CHRISTMAS-TIDE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1987, 28 December 1889, Page 2

CHRISTMAS-TIDE.

GERaLDINE. At Geraldino the town prosonfced a more than usually busy appearance on Christmas Eve. Every business plaoe had some description of extra iliumina!ion, and in most of them Chinese lanterns, fairy lamps, etc., gave &n additionally attractive appearance. Messrs Law Eon and Worn'er, at the north end of the town, eaoh prepared a specially good display ot prime beef, mutton, and lamb, S nd their shops had been deoorated at a considerable expenditure of timo with evergreens and flowers. Mr Liwson showed some splendid beef raised by Mr Ornp, of Winohefter. The animal when slaughtered weighed no lots than 9701b5. At the south end Messrs N. Dunlop and Co. also had thoir butcher's shop tastefully deoorated with evergreens and flowers, and showed some prime meat. The choir of the Primitive Methodist Church, under their leader, Mr A. Sherratt, went out shortly before twelve o'clock, and visited a great many places, sinaing Ohri.tmas oirols, finishing up about four o'o'cok on Obristmas morning. Tne Geraldine Brass Band, under Bandmaster T. Sherratt, also went round and played a number of carols t to the great pleasure of the townspeople. Christm«a day was kept very much as a Sunday. In order not to clash with the sorvice at the Anglican Church, whioh took place atlJ. o'clook, th 3 service at the PBIMITITB METHODISE OHUR«H was held at ten o'olock. There was a good congregation, and the Kev. G. Clement preached an appropriate Christmas sermon. Service was also hold at this churoh in the evening, when tha Bev. Mr Clement again preached to a fair congregation. At ST. MAST'S ANGLICAN CHWBOH a speoial Christmaß service was holfl, the Rev. Jas. Preston effloiating-. The church was very prettily deoorated indeed. An abundance of ferns, evorgreem; fbwers, etc., including a large quantity of tho beautiful Chriatm*' lilias being arranged in profusion r-und the churoh, the lamps bfing wreathed, and the window sills covered with decorations, On the harmonium, in white letters on a red ground, was the motto " Praise Ye the Lord." Tho altar, etc., were also decorated, and a beautiful cross composed of Christmas lilies surmounted the altar. At the back of the harmonium, too, were arranged a mass of evergreens, surmounted by a beautiful erais of lilies, interspersed with red flowers. In front of tho reading desk hung a small white banneret; o, specially worked by Hits Tripp, wilh an ornamental gold cross in the cec're and etlged with deep gold fringe. The choir cumbered nearly 60 voioes in all, and, as they had been assiduously practising some tppcial Christmas musio under Mr H. W. Moore, a musical treat was' expooted, and as a conEequonoe the church was crowded. The singing proved even a greatsr treat than was expeoted, and made the »ervioe exceptionally enjoyable. Tho special effort of tho choir was tha rendition of Jackson's difficult composition tha "Te Deum," whioh was splandidly givsn. In addition to this the hymns " Hark the Herald Angels Sing," " Glory to God in the Highest," and " Adeste Fideles," and tha Christmas carols " Good Christian Men Bejoice " end " The First Noel " were sung, Miss A. ?i*h acting as organiste. The whole of tha singing was very fully appreciated by the large congregatisn pr«ent. The R;V. Jas. Preston preached a beautiful and oeßentiallv appropriate Christmas sermon from Luke i., 78 and 79, Dr Fish reading tho lesson. At ST. maby's romam OATHOMO OHUBOH some pretty floral deoontions of lilies, etc., were made. Mass was celebrated by the Bev. Father Treaoey, Among tha pieces sung by the ohoir w&s ' Webb's Mass' in G, ' Adestes Fideles,' and 'Angels we have heard on high.' There was a large congregation Boxing-Day morning broke fioa and dear, and a considerable portion of the inhabitants went to the Temuka Caledonian Sports Gathering, while others went picnicking in the bush, etc. The only gathering of npublio character was the PBIMITITK METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL TKBAT

the small park. The children gathered at the school at 130 p.m. and marched to the p irk,whore by two o'clock there mutt have boen 300 children present, besides between 100 and 200 adults. At this time, however, the changeablenoss of the New Zaaland olimafce was onco more demonstrated as a heavy bank of olouds, which hud bsen creeplog up sineo li o'clock; overspread the sky, and rain began to fall bos*ily. It was Boon evident that holding a rjionio outtido was out of the question, and a move was made for the Voluntoer Hall, which, fortunately, was available, and into thia the children and adults swarmed. Swings were quickly erected, and verj soon the children were or;j ij'iag themeelves at dcnp the haadkerohiof, kiss in tha ring, swinging, and a variety of games. The i'emuk-i Peiiniavo 'Vfethodißb 'tiftuu Band, under B.ndraisfe? D. Bryan, which had coma from Temuka for tha oocation, kept things lively by discoursing their excellent musio, which wus greatly enjoyed by all. The band h*a oniy been in existence »om nice montbn, but already their playing is excellent, ar.d was vary much apprroiated. The children, by the teachers, | isemsd to enjoy thsmsslvas thoroughly, and about four o'clook an abundant tea ras served and done full justice to. By this time numbers of people had taken refuge at tho ball f«m the rain find things looked very lively. An abundant tea was laid on largo tables on the stage for tho t dalts, for which fcbe usual charge of Is was made, and this, 100, was patronised very fully. Just before breaking up the provisions left, with lollies and frujfi were again served out to tho children, who were compelled at last, from shetr neoeraiiy, to refuse the good things offoreJ. About six o'clock the ruin moderated, and the hall was cleared, all apparently hiving enjoyed themselves thoroughly. There ia little doubt but hud the wcatbor kept fine the attendance in tho park would have been exceptionally large.

