ST. PATRICKS DAY AT BLACKS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 342, 28 March 1874, Page 3

ST. PATRICKS DAY AT BLACKS.

' St Patrickß,P»y was kept as a holiday at .. Blackr. ■ ! The B.M/s and Warden* Courts were the only places open -i or business ; but the Magistrate who officiated on the occasion* bad but Tery little to do— the inhabitants ' -fearing better manners than to go to law on * -*BSt*^»%Tl»B hint-will probably be taken, gad the- Conrt will get a holiday on next St. Patrick! Day. At an early hour, people fcfthto lock in from all quarteri, and all

rigged out in their best, the ladies in particular ; in fact, every one looked as if bent on enjoying themselves. At 11 o'clock, the cry wm — "Where is our Knight of the Hammer ? " As you may imagine, it came from the horsey men eager for a Calcutta. ' They were not kept long in suspense, as Mr. Chappie was seen coming down Tiger Hill from his farm ;' ho was soon in their midst, and up to hiß eyes in business. There were six or seven entries for each event. Even the horsey men were puzzled to spot the winner ; and although so many sweeps were got off, each horse found his admirers. For the Maiden Plate, five came to the starting post, and all of them raced every inch of the way ; and it was a good race from Btart to finish. For the District Handicap, seven started ; and, as in Maiden Plate, they raced from start to finish, it being a splendid race. Turpin was landed the winner. Two Hurry Scurries finished the best day's racing that ever took place in Blacks ; in fact, it was the best day's racing 1 have witnessed this season, and I Bhould imagine the croakings of a certain paper about local racing will be dormant for a time. Mr. William Leask, the new landlord of the Shamrock Hotel, gave an invitation to all and sundry to a free ball and supper. Great credit is due to host Leask for the spread, it being put on the table in astyle thatwouldhave done credit even to some of his older brethren in that line. But the most pleasant part was to look on and see how every one appeared to enjoy-'it. I was informed by one gentleman that he dissected no less than six geese himself which will give some idea of the number who accepted the invitation. Dancing was kept up well into the " sma' hours," every one enjoying themselves to the utmost — the ladies in particular ; but where they all came from is a mystery to me. The weather the second day was fine. The number of people on the course was not so numerous as on the day previous, although the attendance was good. The racing was also good. The first race— Flying Handicap — was an excellent one. Pickpocket passed the winning post first, with Bismark on his quarter, and Turpin a good third. The Selling Bace brought three to the post, Beeswing winning as she liked. She was bought in by her owner for the sum or £17 10s. The Hack Bace, for which six started, resulted in Pickpocket being landed the winner, with Bismark and Maggie close on her heels. The Consolation, for which five started, was won by Miss Grant. It now being late, the Hospital Bace was left over for the following day.

The conduct of the stewards on St. Patricks day was everything that could be desired ; but to-day (18th) they were very negligent in getting the various events run off. It may be that they exerted themselves at the ball last evening. Some of them certainly did not look quite up to the mark. I am sorry I should have to find fault, but I must do my duty and give you a true account. With the exception of the shortcomings .of the stewards, I think Blacks may boast of having held the most successful meeting of the season, and from what I can learn, they will have a balance of something over £40, after paying stakes, incidental expenses, &c.