NEW YEAR’S DAY IN WAIRARAPA.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume II, Issue 53, 6 January 1868, Page 2

NEW YEAR’S DAY IN WAIRARAPA.

The inclement state of the weather in Greytown on the New Year’s morn and the various prognostications of continued rain, together with vague hints as to the depth of the Tauherenikau and Waingawa rivers, did not deter those bent on pleasure from starting to the three places where sport was to be had, viz., Peatherston, Masterton and Carterton. MASTERTON. Less rain fell here than in any other part of the valley, and we were agreeably surprised on arriving at the Waingawa to find that the ford was practicable and the river comparatively low. The Manaia race course on which the sports were held presented a gay appearance, and many cavaliers with their sweethearts or wives cantered the sward, while others who had come out with the family trap walked up and down with their little ones. We also noticed on the ground several in uniform, and on encpiiring about them learned that an Adjutant’s parade had been held that morning.

The first events set down on the programme were the races. The officers appointed to superintend arrangements and see to the proper conduct of the course were as follows; Judge, W. 11. Donald, Esq., Stewards, J. Bennett, Esq., H. Bannister, Esq., and B. Donald, Esq., the last named gentleman acted as Clerk of the course.

The only fault that we had to find with the whole of the arrangements was that of dividing the districts in such a manner as to exclude the horses from adojoining places, as the rules of these races wex - e, that all horses to run must he from within the boundaries of the Wharehama and Waingawarivers. We were informed by the stewards of the course that this is the last year that this mistaken exclusiveness will be permitted. Before proceeding further we must mention that owing to the number of races and sports on the programme, the Committee decided to divide them into two day’s amusement instead of hurrying them over .in one. This was a very sensible arrangement as the number of “Jwaits ” necessarily occasioned between the races would have required the sports either been carried on in the imperfect evening light or hurried through without justice to the competitors.

Ample arrangements were made on the ground for the refreshment (both solid and liquid)'of the numerous visitors. Messrs Tuck, Jones, and Watson had each stalls on the ground, while an ample and well prepared luncheon was laid out under the superintendence of Messrs Cole and Bead. Among the various amusements necessarily attendant to a racecourse, we must -particularly notice a skotiug tabic where a email man with a tail

generously allowed the general public to ■ firV at a pendant nigger for the moderate H. an lmmt of “-three shots for a-shilling at! » _XJi\le Ned and 60 nuts if ye hit his eye.” 1 event of the day was the Hurdle F Radiy This, and the following races, unless ' named to the .contrary, was once round the course, and distance, or a little over a mile. The hurdles .were 3 ft. 6in. high, and the race was run in heats. Four ente .es, for the prize, and the running was as follows; — Beetham’s Comet 1 1 Schute’s Hathaway 22 Xicholl’s Dollar 3 3 C. McKenzies Jimmy ... 0 0 Tuck’s Scotchman 0 0 Next followed the Masterton Stakes, for a ■prize of £B. For this flat race only three entered, and in both heats the winning-post was passed in the following order: — Bay’s Nainai 1 1 Hfll’s Cloud 22 McCarthy’s Paimariri ... 3 3 In this, as in all the other races on the first day, the second horse saved his stakes. The third race, for the Ladies Purse of £B, was run in three heats, and the horses entered, were—Tankeraley’s Ducrow, T. McKenzie's Black Bess, Drummond’s Zoe, McCarthy’s Faimariri, Hill’s Metra, Hill’s Resurection, and Criteon’s Hau Hau. After a well-con-tested and difficultly won race, the horses came in, and were declared as follows: —• Taukemey’s Duerow ... 1-1 3 McCarthy’s Paimariri ... '1 2 3 To soothe the sorrows of those who had entered horses, and had not had either the honor or pleasure of carrying laurels from the field, a Consolation Stakes, with a prize of £7 10s was offered, and four entered for the race, which was a single event. After an excellent race—perhaps the best of the dav—Mr Hill’s Cloud was declared first, with Mr Nicholas Dollar, a good second. The other horses running were Mr Drummond’s Zoe and Criteon’s Hau Hau. As the day was now advancing it was decided to postpone the Rural Sports to the following day, and to wile away the few remaining hours of the New Year’s Day, a Sweep Stake race was got up, for which nine entered, at 5s each, making a prize of £2 ss. This was won by Mr Hill’s doughboy. And now came the great event of the day, the Tilting Match. Many and anxious were the eyes of the equestrians as they viewed the rings hung on the bars affixed to the posts of the Tilting Ring. (By the bye, if we can call four posts, set at right angles, a “ ring ” or a circle, we have solved the long tried problem of squaring the circle.) The posts were twenty yards apart, and on each a bent bar was fixed from which depended a ring. As soon as the call for this sport was made twenty-four cavaliers entered to compete for the two substantial frizes, which were for the first £6, and for the second a two guinea bridle. We can hardly’attempt, when so many entered, to minutely criticise the riding in each case, but we think our readers will form the best idea for themselves from examining the following list, which gives the scores of each in the order in which he rode :