Tha appearance of the people, who by five o'clook wore arriving back from Temuka was woebegone in the extreme, iho majority of them having gone out in gay holiday attire were now doming back drenohed to the skin.

TEMUKA. Temuka was very lively on Christmas Eye, the streets being quite full of people up to a late hour. Tho usual quantity ot crackers were flying about, much to the annoyance of those who had to pass through them, Besides the display made by the butohero, to which reference was made in our last issue, tho decorations of a very rnodeafc nature. Mr Darrooh had Homo green bougha and flowers about his door, Messrs Telvin and Taylor had their windows full of ourrants and raisins, etc, besides some decorations with Chinese lanterns, and Mr J. Brown had bis grooery window temptingly decorated. Mr L, Tombs had also decorated his place with evrrgreona. This constituted all the display made, but all the shops appeared to be doing an excrlleut trade, for all were full of customers. About 8 o'clock the Temuka Primitive Methedist Brass Band commenced | playing Christmas carols in the suburbs, and aftsrwardi went into the country and played j throughout the night. AHGLIOAN OHTTBCH. On Christmas Day services were held in St. John tbo Eyangelist's Churoh, Winchester, and St. Riviour'n, Church, Temuka ; in the formor at 9 a.m., and in the latter at 11 a.m. arid 7.30 pm. The congregations wero large. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was Celebrated at eaoh of tho morning servioes, and was woll attended by the communicants. The Bev. T. A. Hamilton officiated at all the services, preaching in the morning from Bt, Luk-3 ii., 15, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem." A short sermon suffioed to bring home the vast truth commemorated on Christmas Diy, viz, tha inoarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ was the siga of God'o purpose of Redemption overarching tho inequalities of the world, its poverty, and its crimes. Deoorated ohurches, pealing bells, bright homes, kindly greetings, and festive gatherings, were but symbols of deep realities ; and but echoes of the angelic aong " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men." Sanding by tho cradle of the infant King, all men would learn a lesson of ' humility* • the poor a lesson of ' patience'; the rich a lesson of 'liberality'j the sorrowful of • trust'. He reminded his hearers that whatever this condition of life all were equally guilty and equally redeemed, and exhorted all to learn a lesson of 'forgiveness,' and wishing one anothor a happy Christmas time, and forgetting old grudges and grievance, to go forward, one and all, into the New Year ohoortully, anl hopefully, and lovingly, "oarrying music in their heart, through dueky lane and wrangling mart, plying their daily task with busier feet, because their secret souls a holy strain repeat." St. Saviour's Church was most beautifully deoorated, Christmas lilies, pliormium tenax and toittois, evergreens, and flow or a of all kinds in profuslcn being worked up into most pleasing; designs. The East windo??, oammunion rails, lsotern, font, and altai', bore conspicuous evidence of the genius and skill brought to bear by the loviDg hands of the bands of workers. St. John's Church, Winchester, was not deoorated this year, perhaps owing to its recent enlargement and ombelliahment it was thought unnecessary, but an hour spent in arranging a few floral designs aro neeer micepent, recalling as they do the old Home associations and speaking to the heart of Q- id's gifts in Nature and His " Unspeakable Grift" on Christmas Day. —Terbum sap. The even service at Si;. Saviour's Church was well attended, and tha Christmas hymns' 0 Come All Ye Faithful,' ' Hark the Herald Angela Sin*,' etc., were sung with fiuo effect by tho oboir, the congregation joining in most heartily. The incumbent preached from Luke ii., 7, "There was no room for them in the inn." The offertories were in aid of the Sunday Sohool. We aro requested by the Bav. T. A. Hamilton to convey his thankg to the kind donors of flowers and evergreona, etc., which camo in from all quarters. BT. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIO OHUBOH, was splendidly decorated with the artificial flo *ers which are kapfc for such oooasions. Two maspos wero celebrated by the Bsv. Father Faurel, and at the last one he delivered a most appropriate sermon. The choir rendered Winter's Mass and as an offertory pieoe the " Adeoto Fideles" bcCiea Gaff aney presided at the harmonium, and the singing was very good'. SAIiTATION ABMI. On Christens Day there was the usual " Ktieedrill" at 7 o'olock, " Holiness Meeting " at 11 o'clook, and also a "Singing Battle" in title evening, the baTocks being orowcJed on tho latter occasion. It having baen decided to have a field-day and picnio at the Seadown Beach a cood number assembled at the barracks at about 9.30 on Boxing Day, and prooeeded thither in waggons kindly lent by Messrs Benbow and M&lcolmion, drawn by Messrs Goldsmith and Pulford's traction engine. After arriving at the bsaoh luncheon was partaken of, whon those present dispersed to enjoy themselves with fishing, and at various games. In the midst of their enjoyment, howoverj rain, began to descend steadily, and as there was no sign of any abatement it was deemed advisable to start for home, which was reached shortly after 6 p.m., all being thoroughly drenohad. A pleasant day's outing was thus marred, PBIMITITJS METHODIST OHUBOH. At the Primitive Methodist Church on Christmas sight, Mr Co ad oenduoted a service, which was very well attended.

TEMUKA. CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

ANNUAL SPORTS.

Patron : A, E. G. Rhodes, M.ff.R. President: A. M. Clark, Esq. VicePresidents : M. Quinn, Esq. and J. Murray, Esq. Secretary and Treasurer; Mr G. H. Mogridge. Directors : Messrs M. Quinn, M. Scannall, W. McLeod, 1). Henry, McKay, J, M. Naughton, J. Murray, A. R. Allan, A. Bisaet, B. ft. Smith, T. Gunnion, W, Ackroyd, P. McOißkill, B. Waddall, J. Liwaou, J. Arjgliud, J, Cunningham, 15. Loe. Judges—Running, Walking, and Bicyc'e : Messrs A. 11. Ailan, E. S. Smith, G. McShe«by M. Pcuirell, J. Cunningham, and J. Throwing Hammer, Wrestling, »nd Putting Stone ; Messrs D. Henry, W. Lmvson, E. Lee, W. Ackroyd, W. McLiod, and R. Wilson. Scotch Mus'c and Dinting; Messrs A. M. Ciailc, J. Murray, J. Guild, W. McLeod, D. McKay, and D, McLtroi). Irish Dancing—Messrs (Junriolly, Spillane, Quinn, and Aoglaivl. Jumping, Vaulting, and Hop, Step, and Jump: Messrs J. Guild, A. Bis«"r, W. Ackroyd, W. N«nvbury, and Dr J. S. H ayes, liaudicapper : Mr T. McAuliffe. Starter: Mr A. W. Mann. Timekeeper: Mr P. Uoira.

Tho second annual sports held under the auspices of the Temuka Cdedonian Society would have been one of the moat successful ever held in South Canterbury, ooly for the weather. Tho morning was all that could bs desired, and every one expected a broiling Lot day, especially as tho weather has b.jen dry for aouao time. Every one of course wont iu holiday attire 3

and when the ran-, cams on the plight of ; the ladies in their light summer dresses was anything but f-nvi.ble. A few had made provisions for ram}' <iay and had fortified themselves with overcoats. These flittered themswlvoa with having more sense than those who were totally unprepared for the turn the weather had taken, and one of I ham remarked that he hud sense enough to bring an overcoat, but that if lie had had a little more he would have brought his umbrella also. Up to 2 p.m all went wsll, the weather until then being delightful, the heac of the day being tempered by a light southern brerze, and making it an ideal day for sports. Tha course 100, was in good order, and the whole of the arrangements of the committee were excellent. Just at about 2 o'clock down came the rain in a soft heavy shower such as would gladden the heart of a farmer, but «vhich to ladies dresse'l up ii light attire was very disagreeable. Immediately there was a stampede to get under shelter. The secretary's room was soon inyaded, the dressing; tents, and the refreshment teots, while the grand stand became crowded, and the trees - all round the spotty ground gava their protection to the bu k of the large crowd which had nmembled, The scene changed immediately, and scarcely any were to be seen around the ring, where hundreds were but a fjw moments before, dome of tlie bandsmen wrapped themselves up under the daDcing stage, and a humorous cornet player struck up the dulect notes of "Home, Sweet tiome," no doubt believing that it would at that moment appeal to the sensibilities of many of those present. To this he gave as an unaßkeri-for encore, "We Won't go Home till Morning," a sentiment in which those under the dripping branches of trees did not concur. The rain still fell softly, but steadily, but though it damped the I spirits as well as the c'otbes of the managers of the society, they rosolyed to to go on with the programme. In the midst of it, all th 9 most interesting event of the day, the presentation of the fligs, came off, and though the rain fell in torrents it was carried out with great Sclat. The reporters found the rain very inconvenient. No sooner had they some beautiful thought, or stern fact, transmitted to piper than down rolled the deluge off their hats and blotted out what they bad written. In consequence of this our report is not all that we could desire, but it is the best we are able to make of it under the difficulties we had to contend against, nod it is accurate. At about 3 o'clock the rain moderated and cleared altogether for about half-an-hour, after which it came down and kept on steadily until after nightfall. Only for this the sports would have been most successful. There were on the ground some of the best pipers, the best dancers, the best wrestlers, and the best runners in New Zealand, the attendance was very large, between 2500 and 3000 people being present, and every element ca'culated to produce excellent results was present. Luckily for the Society most of the people had collected on the ground before the rain came, but doubtless the attendance would have been much better if the weather had remained fine. All the arrangements of the committee were excelleJt, every detail being carefully attended to. Mr T. McAulffe had the licensed booth, and apparently did well, Mr T. Barr, in the refreshment booth, was rushed for luncheons. The officers deserve grsat credit for the way they worked, especially the secretary, Mr G. H. Mogridge, who was as civil, as good-tempered and as polite as could be wished under very trying circumstances. The games started punctually at 11 o'clock, and were kept going at breakneck pace up to the luncheou, every event being got off to time. Things worked smoothly and without a hitch, the arrangements being so perfect that they worked like c'eckwork. The following is a report of the events :

