GIBSON'S QUAY SPORTS.

West Coast Times, Issue 705, 27 December 1867, Page 2

GIBSON'S QUAY SPORTS.

Not to be behind other parts of tho town, Gibson's Quay has also provided its programme of sports, which include foot-racing, vaulting, climbing the greasy pole, and leaping. The pole, well greased and surmounted by a hat decorated with ribbons, stands in front of the Diggers' Arms Hotel, and at noon yesterday was declared open to aspirants for the side of mutton and the two sovereigns that constituted the prize. To " swarm" a greasy pole in the midst of drenching rain is, however, next to an impossibility, so contesting this prize is deferred until the weather clears up. Of the other events, two only came off — the first being a two hundred yards handicapped foot-race, open to wharf-lumpers only. — First prize, L 3; second, L 2 ; third, LI ; entrance fee, Is. Twelve runners entered for this race, and ran off in threes for standards for the final heat, the four sub-events being respectively won by Little Tommy, Walsh, Brown, and Brian. The deciding heat placed the men as follows :— NAME. m HANDICAP. PLACE. Little Tommy ... 5 yards start ... 1 Brian ... scratch ... 2 Walsh ... „ ... 3 Brown ... 15 yards start ... 4 Tho second event was a handicap foot-race, open to all comers ; distance, 100 yards j entrance fee, 2s 6d. First prize, L 4; second prize, L 2. Heats. Six entered for this race, and were handicapped as follows : — Q.uigley and Pollock at scratch. Payne, Smith, Burn, each six yards start, Cohen seven yards start. The first heat was won by Quigley,'Smith bciug second; Cohen third. Smith was declared victor in the second heat, and accordingly third and deciding heat for first and second prizes, was contested by himself aud Quigloy, the latter winning by about three yards. Smith had five yards start allowed him. The constant down pour of rain decided the committee to postpone the continuation of the games until to-day, when proceedings will commence with a one hundred and fifty yards handicap foot race, and be followed by vaulting and other amusements. CHILDREN^ PICNIC. Yesterday the children attending the Prei* byterian Sabbath School were invited by th» teachers to a picnic, and met in the church at 10 o'clock; the weather then was all that could be desired, and the little company, numbering about 120, with their teachers and friends, marched to the cricket ground, where everything to amuse and satisfy had been prepared ; after engaging in sports for awhile the whole company were liberally served with tea, sandwiches, buns, cakes, &c; but unfortunately the weather broke, and rain followed without intermission, and having been supplied with fruit, &c, the children were assembled at two o'clock and conveyed back to town. All seemed highly delighted with the treat notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather.