GIBSONS' QUAY SPORTS.

West Coast Times, Issue 706, 28 December 1867, Page 3

GIBSONS' QUAY SPORTS.

Sports were resumed on Gibson's Quay yesterday, and under the favorable auspices of the weather, were carried out with vigor and good temper, to the great enjoyment of the athletes who contested the prizes, and a very numerous crowd of onlookers. The first event was a handicap foot race —distance, 150 yards; first prize, IS; second prize, L 2; entrance fee, 5s ; one event. Five competitors entered the lists, and we?e placed as follows: —Quigly, at scratch; Smith, eight yards start; Pearce and Madden, nine yards each; Slee, twelve yards. The men got away capitally, and a very close race finished with a most; exciting spurt between Quigly and Smith, the latter winning by half a shoulder. The next event was Cutting off the Cock's Head. Prize LI. This ridiculously amusing game was held opposite the Post Office Hotel, and created immense fun and excitement, and proved by far the most attractive feature of the programme. Ten men submitted to the preliminary blind folding, and then nine of them walked in every direction but the right one, which was taken by the tenth, named J. Brown, who accordingly won the money. The day's sports concluded with a vaulting match, the prizes being L 4 and LI. There were four entries for it, viz., Burns, Mr Alick (a Maori), and a party who entered as T. D. Commencing at six feet, the heights ■were increased and cleared by all, until 7 feet 3 inches was reached, when Burns struck. The Maori next caved in at 7 feet 6 inches, and the struggle for first prize was keenly continued by T. D. and Mac. Both jumped well, clearing 7 feet 9 inches, and Mac also managed to get over 8 feet by a very, close shave. This height was too much for T. D., who accordingly was awarded second prize, Mac the first. To-day the events comprise a 250 yards handicap foot race, a lumper s foot race, and a boy's race for a gold watch. We may mention that tho whole of the sports wil] be continued this day. "THE -PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE. The same bill was repeated at the Prince of Wales Opera House last evening, viz., the historical drama of " Mary Queen of Scots," and the Pantomime of "Gulliver on his travels," both, of which were well put upon the stage, in fact the pantomime went much more smoothly —some rather objectionable parts —objectionable on account of their having dragged out the piece to a wearying length, were cut out, and to us a manifest improvement was effected thereby. The exceedingly beautiful scenic effects were well worked, and at the conclusion of the Pantomime the artist, Mr Wilson, was called before the curtain to receive tho ovation of the large and delighted audience. One or two more representations and we are confident that not a single hitch will occur in the production. The Nathan's as usual came in for the lion's share of applause for their elegant and graceful dancing, and little Miss Carry Cooper was loudly cheered for the very pretty manner in which she danced a sailor's hornpipe in character. The same pieces will be repeated this evening when a very crowded house ia expected. CITY THEATRE. There was a large attendance at the ball given at the City Theatre last evening, and dancing was kept up with great spirit to the music of Deimling's Quadrille Band until morning dawned.' The refreshments which were supplied by Mr Lucks of the White House Hotel, were of a first-class character.