Maiden Race, 100 yards (in beats).— First pn'zs cup, valued at £3 3a; second £l. First Heat. W. Dyson ... 1 R. Orion 2 Time, 11 1 sth seconds. Second Heat. J. Polaschek ... -.,* ... 1 B. King 2 Time, 11 seconds. Final Heat. W. Dyson 1 R. Orton 2 Time, 11J seoondp. J. Henderson, J. Somerville, E. Clarke, M. Moore, P. Hunter, T, Blissefc, H. G. Hinea also started. Punctual to time the gun went of, and in a f«w minutes the three heats were over. The first heat was won by about a yard, the second by about 3 yards, and the third heat was almost a dead heat between the two placed raeo, Polaschek coming in very close behind them. Throwing 22m Hammer First prize, £1 10a ; second, 153 W. 74ft Qn 1 J. McK'nnon, 72ft 10in 2 F. Hall and G. O'Neil also competed. Bagpipe Music, Pibrochs and Marches (in costume)—First prizi, £6; second, £2 10i, J. Macionald, " Glencoe," "Bonnie Anne" ... J T. McKay, "Piper's Warning," "Tallibarton" ... 2

D. Campbell also competed, M«cdonald is Pipe-Major of the Dunedin Scottish Rifles.

Temtjxa Calbbonian Handicap, of £25 10s: 120, 350, 220, 440 yards. Priz 38 at e ich distance : First, 20j ; second, 159. Winner of heats, 10s. First and second in each heat to run in final. First prize, £7 ; second, £3 10a; third £2.

This of course was the great event of tho day. The prizjs offered were excel'ent, bul evidently the directors wanted a great deal of fun for their money, for it constituted the principal part of the day's running, and some part or another of it was everlastingly cropping up id the programme fr*m start to finish. Tho handicapping in somo parte of it was good, but on the whole it was not satisfactory, as some of the wins were too easy altogether, and many of those entered did run. At the request of lln fnndic>tpper the prizes were uot paid lo McGifford and Ba'n, but what thft outcome of this will be remains still unknown. 120 Yards (in heats.) First Heat. John Collins, scr I J. W. Radford, scr 2

T. Nicholls, ecr., J. Bryan, scr., R. J, Livery, 2|yds, and E. Clark, 6yds, also started. Tims, 13 2-stha sec. This was an excellent race. Radford appeared to hare a slight advantage up to the last 10

yards, when Collins took the lead and won by about half a yard. Second Heat. J. McGifford, 4yds ... .„ 1 R. Logan, 3£yds 2 T. Kyoe, 2|tyds, J. Polaschek, 3yds, P. Hunter, 4yds, E. King, 4yds, also started. Time, 13aec. This waa won easily by McGifford. It was a mere walk in for him. The second man came in three yards ahead of the others, who were in a ruck. Third Heat. John Bain, ljyds ,„ ... 1 H. Mappison, 2yds 2 W. Hobbs, 3yds, D. E. Lewis, 4yds, and K. Oton, syds, also started. Bain won this easily, but Mappison touched the tapa before Orton. The others were some four or five yards in the rear. Time, 12 2-sths sees. Final Heat. J. McGifford. 4yds 1 J. Bain, H. Logan, 3&"yds, Mappison, 2yds, and Oollins, scr., also ran. This was won easily. Time, 13 2-sth sees. 350 Yards (in heats).

