HAVELOCK.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 152, 5 January 1871, Page 5

HAVELOCK.

(From our own Correspondent)

During the past week the weather has been most propitious for the indulgence in the festivites usually attendant on this season of the year ; and as we have plenty of people with plenty of money here, who delight in celebrating Old Christmas and the New Year, in out-door amusements, the favourable state of the atmosphere tended much to their enjoyment. It was generally expected that no sports of any description would take place here on Boxing Day. Consequently, from an early hour, both footmen and horsemen could be seen wending their way to other places, seeking recreations not obtainable nearer home. But I am happy to say the genial influence of Christmas roused the dormant energies of a few of our residents, and one gentleman volunteered to collect funds-. TJiis caused a reaction, for by 2 o'clock p.m. we had a very respectable gathering, and a fund of nearly £12 to be given away in prizes for different sports, which, together with a special prize given by a sporting gentleman, enabled us to enjoy a very pleasant afternoon.

The various sports consisted of foot races ; also a hurdle race of 300 yards, over four flights of hurdles ; throwing the hammer ; putting the stone ; hop, step, and jump ; dipping in tubs for money, all of which were well contested, and caused considerable amusement. There was also wrestling in the Cumberland style, for which there were six entries. ' I must remark, the wrestling deserves special mention for unusual excellence. We also had good quoiting, a laughable sack race, and a blind barrow race, in the performance of which om> of the competitors (Mi\ Black) received a rather serious black eye ; another cempetitor knocked a lady down. Earring these ' two slight contretem] s, from which, I am glad to say, the sufferers are rapidly recovering, a most agre sable afternoon waa spent, and after a vote of thanks to the stewards and promoters, for their eflicient management, the meeting then separated to enjoy those extra good things for which the residents here seem (from the abundance to overflowing everywhere manifest) seem to show quite the old home feeling. Old Christmas comes but once a year ; Hurrah ! now, my boys, be merry, * . ; With roast of beef, and Black Horse beer, And good plum duff —be inorry.

In my last letter, I promised ypur readers some information how we were proceeding with oiir athenaeum. It hasj" been conside'ed the test policy to. delay... calling the general public meeting "till ." after the holidays ; but I feel confident' the project will succeed ; so you may' expect some further information. ' " * In consequence of the previous sports,- * on Boxing Day having- gone off so well}- - 'another gentleman (Mr. Nation) undertook to collect funfh during the latt-r part of last week for celebrating th.© New Year with similar amusements.