THE HOLIDAYS IN THE WAIRARAPA

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 1, 5 January 1867, Page 3

THE HOLIDAYS IN THE WAIRARAPA

Our limited space will only allow us to notice briefly the rural sports and pastimes which have been the order of the day in this district during the late festive season, BOXING DAY. Large placards were posted throughout the valley announcing that on this day numerous rural sports would take place on the Greytown Race Course under the joint superintendence of'Messsrs. Fuller and Maxwell of the “Rising Sun” and “Greytown Arms” Hotels respectively. In consequence, notwithstanding: the day was cold —“ as cold as Christmas ” —and the weather threatening, a large concourse of people, chiefly equestrians, made their appearance on the course, bent upon extracting what enjoyment they could out of the occasion.

The first event was a hurdle-raee for which three entered, G. Yule being the winner - . Boy’s foot race followed, A. Ticehurst carrying off the prize. At throwing the heavy hammer, C. Ticehurst was declared the victor; who also won the standing leap, for which five entered. The prize for hop, step and jump was won by D. McMasters. The wheelbarrow race, which created much amusement, was won by C. Clark. There were no less than twentyone competitors for the prize of five guineas given for the best filter, whiclr was carried off by H. McMasters. The prize for putting the stone was won by Mr Gallagher. The prize for vaulting was won by D. McMasters, who distanced all competitors. He also carried off the prizes for the running leap, and foot race, which last concluded the sports of the day. Not the least of the attractions of the day was the presence of the Grey town Volunteer Band, which discoursed to those assembled on the course most excellent music. new year’s day.

On New Year’s Day, the annual Masterton races took place at Manaia, and a placard—the first ever printed in the Wairarapa—announced that numerous rural sports would take place at Grey town, to be followed by a tea-party, and to conclude with dancing. The weather was all that could be desired, and old and young, “ the grave and gay, the lively and severe, ” all left dull care at home, and wended forth themselves to have a holiday. The sports at Greytown were extremely well conducted, the ladies’ cricket match, and the gentlemen’s tilting matches, being the chief attractions. A large number of people assembled in Mr. Skippers’s paddocks, Kurutawhiti, to take part in, or to witness the proceedings. There were cricket matches, footraces, jumping in sacks, hunting the pig, and other sports,—as the placard announced —“ too numerous to mention.” It would be difficult to. say which of these afforded most amusement. There were two tilting matches, one of which was won by C. Blake, and the ether by Mr. H. Dunn, the last with much difficulty, and after several ties, snatching the prize from Mr. E. Welch. This latter gentleman had charge of “ Aunt Sally ” and the manner in which he undertook the work assigned to him won the admiration of all present. On the whole it was impossible for an afternoon to be spent more pleasantly. The jumping in sacks was well contested, and the hunting the pig created much amusement. About five o’clock the party adjourned to the Greytown school-room, where tea, under the admirable superintendence of Mrs. Hall, w - as served to those in attendance by the Misses. Udy and Ticehurst, assisted by others of the fair sex in that winning and bewitching style which renders the refreshments to the Inner man a very secondary part of the entertainment. Tea over, dancing commenced, and dancing too, which would have done no discredit to the most aristocratic ball-room in the “ Empire City ” itself. There never was a ball bel ter conducted, or one that passed off in a more agreeable manner. The object too for which the surplus funds were to be devoted eras one that ought to have commanded ■he support of ail classes—this object was for <he creation of a building fund for a Eddie Hall, and to which, after all expenses are I aid, the sum of i! 12 was secu.ed.

Owing to the counter attractions of Greytown, the races at Manaia were not so well attended as on previous occasions, and as we understand no horses were allowed to be entered south of the Waingawa, there was not that open competition which is usual at races. The sports were further marred by an accident to Mr. George Smith, son of Mr. John Smith, blacksmith, of Wellington, who in the hurdle race was thrown from his saddle, and his horse falling over him, fractured his collar bone. The fortunate presence of Dr. Smith on the spot prevented any anxiety being felt, and under his management, his patient quickly rallied. The races, however, notwithstanding this mishap were a great success. On the same day a great hurdle race, a pig hunt, and numerous other sports took place at Featherston, which created much interest, and passed off with the utmost good humor. There w r as a “Caledonian Gathering” in Morrison’s Bush, attended by genuine Highlanders, which passed off with great eclat. Altogether the late holidays in the Wairarapa have been enjoyed more than on any previous occasion ; which is indicative of that physical well-being and social progress which usually marks the existence of the Br tish people where they are allowed,elbow room to display their energy, and reap the fruits of their industry.