First Heat. J. McGifford, 12yds .1 John Bain, syds 2 J. W. Radford, ecr., R. J. Lavery, Byds, and J. Collie, 9yds, also started. Time, 40iec3. McGifford had again an easy win here. In tact he ought to have been at scratch, as he certainly was about the fastest runner in the field. He, however, behaved so as to make it warm for himself elsewhere. Second Heat. H. Mappison, 7yds. 1 R. Orton, 15yds 2 T. Nicholls, scr., also started. Nicholla rapidly collared Mappison, who, however, never allowed him to piss, and in the turn for home put on a spurt and won a plucky race. Time, 36secs. Third Heat. R. Logan, 10yds 1 J. Bryan, scr. J John Collins, 4yds, W. Hobbs, 10yds, E. Clark, 16yds, also started. J. Bryan got a bad start, but the others got away w»ll. Clark had the lead for two-thirds of the distance, when Logan took his plac«. Bryan went through strong, and came in second. Logan was not at all pushed, and appeared to be capable of a aood deal more. Time. 41 sees.

Final Heat. J. ¥c9ifford, 12yds 1 R. Logan, 10yds 2 E. Orton, 15yds 3 Time—43secp. Three others started. Iu this event McGifford ran away, and Orton made a stron* effort to catch LogaD. 220 Yards (in heats). First Heat. JR. Orton, 10yds 1 J. Bain, 2£yds 2

H. Mappisoo, 3yrJs, and, and T, Kyne, syds, also started. Orton was never caught from start to finish, and won a very good race by about a yard. Time, 20sees. Second Heat. J. McGifford, 7yds 1 J. W. Radford, 2yds ) _ J. Collins, 2yds f 2 Time, 21sec. This was a good race, McGifford was never caught, and fioa by about two yards. Third Heat. R. Lagan, s|yds ... ... 1 K. J. Lavery, 4yds ... ... 2 E. Clark, 12yda, also started Time, 233ec. Livery looked the winner in this race, but the Bpike of Logan's boot scratched him on the leg, and henceforward Logan bad it pretty well his own way. Clark cams ia a good third.

Final beat. J. McGiff >rd, 7yds l J. Bm'd, 2£yda 2 ;Time, 221360°. Two others ran, but McJifford had all his owa way, 440 Yards (in heats). First Heat. R. Logan, 14yds 1 B. Or ton, 18yds 2

J. W. Radford, 9yds, H, Mappi«on, 12yds, also started. Time, 55secs. Thia was a good race, Mappison coming in well with the two winners. Logan passed Orton at half distance, and won easily. Second Heat. J. MoGifford, 15yda ) John Bain, 9yis J ••• 1

Time, 59secs. For a time this looked like a cut and dried affair, as the comi etitora did not seem to ba running, but in the turn for home they put on a spurt a,nd came in gamely a dead heat. Still the general impression was that the race was settled between them. Third Heat. R. J. Lavery, 12yds 1 John Collie, 13yds 2

J. Polaschek, 15yds, also started. , Time, slart, and aa Polaschek kept his lead well : it was expected he would win. At about 100 yards from home, however, he fell back, and was passed by both Lavery and Collie, the latter being a s’ood second. Final Heat. J, Bain, 1 J. McQifford, ... 2 Time, 51 l-otb secs. Collie and Logan also ran. Best Dressed Highlander, Man (at own expense)—First prize, £2 ; second, £l. ( T. Macdonald 1 J, Campbell 2 J. 0. Lyon also competed. Best Dressed Highlander, Bon (at own expense)—First prizi, £1; second, 10 1 ; third, ss. J, McLeod ... ... ... 1 A, Macksy ... 2 W. Gnoo also competed. Maiden Wrestling (Cumberland style)— Ternuka Publicans’ special prizes— First priz?, £2 ; second, £l. T. O’Grady ... ... ... 1 T, Palmar 2 E. Kennedy, S. Keenan, E. Aitken also competed. 2 Mile Amateur Biotcle Race—First prize, trophy, value £2 10s, presented by Mr Sim ; second, cake, value £2 2.->, presented by Mr T. Barr. J. Whelan, s Oyde ... ... 1 W. Oliiyer, 30yds 2 McGuinness, 60yds, Campbell, 70yds, and J, Gillespie, 80yds, also competed. Tme—7min Isec. All passed Campbell in the second lap, and Gillespie was soon challenged by VlcGuinness, but he maintained the lead to the fifth lap, when MoGuinesa and Wheelan passed him. Shortly after the position was changed by Whelan taking the load, with OHiver well up, tlie others being nowhere. This order was maintained to finish. Highland Keel (in costume) First prize, £2 10s ; second, £1 10s. T. Mack ay 1 W. P. Stuart 2 J. Banks and J. McKochnie also competed.