The first prize was awarded to J. Laverty and the second to C. Dixon. It will he seen bv the above list that each competitor went three times round the ring, and had his chance of removing the four rings each time. The reason assigned for the apparently low scoring was, that the rings being simply hung on bars were swayed round by the wind thereby very often presenting only the narrow edge, instead of the broad circle to the tilter. If the rings were hung m what are called double springs this would be avoided and we believe it is the intention of the committee to provide them for the next occasion. There being still some daylight, the equestrians determined to avail themselves of it, and a sweepstake tilting match was got up. In this both the horsemanship and the tilting was much superior to the previous tournament The entrances was 2s 6d each and these were divided into three prizes at the following rates; —First prize £l 2s 6d; 2nd 15s; 3rd 10s- The scoring made in the three turns round the ground runs thus: —

R. Donald and T. Drummond having tied each other at the large score of 10 each tilted against each other for the prize, when Drummond got 2 rings, and R Donald 1. TT. lorns being the next best having made nine was awarded the third prize. This concluded the first days amusement. The second day broke wet and cheerless, and many fears were entertained that it would be impossible to have the sports, but as the northerly wind cleared away at noon and the snn shone forth it was decided to proceed with the business on the programme. Before the visitors had been long on the ground the wind suddenly changed to what is familiarly known, as a “southerly buster” with heavy rain However this only lasted for a short time and with the exception of a few light showers all wen t on pleasantly during the afternoon. The events with the names of the winners we give below. Throwing the heavy hammer which weighed I4lbs was won by Laverty who threw to a distance of 68 ft. Seven entered and the prize was £l- - the 200 yard foot face A. Yule whose speed is so well known was the favorite, but ms backers were mistaken in him this time, for Laverty who had entered against him won this race by a few yards. The third who had mitered (R. Donald) dropped back when he

(found the speed against which he had to contend. The prize of £2. and entries was awarded to Laverty. Vaulting with pole for a prize of £l 10s followed. Four entered for this which was easily won by G. Dixon at 7ft lin. After he had been declared the winner he had the bar raised to Bft 4in which he cleared with apparent facility. The prize for the hop, step, and jump for which five entered was won by Laverty, who cleared-34ft. Four entered for the running high leap, and the jumping was for some time even between Kebble waite and T. Bentley, but the latter eventually won having gone clear over the bar at a height of 4ft 9in. The prize for throwing the light hammer was awarded to Laverty who flung it 81ft Sin. Three entered against him ; the hammer head weighed 71bs. Three entered for the prize £l in putting the heavy stone, which was won by Gallagher who threw it to a distance of 16ft lin. The standing long leap was next on the programme, and 5 entered for it. Croker who jumped 9ft 2in. took the prize. A 200 yard foot hurdle race followed next, over three hurdles of 3ft 6in each. The prize was £1 10 for which four entered. This was won by A. Yule, Kebble waite who was coming in second fell over the last hurdle. A youths’ foot race for 100 yards was now announced. The prize was £l and three entered for it. It was won by W. Dixon. Some of the very small youths or rather little boys who did not feel themselves competent to compete for the previous race having expressed a strong wish to test their fleetness against each other, a race of 50 yards with a prize of £1 was got up for their benefit and very great interest was manafested in its result. Pour of the youngsters entered and after a good contest Brightwell was declared the ■winner. A Hack Hurdle Race was the next event got ny and eight entered for the sweepstakes, (half mile heat); both heats were won by Mr Spearing’s Zill, The last sport of the day was a flat race for hacks, the prize being a valuable bridle ; nine entered for it and a Maori horse entered as Bobtail took the prize. The sports throughout were, owing to the ahie management of the officers of the course, admirably , planned and well carried out. On the evening of the first day a free supper was prepared by Mr Tuck which was done full justice to by about 80 guests who sat down to it in his spacious marquee. Every credit is due to Mr Tuck for the care that lie took to provide an excellent repast for all willing to partake and for the perfect manner in which the viands were cooked. After the supper was removed a ball was to have taken place, but as the proprietor had been disappointed by the band there was consequently a great dearth of the fah sex. This did not prove so great a success as the enterprising proprietor deserved and we had hoped he would have met with. On the strength of the old maxim, that short reckonings make long friends, a meeting of the stewards for settling was held at the Sir George Grey Hotel on Thursday evening, and the various prizes awarded to the satisfaction of all concerned. Host Jones then entertained the Committee and the victors at an excellent and well prepared dinner which the guests thoroughly enjoyed, and so ended the Masterton sports, CARTERTON. Many admirers of the noble game of cricket, and confident riflle marksmen attended the rural sports, at Carterton, where ample arrangements had been mnde by Mr Fairbrother for the entertainment of his visitors. The first part of the day was taken up by a cricket match for a luncheon between the married men and the bachelors, in which after some admirable play the benedicts beat their unmarried opponents. Next came the rifle Match. This is the first time that a match of this kind has been got up in the valley as a sport but we hope it will not be the last. The target was 6ft by 2 and the range was 300 yards. The following were the winners of the prizes with their scores:— Points, Waterson ... ' 7 Donald McKenzie 6 W. Hamley G A. Bennett 6 Walter Hooker 6 A. McKenzie 6 H. Eagle 6 There were seven prizes and the six latter having tied they each fired one shot more, measuring from the centre of the bulls eye to the point where each bullet struck, when they obtained places as marked above. A boys race of 100 yards concluded the sports and after it the guests proceeded to the hosts long room which was tastefully decorated with ever-greens, flags, and devices in flowers when an ample repast was laid out for them and to which due justice was done. Although provision had been made for 70 guests yet it was found on account of so many more than that number “ coming to time,” that it was necessary for a large number to wait for their turn until the lucky ones who had first sat down had appeased their hunger. The supply was quite equal to the demand and after all were satisfied the toast of “ our host Mr R. Fairbrother ” was given and enthusiastically responded to with “ He’s a jolly good fellow” and “ three times three and one cheer more.” As the evening was now creeping on the tables were removed and all was made clear for a dance which was kept up with unflagging energy hot only to the “ wee sma’ hours ” but into the larger ones and long after daylight, the breathing intervals beteen the dances being enlivened with some admirable songs. Every one seemed to enjoy themselves and when they went home we are sure that none regretted that they had chosen Carterton wherein to spend and enjoy their New Years Day, FEATHERSTON. Feathers ton Athletic Sports and Races took place in a paddock kindly lert for the occasi in by Mr Buckridge ; the sky which wore a threatening aspect all the early part of the morning, cleared up towards noon and the afternoon turned out as fine as could be desired. Mr Wardell ably fulfilled the office of Judge, and Messrs Roe, Carkeek, Gundy, Feast and Williams proved most efficient clerks of the course. Owing to the recent rain, the sheep shearing which had been announced as the first event and for which Messrs McMasters and Lucena had kindly consented to act as Judges was postponed, , At eleven o’clock, the course was cleared for the Featherston Stakes, a single event, for riders of 11 stone and upwards. The distance was 1 mile and 10 chains and four competitors enteres for the event viz : : —Robert Hill’s “Ugly” A. Gilles’s “Taipo” Murphy’s “Annie” J. Yile’s “ Badger.” . After a good race between the two leading horses, “Annie” finaly passed the winning post with “Badger” a couple of lengths behind and ‘Taubo,’ a good third b utMr Murphy the owner and rider of “Annie” dismounting before arriving at the scales, the mare ‘was disqualified and the prize awarded by “ Badger.” Flat Race of 200 yards—prize £1 60. For this race there were 3 entries but the race was in Shirley’s hands all the way,

Throwing the heavy hammer, five competitors contested, for the superiority in this trial of strength and after some good throwing, W. Udjr carried of the prize with a throw of 66 feqt. ’ Race for boys under 14—A crowd of ■youngsters stripped for this event and. (he prize was left to W, Tucker, with T. Wakelin a good second. ■ ■ ->v ■ Walking Match—This was one-of the most important events of the day’s racing and 7 entered for the contest; the distance was a mile and five chains or four times round the paddock Messrs Stafford and Oarkeek started with the lead, closely followed by Nicoll and Ingly, with Mr Feast bringing up the rear; this order was' maintained for two laps but at the commencement of the third, Stafford drew ahead, and on Carkeek’s falling out at the termination of the lap, the race was apparently in his hands when Feast who had been calculating his distance. to a nicety, put on a spurt and after an exciting finish passed the post a yard in advance■ of his opponent, thus gaining the prize of £11(). Hack Race—three times round the paddock. A great crowd started for this race but Mr Greathead’s “ Kit ” took the lead and keeping it all the way, wen easily. Foot race for boys under 12. W. Wardell distanced all his opponents and came in an easy winner. Foot Race for youths under 20. Prize £1 —first “ Harry ” second “1. Andy. Running High Jump. Only two athletes tried their powers in this line and both of them were evidently adepts—“ Joe ” 4ft 9in “ Harry ” 4ft Bin. Hurdle Race open to all horses, not winners of public money, heats— Mr Carkeek’s “ Blucher ” ... 3 1 1 Mr Murphey’s “Annie” ... 12 2 There were ten entries for the race, but it will be seen from, the above that “Annie” and “ Blucher ” had the best of it all the way and “ Blucher ” only won at last by half a length. "Tilting Prize £l—-12 cavaliers entered the lists lance in hand but Abbott proved himself •the most experienced in, theSnoble art and carried off the laurels, each horseman “urged his foaming steed” three times round the circle and'the winner succeeded in carrying away eight of the rings from their places—“Tty” was second with six rings. Vaulting with the pole, Prize £l. This was the next trial of skill to which athletes were invited and afforded great excitement to the spectators who cheered lustily as each man equalled or excelled ;his preceding antagonist in the contest—Gundy won at Bft 4in, Iggleston Bft. Sack Race—this race as usual afforded much amusement to the spectators and the numerous, and discomforting falls of the competitors were greeted with yells of laughter and derisive cheers. Wheelbarrow Race—There were only two entries and the prize was won by Ingleston. Three legged race—As this race may be new to some of our readers, it may be as well to explain the method in which it is run. The competitors are divided into pairs, and each couple has to-run together with the inner leg of each strapped, or in horsey language, the near leg of the one is fastened to the off leg of the other; it will thus be seen that each pair must step exactly the same length of pace and must carefully avoid keeping step or a “ spill ” ensues. Two couples entered viz : Vennell and Ingleden against A. Carkeek and F. Macdonald. After an amusing race of 100 yards, the prize was won by the first mentioned couple, the other two having made such havoc with each others toes ■as to greatly impede their successful progress. Foot Hurdle Raee ; Prize, £l.—There were 6 entries, but Joe Cairns took the lead and won easily, with Harry second. An amusing scurry after a greasy pig brought the performances to a close, and all departed from the field well pleased with the day’s amusement.

A dinner was provided, in the evening, in Host Thompson’s usual style, and dancing was carried on till dawn of day, to the strains of Linn’s Brass Band, who had also enlivened the afternoon with an effusion of their talented and most favorite music.

C. Dixon 2 2 3 R. Donald 2 0 1 J. Kebblewaite 0 1 0 D. Donald 2 0 3 IV. Kcbblcwatc 0 0 1 J. Laverty ••■... 3 3 2 31. Beard 1 ■1 0 C. Brown 2 1 1 H. Bunny 1 3 2 Russell 0 1 1 Good 2 1 1 J. Drummond 0 2 0 Shearing 1 2 0 Gallagher 1 1 2 iRfajflMpon... loms TT. 0 2 0 3 1 I T. Drummond 2 3 1 Daysh 0 2 2 A. Bunny 1 1 1 S. Chamberlain 1 0 0 Rochell 1 0 2 C. Chamberlain 1 0 1 Cooper 0 0 0 Tolly 0 1 2

Good 1 I 3 Stuart 1 0 3 Shute 2 3 1 G. Drummond I 0 0 H. Bunny ... 2 0 1 Brown 2 3 2 T. Drummond 3 3 4 S. Smith 2 2 2 It. Donald 3 3 4 King 1 3 0 Eochell 0 2 2 Reuall 1 3 2 lorns ... 3 3 3 <’roker 0 2 I Hall o 1 I J. McKenzie ... 0 0 1 Hare 0 1 0 Huduson 0 0 0 Tait 2 o 0