race, 4 entries — Ist prize, £1, "Watson arid male (Sonspareil) ; 2nd do, 12s 6J, Bailey and mate (Mary Anne) ; 3rd do, 7s 3d, Pankburst and Roderique (Laura). Scullers' Race, 4 entries — Ist prize, 30s. A. Simpson (Sanspareil) ; 2nd do, 20s, C. Port (Maw Anne) ; extra prize, John Dallas (Martha).* Ladies' Pair-oar Rice, 2 entties — Ist prize, €2, Miss Hunter and Mrs Nowton ; 2nd do, £1, Miss Solomon and Miss Nailor. Flat Boat Sculling Race, 3 entries — Ist prize, 20e, C. Port (Eclipse) ; 2nd do, 10s, A. Simpson (Enterprise). Waking the Pole, 2 entries — Ist p>ize, £1, C. Hunter; extra priz 1 , 10s, C. Hunter. Duck Hunt — Duck, J. Roderique ; drakes, Bell and Hunter. Priz:*, 40s, divided. January 3. Yesterday a sailing race came off between tbe " Tormentor" and two other boats. The " Firefly," though not in the race, went over the course with ber antagonists of tbe previous day, and came in an easy first. There was a good breeze blowing, and under tbe circumstances the " Firefly" Bbowed ber sailing qualities to advantage. Tbe following is the result of tbe race : — Ist prize, £3, " Tormentor;" 2cd do, 20s, Mr C. Port's boat. Among local improvements we may mention that Messrs Simon Brothers, stationers, have just opened a very bandsome shop, next to tbe Bank of New Zealand.