440 Yards Hurdle Race—First prize £3 ; second, £2 ; third, £l. I H. Bryan, 15yds 1 J. Bain, 10yds 2 A. J. Shaliard, 12yds ... 3 T. Nicholip, Pcralch ; J. Austin, 12yds J. W. Radford, 14yds; and J. Lynch, 24yde. Time, 59secs. All got a gooc Btart, Lynch maintaining the lead for hall thejdistance, when the three placed men passed him, and came in well together. 200 Yards (boys under 16)—First prize, £1; second, 10a ; third, 6s. First Heat. W. Moore, 25yde 1 j S. Bryan, 15yds 2 "t Time, 21 2-sth sec. J. Morton, syds; : ' D. Morris, lOvds; C. Woodley, 15yds; T.Spillane, 17yds; J. McLeod, 20yd*; W. Grant, 25yde ; T. Fenton, 25yds, also ran. Second Heat. J. Tangney, scratch 1 E. Morris, 15yds 2 Time, 20sec?. Geo. Moolloo, 15yds; J. Palmer, 15yds; R. Palmer, 20yus; J. Gaffaney, 20yds ; J. McLean, 20yds ; W". Palmer, 20yds; and J. Brosnan, 20yds also started. Tangney won this easily, Morris coming in a good second. Final Heat. W. Moore, 25yds 1 S. Bryan, 15yds 2 J. Tangney, scratch... ... 3 Tiiiej 20«ecs. A protest was entered in (his race on tho ground that the winner t was over age. t Highland Fling, in costume, Men—First prize, £2 10s; second, £llos. W. P. Stuart 1 J.Bantss 2 T. Mackay and J. McKecbnie also compered. Sword Dance (in costume), Men—First prize, £2los; second, £llos. <-' T. McKay 1 J. McKechoie 2 W. P. Stuart and J. Banks also competed. 1 Mile Walking—First prize, £3; second, £lloa ; third, 10s. J. Lyon, 11yds 1 J. Austin, 35yds 2 I. A. Blissett, 65yd5... ... 3 W. Hobbs, 110yds; R. Hughes. 160yds; M. Rooney, 160yds, also started. Time, * 7min. 2860, In the first lap Rooney led, but in the second the lead was taken strongly by Lyon, with Blissett second, Austin third, lu the third only Lyon and Austin were in it, the former leading by 10 yards. Tn the final Lyon actually waited for Austin, and could have come V, in a winner by 300 yards if he had tried. Vaulting with Pole, handicap—First prize, £2 ; Becond, £l. McDonnell, Bft liu 1 Stevens, Bft 2 Hoskins, 7ft 6in 3 Hall also competed. Bagpipe Music, Strathspeys and Reels, in costume—First prize, £6 ; second, £2 10s. D. Campbell, " Lady Madelin Sinclair" " Tuiltoddle," 1 J. Macdonald, " London Caledonian Society" and " Pipers Drive me Mad " 2 FUTTiNft the Stone, 221 b, handicap—First prize, £1 10s ; second, 15'. W. Angland, 31ft lin 1 J. O'Grady, 30ft 2 l J. McKinDon, 29ft, scratch, and Conway *>s also competed. The distance made included 8 inches handicap. Wrestling, (Cumberland Stylo)—First prize, £6 ; second, £3; third, £llos, H, Dunn, 1 F.Hull, 2 W, Aneland 3 T. O'Grady and J. McKinnon also competed. The first to meet were J. Hall and Angland, and two of the three tries resulted in favor of the latter, the only fall secured by Hall being what is known as the inside click. F. Hall and McKinnon were fairly well matched as to size, but science favored the former, who won. O'Grady and F. Hall bad a tough set to, the first fall going to O'Grady'a credit and the others to Hall. Dunn had no difficulty in disposing of Angland, although the latter scored a fall. Dunn and F. Hall showed some pretty play, the latter giving Dunn a severe fall, but the former had no difficulty in securing the prize. The utmost good humour prevailed. 880 Yakds Handicap—First priz 3 , £4; second, £2 ; third, £l. G. King, 45yd« 1 D. Durkin, 45yds 2 T. NicboHs, scr 3 J. Bryun, 10vd B , B. T. Evars, 80yds, F, ShalUrd, 30yds, J, Lynch, 40yds, J. Hall, 40jds, P. Hunter, 40yds, fl. Greaves, 40yds, and W. Voyce, 45yds, also ran. Time—2min 5 4-sth tec. This was s capital race, although the track by this time was -very sloppy. KiDg won by about Hyds from Durkin. The scratch man's ability was evidently over-rated, but he made a game struggle, and came \e. a bare third. 3 Mile Amateur Bictcle Race—First prze, trophy, valuo £5, presented b} A. E. G. Rhodee, Esq., M.H.R. Becond, trophy, valu6 £2 10s, presentee by C. J. Newbury, Etq. W. Ullivcr, 45yia 1 J. Whelan, 75yda ... ... 2 J. Gillespie, l'iOyds, also competed ' Gillespie kept the lead strongly for tbi : first three laps, with Olliver overhaulinj WhelaD. Io tbefouitb lap Gillespie me with ati accident and fell out, nod hence forth Olliver kept about a yard bebini Whelan until the last bp, when ha <voi easily. Sean' Triuthais—First prize, £2 Kh

second, £1 10<». T, Mackny 1 W. P. Stuart 2 T. McKeclinie also competed. Jkish Jia—First prize, £3 ; second, £2 ; iWrd, £l. M. AnglaDd ... 1 T. O'Grady 2 W.'Aogleod 3 McKeclioie and Bayley nlso compote. 1 Mile Eunning ilANniCA?—First prize, £4; second, £2; third, £l, G. King, 65yds 1 B. T. Evans, 50yds 2 F. Slullard, 55yds 3 Time, 4.44 min 2-sth sees. D. E. Lewie scratch ; T. Nicbolls, scratch ; J. Bryan, 15yds ; D. Duikiu, 55yd» ; W. Summervilie, 65yds; W. Carlwdght, 65yds; K, Hughes, ooyds ; aDd JR. Aitken, 65yds, a'so started. This was u most severe race, the ground beiDg in very bad condition, and most of the competitors fell f out after a few laps, thos > who finished being in a very exhausted condition. King, wlio evidently was well trained, - barely maintained his lead until about 200 yards of the winning post, when Evans and Shallard put on a good spurt and closed on him, and the finish resulted in

an advantage of three yards to King, while the same distance separated Shallard from the second-placed mao. Oddfellows’ Race, (for members of TemukaLodge)—First,Cup; second, £l. E. S. Smith, 1 A. W, Mann, ... 2 This was purely formal in order to secure (he prizes. SiiiOEs’ Hornpipe First pr'za, £2; second, £1 10s. T. Mnckay, 1 W. P. Stuart 2 Bagley also danced. Consolation—First priz?, £2; second, £l, R. J. Lavery, 7yds ... I J; W. Radford, scr 2 W. Hobbs, 9yds, aud Kyne, syds, also started. A well contested race, Lavery winning by about li yards. Owing to the weather the items Bop, Step, and Jump, Boy’s Highland Fling, Tossing the Oaber, and Running High Jump were cut out and their money returned to those who had entered for them. PRESENTATION. The ceremony of presenting the flags was carried out amidst great difficulties. It was intended that it should pass off with due eclat, but “the best laid schemes of mice end man gang aft aglee.” The three pipers struck up the popular and appropriate tune of the “ Heights of Alma,” and, followed by Messrs Clark, Quinn, and others, marched to the dancing stage, around which a large number congregated rapidly. Mr Quinn, in making the presentation, said it gave him much pleasure to do so. Sixteen months ago, when the Society was formed, and they did him the honor of electing him one of the vioe-Presidenip, he felt that he eught to give them a special prize, and seeing that they had not many flags he decided on giving them the flag of his own country. (Applause); They aimed at uniting English, Irish, and Scotch in the bonds of goodfellowship. Their motto, “Think of the people you came from,” applied tj all: the African or Turk would find it as suitable to himself as any Scotchmen, and if they adhered to it they would make a grand society. To Mr Clark was due the great success the society had achieved, and now they could say it was second to none in Canterbury, and the way it had been patronised that day clearly showed that it was appreciated by the public. He hoped they would continue to prosper, and that the good feeling which they aimed at promoting would increase. He bad now the pleasure of presenting the flag of his native country, and hoped that it would float for a long time as it was floating, side by side with the Scotch flag. The Irish and the Scotch had had fought on many battle-fields together, even on the heights of Alma, of which the pipers had just discoursed such splendid music. The flag his of country had for some time been kept under foot by oppression, coercion, and tyranny, but he had eyury hope that before very long the united efforts of Englishmen, Irishmen, and Scotchmen would enable it to float as free as the flag of Now Zealand. (Cheers). With these words he would present it. Mr A. M. Clark, on behalf of the Society, thanked Mr Quinn for Ins handsome present, and hoped both the Irish and Scotoh flag would float side by side for a long time. He hoped they would also have the English flag beside them. In alluding to Alma, Mr Quinn was perfectly right m saying that the Irish ar.d Scotoh had fought well together, and it was a fact that the greatest goodwill always existed between the Scotch and Irish regiments. The flag was always an emblem of nationality. Ihe ancient Romans used to hold up a wisp of straw as a flag, and looking at the flags now before them they must say they had progressed since then. He hoped they would all live in amity, and now he would ask them to accept a present of the Scottch flag from himself. (Cheers). Mr Quinn, on behalf of Society, thanked Mr Clark for his handsome present, the pipers struck up the “Highland Laddie,” and the proceedings closed. Mr Qainn flag is a very handsome green one, with a harp and shamrock on it, and in the corner of it is some beautiful work done by Miss Quinn. This consists of a tablet, on which are painted the shamrock, the rose, aud the thistle, and the words “Presented by M. Quinn to the Temuka Caledonian Society, 1889.” Mr Clark’s flag is a handsome Scotch flag with a rampant lion on a yellow ground. THE CONCERT. The large hall of the Volunteers would not have been near large enough for the concert only for the wet evening, as it was well filled. The arrangements and decorations were splendid. An excellent stage was made with some of the seeoie effects of the old hoi', At tho right-hand side was tho Scotch flag, and on the left the Irish flig, which had been presented by Messrs Clark and Quinn respectively. On the back of tba stage was tha word “ Welcome,” and in front the motto “ Think of the people you came from.” Two enormous thistles aod some iowers decorated the front, while (he walls were well lined with evergreens. Flags of other nations hung from tha ceilings, while the Union Jack ornamented the back of the hall. Punctually to time Pipe-Major Macdonald opened tho proceedings with some splendid music, and was fol'owed witli a selection of Scotch airs by Mr Wood’s band, with Mrs Foster accompanying on the piano, Mrs Foster also filled tho positioo of accompanists very ably throughout. The baud consisted of Mr R. Wood (first violin), Mr Pearse (Waitohi), Mies Simpson (Ashburton), and Mr J. K. Andrews (Temuka), and llu-y played the above selection delightfully. In the second p.ut they played a splendid fan twain on the National Airs of the civilized woild, and for both were highly applauded. Mr Foster (Timaru), contributed two excellent songs in his usual finished style. These were 1 The Bugler,” and 1 True to the Last,’ both of which were loudly applauded, Mrs Roid (Christchurch), sang ‘ My Heather Hills,’ • Sae will wo yet ’ (encore), ‘ Morey’s Fairy Glen, - and ‘Bonny Prince Oharlio ’ (encore.) 'lhis Indy has a sp’endid voice, aud wus greeted with great applause, Mr Holdgato in a fine, strong, tenor voice sang 1 Scots Wha Hae’ in a finished manner, and r.i a subsequent period ‘The Englishman’ with equally good effect, both being well applauded. One of the most delightful items in the peifurraance wus * Robin Adair,’ as sung by Mrs Brooks (Ashburton), who also sang ‘ Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Boon,’ aod, as an encore, ‘Tiie Last Rose of Summer.’ All were sung dolighifully. Miss Kidd (Ashburton) i;tin one of the sweetest voices wo have ever heard, but it lacks sufficient volume aud compass to fill . so large a hall. Her rendition of 1 Killarney,’ ‘ Belmvn rne if all those Endeari | ing Young Charms ’ (encore); 'Scottish j Blue Bells,’ ‘ Mucgregoi’s Gathering’ j (encore); was excellent, her modest depoit- > I ment lending a charm to ihe music. It is * hardly right to place anyone fit'll where > all did so well, but if we had the giving of 1 the palm Miss Kidd would got it. Mr 1 T. G. Kennedy literally brought down

