The Prince of Wales' Birthday.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4324, 9 November 1882, Page 2

The Prince of Wales' Birthday.

To»day, while not as fine as could be wished, was not such as would spoil sport. It was rather a deterrent to seekers of pleasure out of doors, as the sky was somewhat overcast and threatening. It was not so much what was proceeding in the way of bad weather, for Aquarius only spat a little, but the surroundings were big with potentiality, and the aspect of affairs was such as to inspire folk with a dread that that worthy might find pleasure in overturning his watering-pot at any moment, and drenching them thoroughly, if they stirred from home. The Auckland steamers during the past few days had taken a considerable number of excursionists to the " Queen City " to see the regatta, cattle show, opera., or for a change, as many mercurial buoyant natures find changes lightsome, and variety charming. The s.s. Patiki left for Hikutaia this morning crowded with excursionists, under the auspices of the Baptist Church. Still there was abundance of " stay-at-homes " left to render those portions of the suburbs where people most do congregate on holiday occasions lively, the Athletic Club Carnival at Parawai gardens being far the greatest attraction. The day was generally observed as a close holiday, the post and telegraph offices keeping Sunday hours, and the banks and business places, with scarcely an exception, being closed altogether. Several establishments hung out their banners on the outer wall, or other convenient place, no doubt with the double view of denoting their loyalty, and indicating holiday times. The brokers professed to remain open till 1.30, but their office doors were shut long before that time. Their principal business this forenoon appeared to be assisting each other to do nothing, and they acquitted themselves admirably. The net result of their united labors was one sale of Prince Imperials. At noon precisely two detachments of the Naval Brigade, under Lieut. Potts, manned the guns and fired a salute of 21 shots in excellent time—some four minutes. This finished three hearty cheers were given for his Royal High* ness. ' ATHLETIC CARNIVAL. The first carnival in connection with the Thames Amateur' Athletic Club was held this afternoon in the Parawai Gardens. Notwithstanding the unpropitious state of the weather, there was a fair attendance of spectators. The handicapping gave almost universal satisfaction. The first event was the Maiden Race of 100 yds. For this race only seven came to the scratch, and it was therefore decided by the first heat. A good start was effected, and the runners finished in the following order :— Tregonning (Cup) 1 Christie (box cigars) ... 2 Airey (Pendant) ... ... 3 Running High Jump. Airey (Album) ... ... 1 Johnson (Box cigars) ... 2., •Allom (Pendant) 3 Four competitors, Hall, Airey, Johnson, and Allom entered, and after a spirited contest Airey was declared the winner. His jump was 4ft 4in.; Johnson secured second place, with 4ft 3m., and Allom third with 4ft 2in.

[Pee Pigeon Expbess.]

Vaulting,

C. McLiver and Gr. Lawlor ended in a tie ; both cleared 7ft 7in, and baulked at 7ft 9in. The ground was wet and slippery. Putting the Stone, 84lbs. ; Hicks 1, 20ft. 6in.; Lawlor 2, 20ft. 2|in.; Baume 3, 20ft.—Friges: Ist, cruet stand; 2nd, tobacco case; 3rd, cigar-holder. . Fibst Heat, Cup Raci. 110 yards; 7 started. Christie (6 yards) ... ... 1 Tregonning (5 yards), ... 2 Brabant (7 yards), ... ... 3 This was a good race, Christie winning by about 6 inches; Brabant a yard behind. Prizes—lst, silver set; 2nd, silver links; 3rd, cigar holder. 2nd Heat, Cup Back. Four started, and after a good race finished— I Christie, 10yds ... ... 1 Tregomring, 10yds ... ... 2 Brabant, 12yds ... ... 3 Hall, syds ... 4 Christie won by about 2yds, Brabant 2£yds behind Tregonning, and Hall 2yds. behind him. Time, 309ecs.—Prizes: Ist, saddle mutton and bag oatmeal; 2nd, penknives; 3rd, cigar-holder. Running Long Jump. Johnson, 14ft 7in 1 Airey, Hft6in ... ... 2 Prizes—lst, neckties, <fee.; 2ad, Penknife. Open Handicap, 220ri>s. Christie ... . ... 1 Tregonning ... ... ... 2 Hall also started, but got jostled. This was a capital race, as Christie had outside running. He wan by about a foot. Time, 26secs. Prizes— 1, writing desk; 2, picture. .