th« hoiiM> will) bis comic singing. His get up, his altitude, his facial expression, all made up a picture, and his sngu g W*s effective. His songs wcio ' P>it of Mullingar,' 'lhe Ballyhnoley Blue Ribbon Army' (encoie) ; 'Will you <*ver go Home,'and 'Ki'laloo' (encore), AM these things create" a furore, with Iho exception of tin? I sat. All the fun in this hangs on French worclfl, and their misapplication, and in order to appreciate the Hong the audience would require to bo able to understand French. Of all the comical Immur-ms ske'ches we have heard those given by Mr Strachan (Wniniate) rvere about the best. They were irresistibly funny, the get-up was fine, and delivery g 0...! and effective. Mr Strachan appeared as a terrible burlesque upon an old woman in 'Pitting in the Cries' and ' Timothy Tiroarties,' and kept his audience convulsed with laughter all the lime. The first was the troubles of a woman who was in a hurry to get. married and went to 'pit in the cries,' that is, register the affair; the second was all about the wrath and indignation of a widow lady whom somebody attemptod to kiss. As an encore he sang a song about tripe, which for comicality beat all. The Provident apologised for the absence of Miss Henry, who was detained through illness in her family, and introduced Misa Curria (Ohristchurch) in her place. Miss Cnrrie sung with verve and piquancy •Wee Juuky Daiddlea,' ' Afton Water' (ercore), and ' A Guid New Year to ane and a',' splendidly, and was the recipient of the only bouquet bestowed on any singer during the evening. Mr Gilchrist (Timaru) was in fine voice, and excelled himself by his capital rendering of ' The Highlandman's Toast,' 'The Dear Little Shamrock' (encore), and ' The Young Brigade.' The dancing io the music of Mr D. Campbell, the society's piper, was splendid, Mr T. McKay distinguishing himself with the ' Ghillie Galium' and a sailor's hornpipe. Mr w '. Angland danced nn Irish jig to perfection, whilst the Keel o' Tulloch was splendidly danced by Messrs T. McKay, W. P. Stuart, J. McKachnie, and J. M. Nflughton. At the close the President thanked those present for their attendance, also the various performed. The society, he said, was now a living fact, and for one day's sport second to none in New Zealand. It would be their own fault if they did not keep it alive now, ;>s they only needed to show s litlle enthusiasm, and he had no doubt they would. The performance wound up with 'Auld Lmg Syne.' A d'tnee was held afterwards in the old hall, which was crowded to excess, and dancing was kept up until a late hour.